I have 59 single mode AA lights with tail or twist switches in my database. Be aware that some have mode groups and one of the groups is single mode. Tightening the head to enable single-mode is common.
Maglites are easy to obtain, good dollar value and tough. I think an important thing you could for them is to outfit with lithum primaries. The worst thing is to have the batteries corrode, when they need it. I gave my elderly MIL a nice 1xAA Fenix and years later learned that she’d let Alkalines leak and ruined the light. My next light for her got primary lithiums.
A favorite from my collection would be the Streamlight Protac 1L-AA. Rated at a brighter 150 Lumen using 1xAA alkaline (probably slightly more using a preferable Lithium Primary) and with the Tappie-10 can be programmed to operate as single mode high only.
I have found that people who don’t know anything about “expensive” batteries tend to treat them like the cheap throw-aways they replace them with. I’ve given lights to step-family loaded with Eneloop Pro Black and a Nitecore D4 charger, only to find the light is later loaded with cheap alkies (not even brand name) and the Eneloops nowhere in sight, and the charger collecting dust. I guess what I’m saying is don’t assume those Lithium Primaries will still be there the next time you visit the MIL. :person_facepalming:
You guys are awesome!!! I knew I could count on you… I’m already seeing a few really good contenders. The budget I forgot to mention is about $20 per light or so, less is always good.
Right now I am considering the Energizer the Streamlight and the tank 007. I will need some time to look over the other suggestions ( which are also much appreciated) because I am less familiar with those brands.
Parametrek I like your website. It’s very well laid out, easy to use, and provides the most useful info like price/modes/runtime right on the page.
Within the last year I have ordered single mode single AA lights from gearbest or banggood (can’t remember which) which looked like the regular old cheapie zoomies but were single mode. Paid between $1 and $3 depending on the sale. I’ve also bought some off ebay from the following two sellers: