I wouldn't say they're obsolete at all. AA sure has the market, though. There are some AAA models that will also take the 10440 lithium cells. My K18 will but I don't run it with those...just not enough run time with those tiny cells but they do give you an impressive boost in output (I think on that light the lithium is supposed to be 350 lumens or so...briefly). That little Skilhunt looks like a winner. The old Thrunite Ti2 and Ti3 are still around and decent twisties. Seems like Lumintop had another nice AAA that had grooves on the body like the Worm but I don't recall what it was named.
+1 for this. People gripe about it being only single mode, but after EDC-ing it on my keys for a while now, I honestly don’t miss having a low mode. It’s so light and small you forget it’s there. The throw/flood ratio of the beam is also respectable, considering the cell it uses.
100% agree. I love that little light. I have a handful of those Thrunite Ti3’s or whatever they are called. The ones they were giving away for five bucks or something like that. Little three mode twisty. I’ll give ya one if you want it. I think the E3A is a better light though. Just my opinion. If the Reylight Mini Pineapples are still in stock somewhere, those are really nice. Pricey but worth it. Not exactly a keychain light though. The titanium one rides in the pocket very well and I don’t even notice it’s there most of the time. I am test driving a Nitecore Tini 2 on my keyring right now. It’s okay, I’m getting use to it. I like the screen with all the info and the two different lock out modes. I like the Tip 2 as well, easy to take off the keyring and has a magnetic base. Lots of choices. Hope you find the perfect one for you. Drop me a PM with your address if you want one of those Thrunites.
I am still satisfied with the light that has been my EDC for four years now, the AstroLux A01 AAA Nichia 219B High CRI. Pros: small as the dickens, neutral tint, and high-CRI. Cons: Not sure about durability or ruggedness, but mine is still humming along. Claims 100 lumens, but probably more like 70 or 80.
I value CCT near 5000K and high CRI. For EDC, I like tiny.
Which of the new keychain flashlights feature high CRI?
This forum is very active and the members are very helpful, that's really cool.
Finally, my old Fenix E99Ti is still average of what is currently being done. Except its beam which has a really horrible bluish tint.
Since about 6 years I have the E99, I thought there were now new leds adapted to AAA that can give more light/runtime by requiring less power. But no.
So I knew you would give me suggestions that I never would have found on my own, even looking for years lol
The Jaxman i2 and the Skilhunt E3A (I also love the slate gray!) are my fav. I will start with these 2 and buy them both !
(Sofirn C01S BLF is also interesting for its high CRI .... The Astrolux A01 have a nice design .... Hmmm I think my AAA collection will grow quickly, I will avoid coming here too often. Maybe that's what @Turkeydance was trying to tell me lol)
The Thrunite Ti3 goes on a pretty good sale sometimes, and even at full price isn’t a deal breaker. I have the older version on my keys right now which is ever so slightly smaller but the newer ones seem to have better twisty contact. I picked up a handful to swap LEDs and compare, head to head, the various high CRI options out there. EASY to swap the leds and great little keychain lights. Another good budget option would be the Sofirn C01 and C01S.
Personally, I would love to see the old LRI Photon Microlights get a refresh with some of these high CRI 5mm LEDs. If I could find any that were in the 15 degree range I’d do a retrofit myself.