Which would you choose between these 3 1xAA lights

Hugsby P31
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/hugsby-p31-ha-iii-cree-q3-wc-160-lumen-led-flashlight-with-clip-1-aa-35078

Ultrafire C3
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-c3-cree-1xaa-1x14500-flashlight-with-holster-1993

Romisen MXDL RC-G2
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/romisen-mxdl-rc-g2-cree-flashlight-black-1xaa-3607

Use as just a general all-purpose backup light, better throw more desirable than flood.

Thanks in advance!

Brendan

Of those three, I'd choose between the P31 (If you can actually get one - it seems KD can't) and the RC-G2.

Actually, I like C3s and have more of them than any other sort of light, but they usually are flaky and need user intervention to make them work properly. I really wouldn't consider it.

The P31 is an excellent light, I like it a lot.

The RC-G2 is loved by lots of people - but not me, I just can't get on with it. This appears to make me unusual. It is probably the throwiest AA light you are going to get without spending major money.

If you are in the US and like the idea of the RC-G2 this one may be of interest. If you are outside the US you may find the shipping plus the higher cost of the light to be too much.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-149/Romisen-RC-dsh-G2-II-Cree/Detail

But don't order one till the end of February - China will be shut for two weeks - even China/HK Post is mostly on holiday. Then it takes a week or two for the chaos to sort itself out.

Which will give you till early March to decide ;)

What about skyray s-a1: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/skyray-s-a1-cree-xpe-q3-5-mode-160-lumen-memory-led-flashlight-1-aa-1-14500-33544 Small light, good memory mode, powerfull - 6W with 14500, around 3W with ni-mh, quite throwy... Also discused here: http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/681

Of these three I vote for the P31. It's very good built (don't know about HAIII but more abrasive resistent than the usual budget lights), it's compact and the clip makes it very versatile. My sample went to my brother who is a passionate hunter, and although thought as a backup light it is often the only light he takes with him.

The RC-G2 is also good and you can screw the head off for an all-flood candle mode if desired, but it's quite big for a 1xAA and my sample from DX had an obsolete XR-C in it (Mr. Admin, we need a barfing smiley).

Don't have any experience with the C3, but as Don said maybe not first choice for a backup.

I f you want the C3 get the R5 version from Manafont:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-c3-cree-r5-led-mode-flashlight-aa14500-p-4432

Lots of light and a good throw. The brightest AA-light I got. The G2 are also very good, and as Don

wrote, get the Shiningbeam version!

Hard to decide which of both the RC-G2 and the P31 I prefer , I have two of both and one more G2 in the mail...if you want throw the Romisen is the one also if in the future some mod is considered it's the best AA heat related , plenty of room for other driver and such, mines from DX came with XR-E emitter and the first with the best ever .The third is from KD. The Hugsby is a great flashlight also , his finish beat all others in that price range, the heat dissipation is not bad also since the star is attached to the body itself, kind of throwy too.

Here's a second vote for the P-31. IMO, the quality is mostly on par with about any other expensive aluminum AA light. It conducts heat well, seems quite hard to scratch, has a quality clicky and clip, is well driven for an XR-E, good hotspot with reasonable flood and has a compact size for its output. Also a great looking light that attracts a lot of attention.

I have both a C3 (stainless) and the Shining beam version of the RC-G2. Like Don says the C3 is flaky and frustrating the RC-G2 on the other hand is my absolute favorite light. For a single AA I think you are hard pressed for find anything better for the price.

Thanks very much, you guys are awesome! Looks like the consensus is the P31, shiningbeam RC-G2, then the C3. Factoring in the Chinese New Year bs of not being able to place an order for another month, I am leaning toward the shiningbeam light. Appreciate the help!

Definately go the shining beam route. He customizes the Romisens that he sells which from what I hear makes them much better than the DX ones. Also, he is very good to deal with

I would go with the original DX G2 if you want throw, because of the XR-C emitter they use. Large reflector + small die = lots of throw. The XP-R5 that shiningbeam is using in his G2 may be brighter overall, but it does not have to be the better thrower. I had a DX XR-C and a SB XR-E version of this light... the difference was mainly in the spill area.

Hey Vectrex, when you got the XR-C at DX ? I want one of those but mines ordered 3/2010 and 12/2010 became with XR-E EZ900 , very decent both but the first close to or a Q5 bin...