Howdy all,
as if life wouldn't provide enough problems by itself already, I create even more for myself. But they say that sharing helps, so I share my problems with you.
I am looking for a new EDC. Weight is considered negligible, so are tailstand capabilities and forward switches on this particular one.
All I want is a decent stainless steel light powered by one single AA cell.
I have looked at the Maratac AA and liked it VERY MUCH, but no vendor that actually offers that light will send it to Germany. Bummer, I thought they already lost the war 66 years ago and are friends with everyone in the NATO??? Oh, nevermind. Must be some other reason.
Then I stumbled over the iTP EOS AA - nice torch, indeed. Still, I like the Maratac's knurling much better.
I searched some more, and came across the Aurora SH-035 which comes at a really tempting price at DX - but it is HUGE!
CR123A is out of question on that particular one. AAA is a no-go as well, multi-celled lights, no-go too. This one is straight after the KISS concept: Small (should fit in one hand eeezily - say, like 2-1/2"/ 75mm overall length, something like that), powered by 1xAA or 14500 (runtime is not an issue unless it is much less than 30 minutes), maybe three modes (one single mode @ 100% would be OK as well, and no strobe needed). Output? Dunno, maybe around 100 lumens, the more the merrier, but what do I know - when the sh*t hits the fan, I count on light, not numbers. I guess 15 lumens is PLENTY in an underground facility at night when ALL the lights go out unexpectedly. So, while "bright" is good, a huuuge number of lumens is not mandatory. Sometimes my workplace is three storys beneath ground, all sealed by reinforced concrete, around the graveyard shift (meaning nobody else but me being there to help find the emergency generator in case of a power outage)
No self-defense scenarios either - All I have to fear are loonies from a nearby forensic psychiatry (police takes care of those real good) and European wild boars (when they come, they are either alone or in packs of like 50, and make enought noise to alarm you). I don't have a carry permit anyways, and don't plan for one either. I rather seek cover, run or hide. In Europe, carry permits are for zombie outbreaks or doomsday, and currently we are far from both. (just in case there would be a zombie outbreak or doomsday, I doubt the feds would thoroughly check the legitimacy of centerfire-cartridge firearm possession - besides, I still own a genuine medieval crossbow.)
Okies, back to topic:
1) Is there another stainless 1xAA light out there available for civilians in Germany (sorry - no US APO for me anymore) other than the iTP, Aurora or C3?
2) (preferred! hint, hint...) Is there anyone willing to part with his/ her Maratac AA ss and send it to Krautland (i.e. Germany) - I can pay through PayPal or even send cash US currency through snail mail, if that is more to your liking. Could even go to the bank and change to any other currency - you see, I really want that light, unless something better arrives.
Cheers,
Simon the Sixfink