My preferred flashlight configuration is and has always been 1xAA with a very low mode and a pocket clip. The versatility and good looks of a good 1xAA light with a clip are second to none, in my opinion. Iâm always digging around for newer and better options for less than $20 or so, but choices are surprisingly limited in this market segment.
The Trustfire R5-A3 is a well-built classic that is extremely bright, and the price has gone down recently. However, the low mode usually isnât very low. There used to be a lot of variation in the low mode from different sellers. Anyone know if theyâve tweaked the low mode in newer versions?
The Eastward J09âs mode arrangement was actually a BLF idea that Eastward stole from us. :~ This lightâs design is by far the most aesthetic to my eyes, with a slim body and a great clip. It also has an extremely low mode. Unfortunately, newer versions have a manufacturing defect that makes the clipâs elbow stick out past the tail of the light, preventing it from tailstanding.
The Hugsby P31 is supposed to be really bright and high quality, but the low mode is not very low at all. Please correct me if this has changed.
The venerable Akoray K-106 is probably the most popular body style of all time, and itâs not a bad light. But the clip is a bit flimsy, and the switch is usually too sensitive, making it change modes on a slight vibration. The emitter is also from yesteryear. Low mode is usually pretty good for this model.
Iâm surprised there arenât many other options in this segment. With the plethora of 18650 XM-L lights for less than $20, Iâm surprised there isnât a nice budget 1xAA tailstandable light with a clip and a modern emitter for around $20 or less. Anything else Iâm missing?
sb56637 , we will find or make you a perfect AA/14500 EDC light .
Sb , my favorite light in this category is the Balder Se-1 XML . Great modes with either AA or 14500 .
My second favorite is a Uniquefire AA S-1 that I put a Nichia 219 high CRI emitter in. Only one mode , but great beam profile and you just can't beat the tint and color rendering .
If I had Match's clip-making skills , I would put a clip on an L3 Illuminations L10 Nichia 219 model . Three great modes in a small package .
Alright you modding gurus , if one of you will build sb his perfect budget light , I will pay for all parts and shipping .
The Thrunite Saber 1A is worth a shout too with itâs moonlight mode and XP-G2. It doesnât come with itâs own clip, but the one for the Fenix LD01 fits well.
L3 Illumination L10 with Nichia 219 high CRI - FANTASTIC light for the money! I prefer the 4 mode, but 3 mode might work for your needs.
Having had a few of them, I recommend you pass on the R5-A3, RC-R5, and P31. The faults you acknowledged should rule them out. I have never seen an R5A3 or P31 with different low modes personally. (Doesnât mean they donât existâŚ) The RCR5 is OK, but just so-so IMO. The L10 is a much better light. Even if you have to rig up a clip, or forgo it altogether, I can not recommend this light enough.
Wow, you guys are wonderful. Thanks for the fantastic response! So, let me try to respond to some of these suggestions so far:
@Kreisler: Yep, the Eagletac D25A is a beauty, thatâs for sure. But the thing is, there are no Eagletac dealers that ship to where I live. And furthermore, sometimes I want to buy a decent flashlight for a friend or family member, and I would never give away anything this nice or this expensive to somebody who doesnât know or appreciate flashlights. (Yep, Iâm stingy. See the name of this website. )
@stevetexas: Thanks for the suggestion. The L10 looks nice, but I prefer clickies and I really like a pocket clip. Also SBflashlights doesnât ship to where I live, despite its name being similar to my âSB55637â username.
@jacktheclipper: You rock!
I love my Uniquefire AA-S1 even with the standard OSRAM emitter, but as you mentioned the lack of modes is a bit of a bummer.
I forgot about Balder, they do have some decent options. I think I like the HD-1 a bit better, because the SE-1 doesnât appear to tailstand. But the HD-1 is starting to get into more expensive territory. Whatâs a good Balder dealer that has free international shipping? CNQ?
@RedForest UK: Thanks a lot for the suggestion. I personally avoid Thrunite because of their dishonest business practices.
Many thanks Alex, I really appreciate the offer! I just donât like to create extra work or expense for others. This post is both for my shopping and for any other random visitor that is looking for the same thing. So it would nice to have a source for some of these top picks that ships directly from China. Anybody know of an international L3 Illuminations L10 dealer?
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