I think the subject pretty much says it all. I love the ITP A3, but prefer a click switch. XP-G led is preferable. I would love something in grey or natural color since I plan to put it on my keys and don't want a color finish that might get all scratched up from my keys, but that is not a requirement. I look forward to anyone's suggestions. Thanks!
Preon I with the extra tail is all I know of. Personally, I think a twisty on a small light is better in the pants/on a key ring due to the risk of accidental activation.
I had Preon 1 kit. Sold it away because:
-Way too hard to use as a twisty, no knurling, hard to twist, yet threadplay.
-clicky had a tendency to go a bit sideways, gets stuck or has more resistance
-poor tailstand with clicky
I would say I almost like more this one:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/tank007-e06-ssc-w42180u-ha-iii-170-lumen-led-flashlight-2-aaa-22935
Cheaper, less power but enough, one mode, better clip IMO, good flood, tailstands better.
Good AAA-clicky is a tough issue :)
edit: ...and yes, I would also give a try for N-Light rather, than Preon now that I´ve had one before.
I forgot about the N-light B3 and I have one. Real nicely made. Mine is two mode in neutral with no memory. Nice light for the pocket, too heavy for a keychain IMO.
The button is electronic and requires a finger tip rather than the pad of your thumb.
There aren't too many clicky switch aaa lights out there. A clicky by its nature is going to add quite a bit of length to a flashlight over a twisty and since people usually want a aaa light to be as small as possible, it means twisty is the method of choice. There are a few single mode clickies on DX and elsewhere at around 80mm, but not multi-modes. Those tend to be F23 size. The N-light B3 is about the smallest multi-mode clicky 1xaaa you can find, but the SS makes it heavier.
Hmm, maybe a twisty is the right way to go to prevent accidental activation.
So, who wants to sell me an ITP A3 cheap...errr budget priced.
Thanks, but I'd honestly rather have the XP-G version.
I think the XP-G version is over-hyped. The one thing an AAA is typically short of is throw (when you need it) and the Q5 version out-throws the XP-G albeit putting out less lumens and with a more ringy beam.
Its a bit of work but the AkoRay K-102 works well when you change the Seoul Semi emitter to an XP-E.
The hole in the reflector is smaller than the K-103 (XR-E) and fits the XP-E quite well. Fitting it in there is a different story...
Its my EDC.
The tint of the Q5 is a bit whiter , the XPG is just slightly greener , but the XPG has brighter spill .
If I remember correctly it's possible to lego the ITP A3 head with a Streamlight microstream body for a rear clicky AAA .