Can anyone step up for an AA/2AA only BLF budget flashlight?

That failed, IMO, because of switch/driver issues when switching to next mode gave no output and threads, that are made out of plastic on plastic body, wore out with very, very little use.

True story bro, thats how it is on mine. Bought two, one for me, one for friend, but not sure if he ever used one so cant report on his specimen.

Forward switch would be nice.

I wouldnt mind 14500 compatibility, extension tube for 2xAA is a must.

Cant we design not just its internals but the looks as well? I sort of dont like using clone of clone as a host and just engrave BLF logo on it.

In my experience with them, whenever there's more than one or two modes, a forward clicky is a nuisance.

Yes!

Rotating head lights are quite rare and what a coincidence, eagle light have one AA angle light http://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_168409.html

Also interesing is the mini DQG AA http://www.banggood.com/DQG-CREE-XP-G2-R5-180LM-3Modes-EDC-LED-Flashlight-AA14500-p-970068.html

Either one with high CRI LED or better tint would be perfect.

I agree in that forward works better with a eswitch. I wonder why no budget lights use eswitch… how much does it add to the cost?

I have the DQG AA in Stainless Steel Neutral White form… Great light. Tiny… Very bright… Great tint… and also tough.

Not a big fan of the “twist off to turn on” approach though… Because it also switches off again if you twist it “too far”… so you have a small area of movement between on and off. This is alleviated a little by the head not having much “play” in it… not much chance of it switching modes accidentally while being held…

If it was a clicky, it would be much better (but obviously also probably 1-2cm longer).

It’s also a nightmare to mod… I wouldn’t even try it I don’t think… I let the Mrs have it (oo err), as it fits in her handbag quite well.

I think any future AA flashlight I would want to be able to easily mod - even if its just an emitter/reflector swap etc… To help future-proof it a little…

Umm… forward clicky and e-switch are two very different things. What exactly are you trying to say about forward working with e-switch? Do you mean two switches?

Yes, for example lights like Nitecore P12, Thrunite TN12, and Fenix PD35 use forward tail switch with side eswitch.

I’d like a budget light that used the A6 direct drive driver with SMO reflector, forward tailswitch, and side eswitch to blow away those other lights.

Okay, I’m still a newbie, so, what advantage do you get with a forward switch in the tail versus a reverse switch or no switch at all, on e-switch lights?

I wonder if Simon/Convoy would build a 1 X 14500 / 2 X AA light. I would like a well made, affordable, 2-3 mode, no blinkies, maybe an XPG2 or XPE2 light. Shadow made a cool looking Mini TC6 that I never got around to purchasing.

I recently got a Jetbeam WL-S1. My every day pocket carry is a Single AAA light but the Jetbeam is very versatile. It can use CR123a, RCR123, 16340, Alkaline or NiMH AA, 14500 (without carrying an extra battery tube) but what I use in it is a lithium ion that combines the diameter of a CR123a and the length of the AA, a 16500 purchased from eBay. With this battery and its larger head and reflector, it approaches the BLF A6 SE 18650 power and will still fit well in a loose pocket.

Now that is a great idea! Maybe we need a custom blf driver though:)

That would certainly be a cost effective and popular choice. A slimmed down S2+ using an 1 X 14500 / 1 X AA + extension tube option would be excellent.

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Me too!

-Chuck

The problem with forward clickie is that switching modes is a bit awkward with it. When you have 2 switches, you can have the momentary on at the tail switch (that is advantage for some), and switching modes with electronic switch.

I am personally fine with reverse clickie or e-switch only.

I like that very much too, but if the 14500 compatibility stands in the way of a good AA boost driver I prefer a light without 14500 option.

I have many li-ion lights and love the possibilities and output. But I hate that I can never give one away without decent batteries, a charger and the full safety story on li-ions :tired: Last week I modded an AA zoomie with a dedomed XP-E2, and for a change I left the stock notsohigh-low-blinky AA boost driver in. And I was pretty happy about that, the performance had become way better with the dedomed R3 bin led, I gave it to a friend for his birthday (just like that, without a story at all).

Different driver design required.

David...for me...momentary "on". The drawback is how modes get changed without the e-switch. Essentially you half-press from "off" til you get desired mode then either switch "on" or use momentary. E-switch makes much easier and user-friendly. Without an e-switch...probably a pita for most but I am accustomed to it because all of my "work" lights are forward clicky..even my A6's that I use at work.

Thanks, I think I understand now. For me, a reverse clicky is fine and just e-switch is better. No need for two switches on any of my lights! :slight_smile:

Instead one driver that supports both aa and 14500, why not have two heads with different drivers, and we can order with either or both heads.

I very much like the 1xAA format, in fact it’s what got me hooked on flashlights.

I would be the first to buy a custom BLF 1xAA light if it happened.