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

[veer (vēer)]

@bugsy

I’m really surprised forward switch is most popular. I can’t think of any custom BLF lights tha use forward switches and we seem to do a lot of custom runs.

I like forward switch, I wish more budget lights used it.

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.

[djozz]

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

[Omega_17]

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.

[bugsy]

@djozz

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

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?

[grayski74]

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…

[DavidEF]

@bugsy

@djozz

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

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?

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?

[bugsy]

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.

[DavidEF]

@bugsy

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?

[bikenber73]

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.

[lichan]

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.

[MountainKing]

@bikenber73

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.

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

[presterjohn]

@bikenber73

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.

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.

[chuckhov]

@power911

I personally like drivers that support both 14500 and nimh

The joy of pocket rocket without worry over hard to find batteries

.

Me too!

-Chuck

[Pregulla]

@DavidEF

@bugsy

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?

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.

[djozz]

@chuckhov

@power911

I personally like drivers that support both 14500 and nimh The joy of pocket rocket without worry over hard to find batteries

. Me too! -Chuck

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).

[bugsy36]

@bugsy

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.

Different driver design required.

@DavidEF

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?

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.

[DavidEF]

@bugsy36

@bugsy

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.

Different driver design required.

@DavidEF

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?

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!

[ohaya]

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.

[sb56637]

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.

[SawMaster]

My ‘bug-out’ gear is AA powered or compatible so I could use something like this, and it would be a very good ‘gift light’ for non-flashaholics too. 14500 compatibility would be nice but not a deal-breaker. L-H or L-M-H would be all I need, L could be moonish but not too low. Priced right, I’d be up for a few or more.

AA is a world-wide standard, no matter where you go these are readily available, which can’t be said of many cell sizes we’re used to.

Phil