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

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.

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

Im a big AA and 2xAA light fan.

I like them for ease to get batteries for and to use with eneloops.

Include me, as well, the AA camp....would be very interested in a 2xAA.

There were some very good EOS 1xAA drivers available for a while from Int-Outdoors, but that supply seems to have dried up. I’ve modded three of my old Fenix L1P carcasses into very useful 3-mode lights. Those drivers would tolerate 2xEneloops in good humour, but over-volted at the sight of 2 alkies - and went plumb haywire with 2 lithium primaries. I only have a couple of those drivers left; I wish I could source some more.

Of the current crop of 1xAA’s out there, the one I’m lusting after is the Lumintop ED15. Very impressive run times. It might make a good BLF candidate, with a neutral emitter of some sort.

BLF members rule number 1.

All late comers to the end of the line.

Pulling rank huh?
:bigsmile:

I don’t like them, because it is too easy to run down a 14500 battery. Some expensive drivers try to keep track of what voltage type the cell is, but I can’t see that being reliable. I suppose it would avoid having to carry one more light sometimes, though.