I’m looking for a AA flashlight to mount to my rifle. I recently purchased a polytac light from Amazon, which I am highly pleased with. It is very bright and seems to be built well (although I am not an expert). The reason I purchased to was because it has a “momentary-on” function. But I don’t like the fact that it uses the CR123 batteries. So, I’m looking for an inexpensive AA light that has the “momentary-on” function. I’ve found that most flashlight descriptions don’t mention whether they have that feature or not. So, what AA flashlights out there have the “momentary-on” feature that I am looking for?
First is the 1xAA light which can be a keychain light (though AAA is much better for this), or a very small light. Only about 100 lumens max though.
A 2xAA is a pretty standard size, a good length and ability to hit about 250 lumens with an XM-L emitter. This is likely your best bet for a weaponlight. I’d check out www.goinggear.com under flashlight and sort by 2xAA and see some of your options. These are more premium lights though and not cheap.
There is a 6xAA light from Olight S65 or some such. Kind of expensive but a good 700 lumens. The fenix TK40/41/45 uses 8xAAs for 700+ lumens and isnt nearly as big as you might think. Equivalent to a 2C maglite and fits in the hand nicely.
I believe there are a few 4xAAs that would be a great compromise using a 2 by 2 arrangement. Fatter handle but still pretty reasonable, and a good 400-500 lumens possible.
I should mention that many of the Zoomable flood to throw lights can use 3 AAA batteries and are quite small. The adjustable lens is very nice as a worklight for the floodiness and cool throwing ability and they are cheap and plentiful.
This might be workable as a weaponlight, especially since you can adjust the throw. They are kind of underpowered though at 200ish lumens.
The problem is that cheap chinese makers dont really focus on AAs very much because they use 18650s/14500s and such in China. Therefore if you stray from the 3xAAA zoom, you may wind up paying a decent amount of money, especially for a good sized (4+AA) light.
Hi.
Quality and good price (with momentary on) I like the Nitecore MT1A. For the gun I guess a Nitecore MT2A (2xAA) will be better choice. Price from $ 38 on Ebay.
Trevi, the Nitecore MT1 and MT2 look good. The manufacturer doesn’t list either as having a momentary-on mode, not that I’m doubting you, but before I buy one I want to be sure…are you positive they have a momentary-on function?
It has the forward clicky (momentary on) and starts on high. Will work with AA but I like it much better on a protected 14500. The biggest issue I see is it may stretch the term “budget” a little.
I love my Fenix E21 for its throwy beam, simple interface, rugged construction and forward clicky. It isn’t the brightest 2xAA light with 150-180 lumen output but looks as bright as 250 lumen lights.
You can also look at Eagletac P100A2 or 47s lights if you can extend your budget.
Hi
I’m sure the MT1A has momentary-on. I have not bought MT2A, but the interface is the same (99,9 % sure momentary-on).
Not really budget, but a good price for its quality. I have the MT1A and The MT1C, Nitecore Multi-Task Series is tops for less than $ 40 (I think so, I could be wrong, of course :bigsmile: ).
Like it or not, The 4 7’s Quark Tactical 2-AA comes to mind. I have one and like it alot. There is also the Surefire E2L Outdoorsman 2-AA that is very stout! Also the Caveman from shiningbeam that is very good as well. Comes with an XM-L T-5 or T-6 in 2-AA. Shiningbeam is a fellow member here.
