Been out of the game for a few years… I did a meager search but didn’t really find what I needed. I’m in need of a few flashlights that are:
Single AA
Probably XP-G2 or maybe XM-L
Relatively compact
Tail clicky
Single mode
with the best possible spill, don’t need a thrower.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Welcome , gloomens .
The floodiest AA flashlight I own is a Uniquefire AA S-1 .
It has a shallow OP reflector ( and an outdated Osram emitter ) and has virtually no hotspot . With an L-ion 14500 battery it's fairly bright , with an AA primary it's just OK . I put a Nichia 219 B10 high CRI emitter in it and now it is a favorite of mine .
Good luck with your search .
How about the good old Sipik SK68?
Adjust the flood to exactly what you want. Most are single-mode and cheap enough that you could drop in an XM-L or XP-G2 on a star and still have a budget light.
Take off the head and you have a mule.
I've even seen threads here where people found extension tubes (from "Police" brand body IIRC) to run them on 2AA for better output.
If by AA you also include 14500 then the output will improve dramatically. But there are a variety of drivers so you'd have to get confirmation that 4.2V is supported.
Interesting little unit, thanks for the suggestion. Sadly, I’ve done too much window shopping and am now fixated on getting a few Maratac copper AA’s. Why do I feel compelled to spend $40+ each for something I don’t need… bad brain, bad brain!
Sadly, all my rexlights have either been lost or destroyed. Great flashlights but I won’t miss all the mode hunting.
And thanks for the welcome. Great community you’ve got here.
Looks like a nice light as well, and I like the price. A quick google search (that came back to blf) seems to show that it has “Little to no flood”, perhaps a little more investigation is warranted.
Thanks for the suggestion.
No worries.
Just be aware that there are many clones of this light with a variety of tints. Some are OK and some not so OK
I guess it depends a little on how soon you need them (you mentioned a few). The low price and a couple of weeks for shipping means you could get several variations and compare them rather than buy all of them from one vendor sight-unseen.
There are lots of threads in here on the SK68 and its clones. Just be aware that any single AA (NiMH or Alkaline) will be pretty low-powered on it's widest zoom.
Perhaps if you could tell us what beam angle or throw distance you have in mind we could narrow it down a bit.
I’m looking for lots of flood and not interested in throw for a pocket light. When I need a spotlight I still have an old trustfire 4 emitter that is more than adequate. I was about ready to buy a few of the Maratac copper lights but I finally reminded myself that I really like a tail click unit… actually I slapped myself over the nonsense of spending $150 for 3 flashlights that I’ll probably lose in a couple of years. 
The Sipik’s you suggested look decent but not quite right. I think I’ll investigate a little further.
It's funny but most flashaholics seem to concentrate on throw so there is probably more information out there on that topic.
What you are seeking is more often found in the headlamp format. The Zebralight and Spark units are good examples but probably not what you would consider budget lights. Have a look at the Spark SD range which come with magnetic base and tripod mount options. If nothing else it might give you ideas.
While you are searching, perhaps you could look at models which use optics rather than reflectors as sometimes there are a range of beam patterns available by swapping out the optic unit. Again not exactly budget but Armytek are about to release some new headlamps along this line. I think two beam patterns to choose from but the AA version (Tiara) is still under development.
Finally, you could consider using diffusers or diffusing film on an already floody XM-L based light. DC-fix is apparently one of the better diffusing films which will work well without sacrificing too many lumens.
Good luck in your search. 
Sipik SK68 with a 14500
The Ultrafire UF-H2b is pure flood. It come with a head band but can be used as a hand held light very well. Zebralight makes a clone for 5 times the price if you like to spend your hard earned money. LOL!
http://www.fasttech.com/product/1057115-ultrafire-uf-h2b-cree-xr-e-q5-120-lumen-adjustable