I have been looking for a 2xaa flashlight for a while now. I like aa flashlights because they are easy to find when you need them. I have quite a bit of alkalines just in case but only use rechargeable nimh aa. Now I was looking for something that took 2xaa batteries because it should give better runtimes. I used to have a surefire that was really great until Sandy hit us in NJ. I ended up not being able to find the cr123 batteries and realized then that the flashlight is only great if l can find batteries for it. Now I realize you can buy extra cr123 batteries so this is just how I feel. AA flashlights have been my favorite since.
I have a Thrunite archer 2a v3 nw that is a really great flashlight and probably my favorite. The problem is I wanted to buy extras for emergency and it cost $29.99. So I’m thinking that the Sofirn sf13 will be a good flashlight for a backup, but I haven’t seen much talk about it. I know that Sofirn flashlights are priced well and they seem to be updating them as well. So I have one on the way and will let everyone know what I think of it. These are the things I wanted for an emergency flashlight.
Easy to find aa batteries
Decent runtimes
200-300+ lumens
Simple UI, so anybody can use it in case of emergency
Reliable
$20 or under
Sofirn SF13-Aliexpress $9.65
Btw If anyone has another option that is similar please let me know.
Anthony
Hi Anthony!
Welcome to BLF Sorry to “hear” your experience about the hurricane. I hope you and yours are well!
I do not own a Sofirn SF13 but it has been indicated in another thread about flashlights with multiple AAs.
Another light considered there was the Zanflare F2, 2xAA light also.
Check the thread and take a look at the links. You can also consider other types of flashlights and batteries (Li-Ion rechargeable) despite the AAs are more “available” at any corner shop !
Hey MascaratumB I actually was looking at the Zanflare f2. I really like the option for neutral white too, not a fan of cool white flashlights unless the kelvin is low. I also found a coupon code for $12.98, F2DEAL. I know Zanflare is a newer company so l don’t know if the reliability is there. I guess only time will tell but at $12.98 a piece thats two lights for less than an archer 2a v3.
Yup, you have Fin17 ’s deal (F2deal) for the neutral white version, so maybe you can try it! I just have a Zanflare F1, and despite I had some issues, that flashlight is really good, well built, good materials all over it!
I can’t remember seeing reviews of the F2 here (although I didn’t look for it), but it seems to have a good quality-price relation.
Search a bit more here on the forum, see some video reviews before buying it and then you can decide if it is the best option for you
As you want to use AA, take a look at some lights with 4xAA lights, maybe you can find some interesting too! But for a budget light, the Zanflare F2 seems to be pretty nice :+1:
I have the Sofirn SF13 and I really like it a lot I can’t complain about it at all it really is 300 lumens, and for the price you can’t beat it at all. You can probably ask for a discount on it too. I believe it to be the best 2AA flashlight on the market for the price and quality. I definitely recommend buying it. It is a great flashlight at work to hand to a coworker and not have to worry about them burning themselves or killing your batteries. I don’t have a way to measure lumen output but my guess from comparing to other known flashlights is it is more that likely brighter than the 320 lumens claimed.
If your in Jersey than an IKEA shouldn’t be too far away. I purchased a few packs of the LADDA rechargeable AA batteries. Get some Sofirn’s and a couple packs and you should have a good bit if kit for little bit of money!
I have a sf13 on the way. It’s good to hear you like it Andybibbville. I think if it turns out to be a reliable light I’ll probably pick up a few more. If I don’t like it I think I’ll go with the Zanflare f2. I might pick up a couple f2 nw anyway because everyone seems to like them. I also was just reading about the Jaxman m2 nw but its almost as much as my archer 2a v3. I also wanted to say how much I’ve learned from this forum and wanted to thank everyone. I also don’t live in Jersey anymore, I moved to Florida but Ikea isn’t too far away.
The nice thing about the SF13 is that strobe is hidden away (requires double click). With Zanflare F2 - you’re going to be hitting strobe every time you cycle through modes. If not for this, I would have purchased the F2 long time ago.
However, the F2 has more throw, so it just depends on what you prefer.
I do like that about the sf13. The f2 has memory so strobe probably won’t bother me that much. I usually like more flood for walking outdoors. I will let everyone know what I think about the sf13 when I get it.
Do not have a SF13 ,it is now in my shopping cart already , i am waiting for 11.11 big sale days in Aliexpress. I have add one more SP10B blue color and SP32A powerful light, although the seller do not post pictures of the SP10B color,I’m waiting……
So a quick heads-up, as I’ve been swapping email with Sofirn trying to understand the difference between v1 and v2 of the SF13.
Best I have gotten so far is that v2 is “more stable” —- I’m guessing that means a different driver but can’t be sure.
But the heads up is, Sofirn is going to drop the SF13 when it sells out, they don’t have many in stock and won’t make any more. And the people who knew more about the light have moved on and don’t work there any more.
I have one in my car and it’s an ok flashlight. Low and medium are too close together for me and the tint is very greenish. It replaced by Shiningbeam Caveman and it’s a definite drop in just about everything. But as something to throw into the glove it’s not a bad option. Usually I have a Convoy S2 on me and Manker E03H also in the glove, so it’s just a fallback to a fallback
I prefer AA and AAA flashlights. I invested in a bunch of Eneloop Pro NiMH a while back and they have been wonderfully reliable. Flashlights that use them tend to provide enough light for my needs. If I get caught with my batteries down, generic alkalines are ubiquitous in the United States.
My go-to 2xAA has been the Jaxman M2. It’s simple. It has two decently spaced modes. Low is usually enough and lasts a good while. High is pretty powerful. It has exceptional reach for a 2xAA. It comes in three different tints. I prefer the “warm yellow”. It might not be as pretty as some of the high-CRI Nichia or Yuji emitters I’ve seen but I don’t think I’ve seen those offered in a 2xAA format.
Someone somewhere mentioned a known problem with the SF13.
I just opened one I bought quite a while ago for gifting, and it was amazingly erratic. Wouldn’t come on, then went on and off without the button being touched.
I took needlenose pliers to the tailcap ring, loosened and tightened it, and that seems to have fixed the problem. But I wonder what it was.
Still have a couple more in the gift bag I guess I’d better check on. I really like 2AA lights to give to people I wouldn’t trust with lithium-ion batteries.
I generally give them with Energizer lithium primaries, unless I am ready to try to teach them about Eneloops.
Sorry to “hear” your experience about the hurricane. I hope you and yours are well!