Looking for recommendations for a high CRI AA/14500 flashlight. I am passing on the tool AA nichia unless there’s other colors besides black/copper/brass/ti.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003202639223.html or with battery: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003424402787.html
https://sofirnlight.myshoplaza.com/products/sofirn-hs05-1000lm-mini-headlamp-with-lh351d-led-dual-way-clip-with-magnetic-tailcap-14500-or-aa-battery
Something like this?
I would go with Convoy T3 219B for sure. Pretty capable light for its size I think. It’s also R9080.
Convoy T2 is a solid light but it’s a chunk compared to the Tool AA.
I haven’t seen this one but it’s on my list.
FWAA
Skilhunt E2A
I have (until I lost it) this one and I really like it. Good size and quality for its price. Plus this one will not have the parasitic drain of of the FWAA because it’s an e-button. The Tool AA has bad drain when you run a 14500 because of its light up switch. Its actually considered a design flaw on this forum and I can tell you it’s a pain on my Tool AA V2 copper. So overall Skilhunt E2A all the way.
If the E2a had a proper moonlight (1lumen or lower) it would be the perfect budget AA light for sure.
I just got the Skilhunt E2A in gunmetal finish with high-CRI and I love it. Highly recommend.
Fireflies Stainless Steel AA Nichia 219B SW45k D220 R9080 4500K
Why T2 vs T3?
Interesting how the T3 with a battery is only ~$2 more. I’m leaning towards the T3 but I don’t like the colors. The reviews show what the colors really look like and imo the S2+’s colors were better.
How hot does it run on 14500?
I don’t have any experience with the T3 so I can’t say but according to the description it’s the same dimensions as the T2 just a few grams lighter so not much difference that I can see.
I stopped paying attention to the T2 when it couldn’t run on 14500. It seems Simon upgraded the T2 when the T3 came out. The T2 probably uses the same drivers as the T3 and the T2 might have different emitter options.
I know the T3 is constructed differently than the T2, I believe one uses a shelf while the other a pill (not sure).
Such a nice little light! Feels much more expensive than the price tag!
The T2 has been running 14500 for at least 12 months, I got one in Sept last year. Haven’t pulled the two versions apart to check on pill/shelf.
I’ve only got a Sofirn 14500 in mine. Gets hot after 5 mintues but not too hot to hold and I don’t have asbestos hands.