I am creating a list of AA and AAA flashlights tested with standard Eneloops.
I can already see, for example, that Olight i3E EOS is more efficient (longer runtime) than Astrolux A01 in 1xAAA 70-100 lumen category while their other specs are similar (throw distance, beam pattern).
My database is pretty small at this point (only 3 AA and 3 AAA flashlights) and I wonder what flashlight should I test next that could potentially beat the ones I have already tested.
My budged is limited, but I am OK to buy a new flashlight every now and then. Any suggestions?
Yeah, the WK50 is discontinued, but if you can find one, it’s a gem.
Bah, got both the JB I and II, had ’em reversed. Thought the II was the AA one and the I the 16340. Don’t like the looks of the Pro, as it looks like a medieval torture-device, whereas the I and II are nice and sleek.
Well you have the thrunite archer series’s, t10, then the tn4a, the nitecores ea41,81,8, mta2? And another 2aa light. Thorfires pg03? And tk4a, crelant v4a
I have already tested the 4AA ThruNite TN4A and the 1AAA ThruNite Ti3. I am putting the ThruNite Archer series and the others you mentioned on my list.
I am testing TANK007 E09 at this very moment. I’ve just finished the beam pattern and am doing the runtime test on high… Thanks to a fried who lent it to me directly from his key-chain. It’s a bit worn and won’t show up nicely on picture, but well, better than nothing
Thanks, Cycler. Your work will make a difference in buying a new light. I prefer longer run times to great brightness. I also like less expensive lights. I cannot imagine paying $50 for a flashlight nowadays. Today one does not have to buy a Surefire to get a good and bright light.
Regards,
Jerry
Added LUMINTOP Tool AAA - Cree XP-G2 R6 to my database. It has the most efficient Medium mode from all the flashlights I’ve tested so far, but a very disappointing High mode.
I find that my most efficient 1xAA lights are Zebralights (SC52’s and SC5’s). The SC5 has the best efficiency on just about every level, for a 1xAA light. My SC5w runs for over 90 minutes at 150 lumens (my measurements) on a regular 1900mAh Eneloop, until it drops out of regulation. Lower levels are more efficient. Higher levels are less. The cool-white version should be more efficient. And, I think they’re using a more efficient LED than when I bought mine (I have the old XM-L2 version).
2xAA and 4xAA lights are more efficient, for sure.
Zebralights are out of my budget, I am afraid. But if you have measured them and are willing to share your results I will be happy to add them to the comparison list.
I’ve just received a Zanflare F2 that I will test soon. I am interested to see how efficient this 2xAA flashlight is.
for the purpose of this list i would skip the sk68.
there is no standard for these and results over a handfull even in the same order will vary widely.
it like they are slapped together with whatever random parts they get cheap.(they are).
its a waste of time that could be spent on better lights.
You could add the AAA Tiny from Convoy. It is stainless steel and has an advantage that the head doesn’t screw off at all, so cannot be lost if loosened too much. It is very solidly built and has a more neutral beam with tighter hotspot than my I3E-EOS. Threads on the head have a very poor feel to them though, scratchy. Should give good runtime as it is not as bright as the Olight.
Thanks Zulumoose for the tip. I have ordered the 5000K version of Convoy Tiny AAA. I will update this thread once I received and tested it.
Edit: I received and tested the Convoy Tiny XP-E2 flashlight. It looks nice, but the efficiency is not that great (25 lumens for 1h55min compared to LUMINTOP Tool AAA that can do 30 lumens for 3h29min). For AAA flashlights I prefer more floody beams, I think I am going to stay with OLIGHT i3E EOS (90 lumens for 1h08min) for now…
