This has probably been asked before, but I’m just curious what the current poll would suggest. If you had to do away with ALL of your single AA lights EXCEPT for ONE, which one would it be. Just for kicks, no 14500 compatible lights. Budget light or not, what’s your pick and why?
I’ve had a few single AA flashlights in my day but my most recent pick up is probably the one I’d keep if I had to say goodbye to the rest.
Foursevens Mini MA: super compact, durable, good mode spacing, hidden blinkies just in case you need (didn’t you hear? the zombie apocalypse is coming), and good run times for the decent output.
Although I probably play with a lot of other flashlights more just for getting my “wow effect” fix, the Mini is something I always have on me.
Anymore, it would be the Ultrafire UF-H2. It can be a flashlight with its clip, or used as a headlight. I use it for both, on a really regular basis.
From time to time, the tailcap innards screw themselves loose, and they bind like madness against the body. I’ve been thinking of using Loctite on the threads next time. Otherwise, my most useful 1xAA.
One of my favorites as well. I use it as a bike light. Here is a trick you might not know about the light. If you hold down the button, the light will eventually come on in it’s highest mode! Got (2) of them in a group buy here a long time ago, $17 each.
I was going to say B2s N-light but maybe a zebralight headlamp would be a better (one light only) option
I kind of hate these threads because it insinuates the world will be coming to an end ...and as punishment for your sins ....you have to pick only one AA light ...
"Sorry son..... in the millennium there won't be any 14500s ...just alkaline AA's "
CRX, That Jetbeam is gorgeous. Is it a discontinued light? I dont see it anywhere except ebay.
Boaz - I know it would be easier for me than most of the people on this forum with their extensive collection, so I can understand it feeling like punishment. But in an “end of the world” scenario, I would assume alkalines would be easier to find than even precharged eneloops and 14500s (given the scenario would mean there’s no electricity available for charging). Though, I’m sure there are some of you preppers out there that have that problem solved already. Portable gas generator……… to charge flashlight batteries!
I think the only light I have that will take only 1.5 V AA cells is the very inexpensive but rugged and compact Smiling Shark SS-5002. As it is not my every day carry anymore, I may try 14500s in it some time but expect it not to work, probably burn out the driver or led.
If I could keep one of the other AAs but not use 14500s in it, it would be a Sipik-58. No point in keeping a 68 and only running it at low power. Another possibility would be my Smiling Shark SS-8027, as big as an SK-68 but valued for its uniqueness more than for its utility.
Simple and good.
Now , I do believe that you can run a 14500 for a short while, but it is listed as AA only by the manufacturer, so it is legit in this discussion.
Fantastic light, great price.
Your Zombie MMV.
Later,
Keith
My Xeno E03 is pretty nice and can run on most any battery. Good tint, waterproof, dependable. I’m not sure why I don’t use it more. Probably because I carry an Olight I3s EOS, but that is AAA.
For AA 1.5 volt only, i have a few of them. One is a Modded Original Sipik SK68 with the 20-Mode grouped 1.5v driver and an XM-L U2 cool white, and the other are these pictured here.
Both are 1.5v AA only, twist on/off, water proof, one has a single-mode driver, XM-L T6 and a diffuser lens for flood only, and the other has a high CRI 4000K neutral tint LG emitter and the 20-mode Driver.
I like my Niteye JA10. It has adjustable levels of brightness. Remembers what level you had it on before you powered off. Hidden strobe mode. Screwed on pocket clip (I prefer the screw on clips over the clipped). A magnet on the bottom is really useful for attaching the light to something to free up your hands. Looks cool because it’s one of those right-angled lights. Feels really well made. It is about average brightness for an AA powered light (don’t know if a 14500 would work - would not want to risk ruining).
I think that you wanted to eliminate lights that are "14500 only"? I don't see a point of eliminating lights that can handle both - ordinary AA and 14500?
I love my modded Trustfire F20. I have T6 3C on copper with an AA/14500 driver in it. The beam is great, this light is beautiful, greatly bright and the concept of the clip and front loaded cell is the best. This would be the ONE.
I also have the Xeno which has a nice machining but the mode spacing does not suit me and it is missing the clip. If I wanted to add the clip I would have to attach it to the tailcap and this is not good. It is a nice light too, but far from ideal.
Another nice light is modded Ultrafire A10 but it doesn't have the clip either and the problem is the same as with the Xeno.
For me, hands down a lego’d Quark AA XML (QPA-X) for its extreme versatility. It can do almost anything the others can, but so many things the others can’t - as one example, it fully supports all these cells with just a piece of MacGyver tinfoil. I have NW and N219 versions, but I like CW too
But in an “end of the world” scenario, I would assume alkalines would be easier to find than even precharged eneloops and 14500s (given the scenario would mean there’s no electricity available for charging). Though, I’m sure there are some of you preppers out there that have that problem solved already. Portable gas generator……… to charge flashlight batteries! 
