I'm in a search for finding my next good EDC flashlight. I have tried several budget 1AA / 14500 flashlights but every one of them seems to be lacking of good regulation. I have seen a test using lux meter where Fenix L1D maintained its brightness vs. low cost budget flashlight.
The question is where could i find my next budget 1AA / 14500 EDC flashlight with good regulation as in fenix flashlights ?
I recommend you the TrustFire F20, can buy at DX at 13,06USD. However have some reports of the driver being damaged when using it with 14500
Take a look at the Trustfire F22, not the most budget of budget lights but its regulation is pretty flat.
http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/186
My stainless steel Ultrafire C3 is pretty flat on NiMH but not 14500
http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/154
My Uniquefire AA-S1 is as flat as you are going to get on a 14500 without spending a lot more. Think 5 times as much.
http://www.jayki.com/?mid=flashlight_review_board&page=2&document_srl=6073
Also, the iTP A2 EOS. Runs on AA alkalines/NiMh and accepts 14500 although the manufacturer does not recommend it. Is at 22 USD at hkequipment. Worth buy
Trustfire F22 and Ultrafire C3 SS seems to be good flashlights but i don't like stainless steel finish. Don't know why :)
That Uniquefire looks interesting and lot what i have been looking for.
How it is different to AKOray K-106 and Trustfire F20 ?
The Uniquefire is Single mode and uses Osram Golden Dragon LED
Both Akoray 106 and TF20 uses Cree Q5 (probably Q5) LED and multimode driver
Both the Akoray 106 and TF20 probably fail with 14500. The Uniquefire AA-S1 not
NOTE: flashlights with Osram Golden Dragon LED are not recommended if you use alkalines (due to the high amp draw). The work better with NiMh or Lithium primaries or even on Li-Ion
Check the links. The graphs are there.
Thanks for info mates!
Now I have to think should i cancel my AKOray K-106 order ($19) from KD and get this Uniquefire from DX instead ?
What do you think ?
Ey ey ey the K106 of 19$ probably is the programmable version
Akoray k-106 there are 2 versions
1) 5 mode not programmable about 13 dollars
2) programmable version about 19 dollars.
I dont know if the programable version will fail with 14500, and dont know how performs the LED and DRIVER in that version
I have the cheaper Akoray from DX and it have never worked with NiMH or alkaline. Only with 14500.
Don't know is the programmamble version worth of the price difference. If there is a better driver in it maybe then.
Is there other candidates ?
Hi Juhi81,
Apart from flat output, what are your other priorities for a good flashlight? If you already have a good working $13.00 5-mode Akoray K-106, you probably don't need the Trustfire F20, which is practically identical. However I would NOT cancel that $19.00 3-mode K-106 from KD, it's a very high quality light with good regulation and great runtime. The Uniquefire AA-S1 is a pocket rocket, so the output is flat enough but only during a rather short period of less than two hours.
Thanks for the tip Fran, this is an excellent price for an ITP A2 EOS. Here's the link. Anyone have experience buying from hkequipment? Or anyone know of a place that is cheaper still for ITP products?
Thanks!
I have not purchased at HKEquip and dont know about any person who........ It is in plan "kamikaze" ,"lets try and see what happens".
At HK Equipment is the site where is sold at that very low price. In other sites is sold at 5 dollars more, dont know why
Other site with lower prices in itp flashlights? If I am not wrong, battery junction has the exclusive promotions of itp flashlights. For example the A3 eos for 18 dollars.
But, you dont have free shipping.........
Right, I live outside of the USA, so shipping from Battery Junction is out of the question.
right,I like it
Budget light with good regulation ? AA size ?
I think your going to have to get out of the budget segment ..
Only the ITP comes to mind ...
Don't cancel. You wil get the KD one faster!
gets resurected with a ....qwewqtt.... very odd .. pretty sure even Dx can send a light in 6 months
reviews about HKEquip there is here