I have a Caveman, Klarus P2A, Jetbeam BA20, Klarus ST20, Quark AA2 Tactical and a Romisen 2 cell light. I'm a big fan of 2AA lights. Far and away, the Caveman is my favorite and it and the Quark are noticeably higher quality than any of the others. The Caveman is a little larger and heavier than the others but not so much as to be a problem. All the lights have about the same output, throw and brightness but the Caveman has a little better spill because of the XML and the larger head. The Klarus ST20 is my second choice but it's no match for the Caveman.
The Caveman is a forward clicky, if that makes a difference to you. Modes are controlled by twisting the head.
Yeah, I'm pretty sure that I read ALL the reviews, both here and on CPF. That's how I narrowed it down to these two possibilities. They were all quite helpful.
Based on some of the feedback to my question, however, I'm starting to 2nd guess my decision to exclude the Klarus versions. I decided to go for the BA20 over the P2A based on the fact that they are manufactured by the same company and the BA20 is higher max Lumen (typical Noob error?!).
The ST20 might be interesting though if it is 30% off. Unless of course that is just to clear out the old version that had issues... If so, it is less tempting. How would I find out?
If I understand correctly, the T5 is more neutral as opposed to the T6 which is a colder white. Right?
I thought that I read something about the wrong version of the T5 making their way into the current generation and that's why they are being sold at a lower price. Can someone explain? Thanks. I obviously still have much to learn.
i am not happy with P2A brightness. My P1A is brighter (and has real ;) premium tint) with 1x 14500. the BA20 should be brighter than the P2A, true.
even brighter is Quark X AA². none is brighter on 2x Eneloop AA (with their runtime efficiency) than the 4sevens (integral brightness). think of Quarks (~40$ on sale with natural green tints hehe, see the many sales offer threads on cpfmp and bfl) before you look after Jetbeams or Klaruses.
Jetbeam is labeling their version just a bit more optimistic than Klarus, I believe. I think it was Chidwack, who wrote that his Klarus was actually a bit brighter than his Jetbeam. The main reason I took the P2A over the BA20 was the price difference, when it was on sale on Dinodirect and the clip direction which is better for pouch carry. Since Chidwack pretty much has all the mentioned lights, he is probably the most qualified to compare them. The Caveman does indeed look like the champion on paper and in the reviews I read, but it is slightly more expensive and more importantly slightly larger than the rest.
Welcome to BLF, Silverman.
I ordered the Klarus P2A and the Jetbeam BA20 at the same time from GG. I accually bought 3 lights at that time. I was going to buy 3 BA20 but when I talked to the guy at GG he recommended the Klarus. He said they were almost the same but he liked the clicky on the Klarus just a little bit more. I ordered two BA20 and one Klarus and when they arived, I compared them and the Klarus was slightly brighter and threw just a little better as well as having a clicky that feels just a little more solid. There is hardly a dimes worth of difference but if I had to choose, I would take the Klarus P2A. I later bought a Klarus and like it better than the P2A or BA20 because of the front button and more modes. Don't judge the brightness of the lights because one states it has a few more lumens. It doesn't always show up that way.
Of the 2AA lights I have, I rate them this way. On a scale of 1 through 10. One being not good at all and 10 being the best, this is how I would rate them.
Caveman 9.5
Klarus ST20 8.0
Klarus P2A 7.1
Jetbeam BA20 7.0
Quark AA2 tactical 7.9 This light get high ranks for quality and multiple modes. However, I don't use it as much as some of the others which I actually like to use better.
The only reason I don't give the Caveman a 10 is because it doesn't tailstand which is a feature I really like. I made my own adapter that allows me to tailstand that light.
I have both and I also do not like the switch on the ba20 . Not to muddy the waters but I also love my SPARK from shining beam I got the neutral whit with the extra single AA tube .I can run 2 AA , 1AA or CR 123.
OK. I think that I'm sold on the Caveman.
Now, I need to figure out which version. If I understand correctly, both the T6 and the initial batch of T5 are cool white due to some sort of screw up with the manufacturer. I sent an e-mail to Shiningbeam to confirm whether this is still the case, but assuming that is still the case, am I correct in understanding that a T6 cool white would be preferable to a T5 cool white due to increased brightness? Is one more or less likely to have an off-colour tint?
If the T5 neutral white is now available I think that I would prefer it due to the warmth of the light.
Again, thanks!
I was surprised to see such a spread. I thought that it would be closer.
Neutral IMHO gives of more useable light , I wish I had purchased more neutral lights instead of going for more lumens .
I only have the Jetbeam, things I like are...
Reversable clip, points up or down, as you choose, because it has grooves at both ends.
Momentary on switch for quick glances around the dark places outside. Set the head position for high or low before using. I dislike flashlights that require continual clicking just to take quick glances.
Runs fine on any cheap alkaline cells, lithium primaries or AA rechargeables. Maintains high brightness until the cells are sucked down to nothing.
Each year I buy a new brick of Costco Kirkland AA Alkaline before storm season. Great cells for less money than name brands. My experience is that Costco's house brand, Kirkland, is always as good or better than standard name brands. Never store the light with alkaline cells inside, only lithium primaries are good for that.
My Caveman is neutral, and looks very warm in the beamshots I took of it. Cool white lights impress folks with their brightness, but neutral white lights are much easier on the eyes of the user, and I find myself using them more.
See post 56
Another thing I will add. Of all the lights I listed, the only one that has had any kind of a failure is the Jetbeam BA20. I gave it to my friend and I think he dropped it or something. He said it just stopped working and brought it back to me. I traded the tailcap with my Klarus P2A and the Jetbeam started working. Funny thing is with the Jetbeam tailcap on my Klarus my P2A works just fine. We left it that way as it's not my go to light as far as 2AA lights are concerned. Until I find something better, the Caveman easily holds that position.
Having said all this, I have found another AA light that I really love. Jetbeam PA40. Not small by any means and uses 4AA batteries. It's a great all around light.
How did you order a neutral? Both the T5 and the T6 are supposedly cool whites.
Hi Silverman. I have the JB and the XML Caveman. In the event the TerraLUX LS300 slipped under your radar, you might consider it. 300 lumens, clip, lanyard and a pair of alkalines, for less than $30 at Amazon currently. And unlike my Caveman, the TerraLUX will tailstand; the JB does too, but a little bit wobbly... [quote=Silverman]
Hi all,
At the moment I'm flip flopping between the Jetbeam BA20 and the Shiningbeam Caveman. Any thoughts either way? Anyone own both? Also, if I go for the Caveman, am I better off getting the T5 for $40 or the T6 for $48? (I was also looking at the new mini maglite pro+ initially, but that may just have been nostalgia...)
I'm relatively new to LEDs so I've been lurking for a while, reading up and educating myself. I currently have a few mini maglites recently converted to LED, a couple of SK68 clones, and several other cheap lights. Now I'm trying to figure out what's next. I'm set on the 2xAA format, and I don't want to spend much more than ~$40.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
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Johnny, how long do you own your Terralux and how it compares to other lights?
Is it quality light or more like cheapo build quality wise?
Not sure if its available outside USA...
Well, I just placed my order for the Caveman XML T6. Thanks to all BLF users who helped me with the decision, and Bryan at ShiningBeam who was quick to answer my multiple e-mails. (BTW - He confirmed that there is only cool white available. There is no neutral white.)
Now the tough part... waiting. 
Thanks again!
Good choice (Shiningbeam always is), but you're wait shouldn't be too long. Hope shipping didn't break the bank.