Hi, I’m new here and wondering what is the best and brightest multi 4*AA,8*AA…flashlight out now? I haven’t really keep up with LEDs for a few years. Looking for something to add to my collection. Definitely 1000+ lumens.
Welcome to the forum, give everyone a chance to check in as this time of night the reading and posting slows a bit. I’ve gotten away from AA cells myself since I prefer rechargeable higher voltage liion cells myself except for pocket EDC’s.
Quite a few AA lights are over 1000 lumens now, and the EA81 may be the brightest around. If you ask for my favourite, at this moment it would be the Nitecore EA41 Pioneer. The first versions of this light had problems, but I'm pretty sure the 2015 version has improved on things. and I like the design very much (better even than the Sunwayman D40A that is also still is a nice 4xAA light)
EA41 seems like a good light, but I think I want more output and longer run time. I might keep one in the car and want the max run time I can get with AAs. The EA81 seems like a good fit.
Didn’t like the sunwayman D80A as it drops output after a few minutes. I want something much brighter than my good old Fenix TK40.
I have tones of eneloops so that’s why I stick with AAs.
Wasn’t the EAX a limited-edition light? I don’t see it listed on Nitecore’s product page anymore though it looks like it’s still available online.
Actually, the EA81 has a slightly higher overall max brightness (2150lm vs 2000lm) while the EAX had somewhat better throw (60 kcd vs 53 kcd). One advantage of the EAX is that its square head prevents rolling. EA81 is a lot cheaper…there’ve been a couple deals over the last few weeks where it’s gone for less than $80.
Being in Canada kinda make things a bit more expensive with the USD exchange rate right now. I found a canadian site that seems to have decent prices with free shipping. Jetbeamcanada.com
They are selling the EAX and EA81 pretty much the same price range CAD $150. Which one is better?
Update: Just found Dinodirect has the EA81 for CAD $124, and with Oct 10% discount its CAD$111 right now….hmmm