Source
r/flashlight•
dotrob

Help me find just the right simple tail-clicky 1xAA pocket light for EDC

I currently carry a Maratac Tactical 1xAA (not sure which Rev) powered with Eneloops and I love this setup and have used it for about two years. What I am looking for now is a light of similar size, brightness, and function that has a more slender tube and a pocket clip so that it is easy to carry clipped in a front or back pants pocket.

What I specifically want in this future pocket EDC light:

  1. AA powered: so I can continue to use my Eneloops
  2. Clicky Tailswitch controls: so I can use the light one-handed without fail
  3. SIMPLE INTERFACE: perhaps this item puts me in the minority in this forum but I do not really want to program my flashlight if I can avoid it at all; Low/High or Low/Medium/High modes are all I need -- all accessed via the tailswitch
  4. Lens-down clip carry: or at least modifiable to be so (lanyard/ring also a possibility)
  5. Slim body: for ease of pocket use
  6. Durable aluminum construction: EDC means who knows how it will be used
  7. Price: not much of an obstacle if the light is right for me (say, up to $75)
  8. Beam qualities: a balance of flood/throw because I use it indoors for work and in the home, and outdoors for city walks, short hikes, and tent camping

Essentially I'm looking for the Spyderco of pocket lights: correctly-oriented clip, easy to use one-handed, durable, dead simple, and does most things decently well. My Maratac Tactical is missing out on items 4 and 5, which is why I'm looking for an upgrade.

Other lights I have/have used: keychain lights (clumsy), Fenix LD20 (fussy interface, too big, lens-up carry), Maratac 1xAA (no tailswitch), the ever-present Mag-lights.

I've considered these AA recommendations and the Eagletac D25a and JETBeam BA10 look promising, as do the Fenix E12 or LD15 (though they seem to lack any provision for clips). I've also considered the Quark Tactical QTA (if I were to program it for two modes I want and forget the rest (meh)).

The reason I'm creating this post is mostly because it's hard to compare lights based on the simplicity of their interfaces and how they can be carried, so I'm requesting your insights and experience. Recommendations?

Posted Jul 8, 2014, 12:34 AM UTC

714
Chadzy•

EagleTac D25A clicky and L3 L10C are probably my most often recommended AA lights.

3
scottyjnc•

EagleTac D25A Clicky is a great light. You could do far worse. It's solidly built, inexpensive, reliable, and nicely thin.

2
brandon7s•

I actually have the JetBeam BA10, and it's a fantastic light considering how cheap it is. It's actually a pretty dang good light in general. The fit and finish isn't perfect, and I think the tail switch has a little too much give in it for my taste, but those are minor issues that can most people won't even notice and/or care about. I use Eneloops with it and they do a great job. The only issue you might have with it is that it's not terribly thin. I don't have a Maratac AA to compare it though. It's perfectly pocketable, in my opinion, but it's not particularly thin compared to other AA lights. The width is about the same as my 18650 Zebralight SC62d, which is my EDC light.

1
Dsycutter•

I have carried a Fenix L1D for at least 8 years now.... Thee best 1xAA light I have ever used.

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dotrobOP•

It looks like the LD1 isn't available, but in searching for it I noticed the new LD09, which looks like a possibility except for the SOS mode.

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powertyisfromgun•

Sunwayman M10a. It is very simple and tough as nails. I have put that thing through hell and it keeps going strong. Every time I use it I am impressed with it, and I still am after having it for 2 years.

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pacbough•

I found a flashlight that fits all your needs. Thrunite T10 series

It comes in CW or NW, and also aluminium, stainless steel, or titanium.

I recommend the titanium one because it is more durable than aluminium and not much heavier. Still not over $75 either.

EDIT: Forgot about the share experience part. Unfortunately I do not own any of the new T10 series flashlights. I do however, own a couple older Thrunite flashlights. I have the Thrunite Ti2 (aaa) and the older T10 Saber 1A(aa). Both are solid twisty lights and I keep batteries in them both so I can use them from time to time. Both of them have very well spaced modes with no flashies. I did EDC the Ti2 for a few weeks before I got a titanium EDC. The Ti2 has a small scratch in the anodising on the head even in that short time, I do work in metal industry though so it is not a fault of the manufacturer. That is why I prefer a titanium or stainless steel EDC. My current EDC I have had for about a month and there is not a single scratch on it.

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Libertas_Libertatis•

I have the T10 as my EDC and I love it. Thrunite makes a good light.

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dotrobOP•

Can all the modes be controlled via the tailswitch (e.g., one-handed)? That's my understanding from reading about the T10, but it's nice to confirm.

Also, do you have a preference/recommendation for cool white vs. natural color?

1
pacbough•

The modes can be changed by both tailswitch or twisty head.

As for the LED tint, that is very much personal preference. Natural has a slight yellow/orange colour to it which is what many flashlight enthusiasts prefer. I prefer 5000k-5500k which is a lighter NW tint.

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thebentern•

Take a look at the Balder SE-1. I've had one, and I've sold some to friends of mine. They're great little lights at a very reasonable price.

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jalepeno•

The foursevens quark line is great. They have single aa lights with a rear button. They have several different options and programming on the tactical line is very minimal or you can go with the pro line and deal with a few more options than you mentioned.

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notandyk•

I second the Foursevens quark tactical line. Programmable two modes. Set and go.

1
dotrobOP•

Update:

I've decided to try the Thrunite T10 Stainless. It has the most important features -- tail-clicky, simple controls, 1xAA power, simple modes, pocket-carry-friendly (slim, no protuberances) with clip.

After some consideration, I think I'd prefer a black aluminum body with texture (something like the Fenix E12) but I couldn't stand the look of the two-tone T10 aluminum version, so I'm settling for the stainless, and hoping the smoother body will better facilitate pocket retrieval.

1