Wanting a new light CR123 v. AA batteries

[saints75]

I am looking getting a new flashlight. I have been using a Surefire for about 8 years now. I am looking to get a different brand. I am looking to get a Streamlight, either a Pro-Tac 2AA or a Pro-Tac 2L. I want to get a light that dose more then turning off and on and that is not going to break the bank, like Surefire. I have a ton of CR123 batteries for my Surefires. I do like the idea that I can get AA batteries are at the stop and rob down the street if I needed them. I also know that 123 batteries can be expressive. I can buy a pack of AA batteries for half the price of 123s. I do like the fact that the 123 bring more power witch I like. I am conflated lol I like to get both. Right now, I can on get one :( What are your thoughts on it. Thanks.

[orionz06]

I have a Streamlight PT2AA (http://www.lapolicegear.com/streamlight-protac-2aa.html) and I love it, it is plenty bright for most things I need it for. I do happen to carry the single 123 version but am switching to a 4Sevens Quark soon.

[HCM]

I have the Streamlight ProTac-1AA. I've had it nearly a year and it goes everywhere with me. It has high and low output as well as a strobe mode.

Another consideration is the availability of Lithium AA's. haven't tried them in the light yet but I've had great results with them in Eo-tech carbine sights. Much longer battery life.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/streamlight-protac-1aa.html

[peterb]

I carry & use a light every day, and use the Eneloop AA rechargeables to minimize battery costs. My favorite light so far is a Quark 2xAA, but I've had a couple of Fenix 2xAA lights I liked.

If you've got a stash of CR123s the Streamlight Polytac LED is a solid light at a reasonable price.

[bdcheung]

My EDC is a 4sevens Quark AA R5: http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1597

Plenty bright, and dim, enough for anything I need. It has two quick-access modes that you can program. I've got mine programmed for MAX and Moonlight.

I use a Li-Ion R14500 rechargeable with it, but because it's AA, I can use Eneloop NiMH rechargeable, or any off-the-shelf AA should the 14500 run out.

[EricM]

For a flashlight that will be used regularly, I think it's really hard to beat something that uses rechargeable NiMH batteries (AA or AAA). With the latest generation of lights, there's not that much of a gap between the AA and CR123 models in terms of brightness (at least when you get to two cells), and to me, the lower runtime of the AA models is more than offset by the fact that you always know your batteries are full (without having to discard half-used primaries). Just don't use them with alkalines unless you have to...NiMH or the Energizer lithium AA's are the way to go (unless you have a single-cell light and want to get into rechargeable lithium ions like bdcheung mentioned). I use Sanyo Eneloop batteries and a Maha/Powerex charger (I have a MH-C9000, the MH-C401FS is good too if you want something simpler).

A 4sevens Quark X Tactical will be my next flashlight purchase. There are a lot of Quark varieties, depending on what size you want and whether you prefer a beam with more flood or more throw. They also have two distinct UIs available in different models -- the tactical which has a forward clicky switch (momentary) and two programmable modes (accessed by head tight or head loose), and the standard model, which has a reverse clicky and additional modes you can cycle through by turning the light off/on while in the loose/tight positions.

[littlejerry]

For a flashlight that will be used regularly, I think it's really hard to beat something that uses rechargeable NiMH batteries (AA or AAA). With the latest generation of lights, there's not that much of a gap between the AA and CR123 models in terms of brightness (at least when you get to two cells), and to me, the lower runtime of the AA models is more than offset by the fact that you always know your batteries are full (without having to discard half-used primaries). Just don't use them with alkalines unless you have to...NiMH or the Energizer lithium AA's are the way to go (unless you have a single-cell light and want to get into rechargeable lithium ions like bdcheung mentioned). I use Sanyo Eneloop batteries and a Maha/Powerex charger (I have a MH-C9000, the MH-C401FS is good too if you want something simpler).

A 4sevens Quark X Tactical will be my next flashlight purchase. There are a lot of Quark varieties, depending on what size you want and whether you prefer a beam with more flood or more throw. They also have two distinct UIs available in different models -- the tactical which has a forward clicky switch (momentary) and two programmable modes (accessed by head tight or head loose), and the standard model, which has a reverse clicky and additional modes you can cycle through by turning the light off/on while in the loose/tight positions.

I've been carrying a Quark AA Tactical for 3 years and still love it. Mine is the original version that came out so my MAX is only ~80 lumens.

There have been times where I wished I had a bit more power or throw with the light(imagine trying to light up a tree line beyond a streetlight) where the single AA light just won't cut it. Indoors its perfect though(plenty bright to illuminate a room but won't blind you when you hit a white wall). I've had my eye on the Quark-X 123 Tactical for a while now.

Regarding AA vs CR123: Get both. They each have their advantages. CR123 gives you more horsepower in a smaller package(the 2x CR123A Quark lights are ~0.5" longer than a SINGLE AA lights and have 3-4X the output). AA is convenient and cheap if you use rechargeables. Don't use alkaline batteries in your high power lights- they won't give the same output and will run down significantly faster. Buy some rechargeables off of Amazon along with a cheap charger if you go the AA route.

Personally I don't use my light frequently enough to see the cost savings of the AA vs CR123A. It is still nice to have a common battery but I generally keep spares in my house, car, pack, etc.

[saints75]

Thanks for the imput. I am leaning towards a light that uses the 123 batteries.

[UNK]

Over at Candle Power Forums it has been reported that Surefire has filed patent infringement suits against several companies. I would recommend if you are looking at any of these companies U should buy pretty soon. The papers were served the first day of shot show and the companies served have aprox 20 days to respond.

[SecondsCount]

I am another happy Quark AA user, going on 2 years without an issue.

Like peterb, I use enerloop style rechargeables in it.

[kshutt]

Take a look at the PD31. I love mine. http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=137

[Crawls]

Take a look at the PD31. I love mine. http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=137

Agreed. I carry a PD31 daily and love it. The user interface is most logical and useful interface of any of the lights I've looked at. The 300+ lumens are nice as well.

[PPGMD]

Over at Candle Power Forums it has been reported that Surefire has filed patent infringement suits against several companies. I would recommend if you are looking at any of these companies U should buy pretty soon. The papers were served the first day of shot show and the companies served have aprox 20 days to respond.

Streamlight isn't one of the companies sued.

They are suing Cabelas, Fenix, Eagtac, Jetbeam, 4Sevens, and Powertac.

[saints75]

Thanks for the imput guys.

[Mr_White]

I have the Streamlight PT1AA, the PT1L, and the PT2L.

My favorite is the PT1L. I love the idea of the PT1AA taking AA batteries, but it isn't nearly as bright as the 1L (1 x CR123) and because the AA battery is longer, so is the light. When using the pocket clip, it seems dangerously top heavy and unsecured in my pocket. I would expect it to fall out at some point. The PT1L sits much deeper in the pocket due to the shorter CR123 battery.

I carry the PT2L as primary, PT1L as secondary, and a Streamlight Micro as a tertiary/admin light.

[barstoolguru]

Just an FYI on the cr123a batteries. I just bought a 12 pack on EBay for 9.00 free shipping (here in 1 1/2 weeks) and the batteries have a 7 year shelf life. They are smaller and have more life then a AA battery - (cr123a's-1 1/2 hours...AA 40minutes)

[bdcheung]

I'd be cautious about buying CR123 or CR123a's that are manufactured overseas. Especially those made in China. QC isn't very good and foreign-made (especially China-made) CR123's have significantly higher reports of leakage.

[NETim]

Since discovering the wonder of Surefire lights, I've been a fan of CR123 powered lights. I love the lumen-to-weight ratio and the long shelf life of the lithium cells.

I just ordered an LX2 for EDC. It replaces my E2DL, which I lost sometime back. :( My Gladius is a tad too large for comfortable everyday pocket carry. Same goes for my old SF M2 Centurion. Great lights, but they're comparatively huge, particularly the M2.

I like two speed lights. Low power for everyday "practical" use. Paint peeler mode is there if needed. The LX2 isn't the blistering torch that the hotrodded Gladius is, but at 200 lumens I think it will be more than adequate.

Edited to add: +1 on the cheap 123's. Stick with the name brand stuff. The cheap ones can literally explode and I don't want that happening in my pocket. :)

[baddean]

Thought I'd throw my 2 cents worth in here.
You really should look at these as well. Called O-Light
http://www.superiortacticallighting.com/
I carry a T-20.
http://superiortacticallighting.com/product_info.php?cPath=20_2&products_id=58
These are great lights.
Dean