I have 8 D cell Maglites and 3 AA, all are LED 3 watt or more. One of the AA's is a 3 cell,Maglites are quality all the way, and the AA's are no exception. I wouldn't think twice about buying one, I have never had a problem with any of them. Short of dropping one and breaking a bulb once. Never have had a switch or anything else fail on any of mine.

As far as 2 or 3 AA's. there are two things that come to mind, one is if size is a concern the other is run time, both should be taken into consideration when purchasing. LED's are the way to go in my opinion.