For the most part, no. The AA batteries are just hard pressed to compete with the 123A batteries for high output solutions.

There are some 4xAA lights like the UK Mini Q40 and PT Tec 40 that provide about half of the output of the SF 2x123A light. The beam quality isn't nearly as good either. On the other hand, the light is almost industrutable and is inexpensive. There are also LED versions of these lights, but they have quite a bit less output. On the upside, they are even more industructable and have huge runtimes.

The only bright AA light that I know of is the PT Surge. It uses 8xAA. I understand it is a little bit finicky. It sounds like it is more likely to blow bulbs than many lights. I suspect this makes sence considering a slight variance in voltage times eight can add up. Too bad this light isn't regulated. Perhaps it would be possible to retrofit it with one of Willie Hunt's voltage regulators (LVR)?

One light that I would consider in your situation tho is the Streamlight Jr Luxeon. This light is just a bit longer than a MiniMag and is regulated (good use of poor cells) and is fairly bright. The output is good, it has a nice floody beam and is small enough for most uses (the 4xAA form factor isn't huge, but it isn't tiny either). Streamlight Lux Jr review.

Another good AA light is the Gerber Infinity. While it doesn't output a ton of light, it is very small, very sturdy, waterproof, it outputs a very reasonable amount of light and has great runtimes. In many cases this is enough light for most tasks. There is an older version (left) of this light which is arguably more robust than the new version (middle) as well as a "government" version (right) called thet Ultra-G which is the old version, but with green HA3 coating (I think). Picture. You might be able to find these on Ebay or on CPF BST.

-john

There are the Arc AAA and AA's both single cell single led lights.

Yes, the Arc is an outstanding AAA light. However, the Arc AA was a limited production and if you want one you'd have to find one used.

-john

I should also point out there are a number of custom or low production AA lights like the Peak Solutions Kino Bay 1w AA. Many of these lights might be very good but I don't tend to follow what is going on with them.

Another (future) possibility is the HDS "EDC" light. Check out the beamshot comparison between the EDC 60 and a SF E2e. This is a 1x123A light, but I think Henry, the designer has talked about making an AA battery tube for this light. If so, a 2xAA version of the EDC 60 would probably give a SF E2e a run for the money. And of course being a variable output light, it is a lot more flexible. There is a huge series of threads on CPF about HDS and the EDC where Henry sometimes posts. Of course, there are various other threads on CPF about this light as well.

-john

If you haven't looked at an HDS Systems' Ultimate 60 you should. I have two. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Or the HDS EDC Ultimate 85! :-)

EDC U85 discussion thread on CPF.

Remember to check out the beamshot comparison of EDC 60 vs SF E2e.

-john

Yeah... I've been trying to resist pulling the trigger on that one.

Currently, I think the Ultimate 60 is the sweet spot. You pay a lot more money for the 85, for not that much more light (essentially, one more level up).

Now... when Henry makes an Ultimate 120, I am so there.

I thought I read somewhere that the new company was going to bring it back

Oh and don't forget about the maglite conversions.

Actually I didn't forget, but you are right it should be mentioned.

I have several of the conversions and I like them, but I think that the Streamlight Jr Lux trumps them all because it is an integrated solution, and it includes a clicky tailcap better than you can buy (the Jr tailcap is not the same as the Kroll).

Some conversions: Opalec New Beam, Dat2Zip's Sandwich Shoppe (click on "Drop-In Sandwiches" - upper left). Dat2Zip (Wayne) also has a forum on CPF.

-john