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#29823 - 08/02/04 11:55 PM AA/AAA LED flashlight
etehiver Offline
Newbie

Registered: 09/23/03
Posts: 27
I'm hoping for buying advice for sturdy, waterproof, AA or AAA LED flashlights.
I'd like a LED for bulb reliability, and use AA or AAA to standardize the batteries I use and store. After reading some of the older flashlight reviews here, I am considering the Arc-AAA or Arc-AA. Is there anything different or new that I should consider? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

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#29824 - 08/03/04 01:36 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
Anonymous
Unregistered


I'm basically lazy and don't like to carry bulky stuff in my pockets. As such, the ARC AAA is pretty hard to beat for light output in a compact, rugged carry piece ...

M

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#29825 - 08/03/04 01:58 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
groo Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 11/02/03
Posts: 740
Loc: Florida
I just bought one of these: Peak LED Solutions "Matterhorn" AAA

As in, I just placed the order a few minutes ago. Looks interesting. They have several different styles for different battery sizes. I'll post again when I get it. Review looks good, though.

CandlePowerForums Thread
FlashlightReviews.com's review

I agree with SgtMike88Ret. An Arc AAA is a great choice. I have one on my keychain right now. I've given them as gifts. Rock solid, water proof, dependable. I have both the regular and premium versions, and in my opinion, the premium is not worth the extra money. It's not any brighter, just a little "whiter" (but not very).




Edited by groo (08/03/04 02:47 AM)

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#29826 - 08/03/04 02:57 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
MartinFocazio Offline

Pooh-Bah

Registered: 01/21/03
Posts: 2203
Loc: Bucks County PA
I like/use Princeton Tec stuff.

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#29827 - 08/03/04 03:09 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
m9key Offline
Member

Registered: 05/28/03
Posts: 143
Loc: florida

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#29828 - 08/03/04 04:03 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
dogplasma Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/27/04
Posts: 34
Loc: Michigan
CMG/Gerber Sonic

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#29829 - 08/03/04 02:15 PM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
Polak187 Offline
Veteran

Registered: 05/23/02
Posts: 1403
Loc: Brooklyn, New York
ARC stuff is really made solid. If you can get your hands on the AAA version I would highly suggest it.

I have the AA and AAA and LS and 4+ (yes I like my flaslights) and there is no much difference between AA and AAA besides bulk.

If you like your light concentrated try Inova X1. It has a real lens build in that concentrates the beam and gives it a further throw but for close up work you are stuck with a 10 inch circle.
_________________________
Matt
http://brunerdog.tripod.com/survival/index.html

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#29830 - 08/03/04 08:55 PM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
Anonymous
Unregistered


I have to give another "yes" to the Arc lights. Tough as nails, best warranty and customer service in the business.
I also got one of the CountyComm "tactical illuminators" on a special, and it would also be a quite satisfactory carry light, although larger than an Arc, and not quite as bright.
I use mine in the car at night, not too bright, and more directional than the overhead lights.

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#29831 - 08/17/04 02:50 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
paulr Offline
Addict

Registered: 02/18/04
Posts: 496
The Arc AAA is the best tiny light in any type of volume production (there's some amazing custom ones though). You can't go wrong with it, if you don't mind the cost ($25 or so).

The UKE 2AAA eLED is also a very nice light, rugged, lightweight, long running (20 hours), is waterproof to 1000 feet, includes a hat clip for handsfree use, and is less expensive ($11.95 from www.brightguy.com ) than the Arc. It's about the same brightness as the Arc AAA but has more throw because of a focusing optic. It's about 2x the size of the Arc AAA, roughly the same size/weight as the Arc AA but a different shape.

The CMG Sonic is sort of a cheap imitation of the Arc AAA, less waterproof and generally less nice, $9 at www.texastacticalsupply.com . It's not a bad light, it's just not up to the Arc's level. Worth considering if you want a 1AAA light without spending much. If you don't mind two AAA's, I'd go for the UKE instead.

The Arc AA is a bigger version of the Arc AAA and is in some sense an improved copy of the CMG/Gerber Infinity Ultra or Ultra-G. The Ultra is $15 or so from TTS or www.batterystation.com and the Ultra-G (same light but with tougher finish and US govt markings and no retail packaging) is $18.50 from Countycomm, with a $14.50 secret special for CPF members. The Arc AA is basically the same light but a little bit smaller/lighter/nicer and costs $35. In my opinion the Arc isn't worth the large extra cost unless you're a connoisseur. The Ultra/Ultra-G is a CPF favorite along with the Arc AAA.

There is also the 4AAA Princeton Tec Attitude, which uses three LED's and is a great light for camping, but it may be larger than you want for a PSK. It's plasic, but comparable in size and weight to a 2AA Minimag.

For an even bigger light, the UKE 4AA eLED is also highly regarded. It uses four AA's and a Luxeon driven at about 250 mA. It's about 5x as bright as the 5mm LED lights mentioned above, or somewhat brighter than the venerable Minimag 2AA, and it will run for 12+ hours on four AA alkalines with just about perfectly flat regulation.

There's some other possibilities too, but it's easier if you can describe what you want in terms of size, cost, and intended uses.

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#29832 - 08/17/04 04:17 AM Re: AA/AAA LED flashlight
rastro Offline
new member

Registered: 09/23/02
Posts: 41
Loc: Southern California
I'll have to admit I'm another Arc-aholic! <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I EDC an ARC LSL-P with a AA clickie tailpack on my belt in a nylon Leatherman Wave holster. Much better than the [email]M@glite[/email] that came with it.

I also have an ARC AAA turquoise on my keychain.

And just in case I lose both of those, I carry a Photon II around my neck along with a spare house key.
_________________________
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