As I understand, in AA's the NiMH rechargeable batteries have the most current available. It's the battery, not the LED/light engine. I have also gone to 18650 batteries for high output lights, however, I still have AA lights which work quite well.
Check out the 4Sevens Click The Quark Click QK2A-X may work -- 336 max lumen.
WARNING & DISCLAIMER:
SELECT AND USE OUTDOORS AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND TECHNIQUES AT YOUR OWN RISK. Information posted
on this forum is not reviewed for accuracy and may not be reliable, use at your own risk. Please
review the full WARNING & DISCLAIMER about information on this
site.