Pro tip: heat shrink a neodymium magnet onto the belt clip. Now you have another means for hands-free use! Clip it to the underside of your car hood for night time repairs. And the color of the heat shrink could match the frame color, or be hi-viz to help you find it if you drop it.
Well, a few weeks ago I received my sofirn SP10 V3 and simply love it immediately, same day decided to purchase the SP10 PRO with anduril 2 which is capable to use AA and 14500 batteries too and it is under 40 bucks also. I like side electronic switches but nothing beats the mechanical tail ones.
Two hints for the Lumintop Tool AA: 1. buy the set with magnetic tailcap. Some sources of mine said that Lumintop's tailswitch failed several times and that's not included in the warranty. If it fails, you have another option with the magnetic tailcap. 2. If you need to reverse the pocketclip you do not have to remove it. The body is completely symmetrical so just screw off the head and tail and switch them. It's all done like that.
@@Johnny9ers I gave away mine but I will have another, maybe with NW as CW was too harsh for my eyes. Anyway two things: with Li-ion battery it gets too hot on 3rd and 4th level, so 1st and 2nd level is advised and even enought for general EDC tasks. With NiMH battery you get much lower output (and longer runtime), sometimes it's desired when you need just a little output (on 1st and 2nd level) and higher settings still enough for general EDC tasks (3rd and 4th level).
Thank you so much for this tip. I have two Tool AAs that stopped working and they both came with the magnetic tail cap but it never occurred to me to try them. I put them both on and now both lights are working again. Thank you thank you thank you sir!
Great video! During the Texas freeze last year, the lights I found myself using the most were AA! Built-in batteries are useless in a situation like that, and I even found that my 18650, 2170 lights were frustrating because of proprietary types etc. Made me rethink my priorities and shift toward AA for emergencies. I really think the AA platform has new life with 14500 and long life lithium. I'm still looking for the best AA lantern style light under $40. Maybe you'd be interested in doing a video on that? Also looking for a good solution to charge phones off AA.
Also, my current EDC is the Lumintop EDC. I moved from the i5t, and very happy with it. Love the flood for most indoor, and around the house tasks. I'm going to have to pick up the Streamlight, as I generally love their stuff. Sounds like it would be a good choice for outdoor.
Lanterns... About 3 or so years ago I started using those glow in the dark silicone caps that fit over the bell/lens of my lights. Size specific but not hard to find. I have found that I no longer use any of my lanterns anymore. They are very durable and flexible, and can often be put on the the lights to give extra protection from unintended discharge/on. The light is very well defused and is as good as most any dedicated lantern.
I like the Lumintop Tool. It is compact, runs on AA or 14500, it can tailstand, has a relatively high output, has a simple interface, comes with a silicone cap (functions as a lantern) and I got mine on sale for 12 $.
You don't have to pull the clip off to change ends...just swap ends with the bezel and the tail cap...unscrew them and swap ends. Also, you can buy the model that does not have the lighted tail cap...the there is no continuous draw battery draw.
I'm ex military and an ex PI. The best 3/4" 14500 flashlight i've ever used is the Trustfire L2. It is amazingly bright, and very simple with on/off 1000 lumens, and then a twist head for 1000/100.
I've been using the Sufrin SC10 v3 and now run 14500 IMR batteries in it and it really performs fabulous. With the IMR 14500 cells, it a little brighter on each mode then with a standard 14500 Li-ion. The one I'm running in these light are Efast Purple IMR 14500 and the Nitecord IMR Protected 14500.
I use both the Olight and the Streamlight in my EDC. They're both great, and AA batteries are the way to go IMO since you can get them anywhere. Thanks for another awesome video!
Not a newer model and the belt clip is only single direction but my EDC for the last 3+ years has been the thrunite Archer 1A V3 with a 14500 battery in it, and I absolutely love the functionality of it. I don't think the Amazon page for it says that it can use a 14500 as well as the AA anymore but it did back when I bought it, it also has a higher output in turbo mode with the 14500 but the other settings have the same output as they do with the AA, which is nice when you want the lower modes.
The acebeam pokelit should be on here. I have the olight i5R and I prefer the pokelit by a mile more. Other than the pokelit goes through its battery much quicker.
@@maxlvledc Are you sure that its not only yours? Also you can get it with 3 different led cd nw and ww. I have the neutral white version and this seems not to do that. By the way I just saw that Acebeam came out with one also the Pokelit AA looks good. Edit, no mine do it also. Looks like I never had it long enough in high or I didnt realized it.. And the strange thing is that it drops even so it didnt get warm at that moment.
Great Vid!! I bought the Lumintop EDC AA on your recomendation...and LOVE IT! Another nice feature of the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA, if you have pocket clip removed, it has a flats on body so it won't roll away. I wish Streamlight would replace strobe feature with very low mode. It would be perfect!
Hope you know you have the best flashlight content on TH-cam. Congrats man. I love the channel, my wife doesn’t just because I have a few more lights now
Love longtime my Olight 300 lumen EDC compact as well as my Streamlights. I keep one or the other in every room in the house or my car. Got both sitting on my computer desk right now. Cool video flick. Mahalo!
Excuse me while I be an unpaid shill real quick but as a guy that has some half a dozen sofirn lights(and eagerly awaiting their sp10 Pro to arrive in the mail as I comment, in fact) they really just can't be beat in terms of bang for your buck in the torchlight community. Super high quality and the only brand utilizing the custom Anduril UI firmware while also creating and improving on their product line from scouring the blf forums, listening to feedback from it's community, as well as collaborating with it's members, I really don't even look elsewhere anymore when I get an itch for another EDC flashlight. They are truly the most understated brand ever to make anything.
I'm finding out exactly this .just got the right angle AA delivers and have the SP10 Pro on the way...only thing better would be a tail switch version of the SP10
@@maxlvledc Agreed. I satiated my tail switch fix with their sp36-T(I think...?) and I believe it has the same UX driver as the sp10v3 featured in your video, just in an 18650 frame. So, still completely pocketable, in a roll of quarters sorta way, that is.... If the sp10pro is your first Anduril light then be advised: simply put, it's the Toler Union of flashlights in that it can seem intimidating initially or just a lot to digest but if you understand the concept behind Morse code or binary computer language, it'll click pretty quick. The first time it starts flashing like a thunderhead it'll be cemented in your daily carry, for sure.
Hey, big fan! What about the acebeam pokelit? I think that it is way superior to the Olight i5R. Other than the battery life. Also I would love it if you did a review on the new pokelit 1000 lumen grey. I want one buy I am waiting on someone to do a review before I purchase. And thus far I haven't seen any reviews on. So, you could be there first! Thanks.
Hi understand TUNENGE S15 flashlight? that keychain flashlight has 650 lumens, it's easy to carry, built-in polymer battery, pilot light, and I love it
The Klarus XT1A can be bought for £40.95 (including VAT/sales tax) and the XT1C for £42.95.i have the slightly bigger Xt1a which I highly recommend. Maximum 1000 lumens with great runtime, excellent build quality, outdoor and tactical modes. I haven't seen anything better to date. 🥊
Olight I5r, sofirn sp10 - hs05, are among my favorite. Lumintop tool AA and edc AA are good too. Have a acebeam pokelit AA on the way and is very interesting on paper and price. The streamlight is OK, little outdated but a goodie. And good luck on streamlight adding a low mode,many of us been asking them for a long time... I carry a 18650 in leather belt holster, and a AA/14500 in front pocket, sometimes a 16340 size but prefer the AA/14500 overall.
I didnt see the video yet, I just want to say thanks, as I wanted a good edc keychain flashlight and following your advice I got the RovyVon Aurora A1x. This was such a good purchase. Now for the video!
I've been looking at some sofirn's lately. I've never heard of the brand until recently but I like the interfaces of them a lot. I have three of the lumintop AA, two regular and the UV light and they've worked really well. Although, I got the white one, (it's really a silver color) and it doesn't thread as nicely as the black ones. I don't use pocket clips unless I'm putting them in my pouch, but I haven't had an issue with them yet. I'll pass on any olight, I had the i3t and the tailcap just sucked. It felt really spongy and like it was going to break any minute. Would like to see a AAA comparison as well. Thanks for the video.
You can use a RCr123 or rechargeable 14500, don't use the H10 or you may blow up the flashlight...was too chicken to try it lol. Any normal 14500 like the lumintop will work fine.
Did some searching, and ended up ordering the Nitecore MT1A ($39 - used by NATO) with the "light diffuser" attachment (they also sell various colored filters for this flashlight). It runs on 1x AA battery (NOT 14500), and the maximum brightness is 180 lumen. It also has 5, 22, and 55 lumen settings, which is pretty decent for people who prioritize battery life while hiking and camping. 5hours and 30 minutes with 55 lumen should cover most my needs.
You've got me to consider upgrading my Fenix RC05 SE to the Streamlight👍 oh and I've binged enough of your great content to give ya a Sub! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and perspective on You Tube!
nice review. i would have included the ROFIS R2 and the Lumintop E05C. both offer a wider range of functionality and both have magnetic tails which can come very handy in urban environment. as for more "tactical" 14500 flashlights i would have included the Klarus XT1A and the Nitecore MT10A (which i think is discontinued). another favourite of mine is the Manker E03-II which is a 90 degree angle flashlight. it has a very nice beam pattern (and sliding diffuser) and colour, also has a magnetic tail cap. looking forward for your AAA/10440 flashlights video to see which of them i have in my collection. new thing i learned from your video: the Olight I5R is compatible with other generic 14500 batteries. when they released it they wrote me back that it works only with their proprietary 14500ish battery and won't work with others. the thing made me so angry that i decided not to buy it just because of that. now it seems that i will :) thank you
The I5R works with a standard 14500 but only creates one output around 200lm. The E05C is a ridiculously good light...but only uses a 14500..so it didn't qualify...your another person to mention the manker...I may have to try that. However Sofrin makes a right angle version of the one I reviewed with 1000 LM so I think that would be even better.
@@maxlvledc FYI: lumintop has 2 almost identical (by look) flashlights. one is the E05 (with flush silver tail cap that need some kind of special tool to open it - they include it with the light-probably discontinued) which is 14500 only, the other one is the E05C (has a black protruding and textured tail cap) which is 14500/AA compatible. it is very easy to confuse between them, it almost happened to me when i ordered it, i noted the tail cap in a random review video on youtube and checked it further. many reviews on youtube are titled E05C but the flashlight is actually the E05. here is a link for the E05C. regarding the E05, it seems that lumintop took it off their website. lumintop.com/product/e05c/
@@grayman5296 I have the light...just tried an AA...no dice...it's one of the best lights I've ever used though with a 14500, so if there is a dual fuel version I need to find it
Great review. Do all these (back button models) have a momentary "on" feature? I couldn't really tell by watching and would really like that feature in this size. Thanks!
Thanks for the review! I don't care for the Olight or Lumintop EDC AA models in this set - those big button tailcap switches just look like dollar store designs to me and no ability to tailstand is a deal-breaker since I use my indoor lights in candle mode quite often. However, I agree with you on the Streamlight. If they were to add a low mode (say 1-5 lumens) it'd be one of the best all-around flashlights ever. BTW, a 14500 is close enough in voltage to a CR123a that it makes perfect sense you can run one in the Streamlight with similar brightness.
If you do a AAA flashlight video, one of the best ones I discovered was Coast’s Inspection pen light. That, and the G22 are great for the price together IMO.
I got a flashlight from Tractor Supply for $5, AA battery, with reorientable pocket clip, tail switch, and the two settings are from the head and from the side (flashlight/floodlight). Amazing, hands free floodlight from the belt/hip, pretty bright beam for a AA. The only two down sides are non-waterproof, and NO LONGER IN STOCK 😭😭😭 Only bought two, I should have bought the display rack of them. 😭😭😭 I heat shrink-ed a computer hard drive neodymium magnet to the belt clip, so I can magnetically attach a flood light, or beam light. Super handy.
I made sure that all 5 I picked were at least IP7, used both battery types, and were above average on brightness...not sure if I would have a different list if I limited it just to AA.
Agreed, it's why I mention checking Candela as well. These have all been tested to be within a small percentage of listed values. So I feel fine recommending them. The 1L-1AA was a big surprise
Maybe because I've only used AA in it, but I was not impressed with my Protac 1AA at all. The Lumintop Tool AA is a favorite on the merits of its included diffuser, making it also an area light since it can tail-stand. Check out the Nichon N7 as a toolbox/car flashlight. The magnetic tail and aimable head makes it extremely fit for purpose.
I know the budget is $40 but Skilhunt M150 is just a little bit above that and is probably my favorite. The latest iteration V3 comes with new UI and Nichia 519A too. You should check it out!
You are the only guy I see on youtube use a 14500 on the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA. Have you had any issues with that battery messing this light up? Thanks.
Spiffing review! I got this version of the Lumintoo tool but I’ve heard there’s a Nichia led one with warmer tone. Have you had the chance to test it? Is it true that the Nichia veriain offers fewer lumens? Thanks in advance!
I've been using pocket LED lights as long as they have been around, I don't think I've ever used the pocket clip. For my smaller lights I take the clip off.
Acebeam Rider RX is $36 right now on Amazon, and it pretty much kills everything else under $40 in my opinion, including the Sofirn SP10v3 and Nitecore MT06MD which I also own.
I just bought the streamlight mainly because of your review. Why you wrote (6:25) that the 2,4V from Olight didnt work when you put it in your video and it looks like it did work. (Watched it again looks like it did flicker with it?) A bit disapointing is that with AA,14500 and 16340 (CR123R) the low mode looks almost the same like the high.(By the way even AAA do work) Only with the regular CR123 is a clear differnece in brightness. Do you have that issue also?
Maxlvledc, Thanks for this video. I have been eyeballing that Streamlight for a month or 2 now. The only thing that was holding me back was the fact that i did not think it would work with 3.7V 14500s or I assume it will work with 16340s also since they are the same voltage. Does the 3.7V affect the brightness of the low mode. I agree with you about the low mode on it. I wish it was only 5 or 10 lumens as opposed to 40 lumens. I have been considering the Surefire ECDL1-T even though it is 3 times the price, because of its lower low mode. It has the same issue though in my mind as it also is not recommended to use 3.7v cells. Great video!!
I have 2 Protac 1L-1AA and I love them! Really solid lights! Try them out you wont be disapointed! I tried the 14500 from my Lumintop tool aa2.0 in them and they work fine but to me the low mode seems a bit brighter with 14500 compared to the cr123 ( 3.65v vs 3.11v measured) when comparing the 2 side by side. The possibility to use so many battery types is so amazing that it justifies having this light .
On the note of AA lights, what do you think of the Klarus XT1A? Its brightness (8281 candelas and 1000 lumens with 14500, 300lm with traditional AA, though it's probably cool white) and size seem to be in the same ballpark as the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA, and the Streamlight costs like double of the XT1A in my part of the world. However, some ppl have reported malfunctions with the XT1A.
Bro, I have a lumintop fwaa on the way! They had them on Amazon for $40, but I bought the Ti stonewashed version from another site. Hoping for this to be a solid 14500
The Lumintop one is incredibly versatile and has decent capacity. H10 vapecell for the true 14500 lights (ones that specify 14500 in the manual). I wouldn't risk using it in the 1L-1AA as the battery has 10A discharge!
Except for the wierd ui thr CSF03 is one of the best aaa bar none...the 05 looks to be nearly identical to the edc05 from lumintop...which wouldn't be my favorite. The E05C...a brand new light I just recently got...would beat every single light on this table...incredible light
Totally new trying to find tge best camping flashlights. We have a bunch if rechargeable regular batteries in every size that we use for everything. No special usb ones or whatever. Would tge best if these recommendations be useful with just a household rechargeable AA? Or would it last less long? I'm really just looking fir tge cheapest, best option for using tge batteries we already have that will last the longest. And since we go up in tge White Mountains and bears have cone through, longest range brightness to see surroundings us a priority. There are so many products and its so hard to know what's worth what little money we have.
@@maxlvledc I just tried both of those batteries and they fit fine. The 16340 fits better obviously but the front end starts heating up pretty quickly so I popped them out. This is actually my main peeve with this particular stream light Protac. I believe it should easily take the 16340 and that would be a fantastic option and major bump in output.
I bought an Plight i5R just a little while after they came out. I already had an i5T which I thought was decent. But since getting the i5R its so much better and is in my pocket most days. Thanks for the review of AA flashlights. Might gave to I add a few to them collection.
is the clip for the Lumintop EDC AA that weak? I have olight i3t and i5t and their clips are fantastic. Is there that much of a difference between the two brands?
Also do you think it’s safe to run the 14500 in the Protac 1L 1aa? Don’t want to overload the flash light or anything, I’m thinking on buying it here soon, just received my pokelit today
@@maxlvledc thank you for your feedback, that means a lot, again I look forward to your next video! Also I got my pokelit on Amazon right now for $17 for the dark green! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and opinions on this new light!!!
The e05 is just a worse version of the sofrin without a high cri emitter even, will check out the other two.. The E6 is very cool but is a thrower and very specialized (also both are at or above the $40 mark). I did strongly consider the N7..but it's not waterproof
Do you have any info on the Sp10 pro??? But e2a wouldn't make it...it's because of the fact that it drops to a ridiculously low output after 1 min in both AA and 14500. And still has a poor clip.
There are some tests with the Skilhunt E2A in the net, and there the measured lumen output is a lot lower than the one in the specs. I have the Tool AA and the E2A and noticed, that the Tool AA is brighter, although they have similar specs. But anyway the E2A is a great light, feels a bit tougher, has a nice beam and only 3 simple modes.
I can't seem to find them in any other way than Ali express. I am very interested it test it though..it could easily knock out the olight if stats are good.
hey max , i carry to work in my lunch carrier a thru-nite 100 lumens tn16 , its around 40 $ , great light , might look into them , getting a 2523 lumens thru-nite b.s.s. light here soon , thanks > tom, great vid + content !
I love my Olight i5t, except the pocket clip. It's in my pocket loose because the retention stinks. I can't trust that flimsy clip to stay on my pocket. I have yet to find a AA EDC light with a clip as strong as a pocket knife clip.
There are two things a man can not have enough of- knifes and flashlights 😁 By the way, you wanted to do a video on scissors?! Do you already know when you gonna post it? Cheers buddy!
Pro tip: heat shrink a neodymium magnet onto the belt clip. Now you have another means for hands-free use! Clip it to the underside of your car hood for night time repairs. And the color of the heat shrink could match the frame color, or be hi-viz to help you find it if you drop it.
Omg...such a good idea! Pinned!
@@maxlvledc 🤓🤓🤓 Shiny!
Yeah, I pulled a flat powerful magnet out of a hard drive at work, heat shrunk it on, and I LOVE it!
Well, a few weeks ago I received my sofirn SP10 V3 and simply love it immediately, same day decided to purchase the SP10 PRO with anduril 2 which is capable to use AA and 14500 batteries too and it is under 40 bucks also. I like side electronic switches but nothing beats the mechanical tail ones.
@@fabiojspereira1 Put a magnet on it. 🥳
@@OutsideTheTargetDemographic latter I'll try do that.
I’ve carried the same pro-tac 2 for over 10 years and still works great. Glad to see they are still a top choice.
I LOVE MINE!!!!
Two hints for the Lumintop Tool AA:
1. buy the set with magnetic tailcap. Some sources of mine said that Lumintop's tailswitch failed several times and that's not included in the warranty. If it fails, you have another option with the magnetic tailcap.
2. If you need to reverse the pocketclip you do not have to remove it. The body is completely symmetrical so just screw off the head and tail and switch them. It's all done like that.
I have the same with the set with magnetic tail cap..very bright at I think 650 lumens
@@Johnny9ers I gave away mine but I will have another, maybe with NW as CW was too harsh for my eyes. Anyway two things: with Li-ion battery it gets too hot on 3rd and 4th level, so 1st and 2nd level is advised and even enought for general EDC tasks. With NiMH battery you get much lower output (and longer runtime), sometimes it's desired when you need just a little output (on 1st and 2nd level) and higher settings still enough for general EDC tasks (3rd and 4th level).
Thank you so much for this tip. I have two Tool AAs that stopped working and they both came with the magnetic tail cap but it never occurred to me to try them. I put them both on and now both lights are working again. Thank you thank you thank you sir!
Great video! During the Texas freeze last year, the lights I found myself using the most were AA! Built-in batteries are useless in a situation like that, and I even found that my 18650, 2170 lights were frustrating because of proprietary types etc. Made me rethink my priorities and shift toward AA for emergencies. I really think the AA platform has new life with 14500 and long life lithium.
I'm still looking for the best AA lantern style light under $40. Maybe you'd be interested in doing a video on that? Also looking for a good solution to charge phones off AA.
Also, my current EDC is the Lumintop EDC. I moved from the i5t, and very happy with it. Love the flood for most indoor, and around the house tasks. I'm going to have to pick up the Streamlight, as I generally love their stuff. Sounds like it would be a good choice for outdoor.
Hmmm, lots of things to think over.
For charging phone using AA, try XTAR BC4
Lanterns...
About 3 or so years ago I started using those glow in the dark silicone caps that fit over the bell/lens of my lights. Size specific but not hard to find. I have found that I no longer use any of my lanterns anymore. They are very durable and flexible, and can often be put on the the lights to give extra protection from unintended discharge/on. The light is very well defused and is as good as most any dedicated lantern.
I like the Lumintop Tool. It is compact, runs on AA or 14500, it can tailstand, has a relatively high output, has a simple interface, comes with a silicone cap (functions as a lantern) and I got mine on sale for 12 $.
Dammmmnn. That was cheap!
Where did you pick this up for $12.00?
Thanks..... Paul
You don't have to pull the clip off to change ends...just swap ends with the bezel and the tail cap...unscrew them and swap ends. Also, you can buy the model that does not have the lighted tail cap...the there is no continuous draw battery draw.
I love AAA size! I would love to hear your opinions on them! I think I prefer size over power but there are some that can span that gap well!
I'm ex military and an ex PI. The best 3/4" 14500 flashlight i've ever used is the Trustfire L2. It is amazingly bright, and very simple with on/off 1000 lumens, and then a twist head for 1000/100.
Yes I love the Protac 1L-1AA. Its my favorite. And the microstream is a great edc light
Love my TooL AA gen 1! No mode memory, simple L-M-H mode set! Absolutely love it!
I've been using the Sufrin SC10 v3 and now run 14500 IMR batteries in it and it really performs fabulous. With the IMR 14500 cells, it a little brighter on each mode then with a standard 14500 Li-ion. The one I'm running in these light are Efast Purple IMR 14500 and the Nitecord IMR Protected 14500.
Hmm, I should try those.
The Olight i5R was the first time I have bought and edc light. I carry it all the time now. Great list.
I use both the Olight and the Streamlight in my EDC. They're both great, and AA batteries are the way to go IMO since you can get them anywhere. Thanks for another awesome video!
Not a newer model and the belt clip is only single direction but my EDC for the last 3+ years has been the thrunite Archer 1A V3 with a 14500 battery in it, and I absolutely love the functionality of it. I don't think the Amazon page for it says that it can use a 14500 as well as the AA anymore but it did back when I bought it, it also has a higher output in turbo mode with the 14500 but the other settings have the same output as they do with the AA, which is nice when you want the lower modes.
Thanks for the video on AA powered lights. I would appreciate on on AAA lights as well for minimal weight EDC.
The acebeam pokelit should be on here. I have the olight i5R and I prefer the pokelit by a mile more. Other than the pokelit goes through its battery much quicker.
Pokelit 550 & 1000 are my favorites. Amazing beam!
You can get the Lumintop EDC also with a Nichia led! The thin pocket lip is no problem for me. The Skillhunt E2A is nice also.
The E2A has a wierd UI that drops at 1min of runtime regardless of battery .
@@maxlvledc Are you sure that its not only yours? Also you can get it with 3 different led cd nw and ww. I have the neutral white version and this seems not to do that. By the way I just saw that Acebeam came out with one also the Pokelit AA looks good.
Edit, no mine do it also. Looks like I never had it long enough in high or I didnt realized it.. And the strange thing is that it drops even so it didnt get warm at that moment.
@@Gieszkanne yea, it's timed...not based on heat
AAAA/AAA/AA/CR123/14500 AND MORE.......Streamlight for the win
Great Vid!! I bought the Lumintop EDC AA on your recomendation...and LOVE IT! Another nice feature of the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA, if you have pocket clip removed, it has a flats on body so it won't roll away. I wish Streamlight would replace strobe feature with very low mode. It would be perfect!
Yep, and it needs it. The 40lm mode has 720 candela!
Hope you know you have the best flashlight content on TH-cam. Congrats man. I love the channel, my wife doesn’t just because I have a few more lights now
Hahaha. Glad I could help
Love longtime my Olight 300 lumen EDC compact as well as my Streamlights. I keep one or the other in every room in the house or my car. Got both sitting on my computer desk right now. Cool video flick. Mahalo!
Excuse me while I be an unpaid shill real quick but as a guy that has some half a dozen sofirn lights(and eagerly awaiting their sp10 Pro to arrive in the mail as I comment, in fact) they really just can't be beat in terms of bang for your buck in the torchlight community. Super high quality and the only brand utilizing the custom Anduril UI firmware while also creating and improving on their product line from scouring the blf forums, listening to feedback from it's community, as well as collaborating with it's members, I really don't even look elsewhere anymore when I get an itch for another EDC flashlight. They are truly the most understated brand ever to make anything.
I'm finding out exactly this .just got the right angle AA delivers and have the SP10 Pro on the way...only thing better would be a tail switch version of the SP10
@@maxlvledc Agreed. I satiated my tail switch fix with their sp36-T(I think...?) and I believe it has the same UX driver as the sp10v3 featured in your video, just in an 18650 frame. So, still completely pocketable, in a roll of quarters sorta way, that is....
If the sp10pro is your first Anduril light then be advised: simply put, it's the Toler Union of flashlights in that it can seem intimidating initially or just a lot to digest but if you understand the concept behind Morse code or binary computer language, it'll click pretty quick.
The first time it starts flashing like a thunderhead it'll be cemented in your daily carry, for sure.
The torch that I find I use the most is the klarus mi7. I doubt you can still buy them but it shows how useful a 14 500 is. Love this size.
Hey, big fan! What about the acebeam pokelit? I think that it is way superior to the Olight i5R. Other than the battery life. Also I would love it if you did a review on the new pokelit 1000 lumen grey. I want one buy I am waiting on someone to do a review before I purchase. And thus far I haven't seen any reviews on. So, you could be there first! Thanks.
Thanks just purchased the stream light
I love the sizes. Great line up
Hi understand TUNENGE S15 flashlight? that keychain flashlight has 650 lumens, it's easy to carry, built-in polymer battery, pilot light, and I love it
The Klarus XT1A can be bought for £40.95 (including VAT/sales tax) and the XT1C for £42.95.i have the slightly bigger Xt1a which I highly recommend. Maximum 1000 lumens with great runtime, excellent build quality, outdoor and tactical modes. I haven't seen anything better to date. 🥊
I tried to aquire one, but it is Discontinued😥
Would love to see the AAA video of this brother!
Olight I5r, sofirn sp10 - hs05, are among my favorite. Lumintop tool AA and edc AA are good too. Have a acebeam pokelit AA on the way and is very interesting on paper and price. The streamlight is OK, little outdated but a goodie. And good luck on streamlight adding a low mode,many of us been asking them for a long time... I carry a 18650 in leather belt holster, and a AA/14500 in front pocket, sometimes a 16340 size but prefer the AA/14500 overall.
These are very impressive for the size
I didnt see the video yet, I just want to say thanks, as I wanted a good edc keychain flashlight and following your advice I got the RovyVon Aurora A1x. This was such a good purchase. Now for the video!
Glad u like it! I think it's one of the better small lights for sure.
I've been looking at some sofirn's lately. I've never heard of the brand until recently but I like the interfaces of them a lot. I have three of the lumintop AA, two regular and the UV light and they've worked really well. Although, I got the white one, (it's really a silver color) and it doesn't thread as nicely as the black ones. I don't use pocket clips unless I'm putting them in my pouch, but I haven't had an issue with them yet. I'll pass on any olight, I had the i3t and the tailcap just sucked. It felt really spongy and like it was going to break any minute.
Would like to see a AAA comparison as well. Thanks for the video.
Yes an AAA comparison similar to this would be GREAT!!!
Which is better to buy ... the Sofirn SP10 Pro or the Acebeam Pokelit AA in 1000 lumens ?
I had no idea I could run the 1L-AA with a rechargeable? Love this light already but that's a day maker, thanks man!
You can use a RCr123 or rechargeable 14500, don't use the H10 or you may blow up the flashlight...was too chicken to try it lol. Any normal 14500 like the lumintop will work fine.
I highly recommend the Manker E03HII. AA, 14500, tailcap magnet, small size.
I looked at that one..had promise as well. The reviews I saw were not that positi5
@@maxlvledc hmm, weird to hear that. I like it because I can clip it to my collar, and runs for 10 hours on AA. Oh, and it has six moonlight steps.
Did some searching, and ended up ordering the Nitecore MT1A ($39 - used by NATO) with the "light diffuser" attachment (they also sell various colored filters for this flashlight). It runs on 1x AA battery (NOT 14500), and the maximum brightness is 180 lumen. It also has 5, 22, and 55 lumen settings, which is pretty decent for people who prioritize battery life while hiking and camping. 5hours and 30 minutes with 55 lumen should cover most my needs.
Solid!
You've got me to consider upgrading my Fenix RC05 SE to the Streamlight👍 oh and I've binged enough of your great content to give ya a Sub! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and perspective on You Tube!
Thanks for sub! Hope it can keep being useful for you.
The Coast HX5 is a great 14500/ AA carry light also. I have one and really like the light.
you can easily mod the lumintop tool, unscrewing the button and using an utility blade to remove resistances and led...
That's cool! Never done it though
nice review. i would have included the ROFIS R2 and the Lumintop E05C. both offer a wider range of functionality and both have magnetic tails which can come very handy in urban environment. as for more "tactical" 14500 flashlights i would have included the Klarus XT1A and the Nitecore MT10A (which i think is discontinued). another favourite of mine is the Manker E03-II which is a 90 degree angle flashlight. it has a very nice beam pattern (and sliding diffuser) and colour, also has a magnetic tail cap. looking forward for your AAA/10440 flashlights video to see which of them i have in my collection. new thing i learned from your video: the Olight I5R is compatible with other generic 14500 batteries. when they released it they wrote me back that it works only with their proprietary 14500ish battery and won't work with others. the thing made me so angry that i decided not to buy it just because of that. now it seems that i will :)
thank you
The I5R works with a standard 14500 but only creates one output around 200lm. The E05C is a ridiculously good light...but only uses a 14500..so it didn't qualify...your another person to mention the manker...I may have to try that. However Sofrin makes a right angle version of the one I reviewed with 1000 LM so I think that would be even better.
Omg the Rofus looks awesome! And it has IPX8😳. Sadly I can't find it sold anywhere atm.
@@maxlvledc FYI: lumintop has 2 almost identical (by look) flashlights. one is the E05 (with flush silver tail cap that need some kind of special tool to open it - they include it with the light-probably discontinued) which is 14500 only, the other one is the E05C (has a black protruding and textured tail cap) which is 14500/AA compatible. it is very easy to confuse between them, it almost happened to me when i ordered it, i noted the tail cap in a random review video on youtube and checked it further. many reviews on youtube are titled E05C but the flashlight is actually the E05.
here is a link for the E05C. regarding the E05, it seems that lumintop took it off their website.
lumintop.com/product/e05c/
@@grayman5296 I have the light...just tried an AA...no dice...it's one of the best lights I've ever used though with a 14500, so if there is a dual fuel version I need to find it
@@grayman5296 it's out of the $40 price but man, the E05C with AA would definitely make top 5 for me.
Great review. Do all these (back button models) have a momentary "on" feature? I couldn't really tell by watching and would really like that feature in this size. Thanks!
You can half press them for momentary on both the streamlight and i5r
That should be standard in every flashlight with tail switch. Momentary on/off is very important.
I occasionally carry an AA light, but here we are at the end of 2022 and nothing I've found can replace my Lumintop HL3A for edc.
The Protac is the best! STREAMLIGHT does things well!! The low mode is fine... i do Low/High for tactics eise
Thanks for the review! I don't care for the Olight or Lumintop EDC AA models in this set - those big button tailcap switches just look like dollar store designs to me and no ability to tailstand is a deal-breaker since I use my indoor lights in candle mode quite often. However, I agree with you on the Streamlight. If they were to add a low mode (say 1-5 lumens) it'd be one of the best all-around flashlights ever. BTW, a 14500 is close enough in voltage to a CR123a that it makes perfect sense you can run one in the Streamlight with similar brightness.
If you do a AAA flashlight video, one of the best ones I discovered was Coast’s Inspection pen light. That, and the G22 are great for the price together IMO.
I got a flashlight from Tractor Supply for $5, AA battery, with reorientable pocket clip, tail switch, and the two settings are from the head and from the side (flashlight/floodlight). Amazing, hands free floodlight from the belt/hip, pretty bright beam for a AA. The only two down sides are non-waterproof, and NO LONGER IN STOCK 😭😭😭 Only bought two, I should have bought the display rack of them. 😭😭😭 I heat shrink-ed a computer hard drive neodymium magnet to the belt clip, so I can magnetically attach a flood light, or beam light. Super handy.
I made sure that all 5 I picked were at least IP7, used both battery types, and were above average on brightness...not sure if I would have a different list if I limited it just to AA.
I def recommend checking out the testing of lumen ratings that they do on torque test channel!
Agreed, it's why I mention checking Candela as well. These have all been tested to be within a small percentage of listed values. So I feel fine recommending them. The 1L-1AA was a big surprise
I would like to see the AAA. Also it would be great to see rechargeable keychain flashlights or solar. Thanks.
Thrunite now has the Archer PRO. NOT bad, but I find the switch gets activated very easily in your pocket so you have to use lockout mode.
Maybe because I've only used AA in it, but I was not impressed with my Protac 1AA at all.
The Lumintop Tool AA is a favorite on the merits of its included diffuser, making it also an area light since it can tail-stand.
Check out the Nichon N7 as a toolbox/car flashlight. The magnetic tail and aimable head makes it extremely fit for purpose.
With AA..it actually doesn't perform nearly as good as the Ryder rX for some reason.
I like the Olight, but they say in the manual to NOT use a standard 14500.
I know the budget is $40 but Skilhunt M150 is just a little bit above that and is probably my favorite. The latest iteration V3 comes with new UI and Nichia 519A too. You should check it out!
I just reviewed it in fact..super impressive
You are the only guy I see on youtube use a 14500 on the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA. Have you had any issues with that battery messing this light up? Thanks.
my lumintop Tool AA has had switch issues after a year, it does come with a twist cap that does work fine but just something to consider.
I need to redo this list
Just ordered a lumintop tool aa, hope i didnt make a mistake after reading about faulty switches!
It should be find. They also recently updated the button.
Spiffing review! I got this version of the Lumintoo tool but I’ve heard there’s a Nichia led one with warmer tone. Have you had the chance to test it? Is it true that the Nichia veriain offers fewer lumens? Thanks in advance!
I've been using pocket LED lights as long as they have been around, I don't think I've ever used the pocket clip. For my smaller lights I take the clip off.
Acebeam Rider RX is $36 right now on Amazon, and it pretty much kills everything else under $40 in my opinion, including the Sofirn SP10v3 and Nitecore MT06MD which I also own.
Those are some serious claims!! Must try thrn
I just bought the streamlight mainly because of your review. Why you wrote (6:25) that the 2,4V from Olight didnt work when you put it in your video and it looks like it did work. (Watched it again looks like it did flicker with it?) A bit disapointing is that with AA,14500 and 16340 (CR123R) the low mode looks almost the same like the high.(By the way even AAA do work) Only with the regular CR123 is a clear differnece in brightness. Do you have that issue also?
Hmm, need to check this again!
Would love a 18650 version of this video
Yes do AAA version & do a 18650/27000 size
Maxlvledc, Thanks for this video. I have been eyeballing that Streamlight for a month or 2 now. The only thing that was holding me back was the fact that i did not think it would work with 3.7V 14500s or I assume it will work with 16340s also since they are the same voltage. Does the 3.7V affect the brightness of the low mode. I agree with you about the low mode on it. I wish it was only 5 or 10 lumens as opposed to 40 lumens. I have been considering the Surefire ECDL1-T even though it is 3 times the price, because of its lower low mode. It has the same issue though in my mind as it also is not recommended to use 3.7v cells. Great video!!
I see no difference with 14500 as cr123
I have 2 Protac 1L-1AA and I love them! Really solid lights! Try them out you wont be disapointed! I tried the 14500 from my Lumintop tool aa2.0 in them and they work fine but to me the low mode seems a bit brighter with 14500 compared to the cr123 ( 3.65v vs 3.11v measured) when comparing the 2 side by side. The possibility to use so many battery types is so amazing that it justifies having this light .
But I wonder what is YOUR favorite flashlight
What type of rechargeable battery you had in that streamlight? When you first took it out? And have you tried a 16340 battery in it?
On the note of AA lights, what do you think of the Klarus XT1A? Its brightness (8281 candelas and 1000 lumens with 14500, 300lm with traditional AA, though it's probably cool white) and size seem to be in the same ballpark as the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA, and the Streamlight costs like double of the XT1A in my part of the world. However, some ppl have reported malfunctions with the XT1A.
that's a LOT of candella! ill have to look at it.
I use Olight 2.4v battery on my AA-1L. It has no problem at all. I wondering what happens on your.
Damn that protac can literally take any battery noice!
Bro, I have a lumintop fwaa on the way! They had them on Amazon for $40, but I bought the Ti stonewashed version from another site. Hoping for this to be a solid 14500
Wouldn't make my list, but I've used it and it's very cool. Because it can't use an AA it wouldn't be on my list.
Great video, thank you! Do you recommend a particular 14500 battery? Thanks again!
The Lumintop one is incredibly versatile and has decent capacity. H10 vapecell for the true 14500 lights (ones that specify 14500 in the manual). I wouldn't risk using it in the 1L-1AA as the battery has 10A discharge!
Eagtac d25a.. although they might be a little more by now.
Hi! will the replacement TWEEZERS for the STYLE fit in the SURGE if I don't have a pocket clip?
I believe so...if it's the style scissors with a flat end...not a curved one.
Would you put the MATEMINCO CSF03 or the CSF05 as a Top flashlight compared to the Steamlight?
Except for the wierd ui thr CSF03 is one of the best aaa bar none...the 05 looks to be nearly identical to the edc05 from lumintop...which wouldn't be my favorite. The E05C...a brand new light I just recently got...would beat every single light on this table...incredible light
Is there any way you can measure the light output of the streamlight? Or at least show a comparison of the brightness?
Not with the equipment I have, it's been confirmed though from independent testing sites.
Totally new trying to find tge best camping flashlights. We have a bunch if rechargeable regular batteries in every size that we use for everything. No special usb ones or whatever. Would tge best if these recommendations be useful with just a household rechargeable AA? Or would it last less long? I'm really just looking fir tge cheapest, best option for using tge batteries we already have that will last the longest. And since we go up in tge White Mountains and bears have cone through, longest range brightness to see surroundings us a priority. There are so many products and its so hard to know what's worth what little money we have.
I subscribed
Hmmmm, for AA find a good AA powered headlamp like the Fenix. But if your going rechargeable, go 21700 battery lights for longest runtimes.
Thanks!
You forgot the Wurkkos FC11. Just go on the flashlight subreddit and you'll see why every one loves it.😂
That uses an 18650. That's a different video 😉
just want know, Surefire EDCL1-T can used 16340 battery? and what brand better
Not sure, what type of light are you looking for?
Have you tried a 3.6/7 volt 16340 in the 1L-1AA? Same size as CR123 obviously but maybe too hot? Burns it out?
Not sure..I'd love to try it..as the 14500 doesn't work well inside.
@@maxlvledc I just tried both of those batteries and they fit fine. The 16340 fits better obviously but the front end starts heating up pretty quickly so I popped them out.
This is actually my main peeve with this particular stream light Protac. I believe it should easily take the 16340 and that would be a fantastic option and major bump in output.
Nice mic quality!
Ty!
have you tested the macrostream from streamlight. i dont even think that light is 2 years old yet
It's not going to make my list regardless, can't use an AA. Also it suffers from a similar problem of not having a true low mode.
Will any AA take the 14500 or does one need to check somewhere to see if a particular AA flashlight is compatible a 14500?
check before, or you can ruin the flashlight. For example fenix E12 is not compatible with 14500. so sad because i liked it...
where can I buy a 14500 rechergable battery in europe?
No idea.
What USB rechargeable 14500 do recommend?
So Far the Lumintop is the leader.
I bought an Plight i5R just a little while after they came out. I already had an i5T which I thought was decent. But since getting the i5R its so much better and is in my pocket most days.
Thanks for the review of AA flashlights. Might gave to I add a few to them collection.
Lol is plight new? What’s good about them? 😂
@@nomercyinc6783 Oh yeah they're very exclusive can only find them if you know where to look! Lol dang autocorrect!
I love my olights but I have a Streamlight at work and I beat the hell out of it and it keeps working
does the eos i5t take rechargeable aa?
Yes, but will not work with a 14500
is the clip for the Lumintop EDC AA that weak? I have olight i3t and i5t and their clips are fantastic. Is there that much of a difference between the two brands?
A lot, the metal is much thinner on the lumintop
@@maxlvledc that is a bummer... I was liking the Lumintop EDC AA over the i5t but if the clip is weak and flimsy, that's a deal breaker
@@hprendition7966 try the E05C, no tail switch but otherwise amazing
@@maxlvledc I like having a tail button for my EDC AA flashlights. More versatile. Do you know if the i5t clip will fit on the Lumintop EDC AA?
@@hprendition7966 no sadly
Do the aaap
Can we see a vs on the new acebeam pokelit aa vs the streamlight Protac 1L-1aa??????
I'll do you one better...going to do a full Rundown on ALL the aa/14500 lights soon
Also do you think it’s safe to run the 14500 in the Protac 1L 1aa? Don’t want to overload the flash light or anything, I’m thinking on buying it here soon, just received my pokelit today
@@maxlvledc also I’ll be subscribing to your channel, I look forward to it!!
@@averymartin2899 initially I thought the answe was yes...but no..it's not safe, there is no LVP and it doesn't show a low mode with a 14500 inside
@@maxlvledc thank you for your feedback, that means a lot, again I look forward to your next video! Also I got my pokelit on Amazon right now for $17 for the dark green! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts and opinions on this new light!!!
howbout wuben e05 and e6
nicron n7
The e05 is just a worse version of the sofrin without a high cri emitter even, will check out the other two..
The E6 is very cool but is a thrower and very specialized (also both are at or above the $40 mark). I did strongly consider the N7..but it's not waterproof
@@maxlvledc thanks for info max...
i was consider n7 for keep inside my car for emergencies purpose😅...
Where did you buy the stream light from??? Would it be okay to order it from Amazon?????
That's where I got mine.
Will a AA work in the i5r?
Yes 100%
skilhunt e2a high cri, sofirn sp10 pro is supposed to come out very soon
Do you have any info on the Sp10 pro??? But e2a wouldn't make it...it's because of the fact that it drops to a ridiculously low output after 1 min in both AA and 14500. And still has a poor clip.
brightness is 1/2 of claimed & the newer e2a came with reverse clip
sp10pro (aa/14500/anduril 2)
theres a whole thread about it on blf forum
@@hksp what do you mean about half power?
There are some tests with the Skilhunt E2A in the net, and there the measured lumen output is a lot lower than the one in the specs. I have the Tool AA and the E2A and noticed, that the Tool AA is brighter, although they have similar specs. But anyway the E2A is a great light, feels a bit tougher, has a nice beam and only 3 simple modes.
what about convoy T3?
I can't seem to find them in any other way than Ali express. I am very interested it test it though..it could easily knock out the olight if stats are good.
hey max , i carry to work in my lunch carrier a thru-nite 100 lumens tn16 , its around 40 $ , great light , might look into them , getting a 2523 lumens thru-nite b.s.s. light here soon , thanks > tom, great vid + content !
1100 lumens , sorry
No NITECORE?
I love my Olight i5t, except the pocket clip. It's in my pocket loose because the retention stinks. I can't trust that flimsy clip to stay on my pocket. I have yet to find a AA EDC light with a clip as strong as a pocket knife clip.
The acebeam Pokelit is far stronger imo
You can remove and carefully bend the Olight pocket clip with needle nose pliers so that the retention is right again. I’ve done it a couple of times.
There are two things a man can not have enough of- knifes and flashlights 😁
By the way, you wanted to do a video on scissors?!
Do you already know when you gonna post it?
Cheers buddy!
It's going to be at LEAST a 3 part series. And first one should be up this Friday
How much is the i5r when it is on sale normally?
In the 20s
Lumintop fwaa is the best aa/14500 flashlight
Can't use AA though...so it's a no go for me. Lights that can only use a lithium are basically just rechargeable flashlights
Flashlight! Cowabunga.!