I'm updating the emergency kit in the wife's car. What's your choice for a bright LED task light taking one or two AAs? This is a light that may sit unused for long periods of time, so it doesn't need to be too fancy.

quote:

sit unused for long periods of time

Get a Lithium ion battery one. Discharge rate is much lower.

I'm a big fan of Fenix LD12 it will use AA or 14500 batteries, but you lose the brightest setting with AAs. If you order from link above use code APP10 for 10% off.

The StreamLight ProTac 1L-1AA is a good choice.

You can keep it loaded with a long-life CR-123 battery, and if you need an emergency re-load, it can use easy to find AA batteries as well.

I'm good for flashlights right now, but if I did need to buy a general purpose light, that would be my choice.

Consider a headlamp.

3 AAA at 200+ lumens with multi functions are very inexpensive. Not having one hand tied up holding the light makes the tasks easier.

If the AA requirement is firm you can find headlamps that use AA or cr-123 batteries.

They can also be used as a hand held light instead of being worn when needed.

I have several of these:

https://www.amazon.com/LUX-PRO...s=lux+pro+flashlight

I know there are more than few who may disagree but I personally like the Mini-Mag LEDs.

Also, might want to consider a few Chem-Lights. I have a few this are around 15 years old and they still work. Recommend considering how the different colors will "hide" certain fluid colors (a red Chem-Light does not allow red fluid to be seen).

For a cheap flashlight seeing occasional use, a Maglight Mini Mag LED can be had for under $20.

Use Eneloop NiMH batteries, and you won't have to fear leaks--and you can just top the batteries off once or twice a year to ensure you have good cells.

Generally, if I spend more than $20 on a flashlight, then I want it to have a tail cap with a forward click, so that it can double as a tactical flashlight. My first Surefire was 100 lumens, so basic LED flashlights putting out 250+ lumens is still plenty for a tactical light. The Streamlight Protac 2AA and the Fenx LD22 both have tail switches, though I don't recall if the click switches are true tactical forward clicky switches with momentary on.

In the headlamp category, the BlackDiamond Spot headlamp is a sweet spot for capability and price. It's 25% off at most retailers right now (REI, Moosejaw, Backcountry). $29 gets you 300 lumens, infinitely variable output, a secondary white LED for close up flood light, and a red light to preserve nightvision and blinkie modes for red and white to be used as safety beacons.

Personally, for a task light to be kept in the car, I'd go with the headlamp.

I have had good luck with Pelican lights. Priced right, well built, reliable and bright.

Like V-tail said- Protac 1L- takes a single AA or single CR123a. I have one I carry with me to work, and its my new favorite all-around light.
https://www.streamlight.com/en.../index/protac-1l-1aa

Mine's a different brand, but one of these lives in my work bag. 3 level brightness, adjustable beam, strobe & SOS settings.

Takes 3 AAA batteries.

https://www.amazon.com/Portabl...KZQEAXC4ZVAANBWKH1CX

quote:

Originally posted by medic451:
Like V-tail said- Protac 1L- takes a single AA or single CR123a. I have one I carry with me to work, and its my new favorite all-around light.
https://www.streamlight.com/en.../index/protac-1l-1aa

I have one of these as well, with the same purpose Para is asking about- it stays in my truck all the time.

It's an excellent little light and the optional battery choice is very practical IMO. I have read, not tried though, that you can also use a AAA if nothing else is readily available.

Another big plus for the Streamlights is that the holsters/cases they come with are generally very good. Much better than the ones the Fenix lights come with, again IMO.

quote:

Originally posted by AH.74:

quote:

Originally posted by medic451:
Like V-tail said- Protac 1L- takes a single AA or single CR123a. I have one I carry with me to work, and its my new favorite all-around light.
https://www.streamlight.com/en.../index/protac-1l-1aa

I have one of these as well, with the same purpose Para is asking about- it stays in my truck all the time.

It's an excellent little light and the optional battery choice is very practical IMO. I have read, not tried though, that you can also use a AAA if nothing else is readily available.

Another big plus for the Streamlights is that the holsters/cases they come with are generally very good. Much better than the ones the Fenix lights come with, again IMO.

I just tried sticking a single AAA light in there thinking “no way”, and to my suprise It actually works!!!!

I vote for Mag-Lite Solitare. Small, quality construction, $10, and you can get a battery anywhere.

If you are looking for more of a penlight, you can get 3 of THESE for less than what 1 Streamlight Stylus Pro costs....and I actually like the operation of these better.
I have a these to use for misc light needs instead of the Surefire that is also in my vehicles.
Put in some lithium batteries instead of alkaleaks and call it a day.

A flashlight that sits with my camping gear is a Coleman LED flashlight (claimed 600 Lumens) that has a "Battery Lock".
If you twist the head, it disengages contact between the batteries and the flashlight.
The theory is that it prevents leaks and battery discharge when stored over long periods of time.

When you want to use it, you twist the head clockwise and it makes contact with the batteries again.
Then you use it like a regular flashlight.
The one I have takes 4 AA cells but they have several different models.



Like this one or this one

https://www.laughingrabbitinc.com/proton-pro.html

Great light. Had one for years. The activation button is rubber and got gummy. I sent it back. They replaced the switch and sent it back with a new holster.

Bruce

Another option is This one (also with "Battery Lock").




Sorry about the ginormous image.

First Light Torq. They issue the more expensive version to Army medics (t-max). Has an emergency feature/beacon that turns the light into a strobe with flashing led’s in the event of an emergency. It can also be twisted (the head) to sit on the ground, pointed at traffic to alert them. I first bought the torq then after testing it extensively, then bought the t max pro also. Due to the grip, emergency feature, and quality I’ve switched to them 100%. The Torq uses two double a’s.

Sootch did a review of the Tmax a few years ago. The Torq is just a cheaper version of the t max, both work similarly. Bought both of mine at lapolicegear. You can probably contact my contact at First Light USA, David O’Malley. He’d probably send you a demo to try out since you own the forum. I’ve never used a surefire, streamlight, anything, made so<perfect for pistol use either.
omalley@firstlight-usa.com

https://youtu.be/DI8A55axV8I

The streamlight looks good but did not see a price. I have a couple of LD10 Fenix lights that have been outstanding. I think the new version is an LD12. Also have a 4Seven. Very good as well.

The USA mag light for $10 is good too. I have one for a key chain light. Been excellent but not in the same class as the others.