Top Five EDC AA/14500 Flashlights for me.

[@JonGadget]

Thanks Dominic, great comparison - a lot to go at there, so you're not making it easy for yourself! Really interesting to see.

[@mark6865]

This sealed it for me. Ordered 2x Eagtac D3A TI. One in SST-20 4000k and one in SFT-6500K for when I want a chill light or a bit of a thrower. I might be in the minority but I LOVE the UI. The steps are perfect, and I love the quick access to turbo/strobe for defensive situations (not that I ever find myself in them but that's partly why I like flashlights). Combined with the size, dual power source, updated emitters, aesthetics, sustained output. This thing is a BEAST. It's only downside is that it's pricey but I'd rather have a few of the most perfect lights for me than a never ending revolving door of cheaper lights.

[@jonathanm2396]

I would love it if Olight brought back the S1A in a modern way. That light was amazing and made it so easy for someone that works long hours in the dark to just pop in a regular AA and keep working when inevitably I forget to charge the battery that off week. It was great too having a magnetic tail for slapping on a pipe near by, especially when added with a diffuser. It definitely isn't perfect, but perfect for the applications I've used it for.

[@maxlvledc]

Check out the zebralight Sc5C, it's incredible

[@jonathanm2396]

@@maxlvledc Awesome thanks for the suggestion, ill definitely check it out! btw, keep up the great videos and content, its refreshing having someone like minded out there.

[@mountaindont34ify]

@@maxlvledc no hat clip though. Only pocket

[@xrazx1269]

@@maxlvledc how about sc53w compare with sc5c

[@maxlvledc]

@@xrazx1269 it's just a different emitter, still awesome

[@jimmywarren6685]

I wouldn't have a single one of the lights that you chose in your top 5...glad we all have a choice.

[@maxlvledc]

what is your top 5? also I made an updated list recently.

[@readyme]

Man, that Reylight pineapple has so much potential (maybe just hype), but it simply fails to deliver on its premium pricetag. Thank you for sharing.

[@Followme556]

I carried an EagleTac D25A all over the world, in lava fields, deserts, arctic regions up to 13,000 feet, jungles, and immersed for hours in the pacific ocean. This light never failed me.

[@MFRiley]

Damn what do you do for a living? Sign me up.

[@Followme556]

@@MFRiley Be careful what you ask for, lol. Also I should probably mention that I've switched to a Trustfire L2 and have found it to be just as good as the Eagletac, but twice as bright.

[@Followme556]

@@pmason6076 :)

[@alanmcrae8594]

Love the sharp, concise insightfulness of this reviewer. This is how to do comparative reviews. Know what you're talking about, try each product in your use cases and then summarize performance based on what's important in the real world. QUESTION: I'm living in a deeply rural area now, so having a very compact, full featured AA NiMH powered EDC LED flashlight that has a rugged belt clip holster that can keep it handy next to my Leatherman Multi-tool has become a necessity. And I always have plenty of fully charged NiMH AA & AAA batteries handy in my tool bag, so runtimes are less important to me than utility in various ultra dark fix something scenarios. What is a good AA NiMH EDC LED flashlight & belt clip holster combo for my use case?

[@briankendall1978]

I feel like the EagleTac lights are just about perfect. My only issue personally is i would like to have momentary functionality. I was thinking about getting a lumintop edc aa just so i can steal the forward clicky out of it to replace the reverse clicky in my D25A ti. Are the tail switches in the Lumintop and EagleTac similar in size?

[@jseden]

I’ve liked the eagtac d25c ti for years.. I’ve got a 2015 model that’s got my ideal tint and I haven’t been able to replace it. I bought a 2019(?) model last year or something and the tint isn’t right, despite being sold as the same led so it’s just a backup. My other issue is that the “new and improved” board now has an annoying delay that wasn’t present in my good one. For aa, I’ve got a 2014 d25a ti that does a good job. Great battery life and good low modes. I bought a handful of them on clearance, for like $30-40 a while back.. kept my favorite and sold the others to coworkers who still use em every day after 5+ years. I won’t call em perfect, but they’re good enough that I haven’t felt the need to go spend more money on flashlights lol

[@Followme556]

Trustfire makes a nice 1000 lumen AA/14500 single cell that's well worth checking out and is probably worthy of your list.

[@Valorius]

The Trustfire L2 is outstanding.

[@maxlvledc]

Far far worse than the streamlight 1L-1AA, check it out! It's awesome

[@Valorius]

@@maxlvledc how can something that works perfectly and which has 1000 Lumen output one on aa/14500 be far far worse than anything else?

[@Valorius]

@@maxlvledc I did just look at it I never got to the part about how many lumens it is because I stopped at the multiple programmable switch. That is not suitable for my needs. i need immediate on off tailcap and nothing else.

[@KernowEDC]

Another helpful video from Maxlvledc. Thanks again! Have you done one on compact head-torches. That I would like to see :)

[@cavalry1213]

I have owned many flashlights in the hunt for my “perfect light.” None of them are 100% perfect, I know that, but the Pineapple in Stonewash Ti has been in my pocket exclusively every day for over a year now. I love it and I’m super happy with it and will carry it every day until I get my grails (Okluma DC0 and Reaver Arms Citadel).

[@gearstuffs8007]

Definitely agreed! The tool AA has the worst pocket clip that I know off...But tool AA flashlight it self is good though.....

[@maxlvledc]

I do agree, just found out the clip from the edc AA works perfectly on it!

[@gearstuffs8007]

@@maxlvledc the Olight 2 way or reversible clip is my favorite so far the only down side is it's slightly too lose....

[@Triaz357]

Memory mode is is actually a disadvantage to me. I know people will feel differently. I like to know where my light is coming on every time. If I was going to use one mode and only one mode I guess memory would be fine. With memory mode if I need to switch modes while using it I either have to remember where I turned it off or cycle through all the modes to get it back to where it comes on at the same mode the next time. I would rather know where my light is coming on every time whether that be high or low let muscle memory get me to where I want to be. That’s just my experience and my opinion though I know other will feel differently about that. I have lights that have memory mode but have dual switches or direct access to high through a single switch and memory mode becomes more of an advantage with those for me.

[@maxlvledc]

This is why I like the D25A so much..really good without memory

[@Triaz357]

@@maxlvledc yah you have me really interested in that one. I may have to pick one of those up. I have always passed on the Lumintops even when everyone was raving about them mainly because of the memory mode.

[@davidhartley6232]

Zebralight has been my go-to for the past ten(ish?) years? JUST looked them up to see if they are still in business, and all I saw were 18650 cell powered lights.

[@valentinlopez6189]

Very good review, I appreciate your attention to detail, thank you.

[@pughconsulting]

I hate the cheap clips that come with flashlights. I want one that's screwed on and will rip my pants before it breaks. Tired of clips popping off and bad ergonomics. This video really helped me out to narrow down some choices.

[@maxlvledc]

The Zebralights with screw down clips are excellet, highly recomended. Also the Eagtac D3A and D3C, because the body is Ti...the threads will hold better, and the clip is very sturdy.

[@maxlvledc]

I've also heard that the Convoy S2+ etc have really good screw in clips with nuts on the back...

[@pughconsulting]

@@maxlvledc Thanks for the feedback and suggestions. I'm definitely leaning towards the eagtac but will check the zebralights as well. I have the convoy with the screw down clip. It's nice but it's a bit on the fatter side for my pocket. I really liked the Thrunite T10, I believe was the model. It was a single AA with a screw on clip. It eventually died on me but I carried that for several years. I've been disappointed in clips, since I like carrying my light next to my knife in my right pocket. It has to stay clipped and anything not screwed on seems to pop loose at some point. Thanks again!

[@Director-M]

What about the Lumintop Silver Fox? Vinh @ SkyLumen's website sells his variant named Silver FoxVN which is custom modded with your preferred emitter, and even an upgraded driver.

[@deathpunchrigby1664]

Is the Zebralight SC5c MK2 still your top pick, or is it now the Sofirn SP10 Pro? Also what's the difference between the SC5c and the H53c that edges out the SC5c on top, other than one is a headlamp?

[@maxlvledc]

Brightness, and yes sp10pro

[@deathpunchrigby1664]

@@maxlvledc Thank you, this has all been incredibly helpful! What's your recommendation for one that's high on runtime? (AA/14500 capable, more floody than throwy, but still fairly throwy for outdoor use)

[@maxlvledc]

@DeathPunchRigby the I5R has really really good run times, but so does the Sp10pro funny enough

[@mattsmith6828]

If you can fit a longer flashlight, check out the Fenix LD22 v2.0.

[@randomgamer-st1ie]

I love my Olight i5t, but have to carry it loose in my pocket because the clip is too weak to have ANY retention. Does the Eagtac hold onto a pocket better? Seriously, that i5t has the same retention as a woman's hair pin.

[@Tammacazi10]

Streamlight protac 1L-1AA is what I just picked up and it has been a fantastic EDC light. I don't know any time where an extremely low lumen would be usable. The low setting is 40 lumens and I don't understand why you would want anything lower

[@maxlvledc]

That's a lot of light when working up close at night, reading etc...more often than not I sometimes think 5 is too much.

[@cavalry1213]

I think it’s useful because when I am just walking around my house at night, whether it’s to lock my front door or check on my daughter or even just go to the bathroom, I don’t want to 1) wake my wife or kids and 2) blow out my night vision. Sometimes 1-5 lumens is perfect for just looking for something at night in a totally dark room/house.

[@michaelmelling9333]

Btw, with that (good looking) titanium flashlight that quickly loses its power due to overheating, would you then say that it's probably a good idea to avoid titanium flashlights for that reason? Also, if I'm not mistaken, can you tell what the make and model is of that titanium flashlight, as I don't think you mentioned it.🤔 Thanks Much!🙂👍

[@maxlvledc]

100% titanium is for looks only aluminum is superior

[@michaelmelling9333]

@@maxlvledc Thanks, I'll remember that.👍

[@daniellandry5815]

Have to agree on the Sc5 Mk2 bud. It's among the best flashlights I've ever owned or heard about, with the D25a being a (reasonably) close second, depending on usage need. The ONLY reason I'll pack the D25a is if I need the smallest damn light I own.

[@matthewtoeneboehn7784]

Do you have a recommendation for a good, protected 14500 that fits the D3a? I’ve had difficulty finding one that fits. (Some are slightly longer)

[@maxlvledc]

Why protected?? It's actually designed to use an unprotected cell I believe and has low voltage protection

[@sknight0391]

Just out of curiosity..... What didn't you like about the Lumintop edc05, that caused it not to make the list?

[@maxlvledc]

It can't use an AA, only reason. But they updated it! The E05C not only can use the AA but is also 2x as bright!

[@michaelmelling9333]

Great review, thanks!

[@randomescu]

thanks for showing these imho olight S1A Baton is the best, but is discontinued. edit: its not like i owm many single aa flashlights, i just like that big point of light that s1a does.

[@maxlvledc]

The new I5R really impresses me btw..more than I thought

[@mattg6136]

Thanks for the vid. I like my Fenix E12 V2 but might get that magnetic Lumintop EDC for work. ATB

[@Gnostic_Plague]

What was the criteria you judged these lights for?

[@dalecarr5445]

For single AA lights I tend to agree with you but I don’t care for the Reylight. I’ve had a couple of their lights with QC issues. If you include 2AA variants you might want to look at the Frelux Synergy 2. It works with either 1 AA or 14500 or 2 AA or 14500. It would be interesting to add runtime comparison charts and put the chart in the video. I’d like to see that in a video like this one.

[@dalecarr5445]

Actually the Frelux is over a $100

[@maxlvledc]

I almost chose another light over the reylight

[@manuelpolverino1707]

Why haven't you tried / considered the wuben E05 too? 14500 plus AA in an emergency, I use it often and I am perfectly happy with it

[@maxlvledc]

I am personally not a fan of side switch flashlights for AA...the only one I own is a Limintop E05C 14500 light and I don't mind because it has incredible functionality with the side lights. Side switches always mean a much thicker flashlight. The E05 doesn't need to be tested, it's published stats and dimensions instantly exclude it (for me).

[@johnkraemer5505]

Hmmmm..... How did you come up with the list of Flashlight to evaluate? What kind of research did you do for creating the list of Flashlights to evaluate? You mentioned the cost for one of the Flashlights..... Why not include cost for all the Flashlights? Was cost one of your requirements in an EDC Flashlight? I would have really liked to have know, what your requirements were up front for the evaluation. It would have been nice to have gone through each one of those requirements for each of the Flashlights. A Flashlight that I believe should have been on your list to evaluate is the Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA. Are you familiar with this Flashlight? If so, why wasn’t it on your list?

[@maxlvledc]

I did this in a previous try...the video was 40min long

[@maxlvledc]

That one would not have made my list...only 180lm with an AA, 350 with a cr123 and it's massive. It's not remotely efficient from the stats and run times. I did look at it...because a dual fuel source is sweet..but overall I can get more from most of these lights.

[@arcadefreak37]

Eagtac D25A MKII Version is my go to in the pocket.

[@MichaelDelPapa]

Do they have a snap on reflector/prism that gives 90 degree so it can be worn on shirt and send light in front of user?

[@maxlvledc]

The zebra light is the only 90 degree light I like. But still not perfect because the button is too easy to press

[@Gieszkanne]

On aliexpress I was able to get one Lumintop EDC AA which was not listed on Lumintops homepage. It was the regular black aluminum body but with a 4000k nichia and a TRI lense. And it was the same price as the normal one with the Osram. But I dont like the 4 modes. 3 would be better because with 14500 the 400l and 600l almost do the same and with AA they are even closer with 130 and 180. That is really useless. Just one high mode would have been enough.

[@bryanstone654]

The Streamlight 1L-1AA takes AA batteries and would have been #1 if included

[@Gieszkanne]

Zebralight dont exist any more? The MacArmy PS14-A isnt in the bunch at all?

[@maxlvledc]

The PS14 was not good. Terrible ui, mediocre optics and emitters. The zebralight might very well be the best..but can only get it direct from them.

[@pericodelospalotes5738]

"El capitán". Yes, very "Murikan" ;-) . Greetings from Spain.

[@ZRXBILL]

The ToolAA low is actually 3.7 with a eneloop or alkaline . It’s only higher when using a 14500.

[@maxlvledc]

True true. Its too bad the low isn't regulated.

[@bradf1093]

I just received the Lumintop EDC AA in sandblasted titanium with the 219c led. Definitely take a look at it if you like the aluminum one.

[@maxlvledc]

I have it! It's amazing! Even has a different lense!

[@youtubeuser5424]

I wish they would’ve kept the diffused lens on the titanium version also.

[@amoulet69]

Are Fenix E12 and Thrunite Archer 1AV3 not good enough? I'd like to get a nice all-in-one flashlight for EDC, balanced lumens-hours. Coast HP1 and Olight i5T are off the list, of course... Thx

[@maxlvledc]

The i5t isn't terrible..but really needs 3 modes...I've heard good things about the fenix...I just don't think anything holds a candle to the zebralight

[@amoulet69]

@@maxlvledc I really can't accept a crappy flashlight, that's why it surprises me that Lumintop is in your Top 5 (chinese cheap torch). What about Nitecore MT1A? Since Zebralight is impossible to get in my Country, Fenix-Nitecore-Olight are my easy go-to. Apart from Amazon's Coast HP1 and Thrunite Archer 1AV3 options. Thank you.

[@maxlvledc]

@@amoulet69 all the best lights are made in china...the Only good USA made lights are well over 100$ I think the Fenix is really solid, I haven't seen the nitecore AA light yet.

[@nitrorc4life1]

@@maxlvledc nitecore mt1 is single AA, it's ok.

[@nitrorc4life1]

E12v2, is a solid light, not as bright as some, but plenty for what it is, not 14500 compatible. Archer is a solid light, have a few and can use 14500. I5t/i5r is great too, yes 2 modes only and non 14500 compatible but still great edc. Coast hp1......never use it.

[@jseden]

I’ve never been crazy about the aa catalogue out there either, but I do own an older d25a ti that gets some use.

[@carse2084]

Sorry but after all Points - the Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 is your best Flashlight. Quality, Brightness, Size, Weight, Tail Stand, Tail Cap, 14500+AA, PRICE. And I dont understand your Problem with the Pocket Clip.

[@davidbausch6245]

Pocket clip is easily fixed by using the one from the EDC AA. Only downside to the Tool AA 2.0 is that the low mode is too bright. Other than that it’s hard to beat, especially since you can also get the magnetic tail. Ya it’s not as floody as the EDC AA but it can tail stand and have a magnetic tail. Even after years of carrying, the Tool is my choice.

[@carse2084]

@@davidbausch6245 I have another big Problem with all of my three "EDC AA" - they eat Batteries like an Aligator. When the "EDC AA" starts to blink becaus of low Battery, i can use the same Battery in my Trunite T10 or TOOL AA for another 20 minutes. I wish you all the best with your Lamps but I am disappointed.

[@FredPrana]

You should check out the HDS Rotary, they have the best UI I have ever seen on a flashlight. :)

[@maxlvledc]

Too big..but very good I've heard

[@Murky_Lurks]

I think the Lumintop E05c can use AA as well, you just can't recharge via USBc

[@maxlvledc]

tried, doesn't turn on.

[@dallas7390]

Out of the five left on the table, which one has the most flood type beam pattern?

[@maxlvledc]

There are floody variants of both zebralights, If they are available. It's a slightly different name but same basic light just different diffuser lens.

[@youtubeuser5424]

I would say the Lumintop EDC AA. It’s optic creates pure flood with no hotspot. My personal favorite Beam pattern of all of these lights. I wish they would have kept that same optic in the titanium high CRI version of the light.

[@maxlvledc]

@@youtubeuser5424 hmm, I am torn on which optic I like more.

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

Good stuff

[@alanjhornung7077]

Great video I have a few AA lights and they are good lights.l go with my two EAGTAC D25C2 16650 2500mAh 3.7v battery each one has a different LED .

[@jnpr0419]

will you consider the Streamlight 1L 1AA?

[@maxlvledc]

Yes, it's amazing. I talked about it in a more recent video

[@jnpr0419]

@@maxlvledc thanks. keep safe

[@WeirWell22]

Hey look into the new Milwaukee edc 500l.. like to see your opinion on the light

[@maxlvledc]

saw that! looks cool...It beats nearly everything at Home Depot on paper..but wouldn't compare to nearly any of these lights.

[@Higfjdc]

Nice lineup... My phone is broken so I am on my daughter's... But once that pineapple falls off the list how about the mecarmy p16 or whatever it is straight up.. pretty Much a free elementum😆👍

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

Micro usb is a deal breaker, I'd also say the zebra is option overload for me would make me not want it

[@FluttuantChicken]

What about the klarus xt1a? The ui looks fantastic

[@maxlvledc]

The side switch is not for me personally..but I've heard good things

[@fabiomneves05]

Sofirn SP10 v3 is presently a good option either

[@nitrorc4life1]

Yep, have 2 now,the sp10 and sp10s are early models bur still good

[@fabiomneves05]

@@nitrorc4life1 personally I don't like those early models, but v3 seems significantly better

[@Proyectosandia]

They released the Pro version with Anduril. It's insane.

[@xrazx1269]

tajam bersinar

[@tangozulu]

you missed out on the Nitecore MT10A. beats all these hands down..

[@maxlvledc]

Sorry can't agree at all, for one thing that light is so big I could easily carry an 18650 light instead, 2 the clip has a tab that sticks out and catches on the pocket (had this happen with many lights). Also it's truly a "tactical" light, not a versatile EDC one. Meaning it lacks certain settings in favor of making sure it's good at one thing. Nothing wrong with that...but it's not for me.

[@rosemarierex5095]

Need birthday gift for brother please asap. Mr brother is a electrician, amateur car repair and all around great guy. I’m thinking he would need a magnetic end, good to very good lumens almost tactical. Can you suggest a flashlight? Oh yeah, he lives in AZ and likes to go on long walks.

[@maxlvledc]

Hmmmm, tactical is what is throwing me...Warrior mini 2 is hard to beat...has a magnetic tail and tactical tail switch

[@maxlvledc]

Also, not many lights have magnetic bottoms, Olights have them commonly because it's also where they charge. The Perun Mini might be a good option (but isn't really tactical) same with the Baton 3

[@maxlvledc]

Also this one, but it's not tactical.www.sofirnlight.com/products/ship-from-usa-sofirn-hs05-1000lm-mini-headlamp-with-lh351d-led-dual-way-clip-with-magnetic-tailcap?scm=spz.search&ssp=spz&spm=..search.search_1.12

[@pyrophantom5150]

Does the zebra work with a 14500??

[@maxlvledc]

No, doesn't really need to, it's very bright

[@leytonroy9663]

Does the eagtac have memory?

[@maxlvledc]

No, not needed. You chose what modes it comes in on based on if the head is fully tight or not. Works flawlessly. Best part is that you can change it while it's off.

[@leytonroy9663]

@@maxlvledc thanks!

[@haymaker299]

Question for anyone who can advise. I am trying to shop for EDC lights without spending many hours to develop expertise. I want to know about unintended button presses (aka butt dialing, pocket dialing) and, relatedly, fire safety. I want to buy something that is very safe and very unlikely to be turned on accidentally. Are any of these lights NOT good from that perspective? Any specific tips about specific ones? Thanks.

[@maxlvledc]

Ok, I can help. First off mechanical switches only with long press. I'd recommend the Tool AA as it also has metal tabs to protect the button (extra excessive) and let's it tail stand. It is capable of also using both fuel sources

[@dx_fonarny_fanat]

Sofirn sp10 pro is best 14500/AA

[@roylerroycerickson]

They are all ugly i prefer the look of the i5t i5r

[@JimmyVictorious1]

If any of these lights got strobe setting I'm buying it immediately.

[@maxlvledc]

The eagtac D25A has it if you half click the button on turbo...it will then go back and forth between the two...the zebra lights/ reylight do not. Nor does the edc05c. I believe the edc aa does but not easy to access. In other words d25a ftw.

[@JimmyVictorious1]

@@maxlvledc at this very moment I was looking at buying options on exactly this one. It seem the best size wise and ui and all the other stuff. It's great to know I picked the right one. Thank you. (also big fan. Keep up the amazing work you do in the EDC industry)

[@maxlvledc]

@@JimmyVictorious1 means a lot! Thanks! You can't go wrong with the D25A

[@davidcoronado5512]

@@maxlvledc the FWAA has anduril which tops every other UI in this selection(except maybe zebra) by miles…

[@maxlvledc]

@@davidcoronado5512 ui is great...but the bottom kills me...if it were not for such a short press on the button it would be awesome..but it is also basically a rechargeable only. As it can't use AA or NiMH

[@EDCObsession]

the thing I could not stand about the EDC AA is the UI. Having to cycle modes when it's off made no sense to me, I think the tool UI should have been kept

[@maxlvledc]

I agree actually, the half press of the tool aa is better...but I can't stand the clip...

[@maxlvledc]

Hmm, I wonder if I need to look at those two closer again...

[@EDCObsession]

@@maxlvledc there are options for a deep carry clip for the tool AA. I've read that you can use either a streamlight 880104 clip or the EDC AA clip. those two will work

[@maxlvledc]

@EDC Obsession that works! Awesome! Have to try the other one too.

[@AdrianHategan]

best for edc: rofis r2 :)

[@cjdelphi]

As I just discovered the lunintop ed05 comes with a default 600 or 650 lumens but you can program the low and high modes... kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZCQhaarfdN9jas You may have to pre-order your list now, sorry

[@maxlvledc]

I ordered the new e05c, which also uses AA

[@cjdelphi]

@@maxlvledc it turns out that you can use 10440 cells in the i3t and i3e giving you similar brightness to an 18650 minus the runtime or you burn your fingers or the cells

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

Some of these are over complicated to me

[@maxlvledc]

Some are overcomplicated to me as well 😅

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

@@maxlvledc as I get older over 40 now so it has to be simple complicated is for younger brains lol

[@maxlvledc]

@@genoedcknifecollecter1538 I feel you 😅

[@Mystninja]

No olight i5r eos

[@maxlvledc]

Older video

[@Mystninja]

@@maxlvledc is the I5r Eos newish. No wonder olight didn't do a i5r plus. If the i5t plus is 550 lumens the R version would be as good as there baton 2 pro. Oh I have a baton 3 premium and tbh. I prefer the I5r Eos. Out of the cheap olights.

[@dougedoug007]

Uh ..I count six

[@maxlvledc]

been a while but I believe one is just a Ti version of the other.