corrado33

Hey guys, with all this craze for non removable, rechargeable Li-Ion bike lights, I feel that good old AA powered bike lights are going the ways of the Dodo.

However, I happen to have an abundance of rechargeable AA batteries. I really want to find a use for them (they came in a pack with AAAs, which I use quite often). I don't care if the light has a separate battery pack, in fact that's fine with me.

I can't seem to be able to search for just AA powered lights on any of the popular sites, so it's driving me crazy.

Anybody have any suggestions?

(Yes, I've seen other threads in the archive that ask this same question, but they usually put some weird restriction on it like "less that $30" or something like that.)

So, show me bright lights that are powered by AAs!

Watchdog

Don't know if this is the brightest, but it's reasonable brightness for AA.

https://www.fenixtactical.com/fenix-bt10.html

The BT20 is claimed to be 750 lumens. I think it's the same light as the BT10, just using 18650 batteries instead of AA. I think www.mtbr.com did a light shootout and the Fenix lights actually slightly exceeded their rated output. Many lights don't put out as many lumens as they claim.

vol

I have this 800LM (claimed) flashlight, 3xAA/1x26650. Pretty good with 3xAA. Using 26650 may even be brighter.

corrado33

I like those, I like them a lot.

They aren't the same light, if you read further, the BT10 and BT20 are both compatible with both kinds of batteries (you just need the correct holder.)

Those interest me... very much. The only thing it doesn't have is a mount that stays put. It's just held on by an o-ring type attachment, which isn't preferred. Thank you for that input. I'll keep them in mind.

In the meantime, keep the suggestions coming.

stdlrf11

I bought this one at my LBS. It was okay for what it was. It doesn't get used much anymore. I must say, though, I was impressed with the output and runtimes from 2xAA.

https://www.amazon.com/NiteRider-5049.../dp/B008L5GCB2

ItsJustMe

Philips Saferide is AA NiMH powered. I'm betting it's going to be the best light you can find.

I finally gave up and ordered one last night. It'll be here Wednesday. I'll try to post some side by sides with my Magicshine lights.

10 Wheels

https://store.dinottelighting.com/aa-...geable-c2.aspx

ItsJustMe

I used to have a Dinotte 200 with the AA pack. Honestly, it wasn't a very good light. The battery pack they used was not at all waterproof, it was just a common Radio Shack/cheap chinese AA pack and it rusted every time it got wet and I had to replace it 3 or 4 times before I gave up and sold it. 200 lumens was pretty weak honestly (maybe this one is brighter)

Given that the Philip Saferide is out for less money (on Amazon), I don't think I could ever recommend the Dinotte AA lights for someone looking for a AA powered light. The Saferide puts out several times as much light and has a shaped beam, and is fully waterproof.

10 Wheels

Dinotte is still a very good light with long run times.

I use mine everyday.

Paramount1973 

I have a number of Eneloop AA and AAA batteries. I use a 2AA Terralux 300 lumen tactical flashlight, either clipped to my front rack on my commuter with P-clips, or from the handlebar with a Biologic mount. I like it enough that I am going to get a second.


Terralux flashlight mounted to front rack by galoot_loves_tools, on Flickr

I had to edit this, because I later realized that I had bought the Biologic mount, not the TwoFish version.

asmac

Maybe I'm a sucker for a good description but this $65 Busch & Muller Ixon IQ (https://www.peterwhitecycles.com/b&m.asp) looks pretty sweet. It uses 4 removable AA cells which can be charged in the light. Has anyone tried it?

Ghost Ryder

I use a Fenix Tactical flashlight mounted to my helmet.
Its meant for guns but it does the job, when I bought mine last year they didn't offer the bike light. I don't use AA's, but its an option.

10 Wheels

I have one:

The run times are correct. Bright with No flash Mode.
It will cause your wireless computer to Not Work

Good for about 12 mph at night.

The latch is difficult to lock.

Get two these: The Strobe and adjustable focus are great advantages.

Works with wireless computers.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/CREE-XM-L-T6...item2c73eb1a1f

fietsbob

I got one too, There is an Ixon IQ Premium which has a higher lumen count, & costs More .

the way the reflector is designed makes the beam most suitable for Cycling.

this one comes with same mount, puts the LED in the typical back of the reflector, location,

and so has a less defined beam shape, https://www.ridepdw.com/goods/lights/cosmic-dreadnought

but as Asian Made lights do, has a flashing Mode.

slcbob

I use my Fenix LD22 sometimes, and used its predecessor LD20 a bit more. Not as bright as its 18650 or CR123 powered cousins, but blows away the various older AA powered things I have laying around. There are many other similar great LED flashlights out there. I would go after one of them rather than a bike-specific thing, if you're looking to stay AA powered.

ItsJustMe

The Ixon is very well reviewed. Keep in mind though that for another $30 or so, the Philips is twice as bright (80 lux vs 40)

fietsbob

Ixon IQ Premium is also 80 Lux, also ..

there is an Arms Race mentality going on Here. Methinks. PDW claims 135..


the $65 40 lumen one is good enough for Me , as Im not trying to keep a 20MPH pace ..

Its light is laid down in a useful pattern...

Bluish Green

I use two PDW Cosmic Dreadnaughts. They are AA powered. I've been using them for over a year and a half. I would rate them very highly for:

- durability
- waterproofness
- function in all weather from 0F to 105F (and perhaps more, that is just what I have used them in)
- two brightness settings and one blink setting
- good stable mount and overall design
- run fine on AA rechargeable Eneloops

They are not going to compete for brightness with many of the newer, hotter bike lights. Consider them excellent "be seen" lights that are adequate for daytime and nighttime city street riding. You'll want something higher powered for unlit bike trails or highspeed night cycling in non-urban settings.

https://www.amazon.com/PDW-LED-Cosmic.../dp/B004YIC57K

ItsJustMe

Be careful. You mean 40 lux. 40 lumens is very dim indeed.

fietsbob

Just go read the ad copy, its not my pissing match.

Ghost Ryder

I just looked into the new Duracell 250 lumen 3 pack @ Costco.
They don't offer it in Canada...
Time to take a trip to Bellingham.

tarwheel 

I commuted using a Fenix AA-powered LED flashlight as my only headlight for a couple of years. I replaced it with a series of more powerful handlebar mounted LED lights, but moved the Fenix to my helmet after that. It functioned as my helmet light for about 5 years until I got a Light & Motion Vis 360 earlier this fall, which is lighter weight and includes a taillight as well as headlight. There are plenty of great AA lights but 200 lumens seems to be about the limit for lights with decent run times. Even the Phillips Saferide, which seems to be the consensus choice for a quality AA bike light, has pretty mediocre run times for the batteries. For those of us with long commutes, AA-powered lights are not the best choice unless you don't mind changing batteries often or can get by with lower lumen ratings.

BTW, my Fenix still gets a lot of use when I go camping or need a flashlight for any purpose. It puts out way more light than a conventional flashlight and the batteries last a long time for normal uses.

bthemonarch

If you get the Fenix through here you can get free shipping and a free rechargeable battery pack. Pretty sweet deal.

sci_femme

O-rings can be surprisingly durable. I have Magicshine mounted to my handlebars for, oh, more than three years with no problems.

ben4345

Another vote for the Fenix BT series.