What I got..... What I need...
 

Got.....
1. Pond Scum DIY M16 12 volt light
2. 18 2000 mAh NiMH AA’s
3. 8 slot SLOW battery charger (6+ hours)
4. 2 6 slot AA battery holder wired in Series for 14.4 volts
5. Small Cat-1 bag to hold batteries
(See attached pictures)

Need.... A good back up for the pond scum light (PSL). I use the PSL for commutes to and from work in the early morning or evening hours. I really like the brightness of the PSL when using a fresh pack of charged batteries but the light has a relatively short burn time of about 30-45 minutes before it noticeably starts to dim then going dark after a little over a hour. My commute is anywhere from 25-45 minutes each way depending the commute direction and conditions (both mine and the weather)

I have read posts on DIY LED lights, low priced flashlights (<$40) and the high priced off the shelf products and think the DIY or flashlights is the best option as a backup. My dilemma is which option will give me the most light for the money. I would like to use the AA’s since I have 6 more then I need for the PSL. I am hoping to get some recommendations on the 2 options and feedback on how they will compare to my current light in terms of brightness burn time.

Which AA’s flashlights will give me the most light and longest run time for my money?

If the LED DIY really will give me more light for the money and support AA’s which LED’s, Lenses, and Drivers should I use, and what should I expect to pay ? It seems there are new and improved LED, Optics, etc. everyday.

Thanks in advance……

The Fenix L2D Q5 is probably the reigning champ for most light + longest runtime on 2 AAs. See selfbuilt's review here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=210904

Bigger picture: it sounds like all you really need is a higher-capacity battery pack. Why not spend your money on that? There's 6000mAh C-cell NiMHs available, for starters.

Thanks mech, I will check out the review on candle power forums. I did look at a higher-capacity battery packs but would still need a back up light and was hoping to save money by putting to use the batteries not running the pond scum.