So, one can get the $90 Magic Shine with the separate battery pack (from geoman).

https://www.geomangear.com/index.php?...roducts_id=180

One can get various P7 flashlights that use non-AA batteries.

Given these, is there sense to wanting to use a AA flashlight (eg, the R4 Fenix LD20+)?

The intended use is for short, rare night time riding.

Is the mid-level setting (about 100 lumens) bright enough? The 205 lumen setting for the Fenix is rated for 2h.

https://www.4sevens.com/product_info....roducts_id=362

There are cheaper flashlights but I need it sooner than getting it from Hong Kong would take.

I also want something that is going to be reliable.

the lumen/dollar ratio is higher if you get a p7 or r5 flashlight and batteries/charger. 205 lumens for 2 hrs out of a single AA is pretty good. if you live/ride in the city, you don't really need that many lumens, but you might want something with a real flash mode.

The new romisen is quite nice.. the RC-C8 II Flood to Throw light.. Fully adjustable from wide flood to tight spot.. Long run time, 3 modes.. High - Low - Flashing.. This light also can use 3-aaa cells / 18650'S / and CR123's, lots of battery options with 1 light.. Have not done runtime test on 3aaa cells.. The light is built like a tank, little big for helmet light but is still doable..

The flash mode is very useful, about 120 flashes per minute, not close to seizure inducing like many other lights..

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-C8-II/Detail

The P7 would be better but I have never seen one that uses AA batteries. The R5 might be better but hard to get in time (I think).

I saw you recommend that light in another thread. It looks interesting. I wonder that the shipping time from Shining Beam is.

shipping time is fast, they are us based and you can upgrade to priority mail which I normally do since I am on the west coast and seller is on east coast..

The nice thing about the light is that you can really dial in the beam shape from tight beam to wide flood.. The beam shape is very round and the use of different cells make this a very nice light.. I was going to do a burn test later today using aaa nimh cells.. The 18650 cell I used ran for 5+ hours before I just shut the light off to go to bed, so runtime on 18650's is very long..

The focusing feature is intriguing. The different battery types is interesting too. I'd have to think if I want to be using AAA batteries.

Thanks.

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...N3-CREE/Detail

I noticed that light.

Have you tried this? How does the beam pattern work?

It's too bad there aren't more than one output settings.

This appears to be the same with two modes (which are not described).

https://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...h-N3-II/Detail

email bryan at shiningbeam, he will answer your questions.. I would get the rev 2 light if I had a choice..

shiningbeam@gmail.com

The II refers to the two modes (high/medium). Some people have had issues with the battery rattling and changing modes. It seems that two o-rings (or rubber bands) on the first battery reduces that problem.

Lockblocks or the universal bike mount from shining beam?

lockblocks

https://www.treefortbikes.com/product...cks,-Sold.html

I have been using my Fenix LD20 since last September. No regrets, rechargeable batteries saved me tons oh money. Great for camping too.

I use these sweat FREE mounts for both handle bar and helmet mounting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrfZh...os=nbQmy59XBJg

I have a small Romisen CRE LED light powered by one AA. It fits in a pocket and it's as (or more) powerful than my big 6V lantern battery powered light that weights like 2-3 lbs. I took it along when camping and in pitch black night I can literally see several hundred feet ahead. Amazing. I use it with regular alkaline batteries as carrying a charger is not always practical.

I also have a couple of other CRE flashlights, including 2AA Terralux and small Fenix but this one has the best power to weight/size ratio.

They are cheaper (overall) here (free shipping):

https://www.4sevens.com/checkout_suc...rder_id=102976

If you know all the answers quit kicking the tires and buy something..

Already done!

I don't know everything! You (and others) have been helpful. Thanks.

I just found another source (which also has a good reputation) which is slightly cheaper.

I just got the XLT 3500 from Duravisionpro.com being sold by biketoolsetc.com
Really bright with AAAA batteries and 3 different mounting clips