Single AA head torch

[slowworm]

My Fenix HL 23 has decided to hide away somewhere so I need a replacement. I'd get another as it was perfect for me; light to wear, gave a good light for work, took a single AA battery so easy to power and have cheap spare batteries and also it wasn't a complex torch (no SOS or whatever).

Sadly it isn't sold any more. The HM 23 would seem the obvious choice but some of the reviews seem to suggest it's not as good as the HL.

So, any suggestions? I would like a new torch from a reliable brand, I've picked up a cheapness rechargeable that's only lasted a year so not keen on a cheap or rechargeable option.

 

[Jared]

Easiest to get a hold of would be either Acebeam H40 or Thrunite TH20. Both available on Amazon for ~£30.

The flashlight fanatics choice would be a Zebralight H53Fc

H53Fc LE Floody Neutral White High CRI AA Headlamp-H53Fc L

www.zebralight.com

Little harder to get hold of in the UK, though NKON have them in stock it seems.

Zebralight H53Fc LEFloody Neutral White High CRI Headlamp - Zebralight flashlights - Brands - Flashlights | NKON

.

ru.nkon.nl

 

[slowworm]

Thanks for the suggestions. I found it quite difficult to find single AA torches. The Zebra light looks the best option but a bit pricey. It's a shame there's nothing simpler, I'd be happy with one light level as I mostly used the Fenix on medium.

 

[Jared]

Few more options, though some like the sofirn hs05 I think are no longer available.

Parametrek Flashlights

flashlights.parametrek.com

 

[slowworm]

Thanks again. There doesn't seem to be anything obviously better than the Fenix and I still find it strange there's not more AA headlights as there's quite a few single AA torches. And on that note I might have a look for a headband for my existing AA torch, to start with.

 

[pieinthesky]

I have a couple of the Zebralight AA torches and have been very impressed with them.

One lives rough, chucked in the bottom of my tool bag and is used several times every day. It has been through the washer a couple of times too. It takes any AA size battery you put in it including 3.7v lithiums but is generally fed on Alkalines as I have a steady supply of part used ones. It has never missed a beat in 6 years or more. Seemed expensive at the time but like a lot of quality stuff, works out cheaper in the long run.

I would change 2 things - I would like it to always come on on the same setting, having to cycle through levels every time is a pain. It does do this but I somehow never seem to hold the button for the correct length of time to actually achieve it. The other is to put the button on the side not the end, it is much easier to operate/pinch the button this way round.

Highly recommended

 

[Nice65]

Three more here:

Headlamp-AA

Headlamp-AA

www.andrew-amanda.com

 

[pieinthesky]

Just had a look at the H53 link (mine are H52)

It doesnt look like the current model the h53 will take the high voltage Lithiums 14500

 

[slowworm]

I did fancy a Zebra light before I bought the Fenix but it's the H53 is double the price and I don't need any more functions.

Edit to add and I'm avoiding rechargeable torches as I found quality alkaline batteries lasted a decent length of time in the HL23 and a pack of AAs is more useful than a charger if you have a long powercut.

 

[Laurentius]

You can go even smaller than that, lets hear it for the Petzl E Lite, with it's CR 2032 battery. Good to have around as an emergency back up.

 

[slowworm]

I have a Fenix AAA torch and it's good for a light backup, but the AA was a good compromise between a light torch and a good run with decent light.