If you are in the market for a utility flashlight, you might consider an AA flashlight. The AA designation simply refers to the size of the battery used. There are a wide range of small flashlights available and this size of the light is a great choice for activities such as camping, emergency use and to have as a spare backup if you have a larger primary flashlight. Larger “D” and “C” cell lights may offer more power and brightness, but with this size light features such as convenience, weight and function are things to consider.
Are you in a Hurry? Or you don’t feel like reading? We recommend the GearLight High-Powered S2000 Water Resistant as Our Pick.
In this article, we’re going to review the following AAA Flashlight.
- GearLight High-Powered S2000 Water Resistant
- LuxPower V300 LED Flashlight 300 Lumens
- ThorFire Mini Flashlight
- UltraTac A1 Pocket Flashlight
- NICRON N7 600 Mini Flashlight
The material of the light itself is also another factor to consider. High-grade aluminum and stainless steel are durable and have a long life whereas a plastic body may be susceptible to cracking and wear. Plastic can be durable and if you use the light with less frequency, it may be an acceptable choice. Other factors to consider are the power and reach of the light beam, cost, and rechargeability if this is important to you.
It’s helpful to think about features you may want in an AA flashlight before making a purchase. Let’s review several lights to help make an informed choice on which might be the best aa flashlight suited to meet your needs.
Best AA Flashlight Reviews
All the reviews are real-life experiences. Extensive research online and testing. We do not accept sponsorships. Genuine recommendations for those who need a bit of real advice.
Note: If you find anything that contradicts, needs improvement, or everything else, please, let us know!
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Top Pick: GearLight High-Powered S2000 Water Resistant
The rear light is a high-quality light and is the top pick for this class of flashlights. It is powerful, solid and suitable for everyday use. The tough, ultra-high-strength aluminum body makes it an ideal light for even the most extreme conditions both indoors and outdoors. It is comparable to other larger lights in lumens output. I have used it during power outages and found it to be more than suitable for emergency use and general camping excursions. 5 modes mean that if you need a strobe or SOS for the roadside signaling for help, of will work just right. Storms, power outages, floods, and any other natural disaster are situations that this light can handle well.
The XM-L2 LED is very bright and more efficient than a typical incandescent bulb. I like the heavy and solid construction of this flashlight. It can handle some drops without getting damaged which is good because if you are active there is no need to worry about the light failing. The S2000 delivers a huge amount of light, up to 1200 real lumens. Even though it is a mid-size flashlight it is big, but it is still compact enough to fit in your backpack or survival. The S2000 features an ultra-wide beam that can illuminate dark rooms or outdoors with ease. It takes 4 standard AA batteries. The rear light is a US-based company and offers a generous one-year warranty should you have problems of any kind.
What we like
- The powerful and high amount of 1200 lumens making it stand out from competitors
- Rugged heavy-duty design ensures it won’t break in the elements
- Nicely designed and attractive
What we don’t like
- Could offer a few more features
- Uses a lot of batteries
Runner-Up: LuxPower V300 LED Flashlight 300 Lumens
The LuxPower V300 comes in a close second choice. As an everyday small light, it is a great addition to any survival bag or any place you may want to keep a spare flashlight. With 3 modes it is easy to adjust to any situation whether it is an emergency or practical use around the home. A hand belt clip means that it stays secure and ready to use whenever you need it. It has an adjustable zoom from a wide beam down to a focused narrow beam. It is water, weather and impact resistant making it a heavy-duty and able to take some abuse. It is great for emergencies because of this factor and can be a suitable addition to a bug out bags and camping or other activities. The high-grade aluminum material is durable and will last for many years. I liked the feel of this product. It feels solid and well constructed which is reassuring in emergency situations.
What we like
- The tactical tail switch for rapid mode switching is a great feature and makes it easy to operate
- Affordably priced making it accessible to anyone
- Looks sleek and attractive making it stand out
What we don’t like
- A standard amount of lumen output for its class
- Typical design that can be found in similar products
Also Great: ThorFire Mini Flashlight
ThorFire TG06S light gives out max 500 lumens when powered by 14500 button top battery (Not Included), but can be powered by standard AA batteries.
TG06S is lightweight and small enough for everyday use. ThorFire makes excellent products that are reliable and the 3.7 inch makes it compact and easy to carry, It is lightweight and can easily fit in your pocket or where ever you need to stow it away for emergencies or activities. It makes a perfect addition to any survival bag or everyday use when you need a handy light. The removable and reversible clip is a nice feature that the TG06S incorporates so it can be used as cap light when working on a project that requires hands-free use. A single, common, AA battery is all that is needed to provide hours of use. ThorFire has a generous 18-month warranty. If you find you have any questions or issue the customer service is quick and responsive. A solid choice for a powerful AA flashlight.
What we like
- A solid design that feels rugged enough to handle the elements
- Hands-free clip for use on a cap which is handy when engaged in activities
- Excellent 18-month warranty and rapid customer service is a bonus
What we don’t like
- Could be a little more powerful for this class of light
- Features that are fairly typical and found in other lights
Also Great: UltraTac A1 Pocket Flashlight
The UlraTac A1 is another flashlight to consider. One of the key features I really liked is the reverse polarity protection. This is extremely handy when the battery needs to be changed in the dark. If the battery is installed severely the UltraTac won’t burn out leaving you with a dead flashlight. A very useful feature that makes it a strong competitor in this class. This small flashlight is compact and gives out a fair amount of lumens at 600 when powered by a 14500 battery. It also accepts AA and has maximum run time up to 180 hours. I like that it is compatible with ALL AA batteries, a feature that is important because not all flashlights like this are.
The 3 light modes are fairly standard but useful. It is small and compact meaning it can easily fit in a bag, pocket, handbag, or anywhere you need to stow it away in case of emergencies or everyday use. The clip allows it to be used as a cap light for your convenience when you need hands free for other activities. Another feature is the included rubber diffuser which allows it to be used as a candle to illuminate a tent or room. I found this very handy while camping and a fun feature as well. It is rugged and durable and can withstand shocks and blows up to 5 ft should this happen. Being weather and water-resistant is an important feature and the UltraTac A1 can survive being temporarily submerged in water. Backed by a very long 24-month worry-free warranty, if a defect becomes apparent there is a lot of time to return it. The customer service is very good and responsive.
What we like
- Reverse polarity feature is great if the battery is put in backward so it won’t burn out
- A rubber diffuser ring turns it into a candle-like light to illuminate rooms or tents
- The outstanding and long warranty is reassuring in case something malfunctions
What we don’t like
- Standard features that can be found in many competitors
- A basic design that doesn’t make it stand out from the pack
On a Budget: NICRON N7 600 Mini Flashlight
What I love about the Nicron flashlight is not just the price, but the unique 90-degree rotating head. This feature is very useful when you want to have a better grip while working on vehicles or mechanical objects. It is ultra powerful and can illuminate up to several hundred feet. It only uses one AA battery and the smart voltage feature means it has a long usage. A rechargeable battery may be used and it will increase the lumens from 250 to 600 providing a lot of light into such a small flashlight. 4 useful settings including stroke and SOS. The magnetic clip is solid and stays put when engaged in an activity which is nice. An IP-65 waterproof rating makes sure that it will function in harsh elements and consistently keep working. It can handle some drops and not get damaged so if you drop it, there is no worry of the functionality diminishing. The Nicron N7 is very affordable making it easy on the wallet. Backed by an 18-month worry-free warranty, if there are any problems the friendly customer service will happily replace or refund it. A great little light to keep in your backpack or at home for emergencies.
What we like
- The 90-degree head is a great feature that makes it useful in a variety of situations
- Very affordable for budget shopping
- Looks unique making it stand out from other similar lights
- A long warranty that will cover any defects or problems
What we don’t like
- Feels lighter and not as solid as some
- Not a powerful light
Conclusion
There are many options and features to choose from when selecting an AA flashlight. The GearLight S2000 is a top-notch flashlight delivering a whopping 1200 lumens making it a powerful flashlight in its class. The price is reasonable and performs above many others. Things to consider when selecting a flashlight are the quality of material used, the number of lumens, how durable it is, and cost.
The GearLight S2000 excels in all these categories.
While it uses more batteries, it is not a big deal because of the amount of light that it puts out. A fair trade-off if you need a more powerful compact light. You may find that you wind up using these smaller lights more often than larger ones as they tend to be more practical and easy to carry in your backpack or survival bag. Some lights are made from cheap material and it may be more worthwhile to invest in a heavier duty aluminum or steel model to avoid an easily damaged light that must be replaced. A little research can help you make a more informed choice.