If you’ve ever looked into every day carry flashlights, you might have heard of the Emisar D4V2. It is the flashlight enthusiast’s benchmark for what a flashlight should be; bright, customizable UI, and small enough to carry. That said, many people (myself included) prefer an even smaller light than the 18650 size that the D4V2 offers. So it was with great fanfare that the flashlight forums welcomed the news of the AA based D3AA. Although it took me a while, I decided to pick one up and, now that I’ve carried and used it for a few months, will give you my thoughts on this powerful little light.
Why the Hype?
The D3AA has a lot going for it. It boasts 3 LEDs, with many options for the specific emitter type. It has the Anduril 2 user interface that allows for EXTENSIVE customization. It has RGB auxiliary LEDs for extra flare. It has an upgraded driver that allows for better output and runtime. Maybe most notably, at least for me, it can use Lithium Ion, NiMH rechargeable, and normal Alkaline AA sized batteries. It can even use some 14500 Lithium Ion batteries with onboard charging. It also comes in several aluminum colors as well as titanium, which is one of the main reasons I picked one up; I wanted a flashlight in titanium (to match my other EDC gear), that could use the batteries I have on hand, while still being reasonably sized to carry and relatively bright. So the D3AA should be the ticket, right?
Where Does it Go Wrong?
The Emisar D3AA is so close… but, for me, just misses the mark. Firstly, the clip leaves a lot to be desired. The area under the clip is small enough that it’s difficult to push it all the way to the end of the clip in jeans pockets. Also, the nubs that turn upward on each end of the retaining ring area of the clip are pronounced enough to be felt against the leg when the light is in the pocket and uncomfortable against the hand in use (cue the “you got soft hands brother” meme). I really wanted to carry it with a lanyard and matching copper bead, as shown in the pictures, but because the lanyard hole is so small I had to use a keyring which is awkward in the pocket and hand. Of course, I am absolutely amazed at the amount of light that this tiny thing can produce (whether with a Lithium Ion or with a NiMH, it’s bright). As always, Anduril 2 offers far more customization than anyone could ever need, and I like that I can set up a simple mode for my son to use (with greatly restricted brightness and NiMH batteries). The real deal killer is that, although it is quite small, it’s not small enough to be unobtrusive in carry, as I was hoping. It’s easier to carry than the D4V2, but just nowhere near a AAA form factor light. While I understand the AAA / 10440 size has a lower capacity to size ratio and there aren’t many options with customizable UIs (at least not with Anduril), I feel that it works better for me. So while I think the D3AA is a great light, my search for the perfect EDC flashlight continues. What should I try next?
If you want to try a D3AA, you can get yours at: https://intl-outdoor.com/led-flashlights/emisar-d3aa-14500-edc-led-flashlight.html
I suggest the following configuration: 519a Domed 4000k, add pocket clip, add magnet in tailcap, raised switch retaining ring, RGB switch backlight or warm white, and stainless bezel.
