AAA

AAA flashlights are some of the most popular lights currently on the market today; however, many users are asking why. Why are these small, low-output flashlights dominating the industry when there are bigger, more powerful options out there? We took a step back from our normal platform of 'bigger is better' and broke down the reasons why these AAA flashlights are just so popular.

Size Matters

When comparing AAA batteries with other non-rechargeable cells on the market, you will quickly see that the AAA is one of the smallest available. As a result, flashlights that are powered by AAA batteries are able to be much smaller and more compact. AAA flashlights are therefore predominately used as everyday carry lights. In fact, the average length of our AAA flashlights is just four inches long! A four-inch-long EDC light is the perfect size for sliding into your pocket or for storing in your bag. These alkaline-powered lights are available in a variety of styles as well, including as penlights and as keychain lights. The small-sized battery gives users the ability to carry an illumination tool with them at all times, without being weighed down or feeling uncomfortable. Sure, some of the larger lights have pocket clips, but are you really going to hold a ten-inch-long light on your hip?

While penlights are ideally meant for use as an inspection light or for searching for a lost item in the dark, keychain lights are often used to navigate dark parking lots. Something else to consider is the size and weight of the batteries themselves. Because the most-used AAA batteries are alkaline or non-rechargeable, you will need to carry backup batteries with you, if your trip or excursion is projected to take a while. The weight and size of your backup batteries is an important factor to consider when space is limited. One of our colleagues is gearing up to trek the Appalachian trail this year. When choosing the right illumination tools for his journey, he strongly considered using AAA flashlights because of oh how lightweight and small the batteries are, while still offering adequate and reliable output levels. This explains some of the major differences between AAA flashlights and those that are powered by coin cells, which typically only ready about 50 lumens. Coin cell flashlights are also typically much smaller, to a point where they may be almost too small and therefore more difficult to use.

Convenient Replacements

One of the biggest selling features of AAA flashlights is the convenience of finding replacement batteries. While we are biased and hope that all of our customers buy their batteries from us, we understand just how important it is the keep your lights powered, and sometimes you just have to make the sacrifice and buy them from your local brick-and-mortar store. We forgive you. The fact that AAA batteries can be found at any major retailer, grocery store, mom-and-pop bait shop make AAA flashlights the go-to EDC for those who travel frequently or who won't be near an electricity source to recharge their NiMH cells. Alkaline cells are also now free from mercury, therefore making them easy to dispose of - just throw them out with the rest of your garbage!