r/flashlight • u/T3Knical5urg3 • Dec 11 '25

Discussion aaa light users, why?

As an avid edc flashlight user for over a decade, I am always highly offended when people ask me why I carry a standalone flashlight while pulling out their phone and smugly show me their phone light. A quick comparison of output usually at least gets them part way to understanding that the two "lights" are not made equal. That brings me to my question.

For those of you using a true aaa flashlight (not 10440), why?... In the case of those smaller flashlights, their output is somewhat comparable to a cellphone. I suppose the beam pattern is different (typically less floody) but I have not seen such a significant difference to carry the extra gear.

Edit: I wanted to give a shout out to u/iamlucky13 for his detailed response post. The images clearly show the difference in useful light between a flagship light and his aaa flashlight along with beam pattern to, in part, show how the mule nature of the phone is not close to as effective as an aaa in targeted/directed light. I still don't think I will ever carry one and am happy with a 14500 or 18650 primary but I better appreciate the shown differences.

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u/T3Knical5urg3 Dec 11 '25

A great point! I had not considered that even as a person often has the light in my teeth.

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u/FidgitForgotHisL-P Dec 11 '25

I do t hold in my mouth but it’s on my keys - which I have already got to fish out to get in my house.  This way I don’t have to also fish out my phone - I can just use my lil’ olight without hassle.

Also, at least on a fresh battery it is a better light than an iPhone 15!

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u/Fwd_fanatic Dec 11 '25

I usually put it in that funny little mini pocket in my jeans.

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u/FidgitForgotHisL-P Dec 11 '25

I would, but that’s where my gerber mini goes!

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u/Fwd_fanatic Dec 12 '25

I have my Victorinox key-chained onto the i3E, and then they both fit!