Emisar/EDC

Emisar D3AA

Name: Emisar D3AA
Brand: Emisar
Price: 40 USD
Availability: InStock

The current enthusiast darling. The D3AA shrinks the D4V2 formula into an AA/14500 tube with a boost driver, Anduril 2, RGB aux LEDs, and Hank's full emitter menu. Batches sell out constantly.

Beam profile

Flood, about 38° wide. Wide and even — light where you are, not where you're pointing.

Estimated from 1,400 lm ÷ 4,100 cd — how this works

$40

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Specifications

Output: 1400lm
Peak intensity: 4100cd
Beam distance: 128m
Emitter: Nichia 519A 4500K
Colour rendering: 95 CRI
Beam type: Flood
Cell: AA/14500
Runtime: 1.5 hrs (high)
Modes: Ramping + Stepped
Interface: Anduril 2
Water/dust: IP67
Dimensions: 3.1 x 0.9 in
Weight: 1.6 oz
Warranty: Manufacturer Limited

Manufacturer figures, measured to ANSI FL1 where the brand states it.

Features

High CRI (90+)Anduril UI Aux LEDs Pocket Clip Waterproof (IP67+)

What owners report

Emisar D3AA/5 sources reviewed

A smaller but still full-featured D4V2 — three emitters, the full Emisar emitter menu, Anduril 2, and an upgraded driver that improves both output and runtime. What makes it unusual is the power flexibility: it runs 14500 lithium cells and 1.5V cells, and reviewers call it by far the best Eneloop light available, with regulated output, no PWM and a very efficient driver. One review scored it five stars and recommended it even to people who'd never heard of Emisar.

The complaints are about finish rather than function. The anodising could be tougher, tolerances around the o-rings could be better, and the red o-rings on the smaller Emisars break more readily. The clip is the weakest part: the gap under it is small enough to make pushing the light fully into a jeans pocket difficult, and it has pronounced nubs that press uncomfortably against a leg or hand.

Consistently praised

Full D4V2 capability — three emitters, full emitter menu, Anduril 2 — in a smaller body
Runs both 14500 lithium and 1.5V cells
Described as by far the best Eneloop light: regulated, no PWM, very efficient
Upgraded driver improves both output and runtime
Dedome option available for a warmer beam

Common complaints

The clip's gap is too small to push into a jeans pocket easily
Pronounced clip nubs press uncomfortably against leg or hand
Anodising could be tougher
Red o-rings on the smaller Emisars break more readily
Tolerances around the o-rings could be better

Questions people ask

Can it really run Eneloops?: Yes, and well — reviewers call it the best Eneloop light there is, with regulated output and no PWM on 1.5V cells. That's rare; most lights designed for 14500 perform poorly on NiMH.
How bad is the clip?: It's the most-cited fault. The gap under it is tight enough to make deep pocket carry awkward, and its nubs press into your leg. Several owners replace it.
What's the dedome option?: Removing the emitter's silicone dome shifts the beam warmer and tighter. It's an enthusiast preference that Emisar offers from the factory rather than something you have to do yourself.
D3AA or D4V2?: The D3AA if you want AA/14500 flexibility and a smaller light with a newer driver. The D4V2 for more output from an 18650 and a broader configuration menu.

Sources (5)