I always wanted a 14500/AA aluminum version of the Reylight Pineapple Mini, but never found one until the LanApples became available. I like the LanApple because it has higher outputs and longer run times than the Pineapple Mini. Another bonus is that the LanApple has the 4500K Nichia 519b compared to the Pineapple Mini I have that has a cooler Nichia 219b. The switch action on the LanApple is better than the Pineapple Mini (which could use a firmer spring, because I sometimes find it difficult to switch between modes without accidentally clicking the switch and turning the flashlight off). I also like the clip, which has the 5 “apple” seed design. So the LanApple is my favorite Reylight, but my second favorite among 14500/AA flashlights (more on this below).
For me, the main reason is that the mode groups are a compromise between useful outputs and having strobe/SOS available. I like mode group 1 with moonlight-2%-20%-100%, which translates to about 12 lumens, 120 lumens and 600 lumens for the non moonlight modes. I would use 120 lumens the most, for getting around the house at night.
For outdoor use, something like 240 lumens would be useful to me, but that’s only available in mode group 2, which doesn’t have the 20% (120 lumen) mode.
To get strobe and SOS, I have to select mode group 4 (moonlight-50%-100%-strobe-SOS), which doesn’t work so well for me for indoor use. With a AA battery, mode group 4 outputs are more manageable, but I don’t get the maximum brightness of a 14500 battery, if I need it.
To be honest, I don’t really need the strobe or SOS, but who knows if an emergency might ever arise where it’s needed? For now, I’ll stick to mode group 2 with a 14500 battery.
There are 14500/AA flashlights with the Anduril 2 UI, which gives ramping or stepped modes, strobe/blinky modes and battery check, such as the Sofirn SP10 Pro (which has a one year warranty), and I might use it for most non-critical situations. Killzone Flashlights sells the 14500/AA Skilhunt M150, which offers 7 brightness modes and 3 strobes (with a two year warranty), but knowing that the Reylight comes with a lifetime warranty, it would be my go-to light for simplicity of use, and something I could count on for years to come.