The Tool AA has 3 modes, H/M/L 550 lumens is only possible with a Li-Ion 14500 battery. The lumen output/runtimes per battery type is as follows:
14500 550( 0:45)/95(4:00)/8(28:30)
Alkaline 110(1:45)/25(11:00)/7(36:25)
NiMH 120(2:55)/25(11:40)/7(30:30)
Per Lumintop's website: http://www.lumintop.com/tool-aa.html
No strobe/SOS mode. I don't own a tool AA, just a tool AAA. If the modes are the same, it will start on medium, then cycle to low, then high, then back to medium. No memory. I would have preferred it with a deep pocket clip and high CRI, but all in all, for the price, a very nice light.
MkdufferFwiw AA Tool in not offered w High CRI LED option afaik
and
I read here that it has visible PWM
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?441660
Im a big fan of the AAA version in High CRI. It has NoPWM. Unfortunately the AA version is not the same.