Best budget compact Non-Rechargeable Battery Torch

Hi Guys

I’m kinda new to Torch’s, I’m involved with scouts and require a small torch to put in the first-aid kit.

The priority is Simplicity, Reliability and Longevity as this may be used in emergency situations.

Requirements;

  • Budget (under $25 USD)

  • Compact and portable torch

  • Longest Runtime as possible (to reduce replacing batteries)

  • Uses Regular store bought batteries (simplifys so someone else can replace dead batteries)

  • and is bright enough for camping, hiking and outdoors

Please feel free to make any comments or suggestions regarding my requirements.

Streamlight 4AA?

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-4AA-ProPolymer/dp/B00069PJLA

Not sure what it would cost in Australia, sorry.

EDIT: Maybe take a look at Sofirn SF11 as well.

AA Alkaline batteries often will leak and ruin the flashlight even if they claim to be leak-proof. You want to use Low Self discharge NiMH (rechargeable) batteries whenever possible as they don’t leak and will have much higher runtime . Just add a note so they don’t throw the batteries if they need to change them far from a charger. Buy the Eneloop 4AA/Standard charger combo , then if you need more batteries buy Eneloops, Tenergy Centuras, Amazon Basics (now made in China, not longer in Japan!) or whatever NiMH brand you prefer.

Lithium AA non-rechargeable batteries (such as Energizer AA Lithium) are another choice that are less likely to leak than alkalines if you don’t want to recharge but they are not much cheaper than NiMH. They will have a bit more runtime than NiMH.

Lumintop edc01, tool AA or tool AAA.

Klarus MI6

Sofirn SF10, C01s

You beat me to my usual tirade… :slight_smile:

Yeah, those hateful little alkaleaks will ruin any light they’re in, especially in something like a first-aid kit, bugout bag, etc., and you’ll only discover that when you need it most.

For longevity, I’d get a light that takes ’123s, or as you mentioned, Li primaries. Those’ll last for years untouched.

With Li AAs, at least you could swap in alkaleaks in case of true desperation emergency.

So? Any AA light with physical switch or twisty (Xeno E03, Jetbeam Jet-I, etc.) will stay put for years without draining the cell, but even a light with an e-switch (Sofirn SP10, etc.) can be locked out by unscrewing the tailcap a turn or so.

All those lights will work with everything from an alkaleak through 14500 (Li-ion or LFP).

For using a ’123, something like a Jet-II would be quite nice.

Jetbeam jet 1MK