The Romisen RC-N3, but the one from DX isn't as bright as the one from Shining Beam. SB's version costs more than $20 even after the 6% CPFuser discount though. Not a lot of 2xAA choices. The 2xAA LED multimode mini maglite isn't bad, but may not be available in your area.
The Ultrafire WF-606A. Has a Q5 in it these days. The ability to use CR2 cells is more or less a gimmick. Cheap, bright, very solidly made. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14909
Saw one the other day. The shop wanted £27 for it - over $40 at the present exchange rate. While I like the idea of it, it is way too expensive for what it is here. I can get it mail order for $29 (£18.99) but that is still way too expensive for me. I'm not fond of the 2AA form factor.
I'd be inclined to go for the 606A. Jay did a review of it ages back - you'll find it about a third of the way down this page. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176577
I'm not really a fan of multiple AA lights - at that length you are into 18650 territory with much more runtime.
Well the days are getting darker and friends are asking me about flashlights again.
Including friends I wouldn’t trust with li-ion recharging.
Any new recommendations for multi-AA lights on the budget end?
A truly great little torch. Search around on here and you may find a discount code too, making it cheaper than a MagLED (also not so bad, even though the LED has a horrible blue tint, but it does have adjustable focus in a deep efficient reflector, which can be useful).
A MagLED possibly saved my life, two nights, injured, out on a bare mountain at high altitude just before the winter snows swept in. Head removed, running in candle mode on low, it was a great comfort until I recovered enough to walk (stagger) out.
When I travel, or walk out for several weeks, I only carry AA torches. LiIon is all very well, but not practical in many cases. When you just need to buy new primary cells wherever you can get them, and I don’t mean CR2s and CR123s.
Olight S15 is also very good for a 1xAA torch.
Fenix and Nitecore also make very decent 4xAA torches for those who need more lumens.
There’s also the Jaxman M2, it sure looks nice. Just 2 modes, I’d be comfortable handing that thing to anyone.
400lm, 2xAA, ~35mm head, under 25$ shipped
What about the Jaxman M2? Don’t have it personally but Jaxman has a good reputation. Also the new convoy t2, for around $10 (on sale). So firm has a few single AAs in the 10-15 range too