What's the Best $20 Flashlight in the World?

I slowly inching my way up the price points and as I lose the battle to keep the cheap flashlight addiction under control.

I usually prefer a smaller, slim, EDC style type flashlight, but I’m open to suggestions.

From reading threads and reviews here, I’ve assembled a motley list of likely candidates.

Truth be told, I’ll probably end up buying several of the different models on my list. I like a little variety and spice.

I am curious if some of the models are identical or very similar owing to their similar names.

Without further ado, here’s my list. I’d like to hear your thoughts on my list, and I’d also welcome additions.

UltraFire WF504B

KD C8 CREE XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight

FandyFire 2100 CREE XP-GR5

Lighthound AA Tactical Flashlight, Cree XPG R3 LED
Lighthound AA Tactical Flashlight, Cree XPG R5 LED

N-Light L2 CREE R3

PALIGHT C8 R5 LED 5-Mode Memory LED Flashlight - not crazy about 5 modes though.

Romisen RC-M4 II Neutral White 2-Mode LED Flashlight
Romisen RC-2R4 NW XP-G R4 Neutral White LED flashlight “1-Mode”

ShiningBeam C-mini Cree XP-G R5 Tactical LED Flashlight 280 Lumens (OK- it’s closer to $25, but with cheap/free shipping)

SKY RAY P-10 CREE R5

TrustFire XML C8-T6 5-Mode CREE LED 1000 Lumen Flashlight
TrustFire TR-801 Cree Q5-WC

Ultrafire C8 Q5 5 Mode Cree Led Flashlight with 300 Lumen Output $10.50 w/ free S&H- I might get two!)
Ultra Fire C8 T6 5W CREE 5-Mode 900LM White Light LED Flashlight
Ultrafire C8 Cree R5 3-Mode LED Flashlight
UltraFire WF504B

No solarforces? Prob be pushing the limit tho like the shining beam.

Maybe just a touch more money, but not by much, and this light really just doesn’t have any major flaws.

It’s SOLID

XinTD

……

XinTD V3 NW 3-mode ... hands down.... best value for money on the planet. Every time I use this light, I like it more. Absolute showstopper in that form factor.

What’s the Best $20 Flashlight in the World?

Those are nice, but it’s also 50% over budget.

An Ultrafire 501 A $5.89

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-wf501a-flashlight-tube-cr123-mini-p60-host-no-led-emitter-p-4294

Plus the infamous Manafont/ Ultrafire 3 mode XML drop in $15.98

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-cree-t6-3mode-memory-led-dropin-module-42v-max-p-5178

Add a couple 18350 IMRs for good measure and you have an 800 plus lumen pocket rocket

Well, aren’t you the crafty one? :wink:

Is that a case of putting a $500 saddle on a $50 horse?

Are there any heat issues? Call me odd, but I don’t want a flashlight that gets too hot to hold after 3 minutes.

This

Yes it will get hot on high, but that is what medium and low are for.

I wonder how much of a difference there is between the different brands that offer a “C8 T6’??

For super bright, cheap and easy to EDC, get a UF2100 5 mode and a solarforce stainless clip - should be about $20 total.

Pffft… dang it man, if there’s a button marked “high”… Ima pushin’ it! 8)

$19.95- Ultrafire C303.

Better than a UF2100.
My EDC.

What about the Balder SE-1? The XP-G version is $20, and should throw decently for a 1 AA light and be brighter with a 14500.

Also got my Keygos M10 for a bot more then $17 and that’s a nice light too.

I got a SF L2m and combined it with a Xml u2 drop in from ali express.( 3.3amp +) All up less than $24.
The best value would be the uf2100. Mine cost $15

The Thrunite TI is the only under $20 light I actually use these days.

If you double the budget and get a UF-T50 it will more than take the place of two $20 lights IMO.

LOL . . I thought that’s what your custom driver was for!

It is perfect for that but not for a complete $20 flashlight.