I’m looking for a replacement for my Hugsby P-31 for edc. Needing a very bright, not too many modes, and/or easy to program. Twist on/off is not good. Maybe just bright, dim, and strobe. It needs to be smaller, about Hugsby size, but joint problems are making the end-mounted thumb switch activation problematical. 
It will be used for inspecting dark corners of parking lots, stairwells, empty buildings, backyards & the like. Ease of use/programming are paramount. I have a 4/7s QT 2A Tactical, which I love, but the PITA programming has limited me to two modes…low, with the much-discussed “preflash” and a high mode.
It is a tad long for pocket carry, even with the clip, and having to put the holster on, with other items is inconvenient, to say the least.
My new light should be reasonably shock resistant, as dropping it, and having it go out, leaving me blind with a hot weapon is not something I want to contemplate. If such an animal can be found at around ~$30 max, that would be nice.
So…Wizards of Lumens, assist me, please! 
This should be interesting (subscribed)
I don’t have any input because I prefer the tail clicky lights. You didn’t mention cell preference or run times req’d.
Good Luck
SMM
jf_;
Thanx; In response; 1AA for battery availability, and I am willing to consider even a tail clicky, because I think a less-recessed one could be a partial solution. Run time…All I can get in all modes, although with one AA, that will not be the main criterion. Enough light to clearly identify an object at across-the -back-yard ranges, ~ 50 yards, or whatever it might be, as well as a bright strobe for disorientation/more reaction time.
So. Now to sit back and wait for the responses to roll in! :sunglasses:
I’m going to sound like a broken record to some folks but I’ve been using a Thorfire TG06 as my backup light for 6 or 7 months. It runs on AA but I’ve been using 14500’s because I like the 300 lumen output. A few months ago I handed it off to one of the fire dept chiefs when we were checking a building, at first he looked at me funny but when he clicked it on he just said wow and looked at the light instead of the branch line & sprinkler we were checking. I’ve also been pulling it out instead of my other lights when I need my hands free for something. I’ve really gotten attached to it, I carry it all the time because it’s so small it doesn’t get in the way no matter what I’m wearing (suit, uniform or jeans). It doesn’t have great run time on the 14500’s but I don’t expect hours and hours from such a little cell. I don’t know if this helps but mad max’s deal thread has this one for a little over $11. That gives you some room to pick up cells & a charger if necessary. **Just remembered, no strobe on this one.
If the tail clicky isn’t your thing the XTAR WK41 or 42 are also about the same size and output but they have the side clicky. I actually like their UI better (4 modes with a hidden strobe) but I didn’t like the “press and hold” to turn it off. I have the 42 which runs on 16340’s so it’s even smaller but again the run time is lower and running it on CR123’s is too expensive. The 41 can run on AA’s but it’s hard to find at a decent price, I keep seeing it for about $40 while the 42 can be had for about $9. Take a look at them if this is the size light you are looking for.
Anyway, those are just the ones I’ve played with. I carry both in different capacities. Good luck with your search.
Sean
I have no personal experience with it, but I’ve seen several reviews for the new Olight S1A over the past few days. Looks like it might meet most of your criteria except price.
DavidEF did a lengthy review of it you can find here
Other possibilities (also do not own these yet, they just come to mind):
Edit: I haven’t checked pricing on those. Apologies in advance if they’re high. Manker doesn’t exactly strive for budget
Oh, I love looking around, but now I have the urge to buy something. Darn you, BLF! 
One last one: Klarus Mi7. M4D M4X has a negotiated price on it off $25. Output is reported to be overstated, but still respectable. Looks very tempting!
Just don’t buy the “red” one
I’m a AA light fan, especially 1xAA. However, it’s tricky to get a good one that is also inexpensive. Under $30, I’d try the Manker E11, which is a budget version of their T01. I don’t have the E11, so I can’t comment on its quality.
If you’re willing to double your budget, there are lots of great AA lights. My favourites, in order of preference:
Zebralight SC5w or SC5 (1xAA, max output 500 lumens)
Zebralight SC52w or SC5 (1xAA, max output 250+ lumens)
Armytek Prime A1 and A2 cool or warm (1xAA or 2xAA, max output 500 lumens)
Manker T01 (1xAA, max output 500 lumens, throwy for a 1xAA, only available in cool white but it’s a clean tint)
Like you, I also have the Quark Tactical and Quark Pro in 2xAA format. I like those lights, but the UI makes them more appropriate for single-mode use. Also, they’re cool-white, which I don’t really like. 4sevens replaced them with some really poor designs, IMO, so I wouldn’t consider the new versions.
I’ll just throw one in for consideration. My first what I call “proper” flashlight purchase was a Nitecore EA11 . It is still not in the $30 price range (although I lucked up and found mine on Amazon Warehouse Deals for like $38 shipped), but I bought it because of the AA/14500 flexibility.
Mind you, I almost NEVER run it on a AA……ergo, I keep a 14500 in it pretty much all the time. As you will see by the specs, the output is greatly increased and more widely spaced with the 14500. I will say however, that I don’t notice much difference in output b/t my AW IMR 14500 and my protected Obtronic 14500’s. This thing is a pocket rocket IMHO. But of course you can throw AA’s in for reasonable output in a pinch.
The PROS:
Size to output ratio
THE UI. (easier than tail clicky IMHO, BUT a little harder to find sometimes than a big button in a hurry). It has 2 side buttons, one on/off and one MODE selection. From them, you can directly access Low mode, TURBO and Strobe from off. Then you can use the mode button to switch b/t output levels. It has mode memory so it will come on to whatever level you last used by simply clicking the Power button. Also includes a RED LED that can be used for really preserving night vision or can be used as a locator in case it’s dropped.
VOLTAGE CHECK. Almost forgot this part. Red led blinks to give you voltage check (ie, blinks 4 times then 1 time to indicate 4.1V left in battery) on battery every time you insert one or just turn the tail cap about half a turn and then lock again to check anytime you want. Especially nice feature if using lithiums so you don’t have to be quite so paranoid about keeping up with them.
The CONS (very minor):
Small cell capacity
+Very white LED (+not blue or green to my eyes, but not neutral either)
I will confess, it has been replaced by a Zebralight SC62w as my EDC (Neutral tint, great UI, big ole easy to find button on the side, 18650 cell for longer run times, slightly bigger hotspot all in a package just ever so slightly larger than the Nitecore EA11). BUT, I ain’t getting rid of the Nitecore EA11.
PS. I know that probably doesn’t qualify as a “budget light’, but just offering possible solutions. :+1:
I like my red one! :sunglasses: