I am not completely addicted to flashlights (sorry :/), but my parents own a large house in the country side and you often need a working flashlight.
I gave a try to the tank 007 TK-701 a few years ago, and bought 2 other ones later because they suited my need :
-Cheap ($8.80 now on dx, thought I paid around $12 back then)
-Not too much throw so you can use them to find things in the dark
-No over complicated 5 mode with programmable memory driver
-Can stand normal fall and rain
-Use AAA (which mean that I can use the decent la crosse RS-9000 that I offered my father long ago)
Now that there are plenty new flashlights on the market, and I’d like to buy something in the same spirit, with a few differences :
-A bit bigger so it’s easier to look for it
-May use 2xAA for better efficiency and a bit more autonomy
-Eventually 2 mods (mid and high), can have more if it has memory or always start on high or mid
Like the tank 701, incredibly cheap would be a nice feature
Do you have something in mind ? Is the C3 with extension tube a possible choice ? Is the tank 556 similar to the 701 ?
The 2x AA Mini-Mag isn’t too bad. They are sometimes on sale in various big box stores for under $15. I’m not a fan of the twist on switch, but other than that, it gives a sense of being well-made more than the usual cheap imports do.
High is rated at 77 lumens as I recall, but that seems to be a conservative rating. With fresh batteries anyway, it seems close to other lights I have that are supposed to be 100 lumens.
In single AA lights, I don’t think you can beat the Sipik sk68 type for bang for the buck.
For 2xAA, you can go with the 77 lumen Maglite LED like mentioned above for around $20. But if you spend a little more… I would recommend a Jetbeam BA-20 for about $40. Has 30 lumen low, and 270 lumen high. Runs on 2xAA and is very well built.
I tryed to find review about all those flashlights you suggested and :
-WF-606a seems to match my need : Q5, 2AA, acceptable built, current controlled, for less than $18
-I might give the C3 Q5 a try, for $11
-R20A seems very nice, it my replace the klarus P2A on my list of flashlight for when I’ll want a good flashlight that I keep in the $30-$50 range, but for now I am looking for a dumb cheap flashlight that I can lose, scratch, …
-I leave in europe, so any $23 flashlight at homedepot will cost 30€ here. I need something that can be ordered form HK/China
It happens every time: A poster request a cheap light and no sooner an other recommend a light which is
4 times more expensive. Very strange. Dont you think he has a reason to request a cheap light?
I wouldnt say it comes very cheap, its somewhere between 30$ ad 40$ shipped from China, also, given that hes ordering lights for his parents I believe its mode changing sequence might be confusing and frustrating, especially because eliott asked for simple light, 2 modes is best in such case IMO versus R20A rather “slow” mode changing.
As for JetBeam BA20, yes, its good for the price, but its between 30$ and 40$ shipped from China, depends if you find a good deal/sale or not.
Reverse polarity protection plate that is located inside flashlights head and is made out of plastic has chipped and fallen off from my light, another thing to consider given that its easy to put batteries the wrong way into any device.
Sipik SK68 clones with extension tubes is where its at, cheap, powerfull, 3 modes and tough-hard to destroy.
I know this, I tried :D!
Easy there partner… I recommended a $20 maglite with an option to go better quality for more. How cheap do you want to go? 2xAA with multiple modes for $12 bucks? Let me know when you find one so I can order it too.
I'm not a fan of the DX C3 (standard single-mode aluminum model with the extension tube). The light has intermittent contact issues that causes it to flicker at times and not work reliably. I know other reviewers have reported the same issue. I've not kept up much with 2x AA-style lights. I have this light...
...as purchased from Manafont, and really like the form factor and size as an EDC. Only a single AA and the brightness is unimpressive on a AA. It does have the option to upgrade to 14500s in the future if you ever wanted to; it's much brighter on the Li-Ion than when using AA-Alkalines.
You dont get it. If I ask to be recommended a single AAA light will you then recommend me a 6 D-cell Maglite
because the run time will be a lot better on the latter?
