Lumintop Tool prices and alternatives

There was a time not long ago when you could get a plain black tool for about 10 bucks (with a code usually) now they all seem to be $5-10 more than that. Why did the price jump so high?

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good price (or code) for these?

If not, a good quality AAA light with either a tail or side switch for around the $10 mark.

My brother had a Nitecore Tube that I gave him a few years ago but it died and after talking to him a little I think a small AAA with switch would suit him nicely and the Tool is what came to mind as I love mine.
Any help is appreciated.

I like the Zanflare F3 for a AAA tail clicky. I have a few of them and they serve me well.

https://www.amazon.ca/Tactical-Flashlight-Zanflare-Battery-Portable/dp/B07D9BDQZD/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538266921&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=zanflare+f3&psc=1

https://www.gearbest.com/led-flashlights/pp_009396131805.html?wid=1214279

Few options for ya.

Yeah, the F3 is nice for 8-10bux with a code.

I got a lifetime supply of Glaree E01s for about that, but they’re twisties. Make great zipper-pulls, though.

For twisties where the head might theoretically come loose and fall off, I put a “dot” of duct-tape to hold it in-place. Twists on no problem when you need it, but keeps it just a bit more secure when not in use.

I don’t own any of these yet, but they’re all on my to-buy list and they’re all under 10 USD:

I recently replaced my EDC Lumintop Tool Nichia with an Olight I3T EOS and I’m very happy with it, but it’s 20 USD.

And which coped who.
Sofurn SF01A and the Thorefire PF01S look the same.
Which is the better.

I like the twisties myself.
The Astrolux AO1 is nice and runs 3 levels to 110/120.
Lives on my 4 key keyring.
Jetbeam Jet-1 MK is slightly larger. 3 levels to 460ish.
BOTH super well made. $8 and 14ish

Some of the Amazon reviews for the F3 mention that the battery compartment is too small. Anyone have problems with that? Maybe a unit-to-unit variation (QC) problem?

Current Amazon price for the F3 is $10. If you want the word “tactical” in the item description the price goes up to $14. :laughing:

I only ever got the Tool for 10 US dollars in sales, and that’s how I got all three that I ever bought (one Cree, my first, and two CRI, one for me and one for a friend). Usually the price I see is around 15. If you wait for this end of the year, Banggood or Gearbest should have them at a discount.

Otherwise, I guess the F3 is a good option? I have no experience with it.

EDIT: XP-G2 version is on for 12 bucks on Banggood right now!