IMO you need a sipik SK68 clone if you do not have one. You can pick one up from various eBay sellers for around $7 shipped. It will run AA or as a bonus it is even brighter on a 14500. Very nicely made IMO for $7 shipped. I know this is 40% above your budget, but we are talking $2.
If you submit a best offer of $7, I am fairly certain it will be accepted.
Way above the budget here, but the Trustfire R5-A3 and F25 are my favorite 14500 lights. *** Keep in mind I have an E03 and SE-1 on the way I haven't experienced yet.
The Powerlight is still a great deal, I think. Good source here:
http://www.priceangels.com/Power-Light-HX-G011-3W-LED-Flashlight-1-AA--Grey-s79564.html
http://www.priceangels.com/Power-Light-HX-G011-3W-LED-Flashlight-1-AA--Black-s79552.html
I think these also look interesting. Sorry about the 100% price increase, though...
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/small-sun-zy5771-led-flashlight-black-aa-p-7131
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/small-sun-zy45-120lumen-mode-led-flashlight-silver-titanium-finish-aa-p-8740
The "Powerlight" seems to be a general term for any ultra-cheap 1xAA flashlight with a simple cylindrical form factor. There are probably quite a few manufacturers and sources, and they are pretty much the de-facto budget LED light carried by thousands of sellers. Not superb, but definitely not bad for the price.
Thanks Admin...I already ordered the Power Light for 2.99 a few days before you posted this...I could have gotten an extra dollar off (1.99), but didnt want to spend my DinoPoints, LOL.
(Just checked now and DD raised the price 2.99 -> 4.50 :( )
In this case I just wanted a cheap light, I know you can buy another light for 9.99 or spend 21$ on this light, or 27$ on the Xeno, etc...but for 2.99 Im really looking fwd to the PowerLight.
Normally I don't buy Small Sun, because I've never been happy with any of the Small Sun flashlights that I've bought. But in this price range, the differences start to become less significant, and anything that powers up and doesn't flicker is acceptable.