And a Thorfire TG06 for the pocketable one, same AA batteries as well
I have a few “go-to” lights, the choice is based on the need of the situation, All are LiIon powered lights, though one accepts AAA cells too.
LiIon cells are like race-horses; you must have good ones and treat them properly to win. Not the cheapest initially but they’re well worth it in the long run. Investing say around $35 will get you a couple good cells and a good safe charger which will power your light under normal usage for several years; maybe as much as 10 years. In that time you’d spend more than that for primary cells. There’s also NiMh cells which are less potent but cheaper and safer that can give you equally long service. Incumbent with these is having a way to recharge them but there’s almost always a car or house nearby where you can plug in. Rechargeable makes good sense and good economy where you can use it :sunglasses:
Primary cells have their place and might be a better option for less-used lights and for where powering a charger is problematic. The main problems here are that you’ll have to keep replacing them as needed and that alkaline cells can (and often do) leak, destroying the light. Which is usually discovered only when you need the light the most 
So rather than recommending any lights, I’d recommend you do a bit of studying on what is available to power them and decide on which cell technology you want to go with before considering which light(s) to get. There are great lights for all technologies but each different one will be different lights recommended.
Phil
a good charger and quality cell is less than 10$ on Banggood, Gearbest or other chinesse store
an original Panasonic 18650B protected cell costs below 5$
http://www.gearbest.com/batteries/pp_187046.html?wid=21
http://www.gearbest.com/chargers/pp_272183.html
Too big for a Nightstand ???
Gearbest and Banggood won’t ship lithium ion cells to the US. The good news is, there is no shortage of places to buy them in the US with the largest selection anywhere. So shipping is only a few days, vs 3 weeks to a month.
Blf a6 would be a good EDC
and the “super bright” flashlight depend on your budget, olight X7 if you have a wide budget
I have read your 1st post and I am getting this from you.
Your looking for 2 lights.
Your budget is around $60 total.
You do not want to use special batteries.
Now I have a few questions.
What lights have you been using?
How do you like the lights you have used?
What are some bright lights to you?
What distance do you plan on using your pocket light?
Comfortable size for a pocket light?
Are these lights , just in case lights, or are they required in daily life ?
In your 2nd post I am getting that you may be open to special cells.
Do you want to impress your friends?
Do you feel this could be a hobby for you?
Do you like taking care of things?
In your 3rd post I am getting you had bad experience with special cells.
Do you like learning new things?
Do you like pushing the limits?
Do you like online communities ?
Answering these will give us all a better chance of recommending lights.
Chad
Nice post Chad!
And TS read li ion safety 101 (link in my sig)
At the risk of pissing off a lot of people here 
, considering your requirements and mindset, I’d recommend just going to your local Work Bench and getting a set of LED Maglites. 2×AA for carrying, 2×D for the nightstand.
They’re slick lights, simple to use, take conventional alkies, and will last pretty much forever. Lifetime guarantee.
Never used any of their newer lights with the crazy UIs, but the simple on/off twisties are a classic.
—
Me personally? My EDC is a ’502 host, 5000K XP-L emitter, 1-mode on/off, Panny-B protected 18650 cell. Simple, bright, great runtime, works flawlessly.
In my bag, I carry a Convoy S2+ with ~4000K emitter and 3/5-mode driver, 30Q unprotected 18650 cell. Goes low/med/high if I want less light than the ’501. Lots floodier than the ’501, more for close-in work than “reaching out”.
Other recs?
Jetbeam Jet-1 for small concealed-carry, 1×AA, twistie.
XTAR WK50, ditto, except rear tailswitch.
Convoy C8, 18650 cell, nice thrower for longer distances.
Used to EDC my Quark 2AA-X or whatever, but I got too tint-snobby to deal with the greenish-tint it put out, even though I love the light itself and the UI.
My go to?
Olight S1 since it hangs magnetically from my fridge and I’m often near there. It’s not the brightest, but it’s very convenient.
What was my go to in Afghanistan?
BLF A6. Hands down. Compact, powerful, and hung easily from molle gear. Fell several times onto concrete and gravel, still using it today.
Go to nightstand light?
Zebralight right-angle AA light. Forgot the model, but the ultra low moonlight mode is great when SWMBO is asleep.
P60 is still my do everything light. Solarforce host and these dropins for max performance. http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=86&product_id=292 These dropins for battery flexibility 2.7-9v range Sportaclight.com
Good choice on this one and the emphasis should be on small rather than soda can, more like salt cellar size. Any high output AA light runs the risk of cell leakage ruining your $30-$50 investment so 1.5V lithium primaries, eneloops, or a cell guaranteed not to leak is a good idea.
More true words have never been said lol.
I just came across this by accident, going to post in the deals section. I own several of these and tinker with them all the time. They started out as an Ultrafire sk68 some time ago and have been copied many times by many companies. I have ordered from this guy before so I feel good about it being a real Cree Q5.
I just ordered 10 of them just because of the price. Great gifts for anyone as they can use either a normal double A or a 14500. Of course it is brighter with the 14500 battery but at this price either way It's a deal.
oh yeah the Sipik68 clone wth AA, dirt cheap, fun, and well a gamble what you get in terms of tint but 100 meters they reach
Oh did I say cheap?
Here is a tint comparison just two random SK68 clones
Hi,
pocketable but powerfull EDC lights: Manker E11 or Klarus MI7, both take AA or 14500 Lithium batteries.
Manker if you prefer natural tint and more flood, Klarus if you like throw and cold white.
I had both and kept the Manker in NeutralWhite, it´s in my pocket every day and I think it´s a perfect EDC.
Super bright but compact flashlight could be Astrolux S41(s) with Nichia or XP-G2(3) and 18650 extension.
K.
My BLF A6 is my go to light. 
By the way, it accepts one 18650.
Klarus Mi7 is a good AA light.
I guess I am an exception.
I have and have used li-on lights and batteries, and have found no need for my own use. My own preferences are for AA and AAA battery lights.
For AA I like the Thrunite T10 and the Ace Beam L10, and for EDC I like the Tank 007 e09, and various 1 mode AAA lights. The Mini SingFire SF - 348 on GB for $4.49 is a favorite.
I do like Ni cad batteries. For me lights using 18650 batteries are too large and on high get too hot. However if I were camping 18650 would be fine for the long burn time on lower modes. I like small, inexpensive lights that are reliable.
Jerry
I am going to be the typical “I have a light for every occasion, but 9 for edc rotation”… LOL
In my EDC rotation I have the 4/7’s quark 123^2, Olight Baton S1R (waiting for the Mini right now). I also have a modded mini mag AAA but that is getting less and less use these days.
For my Jacket/bag I have one each of the BLF lights, BLF X6-SE and D80-SE. I do like these lights and I have a few others that find them selves in the bag from day to day. I live north of most (61 degrees north) so my evenings are a bit longer than most in the winter. Summer time I get very little use of my lights but I still carry a light with me every day.
For a new night stand light I am waiting for the GB/design that is going on right now.
I have around 20-30 lights in my small collection and each is interesting to me. One of the biggest things you will have to over come is batteries. If you limit yourself to AA’s then you are missing some truely awe inspiring lights. Get a charger, and go with what looks interesting. Worse case you learn something that cost you $20-$30, best case you have found a new hobie or a light that gives you confidence to carry it everywhere.