I’m hoping for input as a noob. I’ve checked this forum out off and on, but now as a I’m as SM in the BSA i think i need a good flashlight that won’t breat the bank. Looking for 2-4 AAs and good run time. Super bright isn’t a top priority (but nice).
Thanks, NTG
Welcome ntg to BLF! Good old Boy Scouts... I remember those days. Good times. Out of curiosity, what's your price range (budget is always subjective)? Are you set on 2+ AA? The reason I ask is if your willing to look at some single AA's you'll find a much broader selection, and usually cheaper. Runtime's on some of the better ones are still fantastic.
I haven't looked at production lights for a while now, so I'm sure some of the other folks here will have some better/quicker answers. I'll think about it though and get back to you.
Here are a couple from Shiningbeam to look at:
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-196/ShiningBeam-Spark--Cree/Detail
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-30/ShiningBeam-Caveman-Cree-XM-dsh-L/Detail
Although I don't own one, I've heard good things about the Caveman.
From Lighthound.com you get the following options:
http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound-2xAA-Tactical-Flashlight-Cree-XML-T6-LED_p_4019.html
I'm pretty sure lighthound lights are rebranded Balder's. They have a pretty good reputation.
If you want to throw more money at a light, these two options exist:
http://www.lighthound.com/EagleTac-D25A2-Mini-Flashlight_p_3948.html
http://www.lighthound.com/Fenix-LD40-Cree-R4-LED-4xAA-Flashlight_p_3713.html
Both Eagletac and Fenix are premium brands and quality is top notch...but you pay for it.
Now, if you're willing to go with 1xAA lights, there's a lot more options. Due to good mode spacing, you shouldn't have an issue with runtime in normal use.
Bang for the buck has to be this one:
http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound-AA-Tactical-Flashlight-Cree-XPG-R5-LED_p_3959.html
Again, it's a rebranded Balder, and you should be able to find a review of it here on this forum. Good quality light at a great price.
For a bit more you can look at this one:
http://www.amazon.com/ThruNite-T10-LED-Flashlight-Lumens/dp/B00739WAGS
The thrunite T10 is one of my alltime favorite production lights. Small, excellent mode spacing, well built, efficient driver, and reliable.
It was actually my #1 choice until this little gem came along:
http://www.lighthound.com/EagleTac-D25A-Titanium-XM-L-Flashlight_p_3981.html
and here it is a little cheaper in aluminum:
http://www.lighthound.com/EagleTac-D25A-Flashlight_p_3521.html
Expensive, but darn near perfect in every way (imho). If you put a gun to my head and told me one light only...this is the one I'd choose. Besides the thrunite T10, another runner up would be the zebralight sc51.
Considering how good the above 1xAA's are, I'd be hard pressed to choose one of the afformentioned 2xAA's. Small, easily pocketable, and bright...what's not to love?
Meh...I'm rambling again....
Welcome to the family, ntg!
Thanks for your “welcomes” and you’re good suggestions are appreciated. Wondering how long ur suggestions will last as I am willing to buy ag a fenix, etc, just want ont that will last. I want to keep it around $50 to, $70.
This would be my suggestion, sorry if its mentioned already
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-78/ShiningBeam-Caveman-Cree-XM-dsh-L/Detail
thanks I’ve been looking at the caveman…I wish I knew better the difference between the emitters on the two versions on shining beams.site
$50-70 I would recomend a JetBEAM PA40
There are some on eBay for $65 but they will take a offer of $60.
Caveman, nice flashlight. You won’t be disappointed.
The more expensive one is a higher output chip, $10 for 20 more lumens doesn’t seem worth it to me.
So the caveman is very appealing, as is the LD40 and the PA40 (almost same, twins?). I like the tube on the caveman as it is metal. The other two I like the controls in the back and longer running due to 4 cells. Can any of you that own one of these tell how long you had them, little or high use, etc? I’m hoping to get a feel of how they’ll last. The two “40s” (twins) do make me wonder about what will happen if they accidently get dropped; will the tubes crack?
Also, I’ve seen some on dealextreme (and a few other similar sites) and wonder if they’ll last. I know there are probably good ones in their mix, I just hesitate when the price is that low, wonder if they die soon.
I’m still open to any other suggestions… and thanks for the great input already given!
I have had my PA40 for around 4 months, it gets used 2-3 times a week for various reasons. Its very well made and I am sure if its not abused (throwing bricks on it or driving over it in cars) then I can see it lasting for ever.
Thanks, ezarc. Real world input and use says something to me. NTG.
Welcome to BLF ntg
To put things into perspective about the reliability of these lights I'll relay my little knowledge.
I am sure that any of those lights mentioned are great lights that'll last you a lifetime with a little care and thought,
I've used a light called Sipik SK68 for 3+ years as an EDC light. I've used it for work and I've dropped it a million times and a few times from a few stories high. It has been fully submerged in saltwater, saltwater sprayed and it has been dropped in oil.
It costs 10 USD from a site called DX.COM and is generally thought of as a good value for money light. I am sure that any of those other lights suggested to you are better in all respects! But if I was you I'd get one of these cheap a** Sipik lights as a backup light. One is none and two is one, Be prepared and all that.
Personally I'd go with the Eagletac D25A. It is because it has good mode spacing. Real low for inside a tent without waking other people up. Real usable high. Good in between modes for long runtime. And a Sipik for good throw and "wow" effect/backup light.
Oh and I do hope you have fun here, I know I do ;-)
I’ve just bought a t10 in the thrunite deal ie got a ti in with the price. They seen as bright as each other on rechargeable’s (not eneloops tbh) they are being wrapped up with a charger and some cells for my outdoors/conservation orientated mum. I just had to know they worked before I wrapped them. The output an UI is impressive for such little lights, I wish I’d stretched to a couple for my edc.
I have to disagree, this light requires some serious horsepower, even with eneloop batteries you will get 600 lumens falling to 400 or less in 15 minutes, its an impressive light, but it NEEDS lithium batteries.
With alkalines or any other NiMH batteries, it will not come close to its potential
No doubt Bort, that it won’t perform at it’s peak levels with AAs but it will still give impressive performance nonetheless. I doubt there is a better performer on AAs for the price, and it gives you the option to upgrade the cells to lithiums if you feel confident enough to try them. Or, to look at it from another point of view, if you run it on Lithiums, then you have the option of AAs as easily sourced backups.
Anyway, it’s such a nice light it deserves a mention 
So I had the itch bad and jumped on a good deal on a PA40. Sorry, may not be a “budget” light, but is a good deal, I had a little extra $ from something I sold, and I decided I wanted a real good one that I could always depend on and then I’ll get some others to play with down the road. Anyway, I’m pretty excited.
So what route should I go with AAs? Some LSDs? Eneloop is good but pricey, but if it’s worth the $$ I may go that route. Any advice?
