Xeno makes a great flashlight.
Xin TB C8 Version 3, at few cents below $30. including shipping at Int’lOutdoor. Very nice too
OK, ILF, here you go, all prices include shipping:
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=518 EDC 18650 - $27.00
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=504 EDC SS AAA - $16.50
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=161 EDC SS AA - $17.00
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=424 EDC SS AA $29.00
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=393 Dive Light 18650 $30.00!
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=197 OEM Torpedo AA $25.00
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=39 Roche F12 18650 $27.00
http://fancyflashlights.com/goods.php?id=8 26650 Thrower $30.00!
http://www.tmart.com/BeamTech-BT950L-CREE-SMLT6-1000LM-5-Modes-LED-Flashlight-Electric-Torch_p129243.html BT-950L 18650 $27.00
http://www.tmart.com/SMALL-SUN-ZYT13-CREE-T6-10W-1200LM-5-Modes-Flashlight-Black_p158535.html ZY-T13 18650 $26.74
http://www.tmart.com/TrustFire-Z8-CREE-T6-10W-1200-Lumen-3-Modes-Focusing-Mini-Flashlight-Silver-and-Black-114500_p148205.html Z8 14500 $17.00
solarforceflashlight-sales.com - Informationen zum Thema solarforceflashlight sales. L2 18650 $25.99
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/edc-18650-xpg2-r5-xml-u2-850450lm-flashlight-p-522.html EDC 18650 $26.00 LXP 18650 $28.50
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/edc-18650-xpg2-r5-xml-u2-850450lm-flashlight-p-522.html V8-T6 18650 $28.00
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xintd-c8-v3-xml-u2-910lumens-flashlight-p-308.html C8 V3 18650 $29.95
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/balder-se1-xpe-r3-xpg-r5-xml-t6-325lumens-edc-flashlight-p-230.html SE-1 AA/14500 $28.95
Now pick only 1 from that list.
I want them all.... >)
I’d have to say a Solarforce L2 with any module of your choice. Makes for flexibility and repairability and is definitely a reccomended light to own for any budget minded collection.
“XinTD C8 V3 XM-L U2” really good flashlight.
I know.
But the title said the best $30 flashlight.
Absolutely!
Ok, if I have to pick one, it would be the L2:
http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?id=498&s=45&t=LF
+1billion
I keep trying to find a better light for that price range, and IMHO there just plain isn’t.
I just got a HD2010 today, and as excited as I was, gotta be brutally honest, I was greatly disappointed to see that it pretty much throws like my XinTD…
What’s all this hollerin’ about?
Plus, the XinTD has a much better driver, and you can select the mode bank at purchase, and you can select your led tint, and it’s less money, and it’s more “pocketable” and it’s REALLY well built.
Just get the XinTD and be done with it. Seriously.
My thoughts exactly. I’ve got more lights than I can count, but a L2P is what I carry every day. The L2 is 99% as good as the L2P, so for a budget/under $30 build, it gets my vote all day long.
Do you have a link ?
Ultrafire C12 from lightmalls is a very good thrower for the price. It also only costs around $17, so with the extra $13 you could get something else.
It is very similar to the C8 in many ways, but due to the improved heatsinking and slightly better driven driver, it is a better choice if you are looking for value.
Anyway, it’s up to you. My review is up here
Raising the question, what is the best light for $13? 
I’ll start with a Ti for 10.99 shipped and a fauxton for the balance.
We can’t forget about this one… It out throws the Xintd-C8
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-69/****NEW****-Romisen-RC-dsh-T602-II/Detail
Here is my vote, nice light and for us Yanks it has fast USA shipping;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/C8-1000Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Lamp-Flash-light-Torch-5-mode-Flashlight-/320967356437?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item4abb253015
So many choices. What would be the top two or three? Already have the Xintd-C8 and it is awesome! Will look to get a few more from this thread. Thanks!
Wow, a C8 and improved C8 (C12) for under $30.