There’s nothing bad in it. Just an inexpensive zoomie. Decent little light. It will get very warm, relatively quick using it with a 14500 on high though.
Ultra Fire C3 $13 USD
http://www.dx.com/p/ultrafire-cree-c3-flashlight-with-2xaa-extension-tube-bundle-4452
FT has a “Fandyfire” version for a bit cheaper:
You just think you don't need two. We can fix that. 
Many Ultrafire or Fandyfire flashlight with XM-L2 LED , cheap and good
Which AA flashlights would that be?
One of my favorite AA torches is the Ultrafire wf606A
I’ll eventually buy the silver version although it’s only a Q2
What is difference between these three?
FandyFire C3 1*Cree XR-E Q5 https://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10007963/1700407-fandyfire-c3-1-cree-xr-e-q5-1-mode-150lm-neutral
UltraFire WF-606A Cree Q5-WC http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10000612/1057106-ultrafire-wf-606a-cree-q5-wc-1-mode-230-lumen-led-
Solarforce T2 U2 XM-L http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=26&id=570
I take Solarforce is most expensive because it has modes. What else makes one of these better than another?
Also how likely are those modes work badly or break down in cheap flashlights like these?
I have one of the FF C3s coming from FT. It’s not arrived yet, so I don’t know if it’s any good, but I mainly am thinking about using it as a host.
The SF T2 looks pretty good (albeit slightly more expensive). Given it’s an SF light, it’s likely better construction quality, but it’s XM-L U2, which is an older emitter, and looks like only takes 2xAA batteries (no Li-ion)?
I think it has a 1.5 - 4.2V driver.
Damn I curse missing this deal 
Click the cn link. You can still get it for $20 plus $3.67 shipping.
Did you mean the SF T2? Their website says:
I meant the C3 actually, sorry.
No problem, and actually, thanks for that info (on the C3). As I said, I have one of the 1xAA/2xAA ones from FT coming in, and was wondering about that. Since I’m looking to use it as a host, I figured that worst case, I’d try it and it’d be ok, even if it killed the driver and/or emitter :)…
Does this about sum up BLF Edition SA-22 Cree XM-L2?
Pros:
-With CREE XML2 3C NW pretty much best possible led I can get with $25.
-Very bright with full power, decent duration with 4 AA and 25% power.
-No blinky modes which are useless for me.
Cons:
-Ugly (personal option) plastic body.
-Slow delivery and no tracking even if I pay for it.
-Having BLF edition logo will feel bit strange for someone who has been here under a day…
Nameless just get it I’m trying to see how much it will cost with shipping. My dad needed one 
Well, if you ask me, you should FIRST decide what form factor you want: 1xAA, 2xAA, 3xAA or 4xAA. There also are 6xAA and 8xAA flashlights but those are all out of your budget.
1xAA is small, pocketable, runs on one cell only which is an advantage since you don’t have to worry about matching voltage and capacity.
2xAA is an average sized flashlight which can be put in cargo pants pockets, a fanny pack or a purse, gives double runtime than 1xAA of course.
3xAA I wouldn’t bother with since I hate odd number of batteries required which is not 1, but you decide. It starts to get bulky here.
4xAA definitely is a medium sized flashlight which has its PROs when you operate it with gloves, but needs to be carried differently and won’t fit in your pockets. Gives both more runtime and visibly more power than a 2xAA, obviously.
Tint is matter of personal preference, but neutral option is a premium quality which I always favor since it renders colors and depth much better at the trade of very little brightness.
In the end, get one you also like the looks of, or you will never be 100% happy of your purchase. For a first flashlight, I would go for a 1xAA you can tuck in your pants, you will enter the fascinating world of EDC gear as well as entering the flashlight craze. Since by no mean this will be your last purchase, your next light will probably be more expensive and powerful, so save yourself a few bucks now and get a small one which completes the couple.
^ Nicely said. For your first flashlight, while you’re not sure what you really want and as you say “for very occasional use”, I’d also recommend to get a 1xAA.