How should a beginner spend $300?

none of the following lights are your typical Low CRI 6000k Cool White
they are all High CRI 4000k

18650 option… read review: JAXMAN E2 Nichia this light also has an 18350 option (this light offers a choice of either 4000k or 5700k, both high CRI) It uses PWM, which gives it a demerit in my snobby view

“Light” Pocket carry,
AAA Lumintop Tool w Nichia, the Titanium version is most pocket friendly read review

AA… this Zebralight read a review of a similar Zebra

16340 Olight S1 Mini High CRI definitely read this review

keychain USB rechargeable: Manker Lad w Nichia

Notes and suggestions
Storing Lights with LiIon cells in a hot car may not be wise, but there are plenty of cheap Cool White, Low CRI 18650 options.
Eneloop AAA and AA are Fun, for me. Imo AA Eneloop is a candidate for car storage, thought disposable Ultimate Lithium are better.
Using unprotected lights with unprotected cells may not be wise
For lights that do NOT have built in low voltage protection, use protected cells
Buy lights that have a way to let you know when the battery is getting low, so you don’t have to take the cells out and use a meter on them repeatedly and unnecessarily.

What I carry most

the range of color they offer me (two on left are modified)