Hey guys… so I found this deal on an Olight M20S Warrior Premium R5 rated at 320 lumens for $50… Should I jump on this?
I agree!
And for the batteries:
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/2-pcs-sanyo-18650-2600mah-liion-battery-p-135.html
or
both very good batteries!
Ok so I have decided that I only want a flashlight that holds AA or AAA batteries… The PA40 seems like a nice one. Scaru did you ever get word on that sale?
After seeing the brightness and usefulness of a single 18650 flashlight with xm-l u2 and now u3 better :), I will never ever buy a flashlight operated with aa or aaa batteries again 
Yeah, I got a reply from him. They are out of stock. Sorry. :(
A Cyclone C88 might be a good alternative though.
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/cyclone-c88-xml-u2-910lm-flashlight-p-349.html
What do you think about this site? Reputable??
https://illuminationsupply.com/pa40-xml-smo-p-238.html?zenid=c48006ceb0c82a853a034ff04516df6a
Extremely reputable. The guy I PMed was the owner of that site and he said he was out of stock. I guess they got more in. :D
So I guess what you’re telling me is…. pull the damn trigger already?
Also, that Cyclone C88… seems like a nice one also… 910 lumens? You’d choose the PA40 over that one still?
The C88 is probably closer to 800 lumens (with a 18650; with nimh it would be about as bright as the PA40) and is definitely a nice light but I would get the PA40 mainly for the voltage monitor.
If your wanting a good light that runs on AA’s, then why not just do it right the first purchase and buy a Fenix TK41. Buy you 8 Eneloops 2000mah batteries because they are the best vs the other nimh batteries. They will hold a charge for longer time when not being used. And I would say they will out last the other nimh batteries on the market.
Costs significantly more… Takes 8 instead of 4 AA… I am on a budget, I can’t spring for that one… But it is a nice one for sure.
Well the one your considering for a thrower your gonna be in for a big let down. You’ll end up buying better later. Pay now or pay later. Your choice.
If I can reach out 100+ yards I will be happy. I don’t need something that extreme considering my budget. Thank you for your input though sir.
Good value flashlight = Solarforce
Solarforce-sales.com if you have 10-12 days to wait. Lighthound, SBFlashlights, others if you want it day after tomorrow(like me). Pick out a L2, L2P, L2N, L2whatever, and an XML U2 dropin with modes of your choice for $30-ish. Buy a pocket full of CR123 batteries with the rest of your budget. Later on, when you decide to step up to Li-Ion 18650’s, it’ll take them too. Just a well built, general purpose, reliable, versatile option… everyone should own a couple.
Check out the Fenix e40. It has a tight beam and is a very decent thrower that runs on 4 AAs.
Don’t mean to throw a curve in here LightMeUp, but have you considered a headlamp instead?
If I don’t wanna bring both flash and head into a multiday trek and I’m to chose one - and I often want to due to minimizing backpack weight - and because I like to keep my hands free I bring my Led Lenser H7 which can be had for under your $40 target.
If you check the spec’s, the lumens on the current product are an ANSI measurement (mines several years old without that rating and regardless, I can say it’s BRIGHT! and durable though the elastic is now getting a little less so), GREAT zoom to flood (no lens/emitter artifacts), 3xAAA, currently with an IPX4 rating (bad-weather proof), and is infinitely variable down to a “firefly” 2.7 lumens/60+ hour runtime.
Wanna buy 2 for $30 for generic labeled knockoffs? Check out aliexpress here
Wanna buy 3 for a lil over $30 for generic labeled knockoffs? Check this link here
Me… I’d go for the LED Lenser authentic/US warranted product, or take the recommendation of the member AlexHH above for one of the Rayovac Indestructibles at Home Depot, either the 2xAA or 3xAAA, and buy two.
Let us know where your decision ends.
Do you need weapon mount?
IMO the best AA lights are 2AA in-line. Almost as bright as lithium and very nice profile. However 18650 or even 16340 size like the olight above is better fit for 1” or so rings.
The PA40 is nice. But the first that came to my mind was Fenix E40
In hkequipment.net costs $45.95 (maybe somewhere you can find even cheaper)
E40 has better Throw (260m in official specs), but not as bright as PA40… but in fact the 220lm is quite acceptable brightness
I own one of these. It runs on 4 AAA batteries, and is a thrower, but not bad spread.
Also, later on you can by a rechargeable 26650 and a charger to replace the plastic battery module. I paid 18 dollar for mine, but this one is for bid and you might be able to get it for less. It is rated at 1800 Chinese Lumens, but is of course less, but is plenty bright for field use. I actually like mine, and have 4 rechargeable AAAs in it. It is well built and is upgradable with the 26650 for a keeper in a collection. Really this is what you want and the seller is reliable, I have bought from them many times.