I’m looking for an inexpensive light for various household tasks. From carrying when I walk my dog, to working on my Jeep, to household work and lighting up things that go bump in the night. I’m only on a .25 acre of property so I do not need a ton of throw, but it would’t hurt. I’d like 3 modes (H/M/L). I’m unsure of batteries, I have several 18650’s, 17670’s and 17500’s but am not opposed to running conventional AA, C or D cells, but at the same time I don’t want this light to be VERY big. 2 cell mag sized would be big enough…Any suggestions?
An LD12, or LD22 and a couple of Eneloops would handle that well.
Trustfire 3t6, is a nice size flashlight for every case.
Jacobs A60… Under $15
I don’t have one so i can’t say from personal experience, but a convoy S2 or S3 from fasttech.
+1, a great light for about $35, and can light up the whole 0.25 acre at once 
I like my S2 for general purpose, it lacks a super low but it works well enough and I don’t worry much about battery life when I run 18650’s. My 2800ma drive version won’t work well for extended times at high but it’ll put out when I need it too. The three/five group isn’t perfect as with the 10/60/100 mode spacing but it works well enough for the price and has a high frequency (low visibility) pwm on the mode switching.
The M2 is better built/heavier/more solid though with a slightly smaller battery compartment. Slightly more throw too with a nice HAIII style ano coating. My Xintd far out throws all of them but it’s often not as useful with the tighter hotspot compared to a flooder light (Beyond 300ft would be substantial but up to there they’re pretty fine.). I’d rather use my M2 for a walk than the S2 with it’s better heatsinking, but the S2 is nicer (smoother) for carry.
My Xeno U2 works pretty good as a 1xaa light too and since I don’t have to worry about over discharging I often hand it to people to use. It’s good output on alkaline’s and is small and pretty light. Not as bright as my s2 (Or other lights) but I don’t have a 14500 to run it off of. I like the size but I favor the runtime and affordability of my 18xxx’s lion cells.
I don’t know how a solarforce would compare; I’ll be building up a L2N and L2M before too long (Whenever the host’s arrive) with one of them running a 2800ma 2/5 group nanjg w/XML U2 so I’ll have a better idea then. The other will either be neutral 3c or a 219, still yet to decide.
I couldn't agree more. The TR-3T6 is probably the most versatile flashlight under $40. It has 5-modes, it's a perfect mixture of throw and flood. It also has good heat-sinking and it has a proven track record for longevity.
Even though I am sure the Jacob A60 is a great light; I don't think it is ideal for walking the dog or a bedside light. It is geared strictly for throwing.
I was in over my head… I have the Shocker on my nightstand…
A big dog will retreat when struck with 2500+ lumen strobe??? Sorry… No hijack. Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Really? All of my labs and pointers just glance away with a confused look on their face. My nightstand light was the TR-3T6 then the HD2010. It's now the TN30. I live in the country with a long drive-way so I need a lot light in a small package.
The TR-3T6 is literally the best light I can think of for what you want it to do.
Lol is it possible your dogs have been indoctrinated into the flashlight world? Mine leave the room…
The Trustfire 3T6 looks pretty legit!
Where would be the best place to order it from as well as an inexpensive charger and batteries? (At work I use a Pila charger and AW Batteries in my bored SF’s with Vinz drop-in’s)
Do you guys think this would also be a good light to keep in my car?
I got mine from DX . Decent quality and they shipped it quick.
It’s also available from FT , Wallbuys , and probably every other flashlight vendor out there.
Fasttech has the lowest price of the three.
For a couple bucks more, FT has the SS bezel version
Happy shopping! 
That light’s a foot long! Hardly what I would consider a bedside light. The Convoy S2 would fit the bill better for me.
The TR-3T6 can be shortened to run on 2x18650. It’s just under 9” in that configuration. I don’t mind a long light by the bedside. I also have a smaller light there, sometimes three total
Honestly, it sounds like you could get by pretty well with a $6 SK-68. Or maybe one of many different 1x18650 tube lights, for more runtime and modes and brightness. I find my HD2011 quite nice for household tasks, and it was only $10. Or a Convoy S2/S3; nicer quality but still quite floody for the up-close stuff you described.
My favorite lights for these sorts of things are a bit smaller and more expensive though; ZL H51 and SC52. Small, versatile, and easily bright enough for just a quarter acre. Also, great low modes with long runtimes. I especially like the H51 because it works well hands-free, which I imagine would be pretty useful when working on a car.
The bigger items people suggested sound like they’re probably overkill for what you described.
Very true, a 1x18650 could meet the needs, but the size descriptor distracted me (2D Mag). In that size, the TR-3T6 is the best bang for the buck.
I keep two lights by my bed, a modded UltraFire C2 with XL-L U2, Nanjg 2.8A 3-mode, and a incan 4D MagLight, because you know, good for hitting things and stuff.
Convoy S2 or S3 (1x18650), Small and powerful. Buy it with only 1400mA, is enough and will not burn up. The low is so good for the inside of the house, with a good runtime. Around $ 15-18 Led several options to choose from. In fasttech.com