I checked the price of the Life Gear light. I found it for $20 plus shipping. It uses C size batteries. There are a number of flashlights currently on sale that are much brighter that use AA size batteries. My suggestions are:
1) Nitecore MT21a ( 2AA )
2) Olight S15 (1 0r 2 AA)
You can find these on sale at Going Gear & Battery Junction till December 1, 2013
If you are familiar with the safe use of 18650 batteries I suggest this light: Convoy M1 Cree XM-L T6-3C 2-Group 3/5-Mode LED Flashlight. It will have a more neutral/yellow tint. Output is around 700 lumens. Fasttech sells these flashlights. Prices are $19-23 plus free shipping. Use code BLF for 5% off.
If these do not appeal to you I can suggest other flashlights.
if you have NiMH batteries and a charger already these two i have looked at but i own neither so i can’t recommend either one
(can be had cheaper elsewhere, i ordered it from banggood but they never sent me an e-mail saying htey sent it and stopped replying to my PMs so i might soon be putting in a paypal claim)
If it wasn't for that budget, I would recommend something very bright. The budget limits choices though, especially if that budget must pay for a special battery and charger, which means lithium ion lights are out. The Convoy recommended above is a good light, but a battery and decent charger would cost nearly $20 all by itself. The light you found is a good choice. As recommended previously, the 3 mode version will provide more flexibility. TomTop on ebay has good service, and seems to has higher quality versions of this light than most vendors.
i like the idea it comes with the battery and charger also. i do not mind purchasing these items separate as long as the budget does not go over board but this is nice. i will need to research the use and care of these batteries though. i currently only run regular AA batteries. i would like to keep it single AA since she likes the size. and it does not have to be super bright. the ones you are all showing are already brighter than the life gear, and she thinks thats super bright!
Just so you know, the light I linked can use AA batteries as well as rechargeable AA batteries (eneloop, etc.). You can even request in that Aliexpress purchase for it to include a rechargeable AA battery instead of 14500 lithium ion
just wanted to thank you for the suggestion! this is the light i decided on for her walking trips. now to get one for myself….lol (this is where the addiction steps in)
The Sipek SK68 is a best buy. I agree that the 3 mode version is the way to go as the low power mode will be much easier on the batteries.
My own recommendation for batteries is to use good AA Alkalines. I use, and prefer Eneloops and if you are going to use it a lot that is the way to go. I would not consider any Li-on battery, unless you get very interested in WOW lights.
So if you go with a 3 mode Sipek SK68 or clone using AA batteries I think you will be pleased.
Here is a clone like I have and like on ebay for $4.99… http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-300LM-ZOOM-3Mode-Adjustable-Focus-Power-CREE-Q5-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Light-/251354853239?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item3a85eaaf77
Regards,
Jerry
Would recommend these batteries $10.44 shipped for a pair: http://www.banggood.com/2PCS-Sanyo-3_7V-840MAH-UR14500P-Rechargeable-14500-Battery-p-911043.html (use coupon code BLF for best price).
Then whatever charger floats your boat, i.e. $2.51 shipped: http://www.banggood.com/Wholesale-New-All-In-One-3_7v-Recharge-Battery-Charger-CR123A-18650-14500-Li-ion-AA-AAA-UK-p-41118.html
Move your mouse over to check out upgraded XML version!
It is not newer nor better, Q5 are a generic flux bin from Cree. Many Chinese vendors mislead us into thinking its “Q5 LED” while its mostly the old XR-E or XP-G LED with supposedly Q5 bin
I would strongly discourage people to use such chinese noname cheap charger as it can put the batteries to fire or even explode. A high quality charger is a very worthy investment (and saving you lot of money on disposable batteries).
For walking you need a flood light, for that the XM-L LED is the best choice for the money, the sipik-68 with XM-L T6 is a good idea and the best good quality light to start IMO.
She may not like the sipik-68 for that since its so small it will be easy to slip out your hands compared to your old light.
What makes it not “better”? It’s way brighter, and I get on average 10% longer runtime out of my batteries!!?
I bought one of those chargers as a test. Charges perfectly to 4.19v every time, then stops charging all together (unlike some cheap no-name chargers that keep “trickle” charging your batteries!), so I ordered a bunch of them. I have no problems in recommending that charger to people, I’ve given away probably 20 or more with my lights, no issues so far. But if you want a super good quality charger then spend a minimum of $17 shipped on one of these (I would order it in the 400ma version for 14500’s): http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?240304-gt-FS-Cottonpickers-Chargers-incl-Worlds-smallest-Li-ion-charger-with-display
Better then the much more expensive Trustfire TR-006 of which I’ve thrown out 6 of the 8 I’ve ever owned
Wallbuys and cnqualitygoods have keepower protected 14500 for cheap.
Good batteries with protection circuit. I recommend them.
I like the twodollarzoomies more than the sk68, they cost below 5$. Not so bright like a sk68, but more throw and overall size is smaller.
You can never go wrong with some of these cheapos and they are compatible with all battery types.
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But there are better options out there if you decide to go the 18650 route…oh man if you haven’t seen one of the newer led lights….it will blow you away…
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Can’t really recommend a charger for 14500 as I use my hobbycharger…
Its just different, you have less throw because the LED is bigger
That why buying cheaper are a false good deal because it will be unreliable, lower performing and in the end will cost you more money.
Of-course it can works well if you are lucky but there is a much higher risk of failure and high power batteries are a dangerous material.
