I've had several different small (Single AA size) LED flashlights but they were VERY cheap @ less than $10 each so basically throw-aways.

I'd like to move up to something more dependable, same size class, rechargeable would be nice, decent power. Don't need uber-tactical Operator equipment with eye-frying lumen rating and multiple modes. On and Off, throw enough of a beam to walk around in the dark, light things up under the hood.

Like to keep prices under $50, less would be good.

I’m a fan of the Streamlight MicroStream, and the Olight I3t. Both are roughly $20.

I like the Olight so well, I bought them for my whole team at the previous job. I carry one every day now, and am well satisfied with it.

- - - - -

ETA: The Olight is a dual-brightness light, where my Microstreams were not.

Streamlight microstream rechargeable. I’ve carried one for years. Battery life is great. I have the brown one which defaults to bright first. Double click and it’s low. That’s all. Simple. The black version defaults to low power first.

For AA/AAA size the Streamlight Microstream/Macrostream is good, but for the tasks your describing the Wurkkos FC11 is my choice. Around $15, rechargeable, great LED options, magnetic tailcap.

The OLight Baton 4 is what I’ve found. Liked the first one so much I bought another; and family Christmas stockings will be stuffed with them this Christmas. Small, well built, rechargeable, up to 1300 lumens but adjustable from very dim to very bright. Clip allows you to clip the light onto the brim of a baseball cap. Only drawback is price: $55 on Amazon.

I like the StreamLight Dual Fuel -- it uses a single CR123 or AA battery. Amazon sells if for just under fifty bucks.

Amazon link

Coast has a large selection of lights that are reasonably priced.
All of mine are re-chargeable and they have a solid warranty.
https://coastportland.com/coll...pe%3A%20Rechargeable

The flashlight gurus will laugh at my suggestion:
https://a.co/d/2t6mhyR

A box of three 1-AA flashlights for $11.99 ($9.99 when I bought mine). No annoying red/green/SOS modes; just click the tail cap button to toggle it’s on/off state.

Nicely made and nicely finished. The screw on tail cap has a neoprene o-ring.

It has one fancy feature: a sleeve at the front of the flashlight can be retracted for a broad, perfectly circular cone of even illumination. Push the sleeve forward for a very narrow beam. Or anywhere in between.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
The flashlight gurus will laugh at my suggestion:
https://a.co/d/2t6mhyR

A box of three 1-AA flashlights for $11.99 ($9.99 when I bought mine). No annoying red/green/SOS modes; just click the tail cap button to toggle it’s on/off state.

Nicely made and nicely finished. The screw on tail cap has a neoprene o-ring.

It has one fancy feature: a sleeve at the front of the flashlight can be retracted for a broad, perfectly circular cone of even illumination. Push the sleeve forward for a very narrow beam. Or anywhere in between.

Those are what I have/had. They're about as dependable as a 1970 Yugo. Seems like the switch goes bad and they won't turn on consistently. I've launched a couple of them into low earth orbit, hence the search for something better but not stupid expensive.

^^^^^^^^
I think the quality has been improved over time. I’ve had my three for a couple of months. One of them gets used several times most days. The other two less often, but all three still work perfectly.

I am a huge Fenix fan and have many of all sizes from keychain to bigger. Even the keychain is freaking bright.

Maybe This or This

If you are military, LE, or first responder, Fenix gives a great discount.

Another Fenix fan here.

Lots of options with regards to size and battery type.

The Coast lights I have do not cycle.
One click to turn or and off.
On my pocket light it's on high with the first click, after it's on if you hit it again within a few seconds it goes to low.
My headlamp starts on med and is what I use most of the time.

Duel fuel and the batteries can be charged outside the light.
I pick up an extra battery if it only comes with one.
My bigger ones at home came with two re-chargeable and a carriage for throw away ones.

I keep smaller ones plugged into the power port on my cars.

I ordered from Fenix a while back and the package was misplaced after they labelled it (it showed labeled and shipped from their location without any updates for about 5 or 6 days). When I asked their CS, I received a note back from them that their policy is "An order isn't considered lost until there are 10-15 days with no tracking updates." I am not sure what happens after 15 days, as the package was found and started moving, but they happily took my money once they put a label it, and was left with the ol "check is in the mail" excuse.


--K

I like the Streamlight mentioned above as well as the 88061.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
I like the StreamLight Dual Fuel --

This...the hat clip has come in handy more times than I can count and the programming lets you set it for on/off only.

Streamlight MicroStream, USB or AAA, or Streamlight ProTac 1L-AA.

Alternately, the Black Diamond 450R headlamp is great too. I use it more than a regular handheld it seems.

A couple of thoughts:
The MicroStream rechargeable model comes in black or tan. The important difference is the tan comes on in high mode first, then a tap it goes to low mode. The black starts on low mode.

The ProTac is great as you can program how it comes on, bright first or low first and such. It's easier to hold and uses multiple battery types but I use mine with a CR123 most times. It's great being able to use a standard AA if needed.

For the non rechargeable, I think the lithium AA or AAA batteries are really worth it though more money. Best to order from some place like Battery Junction or Bright Guy though.

I have a NEBO - two of them actually. They’re quite good.

Thanks for all the suggestions and links. I have several saved and will make a choice in a few days after some of the things I'm juggling at the moment have settled out.

I'll let you all know which way I went.

Buy something that's regulated. Regulation makes all the difference in a constant output of light. If it isn't in the manufacturer's literature or on a Fact Sheet, it isn't quality or truly useable lighting. It's o ly useable for a very short time and you'll realize its a poor quality light.

Plenty if lights are regulated.