Best $40 flashlight

[newchris]

I got my buddy who is a tow truck driver for a secret santa. He is constantly going through crappy gimmincky flashlights. our limit is 40$ i was hoping to find a decent flashlight for him i think hed love it. I want led and if possible rechargable... any thoughts? Thank you

 

[shockwave]

Look at streamlight protac 2aa and get some rechargeable aa batterys it's a great size and brightness and convenient with batterys and lifetime warranty too

 

[Elvenhome21]

Pelican 2450 is the best light Ive ever owned. Its rechargeable which is a major plus. Its a little north of your price range however the pelican 2400 is the same light just not rechargeable but well within your range.

Pelicans are industrial grade too. We use to beat the **** out out of ours when I worked in the foundry and never had a issue.

http://www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2450

 

[Terra Nova]

Surefire G2 would be a good option (made in USA too!)

I had a Surefire executive elite (same basic ight but anodized case) I liked it but it grew legs and walked off. Replaced it with a Fury P2X, which is awesome!


Just one example, they are all over the net at this price point

http://tacticalgear.com/surefire-g2...m_medium=sce&gclid=CNqq6-rVkbsCFdGUfgodByAALg

 

[Badger 13]

When I was towing, I carried a Streamlight "4 AA" in the lime green color. It is the pro polly LED version. Makes a lot of light, easy to find when dropped or set down, and nearly indestructible. Plus, the Streamlight warranty. I prefer the non chargeable batteries due to the fact the light could sit in your pocket or gear bag for long periods of time w/o use. I also carried extra batteries just in case.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I have the Steamlight Protac 2AA as well and its an impressive light! Very bright, and strong. It fits in your price range on Amazon.com

 

[fitz11]

Check out four sevens lights. I have a few and they are great!

 

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

I have come to like the Coast brand led flashlights. They put out an enormous amount of light, 220+ lumens in some cases, and are small to carry.

I have three:
Coast PX 45
Coast HP7
Coast HL7- headlamp

You can buy them at Lowes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Beenman]

Surefire G2 would be a good option (made in USA too!)

I'd second this option. I have a G2 Nitrolon - has an LED lens, 120 Lumens and incredibly tough.

Also look at Fenix perhaps. Not sure if they are in the US. Very similar to Surefire but cheaper.

 

[mrjaw14]

Look at streamlight protac 2aa and get some rechargeable aa batterys it's a great size and brightness and convenient with batterys and lifetime warranty too

This is a good option, also check out a AA light from foursevens.com They make great stuff. I have a foursevens Mini AA 2 and I love it. Comes in my bag every day and goes camping. small but super bright!

 

[rjwilliams]

Smith and Wesson Galaxy can be found for as low as $22
Climbed in and out of bilges and did many security rounds using this one.

https://www.google.com/shopping/pro....3&ei=IvGcUoDAFKLFsASdloHICg&ved=0CIQBEKYrMAE

 

[Major Ramifications]

I like the Nebo Redline SE.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AJVICS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shockwave]

Be aware of a lot of the newer flashlights run on cr123a batteries and will cost a lot a department stores best price I have found are the streamlight/surefire 10 packs for about 20 bucks. But the aa/aaa powered flashlights will be good just not as bright and have optional rechargeable batteries where cr123 do not

 

[Bull]

I recently found a compact little LED light o Amazon that cost something like $7. It seems well made and puts out an amazing amount of light on the high setting. If I focus the beam to its narrowest, I can literally see things in my yard at a distance of 75 yards on a pitch black night. I'm astounded at how good it is for $7.

 

[stitan06]

i have a tank 007 ( pt 40 ) i like

 

[kingofdogs1950]

Streamlight 33244 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight, Yellow
I have one of these that I use around the house/garage. Very bright and batteries last a long time. At $43 it is slightly above your price range. Might find it cheaper, don't know.
Highly recommended.

Mark

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CDP1FY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[95blklsc]

Here is one for $30. It is a little on the larger side but I have a couple of them, they work great. It has an aluminum body, great brightness, good run time, rechargeable, AC and DC chargers included as well as the battery pack.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GNC990/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[theoldwizard1]

When I was towing, I carried a Streamlight "4 AA" in the lime green color. It is the pro polly LED version. Makes a lot of light, easy to find when dropped or set down, and nearly indestructible. Plus, the Streamlight warranty. I prefer the non chargeable batteries due to the fact the light could sit in your pocket or gear bag for long periods of time w/o use. I also carried extra batteries just in case.

I second this ! I have them in all of my cars. They are waterproof.

 

[CWP1616L]

Streamlight Pro-Tac HL

 

[Wakefield]

There is a newer Maglite 2D light "Maglite LED Pro"? that is quite a bit brighter than the other LED maglite
also a couple different variations of miniMag 2AA lights with bright and powersave modes
the only troubles I have had with Maglites is that the alkaline batteries like to leak and destroy the lights (aluminum seems to corrode or dissolve when in contact with the fluids that come from the batteries
the polypro 2C Streamlight is easier to carry a long way on a cold night

 

[Thumper68]

For work I like the Maglite pro led 2 aa, light, compact and take a hell of a lot of abuse. I try and buy the 3 d 2aa combo pac that HD seams to put on sale every year areound this time, Last year I got 3 of them for $28 apiece, one for my father and 2 for work, the 3d cell ones are in the cars and junk drawer, the 2aa are in the work tool box.

 

[Danglerb]

Seems like lights are too much fun to use as a tool. Ones I like are much cheaper, or a bit more.

Zebralight makes a really nice 1xAA for $64, cheaper a few places with coupon codes, puts out 280 lumens on a single Eneloop and 500 lumens for a min (gets hot) with a 14500 Lion battery. Its a light I want, but haven't been willing to cough up for yet.

I use a number of $7 1xAA lights commonly referred to as SK68 clones, all copies of the original Sipik, made by hundreds of vendors in China. Does around 120 lumens on a single Eneloop, about 280 with a 14500. Its a lot of light for almost no money.

Drop into the budget light forum, and look at some reviews of various lights.
www.budgetlightforum.com/

 

[Stuey]

A Streamlight Polytac or Protac is about the best you can do for $40.

There are also a bunch of great penlight options.

I'd second this option. I have a G2 Nitrolon - has an LED lens, 120 Lumens and incredibly tough.

Also look at Fenix perhaps. Not sure if they are in the US. Very similar to Surefire but cheaper.

Stock G2 LED has an 80 lumen max output

I like the Nebo Redline SE.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AJVICS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I will never again buy a Nebo flashlight. After posting a guest review and a couple of related posts on ToolGuyd, dozens of comments and emails came in about dim brown bulbs. The company never acknowledged a problem, but it seems to be a fundamental design issue. They're likely over-driving the LEDs just so they can claim high lumen ratings, but it burns out the emitters quick.

I also don't like how they claimed the lights are waterproof. It went from weather-proof, to water-proof, so I asked them how they tested the flashlights. Then the description mysteriously changed to "water-resistant."

They call it water-resistant because they left it in a sink of water for an hour and it didn't fail.

So yea, I'm not a fan of Nebo. They're flashy, but I would opt for a more tried-and-true brand like Streamlight, Surefire, Fenix, Maglite, or Foursevens.

 

[ishiboo]

Amazon's Lightning Deals today has the Smith and Wesson that was mentioned earlier. It starts at 6:40 PM CST.

Was browsing the lightning deals and was reminded of this thread, so I thought I'd let you guys know.

 

[Slip_Kid]

I'd second this option. I have a G2 Nitrolon - has an LED lens, 120 Lumens and incredibly tough.

Also look at Fenix perhaps. Not sure if they are in the US. Very similar to Surefire but cheaper.

The G2 is not LED, avoid this one.

Light Performance (Tungsten filament bulb) G2
65 lumen
Tungsten filament bulb
Micro-textured reflector
Factory pre-focused beam for optimum performance
120 Lumens can be achieved with the installation of the optional P61 lamp

 

[Slip_Kid]

I have these in my cars, tough and cheap at $15.00. LED at 100 lumens
Rayovac-Indestructible-2-AA-100-Lumen

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rayovac-Indestructible-2-AA-100-Lumen-Flashlight-DIY2AA-B/202968168#.Up4qQ9JeYcY

 

[Beenman]

The G2 is not LED, avoid this one.

Stock G2 LED has an 80 lumen max output

OK, apologies. I rechecked mine and see I have the G2X Tactical not Nitrolon. I cannot find the original packaging box anymore, but will swear it was listed as 120 Lumens, and it definitely has an LED bulb. I see the Surefire website now lists it as having 320 Lumens, but this must be an updated version to mine. It blows the $40 limit into the weeds anyway....

 

[RCStocker]

Try a cheap $5 LED flash light with rechargeable batteries. The are bright cheap, handy and will give you all the light you need. I use the Milwaukee flash light with the battery to my drill. I have all kinds of flash lights. I use a $1 one form the 99 cent store and have one by every chair and every room. They are as bring as a regular flash light and are very small. You can spend money on flash light but you are wasting your money in my book.

 

[Stuey]

I have these in my cars, tough and cheap at $15.00. LED at 100 lumens
Rayovac-Indestructible-2-AA-100-Lumen

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Rayovac-Indestructible-2-AA-100-Lumen-Flashlight-DIY2AA-B/202968168#.Up4qQ9JeYcY

I bought one for my father to use and test, and one for myself. They're not bad at all. I thought it would pale in comparison to Maglite, but I found myself liking it.

OK, apologies. I rechecked mine and see I have the G2X Tactical not Nitrolon. I cannot find the original packaging box anymore, but will swear it was listed as 120 Lumens, and it definitely has an LED bulb. I see the Surefire website now lists it as having 320 Lumens, but this must be an updated version to mine. It blows the $40 limit into the weeds anyway....

There seem to be several versions. 2 years ago when I posted about a deal on it (http://toolguyd.com/surefire-g2x-flashlight-tactical-version-for-55/), they output 200 lumens.

That version is still sold, but it looks like the 320 lumen version is more readily available.

 

[pendragon1998]

Be aware of a lot of the newer flashlights run on cr123a batteries and will cost a lot a department stores best price I have found are the streamlight/surefire 10 packs for about 20 bucks. But the aa/aaa powered flashlights will be good just not as bright and have optional rechargeable batteries where cr123 do not

I'm a big fan of the 4sevens quark minis. I have EDCed a Quark Mini 123 for 3 years and it's never let me down.I was a little leery of the CR-123 platform, until I found out I can buy the cells super cheap and store them a looong time.


Battery Junction sells Titanium Innovation CR-123 batteries for $1.00/ea or less. I store my supply in small plano boxes (12 per box), which nest neatly into a walmart waterproof box (all found in the camping/fishing aisle).

Not my pic, but mine is the same setup as this:

CR-123 batteries store well:

 

[HubbaBubba]

Proton! ( I have found them for $43)

 

[Bears Fan]

The Binford 3000

 

[Mr. Tool]

A couple of other forums that I belong to (Toyota Tacoma trucks, Audio equipment, Riding lawnmower equipment, just to name a few!) are flashlight forums. I own several flashlights (if you can believe it)!

The INOVA T5 LED flashlight is not $40 bucks but it is an awesome flashlight to own! The INOVA T5 is one of my favorites. I have two of these, not too big, not too small, perfect size and works excellent!

http://www.inovalight.com/t/features_t5.php


Click on the link below and scroll down to the bottom to check out the INOVA T Series flashlights.

http://www.inovalight.com/t/

 

[Terra Nova]

The G2 is not LED, avoid this one.

Light Performance (Tungsten filament bulb) G2
65 lumen
Tungsten filament bulb
Micro-textured reflector
Factory pre-focused beam for optimum performance
120 Lumens can be achieved with the installation of the optional P61 lamp

my E2E was the basically the same light, aside from burning batteries it was a solid performer. Still miss the size of it but couldn't swing the cost of the new LED version. LED is the way to go though. Current EDC is a Fury 2PX, love the dual mode and 500 lumens on high is very impressive.

 

[mrtoolfool]

There are a ton of great LED lights on the market today.

Unfortunately, I own way too many of them.

Besides being a tool collector I collect flashlights. I current have around 5000 lights in my collection. An assortment of old and new.

Until recently, my shop was a Surefire distributor. I am a huge Surefire fan but I quit selling them because they have so overpriced themselves and it was hard to compete with the prices the online retailers were selling for. I'll still continue to buy them personally but found it hard to sell over the counter.

Taking suggestions on lights is like taking them on tools or cars. Everyone will have an opinion. So, here is my two cents.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

You have a budget of 40.00 so that rules out Surefire. That's OK because today, there are other fine lights out there.

I suggest a nice small pocket light that your friend can carry every day. Every day carry or EDC for short.

Last Christmas I bought a Fenix E15 for my Dad. My Dad is 74 years old and never carried a light everyday before. I told him to give it a try. He did and says today that he can not believe how much he uses it. Nearly "everyday"!

The Fenix E15 is a well made light, very small, and amazing light output, lifetime warranty.

It is so small you won't notice it in your pocket.

Best of all, it is only about 30.00 which leaves a few dollars to buy your friend some extra batteries.

It takes a CR123 battery which in my opinion is one of the BEST choices for batteries these days. They have amazing run time, work at any temperature, and have GREAT shelf life. Not to mention I have never had one leak and ruin anything they were in like a lot of AA or AAA batteries have.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Flashlights-Flashlight-Upgraded-1-5-Inch/dp/B005CWRB44/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1386136172&sr=8-5&keywords=fenix

 

[nicksnothereman]

I got my buddy who is a tow truck driver for a secret santa. He is constantly going through crappy gimmincky flashlights. our limit is 40$ i was hoping to find a decent flashlight for him i think hed love it. I want led and if possible rechargable... any thoughts? Thank you

Something with cree leds. They're bright bro.

I'd just get a maglite led if it were me. Because maglites can do other things besides provide light.

 

[mrtoolfool]

So yea, I'm not a fan of Nebo. They're flashy, but I would opt for a more tried-and-true brand like Streamlight, Surefire, Fenix, Maglite, or Foursevens.

I am not a big fan of Nebo either. When comparing them to other "quality" lights, they are cheaply made in my book.

 

[mrtoolfool]

Something with cree leds. They're bright bro.

I'd just get a maglite led if it were me. Because maglites can do other things besides provide light.

Yes they can, but I use a flashlight for lighting things up. My handgun is for self protection.

 

[spunger1]

Costco has a nice set we picked up tonight for $25 that is 2 lights that use 3 C cell batteries. I was really surprised how bright they were for $25. They are duracell branded lights

There were smaller ones that were $15 for 3 lights. About the size of a surefire g2.

Hopefully they hold up. I was pleasantly surprised with their initial output

 

[newchris]

Here is one for $30. It is a little on the larger side but I have a couple of them, they work great. It has an aluminum body, great brightness, good run time, rechargeable, AC and DC chargers included as well as the battery pack.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GNC990/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

went with this one, it seems perfect, just hoping it holds up well