looking for a flashlight

[joshmodelskidoo]

my father-in-law says he wants a good flashlight for christmas. i'm thinking an led maglite but wondering what other quality lights are available under $50

 

[exmaxima1]

my father-in-law says he wants a good flashlight for christmas. i'm thinking an led maglite but wondering what other quality lights are available under $50

If you have access to a Costco, you can buy the Duracell 3-pack of 250 Lumen LED flashlights for $15. Includes batteries! Same as sold on Amazon for $25:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D3Y3JEE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I own several high end flashlights and to be honest, they aren't worth the cost when you can get very good lights at $5 each from Costco. They have multiple settings (including strobe), extremely bright, and if you lose one you won't lose any sleep over it.

 

[PFSard]

In addition to all the recommendations that you will receive here, try browsing this forum.

Candle Power Forums

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php?

 

[whitedogone]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OOTPKAS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Justind97]

Get him a fleshlight as a gag gift and blame it on bad hearing??

 

[DodgeMech]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T7F3KA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

i know it's a bit more than 50 bucks, but he'll never need another flashlight his whole life...or yours, or your kids

 

[Banjorear]

I have a Streamlight Stinger LED rechargeable. The things is blinding. I love it. I believe it was more than $50, but worth it. I received it as a gift.

 

[madcrisis]

What does he use his flashlight for? Would he use a headlamp more? I grab my headlamp 90% of the time I grab a flaslight. This includes delivering pizza and checking addresses at night. This is what I have and I cant reccomend it enough. Does everyhting from go camping with me to working under the car.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H3MXRHQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Oh yeah its waterproof too!!

If he wants a general use bright flashlight I use this on my firefighting gear and outdoors for my big light. Awesome quality and excellent lifetime. I use rechargeable LSD AA's in it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LJUQUO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If he needs less light and general use lights. I prefer the new, small, decently bright LED's with adjustable focus. Theyre a dime a dozen, good enough quality, and give plenty of light.

The right light is all in how the user will use it.

Edit:Also I have the older version of this headlamp. This one is supposed to be brighter but I cant speak to its actual durability. But the old one I have dropped off my kayak a couple times and banged it around and dropped it alot and its stil kicking.

 

[Indexmill]

The first decision you need to make is do you want a flashlight that uses rechargeable Li-ion batteries or the standard run-of-the-mill alkaline batteries. Those that use alkaline batteries are less expensive to buy but batteries cost a fortune. It cost more to get "into" a flashlight that uses rechargeable batteries, but the cost of feeding is near zero.

Another important factor of battery choice is that alkalines WILL eventually corrode in the light if left for extended periods usually rendering the light useless. Li-ion will not corrode.

For $50, you can buy any one of a number of top quality 1000 lumen flashlights that use 2 18650 Li-ion batteries (these batts are a little larger than a AA)...but then you have to buy the batteries and a charger for about another $30-$40.

Just another view...

 

[2004.5cumminsman]

Costco has a 1000 lumen for 20$. ITS GREAT. Duracell has its name on it.
http://www2.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11975956&whse=BD_578&topnav=bdoff

 

[cheechi]

so i read this title 'looking for a flashlight' and my first thought is 'hope its not dark'

the costco flashlights are great. But they are hi/lo/strobe so not for every situation.
I EDC a streamlight stylus pro.
Terralux 300 lumen 'lightstar' is a nice comfortable light when you need bigger and brighter.
Also have one of the big ol 'tactical' from northern, great for the money if it needs to be big and hard to lose.

I use my M12 flashlight & light stick more often than most of these above except the streamlight. And in a pinch the flashlight app on the phone.

 

[killahog]

Look around his garage if he has a cordless drill get him one that uses those same batteries.

 

[nicksnothereman]

my father-in-law says he wants a good flashlight for christmas. i'm thinking an led maglite but wondering what other quality lights are available under $50

With older people the led stuff might be bad for their eyes. Just saying. I'm not that old and it's bad for my damn eyes.

But yeah under 50 you got a lot of options. But, I mean...most people don't need a thousand lumen flashlight, unless they want to annoy other people or animals. Maglite is probably fine but gotta rotate the batteries (you should do this with all flashlights with aluminum casing) or DOOM.

All things equal (and you don't want to buy a tactical flashlight) look for something with a cree square led; they have good output and don't eat batteries that much. They're widespread nowadays, I have a couple of the lowes ones which are more than adequate for me.

 

[shockwave]

The stream light protac 2l size brightness and portability all for about 45 last I looked great flashlight

 

[Danglerb]

$50 for a flashlight if you don't know what the person needs is money down the toilet. Maglight stopped be a leading brand about two decades ago when Streamlight and other LED brands came out.

Now you can buy a decent light for $7 shipped from china, SK68 variety, larger brighter around $12, and above that is mostly fancy bits and features.

Best small powerful light is IMHO Zebralight SC52 at 300 real Lumens off a single AA Eneloop rechargeable battery.

Headlights are real handy, even the cheap less than $10 ones.

 

[Covingtonbottoms]

Spend a little extra money and look at the srt 5 by nitecore. One of the best lights I have ever owned. If you do your shopping right you can get everything you need for around 100

 

[Sal Bandini]

In that price range Fenix and Quark by 4 Sevens are good choices. Zebralight is also another option, albeit a little pricier. The best thing with Zebralight is that you can order in neutral white, which I prefer over cool white.

I own all three brands and like them all, although the Zebralight headlamp gets the most use, due to it's practicality (handsfree) and better UI.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Another benefit of these lights is that they have "moonlight" modes, which are extremely low output. This is great in cases where you need to find your way around the house, for example, but don't want to ruin your night adjusted vision.

I use this mode more times than I thought I ever would. Very handy.

 

[CoryZ]

I am amazed at how powerful and useful the little 1x AAA LED lights are these days. I pretty much just EDC one of these http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006K5C2EG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Davefr]

If you get him a Maglite make sure it's the Pro +. It's a wonderful light.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HNJ66C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Bricen18]

I have a brinkman rechargeable 160 lumen. Picked it up at tractor supply. 30$. I've since given a few more as gifts


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[BDT/NWMN]

If you get him a Maglite make sure it's the Pro +. It's a wonderful light.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HNJ66C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I gave those as gifts a few years back... waterproof, Minnesota subzero resistant, dependable, easy to find replacement batteries.... Some qualities that are sadly lacking in the plastic cased, rechargeable disappointments I have bought in the past......

 

[theoldwizard1]

My favorite is the Streamlight LED Propolymer 4AA. Lightweight, incredibly bright, batteries last forever, truly waterproof (not sure what depth). Not as indestructible as a MagLight (if you drive over it, it probably will break), but very rugged. Under $30.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

Energizer lithium light. Takes 2 AA, the light is brighter when using lithium batteries. Costs about 40$. Originally has an overmolded rubber grip on it but eventually the bond fails, I like it better without the grip as there is no friction when sliding it in or out of the sheath and or belt. Does not come with a sheath but I stumbled on a universal light holster at hd, worth it's weight in gold (has a 360 swivel with detents). Anyway after trying led lenser brand and after my mag died for no apparent reason, I got this light from my FIL. Dropped over a hundred times, never a dull moment lol. Get it you won't regret it. Oh and it comes with two lithium batteries and it's housing is aircraft aluminum...very lite no pun intended lol.

 

[veks]

Amazon has some of the flashlights mention on sale today. Although the SALES AND SALE PRICE ARE TIME SENSITIVE.

THIS DEAL STARTS IN 45 MINS:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00008BFSI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


THIS DEAL STARTS AT 2PM (DONT KNOW WHAT TIME ZONE)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UUSAAM/?tag=atomicindus08-20


THIS DEAL STARTS AT 6PM:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002PK0Y04/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wallmaxx]

I have an LED D-size MagLite. It is incredibly bright. It makes my older krypton halogen flashlight look yellow and weak. It's almost too bright for inside use.

 

[Banjorear]

Don't forget that MagLight and Streamlight flashlights have life time guarantees. I've sent in a few MagLights and never had an issue with warranty.

 

[JrTech]

Redline rc is a awesome light for the money. 300lumens, in your price range range and is rechargeable


http:// http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00FEONVDK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1418769729&sr=8-1

 

[Roof]

++1 on the. Fenix or quark also look at eagletac


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[Dick in Wisconsin]

I just bought a Slyde at a local retailer.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-flashlight-bulbs/6156-nebo-slyde-led-flashlight/1858/

I think $30 is a lot for a flashlight, but this one is really slick. The flashlight slides apart to expose the LEDs on the side. It has a really strong magnet on the **** end which enables me to "stick" it so I have two hands available to work. I really like it.

 

[DodgeMech]

I just bought a Slyde at a local retailer.

https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/led-flashlight-bulbs/6156-nebo-slyde-led-flashlight/1858/

I think $30 is a lot for a flashlight, but this one is really slick. The flashlight slides apart to expose the LEDs on the side. It has a really strong magnet on the **** end which enables me to "stick" it so I have two hands available to work. I really like it.

30 bucks is cheap bubba...I've spent 210 on a stinger led off the matco truck

 

[firemanmike69]

I have expensive ones and cheap ones but so far the one I use the most is this one
It's a "nightstick 5422" about $25 runs forever on aa batteries has a nice big clip on it and a front and side facing led

 

[rtole]

The mini mag led pro is hard to beat for 25 bucks at Walmart. I also have a fenix ld22 that is very nice.......but not near the deal of the maglight. Both are 2aa. The fenix has 4 modes, and is a hair brighter. For less than half the price the mag pro is dang close.

 

[FiendFX]

streamlight c4 stinger LED flashlight hands down. Great investment!

 

[Fugio]

Under 50 bucks eh?

For utter reliability and toughness, Surefire G2:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002XCJEA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If they would prefer alkalines and the latest technology, you can't beat Fenix:
http://www.fenix-store.com/

 

[USMC15AP]

I recently bought a Nitecore P12 on amazon $100 shipping included. It included holster, 2 recharble batteries, a charger a car charger. I am real happy with it.

 

[Wakefield]

I like the Maglites including some of the newer ones that have heat sinked LED and dimming settings for extended battery life but beware,lots of bad alkaline batteries these days and the aluminum seems to dissolve and glue itself to the leaking battery destroying the flashlight.
Just had a nice LED mini with a dimming mode destroyed by a Ray-O-Vac alkaline that was marked "2016",had sat a year or so since purchase,put it in (2 of them) a couple months ago,was still bright a month ago-picked up the flashlight today,wouldn't turn on and behold,one of the batteries was corroded in place. Plastic (like Streamlites are made of) is not usually bothered as much by the bad batteries. I wish Maglite would put a coating liner in their lights to protect against the batteries or supply an inner plastic tube to enclose the batteries. I did drop a "Polypro" LED Streamlite 3C in a foot or more of water in a mishap during a late night run near Powell's Fort Camp which I was able to get back because it remained lit under the water of the flooded creek.
these newer alkalines can work brightly one day and have totally trashed the flashlight a couple weeks later.

 

[eddiemeddiem]

I second the terralux light star 300. It's $26 on Amazon... Still leaving 1/2 of your budget for a nice headlamp. I think I use headlamps more than a std flashlight. I love the terralux 300... I even bought a second


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[Bricen18]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008U1VGQ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20


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[930dreamer]

A huge selection of great flashlights out there, I've had this Surefire for a long time.