Need a small flashlight

[Jersey Drew]

The streamlight 66608 in coyote is 250 lumen about the size of 1.5 (long) aa battery and is rechargable.

The coyote one is the only one that turns on to high position on first click. For some reason, the black one turns onto low on first click so you have to click it twice. That is why I bought the coyote colored one.

 

[no704]

Just get the free ones at HF. Battery dies, put it in the bag with the **** and break out another.

 

[alinc100]

MYCRO 250 Rechargeable Headlamp (2-Pack)

Light weight, heavy on versatility and performance

nebo.acgbrands.com

 

[Pasha]

I enjoy good flashlights. The $20 is a tough constraint.

Streamlight Stylus Pro. You wont find a better flashlight for $20.

 

[mreisner]

These were about 15 bucks around Christmas, up to 25 now but still worth it in my opinion. Literally about the size of a car remote can be used as a keychain also. They have a pretty good battery life in our ridiculously bright from both the single LED on the end or the Panel LED on the side. I gave away a bunch of them as stocking stuffers I last Christmas and everybody really likes them and commented how they would like to get another one.

 

[908Jim]

Streamlight Stylus Pro. You wont find a better flashlight for $20.

I like these as automotive toolbox lights but I think it's a poor choice for dog walking. I've got probably a dozen different AA and AAA size lights and I really love my mag XL50 with the tactical clip but it's a little on the bulky side if the intent is to clip to a leash.

 

[engineer2]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up buying a Coast G20 after getting a refund on the Kodiak. Used a zip tie to attach it to the dog leash. You can upgrade it to a Lithium battery if you want.
That mini Streamlight might be next if the Coast doesn't work out.

 

[hans109h]

I've been very happy with my Nitecore torch that I've had for a few years now, but in that time the price has gone up. I've made sure not to lose it. It has 4 levels of brightness and powered by Li Ion. I charge it about twice a year.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

My neighbor convinced me to get an Emissar D4V2 a few years ago. Best damn flashlight I have ever owned. Surpisingly they have gotten damn cheap since I bought mine too. Its got a magnet in the base and I've dropped it way to many times and it keeps on going.

This is it when it's turned off. The blue light is a very low battery draw with makes it easy to find when you need it.


Its made from solid titanium and when its fully turned on and set to maximum brightness its stupid bright. Only downside is it can actually light paper on fire.

 

[sparky 1971]

Thanks for everyone's input. I ended up buying a Coast G20 after getting a refund on the Kodiak. Used a zip tie to attach it to the dog leash. You can upgrade it to a Lithium battery if you want.

Coast sells a rechargeable battery for it if you want to spend $20 on a $10 light.

ZX110 Rechargeable Battery

COAST ZX110 ZITHION-X™ Li-Ion ported rechargeable batteries are designed with an integrated micro-USB port, allowing the convenience of your battery to be charged outside your light. All COAST ZITHION-X™ batteries are protected with premium overcharge/discharge protection.

coastportland.com

That mini Streamlight might be next if the Coast doesn't work out.

I

 

[bluedog225]

My neighbor convinced me to get an Emissar D4V2 a few years ago. Best damn flashlight I have ever owned. Surpisingly they have gotten damn cheap since I bought mine too. Its got a magnet in the base and I've dropped it way to many times and it keeps on going.

This is it when it's turned off. The blue light is a very low battery draw with makes it easy to find when you need it.


Its made from solid titanium and when its fully turned on and set to maximum brightness its stupid bright. Only downside is it can actually light paper on fire.

Holy spit. That’s a heck of a light. The various options are impressive.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Streamlight Microstream. I use the AAA version at work but there's also a rechargeable version. Little effers are bulletproof and put out a good amount of light but won't blind the hell out of you.

 

[PCustoms]

Streamlight Microstream. I use the AAA version at work but there's also a rechargeable version. Little effers are bulletproof and put out a good amount of light but won't blind the hell out of you.

I picked up the rechargeable version cheap a few years back.

Used to keep it in the truck plugged in, occasionally in my pocket. I put it through the washer once, other then being a little rough on the outside and requiring a bag of rice to try out it still works flawlessly.

 

[RTM]

Ah, the joys of another small flashlight thread. Tho the request sounds simple enough.

Under $20 would be great. Doesn't need to be over 500 lumens.

We quickly escalate it into the $50+ range quickly, and things not asked for

Get a decent rechargeable headlamp.
Your hands are free, plenty of light.

XPH30R

<p> </p> <p data-mce-fragment="1">Shine bright and stay hands-free with the mid-size workhorse in our XPH professional headlamp series. Engineered for...

coastportland.com

This headlamp is usb rechargeable. I know you said flashlight, but this could be modified by shortening the straps or replacing them with velcro or something like that - to attach to the leash. I mention this one because you said you wanted a quality product for cheap. And this brand's headlamps are ubiquitous in the backpacking scene. Everyone I know uses them. I have two of the ones below. And one of the older gen smaller ones (NU20). All three have far exceeded my expectations on longevity and durability.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CGT394SJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

We started to ramp down

I have a couple of these Streamlights, No issues, USB charging is a plus, battery is replaceable and so is the pocket clip (broke one once). Quite bright for the size. Usually around 33$ so maybe a bit more then you want to spend. Great EDC light though.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DLZXZV1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My only gripe is the blue one is low first then high, the brown one is high first then low. Somewhat annoying when switching between them.

My neighbor convinced me to get an Emissar D4V2 a few years ago.ago. Best damn flashlight I have ever owned

The question, will we break the $100 barrier?


The guy is picking up poop, he wants to attach it to a leash, so dog plus leash plus poop always show up together, not get a buy for a lifetime flashlight.

Not that I object to these references, I’m going to follow up on certain ones for something more difficult, that can spot cats, both with rounded ears, and black and white racing stripes, as well as dogs, especially those breeds that favor Acme products, when I’m walking my clowns at night.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

Ah, the joys of another small flashlight thread. Tho the request sounds simple enough.
...
Not that I object to these references, I’m going to follow up on certain ones for something more difficult, that can spot cats, both with rounded ears, and black and white racing stripes, as well as dogs, especially those breeds that favor Acme products, when I’m walking my clowns at night.

Exactly. That's one reason I love the Microstream, it's dead simple, uses normal batteries if you want that version, is cheap enough, and durable as hell. People get these 1000000000 lumen flashlights for work (engine assy plant), turn them on, and all I see is the goddamn sun reflecting off a machined surface into my eye.

 

[bluedog225]

Make sure you get high CRI so you can evaluate the poop properly. Zebra light makes some good ones.

 

[JradM]

Olight I1R EOS comes to mind as a super-compact rechargeable sub-$20 light. I love the I3E AAA light for that sort of task too, but it's not a rechargeable light (though you could use it with a rechargeable battery).



My favorite inexpensive light at the moment is the Acebeam Pokelit. It comes in a few different flavors, I have the 550 lumen, high CRI model with combo beam. Simple interface, USB-C charging, warm 5000K color temperature and it's $26 in Canada, I assume that puts it right near your $20 budget in the USA. This would DEFINITELY be my pick:



Also competitive is the Sofirn SC21. It claims up to 1100 lumens, also 5000k color temperature, combo beam - all of which might be true, but I have both and find my Acebeam more usable. It might be a personal preference thing. I think the Sofirn has a narrower hotspot that appears warmer than the Acebeam, but Acebeam's more even light distribution is better for walking. Sofirn is smaller and sometimes cheaper though.

 

[Tynee]

Glad you posted this. It reminded me to throw a replacement for the Nebo Columbo that my kids bought me and I lost into my Amazon order today. $15 bucks for the 100 lumen version with a pocket clip that works well, 3 easy modes, and decent battery life out of a AAA. Waterproof too for when you're walking the dogs in the rain.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091C4VZ4Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[decableguy2000]

I've been using one of these with a 14500 rechargeable battery, but can use AA. Skilhunt E2A

 

[PelicanPines]

 

[Adrien]

Under $20, multiple modes, magnetic and has a lanyard loop.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BJ26M1Y5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Adrien

 

[cosmokenney]

We started to ramp down

Personally I'd rather spend $36 for a multi-purpose head lamp that is of known good quality, than to go to home depot and buy a $20 flashlight that will last 2 months.

 

[MarineScott]

Buy a bright tennis ball,put it near the poop at night, then pick it up in the day light

 

[Jgaz]

Streamlight Microstream. I use the AAA version at work but there's also a rechargeable version. Little effers are bulletproof and put out a good amount of light but won't blind the hell out of you.

This^^^
Mine is going on ten years old.
Used at least once usually twice a night for the last four years on dog duty.
Lithium batteries for the win

 

[JradM]

This^^^
Mine is going on ten years old.
Used at least once usually twice a night for the last four years on dog duty.
Lithium batteries for the win

That's cheap and well built, but only makes 45 lumens and isn't rechargeable.

I'm not knocking it as a good light for the right circumstance - not every light needs to be a lumen monster, but that seems best suited to close-up work.

Compare that to the Pokelight's 550 lumens, high CRI LED, USB-C charging and a warm 5000K color temperature... The Streamlight doesn't seem competitive to me.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

That's cheap and well built, but only makes 45 lumens and isn't rechargeable.

I'm not knocking it as a good light for the right circumstance - not every light needs to be a lumen monster, but that seems best suited to close-up work.

Compare that to the Pokelight's 550 lumens, high CRI LED, USB-C charging and a warm 5000K color temperature... The Streamlight doesn't seem competitive to me.

Not everyone wants that. I want a small basic reliable flashlight that turns off and on. I don't want 550 lumens, high CRI, DGAF about color temp. These things are bulletproof and work great, and they sell a USB rechargeable version.

I have a powerful multi-output zoom light for home. But for work that stupid little thing's unbeatable.

 

[seber]

I also have an Emissar but in aluminum. It was $40. My go to for the truck and the camper. I like that it can give just the amount of light for any condition.

 

[dscheidt]

That's cheap and well built, but only makes 45 lumens and isn't rechargeable.

I'm not knocking it as a good light for the right circumstance - not every light needs to be a lumen monster, but that seems best suited to close-up work.

Compare that to the Pokelight's 550 lumens, high CRI LED, USB-C charging and a warm 5000K color temperature... The Streamlight doesn't seem competitive to me.

550 lumens without good optics is not terribly usable. It will blind you when used close, doesn't have the optics for a good mid field ranger, nor to actually throw light any real distance. I'll also point out that the one you linked to isn't usb anything rechargeable. it just comes with a AA format cell that's usb-c rechargable, which could be used in any AA flashlight. (I'd count that as a point in its favor, though. I think swapable batteries are very useful on flashlights.)

 

[plinker]

Ah, the joys of another small flashlight thread. Tho the request sounds simple enough.



We quickly escalate it into the $50+ range quickly, and things not asked for



We started to ramp down



The question, will we break the $100 barrier?


The guy is picking up poop, he wants to attach it to a leash, so dog plus leash plus poop always show up together, not get a buy for a lifetime flashlight.

Not that I object to these references, I’m going to follow up on certain ones for something more difficult, that can spot cats, both with rounded ears, and black and white racing stripes, as well as dogs, especially those breeds that favor Acme products, when I’m walking my clowns at night.

The most serious & professional dog poop pick up crews use Milwaukee's M12 spotlight so they can spot the offending turd 100 yards away.

 

[JradM]

550 lumens without good optics is not terribly usable. It will blind you when used close, doesn't have the optics for a good mid field ranger, nor to actually throw light any real distance. I'll also point out that the one you linked to isn't usb anything rechargeable. it just comes with a AA format cell that's usb-c rechargable, which could be used in any AA flashlight. (I'd count that as a point in its favor, though. I think swapable batteries are very useful on flashlights.)

The Pokelight isn't 550 lumens or off. It can do 5, 100 or 550 max.

I don't know what listing you're looking at, I didn't link to anything. It's $26 for the one I bought - Canadian. That's the high CRI model. You can get a more powerful version if you don't care about CRI for the same price.

It's on/off with the button, push fast or hold to cycle between very low, mid and high.

Very straightforward UI because you can treat it like and on/off button And it will remember your last setting.

Again, I'm not dissing your light - but it's 45 lumens MAX. Great for closeup work and built well, but for someone out for a walk?

 

[Jgaz]

During my volunteer patrol hikes in the Grand Canyon I carry the Streamlight Micro as a backup to my more powerful headlamp.
I’ve used the Micro myself, and also loaned it to members of a group of hikers that I’m assisting while hiking out of the canyon. It’s Adequate for trail hiking on a dark night.

I don’t want rechargeable. I want a simple on/off switch, a replaceable battery, dead reliable, small, light weight, reasonable output flashlight that I won’t cry if it gets lost.

Horses for courses.

 

[F-22]

In regard to the original question - check Aliexpress for Wurkkos or Sofirn. It's the same company with two brand names and slightly different products. Both are pretty much the best when the budget is tight.

My neighbor convinced me to get an Emissar D4V2 a few years ago. Best damn flashlight I have ever owned. Surpisingly they have gotten damn cheap since I bought mine too. Its got a magnet in the base and I've dropped it way to many times and it keeps on going.

This is it when it's turned off. The blue light is a very low battery draw with makes it easy to find when you need it.


Its made from solid titanium and when its fully turned on and set to maximum brightness its stupid bright. Only downside is it can actually light paper on fire.

Been eyeing those for over a year now, really cool. I'd probably go with the copper version for the patina they'd develop (and perhaps superior cooling?).

That said, base model D4V2 (aluminium) is 35$. That's incredibly good value for the money!

 

[vpd66]

ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00
I bought this one back in November of 2023 and it works good, no complaints.

 

[mooman]

Whatever you do don't get the Streamlight Stylus Pro.

Because???????

 

[Toold_up]

These are nice lights, and come with some great features!

 

[Toold_up]

If'n you have a wheeler:

 

[PelicanPines]

If'n you have a wheeler:

For what it's worth... the OP was looking for a flashlight to find his dogs **** ... so now we have fallin into "Just Shooting The ****"?

LMAO

 

[308guru]

We need a small flashlight that can clip to a dog leash. Main purpose is to illuminate dog **** so we can see to pick it up at night
Tired of feeding batteries into the free HF ones. Ideally it should be rechargeable and small in size.
2 from Menards (Guidesman and Kodiak Litzall) were defective. Avoid these POS brands.
Looked at Amazon and I don't want to pay $30 for no-name chinese. Under $20 would be great. Doesn't need to be over 500 lumens.
Any thoughts?

Do you really want a light that is clipped to the dog leash? Are you planning to keep it clipped or just for "storage" and then remove it for use?

You're budget is pretty tough, I wouldn't set your expectations too high if you truly want/need to stick to that. Anything you find in that price range will be a hideous blue with horrible color rendering. If you want colors to look correct (high CRI) choose a Nichia 219 or SST20 emitter.

I would suggest the tool of choice for your task should be a headlamp, but....

For flashlights, some of the Fenix offerings are budget friendly and not a complete POS. Take a look at these:

Fenix E01 V2.0 AAA Flashlight

The Fenix E01 V2.0 AAA Flashlight emits an impressive maximum 100 lumens from an included single AAA battery.

www.fenixlighting.com

Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight

The Fenix E12 V2.0 AA Flashlight emits an impressive maximum 160 lumens from an included single AA battery. Only 3" long.

www.fenixlighting.com

If you want to move up in size and capacity find a light that uses 18650 cells.

If you want to move up in quality ask away. Some, such as myself, are self proclaimed flash-o-holics and have a collection of lights equivalent in value to your toolbox full of Snap-On tools.

 

[engineer2]

Are you planning to keep it clipped or just for "storage" and then remove it for use?

Yes it's permanently clipped to the dog leash along with the poop bag dispenser. With the longer days it won't get used much during the summer. Some flashlights aren't designed to be clipped to anything, which adds to the challenge. It'll also get dropped and banged around a lot. Was using the free HF ones. Not bad, but the LEDS or button eventually failed, they fell apart, or the batteries leaked.

I'll try the Coast G20 this year and see how it goes. I also own many flashlights and would like to move to rechargeable types. After researching this and reading the posts, I need to step up my game. Perhaps I'll ask for a new flashlight for Father's Day, to which my lovely wife will likely respond "Don't you already have 10 flashlights?"

 

[iflyatiger]

Whatever you do don't get the Streamlight Stylus Pro.

Strongly agree!