$50.00 light recommendation.

For pocket EDC +1 to the Fenix E line. They're all good, which one is a matter of taste.

But you mentioned summiting, so I'm thinking you want a headlamp. I'm big on headlamps. I've had a number, but Black Diamond is absolutely the best hands down, and affordable also.
The Spot is good, the newer Storm is even better. Storm is fully waterproof-submersible (warranted for one meter under for 30 minutes), while Spot is only 'water resistant'.
And the 2014 Storm is a big improvement over last years model. 2014 Storm is 160 lumens, the 2013 Storm was already bright at 100 lumens. Runtime specs is 50 hours at max bright (theoretically) and 200 hours at lowest 25-lumen setting. Good for 70 yards range. 2014 Storm is $50 MSRP, the 2013's are on sale for $34 or so (less than the $39 MSRP for the Spot model). I have several Storm's, love them, they're just the best.

+1 to extra batteries. I'm watching the new Black Diamond ReVolt which has a built in battery recharger, but its chip only charges the ReVolt AAA's, not any others, so you can't use it to double as an all purpose recharger. If/when they redesign it to work with generic AAA batteries I'll consider buying it. Reviews say the ReVolt has beta QC problems also. But Storm is a winner!
 
D-R0CK said:
It was below 10 F and with windchill well below 0 :eek: My battery (Just one AA to be fair) was draining at about a battery per 45 mins of use on high.
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This doesn't sound unreasonable to me- AA batteries don't last all that long on high and Alkaline batteries preform badly at 10 degrees F. Lithium batteries work much better at low temperatures but they are harder to find unless you plan ahead. A good light might have enough output running on a lower setting and extend your battery life a little bit.

I like Fenix brand lights and they are in your price range. Better lights will be significantly more expensive, most less expensive lights aren't very good unless you search carefully. I actually have been impressed by my latest mini-maglite pro.
 
gadgetgeek said:
Looking at the Quark, that .2 lumen is going to be useful for really close work, but its not much more than map reading. 5 lumen is for seeing whats on your shoe, or right close to you. Comparing to lights I have, the 26 lumens from the medium setting would be about where the Fenix E-05 is listed, and thats reasonable for seeing whats right in front of you. not too bright and blinding, but not seeing fine detail more than a couple yards away.

As far as I know, led lenser is the only one with a focus-able light, but I don't know that you gain much, as every lens you put the beam through is going to cut down your output to a degree.

Alternatively you could switch to a headlamp, like the black diamond spot, and just use your current light as your distance light when needed. Is means also carrying some AAA lights, but you get a more useful close up light instead of useing a spotlight to see whats at your feet. Or if you are not sure about the headlamp thing, the black dimond gizmo can be had for pretty cheap, and they are really useful for lots of things, even just around the house.
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I like the adjustable lens on the Q5 because I could switch between the other side of a ravine 100 yards away looking for the other end of a trail and illuminating a 10 foot circle around my feet looking for footholds and tree-roots. I may consider getting a nice headlamp, but I don't like the idea of carrying both, having batteries for both, etc. Your thoughts? I'll look into the lensers too.

Tallahassee said:
For pocket EDC +1 to the Fenix E line. They're all good, which one is a matter of taste.

...I'm thinking you want a headlamp. I'm big on headlamps.
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I'm not sold on carrying two lights, and I don't like needing to face whatever it shines on. Plus nothing is more irritating than getting a face-full of light from your buddy's head lamp.

Bowman1911 said:
Abut 12 years ago, a buddy & I sat down & came up with "the list". It consists of 5 things no man can have enough of. Guns, Knives, Flashlights, Coolers, & fishing equipment.
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Amen :thumbup: but I don't do enough truck camping to use a cooler that often. You should change "guns" to "hunting weapons" :D I'm a bow guy too.
 
Headlamps take some getting used to. I like having a flood for close, and then being able to just flick on a high power light for a few minutes at a time when needed. Plus having a spare light is always a good idea in my book. I have a big headlamp (black diamond icon) which has both the flood and the throw beam, but to get that, you are wearing three AAs on your head, and it gets heavy. But its a great light with a huge runtime. The storm has a throw and flood modes, so that might be the one-light option. I also tend to wear headlamps around my neck most of the time while using them, gets the feet, and avoids the eyes of your buddies.

again, I like headlamps, but they are not for everyone. If you can find a Gizmo for cheap, I think it would be a great compliment to your current light, just means that you have to carry a few extra AAAs, but thats not a big deal.

If you like a handheld light, and want to add to your runtime, I think you'll like the E21.
 
I am a Streamight fan myself, they have tons of offerings under a $50 bill.

PT2L is pretty sweet, for a few dollars more the Sidewinder in amazing.
 
Klarus xt2a. I edc a outdated version with lower power and a screwed up scheath. But yea i still carry it. My dad has the newer version it pushea almost 300 lumens and you can deffintly tell the difference in how hisvdrains power slower or at least the light does not steadily dim like mine. But i still edc it because it will go and go and go albeit not as brigjt. And its a flood light for sure not a thrower. 2xaa. Oh best part is under 50 bucks AND there is a budjet version for 37 dollars i forget the name but it does not have the strobe or medium output level. My next light isbgoing to be the smilodon by nitecore...
 
gadgetgeek said:
Headlamps take some getting used to. I like having a flood for close, and then being able to just flick on a high power light for a few minutes at a time when needed. Plus having a spare light is always a good idea in my book. I have a big headlamp (black diamond icon) which has both the flood and the throw beam, but to get that, you are wearing three AAs on your head, and it gets heavy. But its a great light with a huge runtime. The storm has a throw and flood modes, so that might be the one-light option. I also tend to wear headlamps around my neck most of the time while using them, gets the feet, and avoids the eyes of your buddies.

again, I like headlamps, but they are not for everyone. If you can find a Gizmo for cheap, I think it would be a great compliment to your current light, just means that you have to carry a few extra AAAs, but thats not a big deal.

If you like a handheld light, and want to add to your runtime, I think you'll like the E21.
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I love my ZL head lamps, I carry the H52w everywhere with the paracord/cord-lock "strap". I also have an H31 (CR123 version) in our horse trailer. The most used light(s) I own.

Also if you didn't know the E21 just received an update to a gen 2 emitter, should boost OTF lumens by about 10% and increase run time slightly.
 
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Check out the Jetbeam RRT-0. Infinitely variable brightness (dimmer twist ring) clicks switch, small and lightweight with SS bezel for durability, over 200 lumens and can take AA or CR123A rechargeable batteries for added brightness.

On sale for $54 online, originally a $150 light
 
I just wanted to add my 2 cents worth ,I have a Fenix TK15 with 337 lumens and two lower settings I got mine from REI FOR $79.00. This lite uses the cr123a batteries.
just something else to consider. Just checked REI the TK15 is now $89.95, but the PD35 is $79.95 and has 450 lumens and 5 lite settings.
 
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I hope to get the Maratac CR123 Copper model for my birthday. I've heard great things about the light and love my Maratac 2- AA extreme light. It is my first light since starting to use Maglites years ago. I loved Maglites, but now these small lights can put out as much light as a 3 D cell Mag.
 
muphasta said:
I hope to get the Maratac CR123 Copper model for my birthday. I've heard great things about the light and love my Maratac 2- AA extreme light. It is my first light since starting to use Maglites years ago. I loved Maglites, but now these small lights can put out as much light as a 3 D cell Mag.
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Oh I didn't even know they had a cr123 out, I have both an AA and AAA sealed in their foil packs so they don't patina, I have 3 kids, guess I'll get the 3rd light and keep it sealed and pass them on in a couple years when the kids are responsible enough for lights that cost more than $1.99.
 
Cereal_killer said:
Oh I didn't even know they had a cr123 out, I have both an AA and AAA sealed in their foil packs so they don't patina, I have 3 kids, guess I'll get the 3rd light and keep it sealed and pass them on in a couple years when the kids are responsible enough for lights that cost more than $1.99.
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well wait until I get mine so I know I can get one! It states that they were a limited run!! LOL
 
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