Best Flashlight for $20?

M

Messersmith

Joined
Jun 30, 2006
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Just wanted opinions on the best flashlight for under $20. I hear good things about the Brinkman Maxfire. Are there any others I should consider? It will be for general use around the house and hunting camp.
 
First, you' ll probably need more than a single light source if you plan to go outdoors. Now, if you' re fortunate, you find the 3 AA Maglite LED model for just about $20 at your local Home Depot. Prices vary at different locales. It is quite a powerful 3 watt LED with at least 4.5 hour run time. It focuses way much better than the old incandescent models. And can still stand up in the candle mode if you want a good light in the tent. Reports are that it does NOT dim gradually. But rather shuts down totally after the run time elapses. So bring extra batteries if you plan to run it a lot. I also favor the current newer model Inova X1 with single LED and reflector that runs at 8 hours steady before dimming. It is nowhere as bright nor does it have the throw of the MagLite LED models. But for me, it is intended to serve as a backup/ pocket light. It' s a good companion as it uses the rather inexpensive and widely availale AA battery. $20 at Targets. Maybe less with online shopping. BTW- Brinkmann also offers the LED version of the Maxfire. But is it almost $35 if I recall correctly. Powerful with 2 CR123 batteries. But short run time and more costly batteries.

N.
 
I've been pretty happy with the River Rock I picked up for $20 at Target. Green aluminum, 2AA, listed as 1.5W. Has pretty good throw but a little tight for flood uses. I've been itching to try the Dorcy Super 1Watt but for now the 2AA River Rock is the king of my cheapies.

Frank
 
I like the LED shaker flashlight and it is $20. It has bailed me out several times allready. I have dropped it many times and it still works. The amount of light you get for just a few shakes it pretty impressive. You never have to worry about batteries ever again. I am buying two more tonight in fact for gifts.

Just my .02 cents worth.
 
Get a 2AA Mini-Maglite for about $8 at Wal-Mart and an Nite Eyes LED Converter ($5)- don't waste money on the tailcap I've heard nothing but bad things- and I guarantee that you'll be satisfied.
 
one of the nitrolon surefires ie the G2 arent much more than $20 ($30) and the fenix 'AA' models arent a whole lot higher either.

i dont think ya can get much of a light for $20 and under, for that kinda dollar i would get a 4 "C" cell maglite i suppose, which isnt bad but its not anything to write home to mom about either. maybe a mini mag, same deal.

i would say $50 and under then ya are talking.
 
I got one of the Fenix AA's and love it. It fits in your pants pocket and when you first start carrying it you almost forget it's in there when you need it. I'll be getting another for a spare.
 
I have a few 2AA Maglites and put the LED conversion in one for $5 as mentioned. I am very happy with it. It has a Flood light dispersion and the only downside is that the beam no longer is adjustable.
 
I just bought the Swiss Army AA led flashlight made by the same company that makes Inova flashlights.
So far I am impressed with it , it is made very well and the beam is impressive.
Made in US with a lifetime warranty.
You can get them for $ 23.00 on line.

-Yooperman
 
I have a 2AA Mini-Mag and a 4D Mag. Maybe I should just get the $5 LED conversion for the AA and leave it at that?

Grandsuave: I check out the Ultrafire on Ebay.
 
SilverFoxKnows said:
I've been pretty happy with the River Rock I picked up for $20 at Target. Green aluminum, 2AA, listed as 1.5W. Has pretty good throw but a little tight for flood uses. I've been itching to try the Dorcy Super 1Watt but for now the 2AA River Rock is the king of my cheapies.

Frank
Click to expand...

Another vote for this fantastic (and cheap) little light.
 
i picked up the dorcy metal gear and i love it. works darn well for a 18.75 light. i also like the fact that if i squint in a dark room it looks kind of like a surefire. later,ahgar
 
Messersmith said:
I have a 2AA Mini-Mag and a 4D Mag. Maybe I should just get the $5 LED conversion for the AA and leave it at that?

Grandsuave: I check out the Ultrafire on Ebay.
Click to expand...

I think thats a great idea. I put the conversion in mine and after a year of using it as an all round light, it works just fine. I use my light for the night walks with the dog in the woods, and the AA minimag with the nite-eze conversion throws enough light to see the trail clearly. Battery life has doubled too. On camping trips it lights my way about the campsite well, let alone the inside of the tent.

I guess I just can't see having to spend a hundred dollars on a flashlight. How many of us are on some police tac squad or such, vs we just need a flashlight to see which circut breaker to throw?
 
uk 4AA eLED. 20 hours of regulated burn time. I got mine for $20, not sure of the price now. The led lights that are sold at target, the .5W led surefire knockoffs, are great lights too.
 
I think I'm sold on a Fenix, love the looks and love the price. I work in an auto shop and I ALWAYS need a flashlight. My Mag seems to eat batteries and I'm getting pretty fed-up with it after so many years.
 
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