Best Budget AA/AAA lights for the price...

[Ian2381]

Can't stop buying new lights, giving away old lights to family members as a reason to buy new lights.

I wanted to know what's the best budget AA/AAA lights available in DX, 4sevens?

Here's what I currently have and ordered:
$10-$15 - Romisen RC-G2 (AA), Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel Cree Q5 (AA), Tank007 E07 HA-III OSRAM (AA)
$16-$20 - Philips Metaflash (3AAA), Energizer Headlight (3AAA)
$21-$25 - Solarforce L2 R2 (w/2AA tube)
$26-$30
$31-$35 - Fenix E20 (2AA)

I have other budget lights but above are those worth mentioning.
Also, It would really be great if you have feed backs on my lights.

I usually use my lights around the house and when I go mountain hiking. Always carry 2 lights whenever I go.

Thanks.

 

[dealgrabber2002]

Tada! ITP A3 stainless steel for ~$30.

 

[think2x]

Tada! ITP A3 stainless steel for ~$30.

I second that! One of my favorite lights so far.

 

[jeffe]

DX
Single AA battery

Ultrafire A10 Cree Q5-WC HA-111 for $17.66

I really like this light.

 

[fiorano]

From DX:
"Nkoray" K-106 AA/14500 $13.99 sku 28546 multi-mode
AKoray K-106 AA/14500 $19.13 sku 16607 programmable

And the Maratac AAA or ITP EOS Upgraded - non SS (cheaper) $20-30

 

[jeffe]

From DX:
"Nkoray" K-106 AA/14500 $13.99 sku 28546 multi-mode
AKoray K-106 AA/14500 $19.13 sku 16607 programmable

And the Maratac AAA or ITP EOS Upgraded - non SS (cheaper) $20-30

I have to admit, I hadn't looked at the Nkoray and Akoray. The Nokoray looks interesting for the price. Maybe for my next order.

 

[apontes]

From DX:
"Nkoray" K-106 AA/14500 $13.99 sku 28546 multi-mode
AKoray K-106 AA/14500 $19.13 sku 16607 programmable

And the Maratac AAA or ITP EOS Upgraded - non SS (cheaper) $20-30

+1

You can't go wrong with the AKorays. Nice build, very flexible, cheap (but doesn't look or feel cheap at all).

 

[post tenebras]

It's not cool, but I really like the Terralux LightStar 100 TLF-1C1AA for about $25.

 

[duboost]

x3 on the ITP Eos

the Romisen RC-N3 should be on that list as well

and if you wanna add a $35-$40 category, i'd say the eagletac P100A2

 

[Ian2381]

From DX:
"Nkoray" K-106 AA/14500 $13.99 sku 28546 multi-mode
AKoray K-106 AA/14500 $19.13 sku 16607 programmable

And the Maratac AAA or ITP EOS Upgraded - non SS (cheaper) $20-30

The Nkoray K-106 and iTP A3 EOS looks really great, I'll review more on this light before deciding on my next purchase.

Do you have any Idea if my last purchase of Ultrafire C3 Stainless Steel Cree Q5 (AA), Tank007 E07 HA-III OSRAM (AA) any good? I'm still waiting for shipment.

Also I'm looking for a budget AAA light that has good flood.

thanks.

 

[fiorano]

Also I'm looking for a budget AAA light that has good flood.

The Maratac/ITP Upgraded AAAs are quite floody.

Actually, they are probably the most useful of all of these cheapies when you consider its very small size, nice low as well as useful high and good run times. Just excellent for EDC and very useful for almost all routine tasks.

I wouldn't go too nuts just buying a bunch of random DX cheapies. Been there, done that. Get lights that you'll enjoy using. I would save up for the Maratac/ITP and later for whichever ones of the usual AA suspects like Nitecore, Fenix, Quark, EagleTac, etc. get you excited. Also, you'll want to consider the AA Zebralight H501/H501w since you like to hike in the mountains. Plus, they're just very cool and useful hands-free lights for everyday tasks (and blackouts) as well. Just hang it around your neck, clip it on or go wild with the headband.

And for those better flashlights, look for used ones in the CPF Marketplace. If you're lucky with the timing and quick to act you can get a real score on a great light when they pop up.

 

[vali]

Fenix E01, ITP EOS & Akoray K-106 (programmable)

 

[C4LED]

I would save up for the Maratac/ITP...

+1

 

[kramer5150]

As far as AAA lights go, the E01 and ITP A3 are the best I have found under $45. Its low-low puts the ITP a notch above the LD01 on my preference list. The E01 is a rock solid, bomb-proof utility light.

I am also very happy with my E0 Dart. Its smaller and lighter than the E01, although not quite as bright.
The Gerber Tempo also deserves a mention, although build quality is not very good from light to light. I had to take one back for a faulty electrical connection and another had the LED aim way off that drive me nuts. 3rd time was a charm. You can get them for $12 at REI.

Don't even bother with 3AAA lights... not worth the added $$$.

 

[NonSenCe]

itp eos. akoray. romisen g2 and romisen n3. ultrafire c3. maglite led.

itp c7/c8, eagletac p100a2, fenix e20,

(and maybe the fenix e01.. build quality is good and so is runtime. but i just really do not like the beam shape and the purple tint of my e01)

 

[hyperloop]

have you seen this one? i ordered 2 just for kicks, if they're even reasonably decent, then i have a beater light for my fishing tackle box or as a loaner.

 

[gaiageek]

TANK0007 TK-703 - Clicky, HA-III, Cree Q3-WC, works on AAA or 10440.

I don't have one but it looks decent for $10.87 shipped. No reviews on DX yet, but some positive comments here on CPF.

 

[NWdude83]

Here are several budget flashlights that I'm looking at. I already have the TerraLux Lightstar 100, now leaning towards the Lightstar 220.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/terralux-tlf-1c1aa.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/tlf-3l2aa-.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/tlf-3c2aaex.html

http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=remington_rm2aa-b&product=173581

http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=rayovac_selux2aa3w-b&product=171725

http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?p=rayovac_lux2aa3w-b&product=171730

 

[lightinsky]

Why not a 2AA mini mag rebel multi mode for $19 at Home Depot. I got one and it's great imo!

 

[giusechau]

+1 for ss itp eos. Just got one and was surprised by the quality for the price. 3 mode output is just right.