Absolutely cheapest (<$7) acceptable small flashlight?

Garnett

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I want to get our local Beaver Scout troop some very cheap lights ($7 or less) they can keep in their rucksacks and which they will almost certainly lose by the end of the summer.

Modern LEDs mean I think I'd be happy with any sort of output and runtime, so that's not a concern.

Primarily, I'm just wondering if there's any suitable option on AliExpress or one of its competitor sites that stands out above the other options.

In terms of the checklist:-

==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?


____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
____This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)


____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.

____Under $5

3) Format:


____I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).

____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

____I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).

Not fussed

7) What power source do you want to use?


____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).

____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)

____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).

____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
Not fussed

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.

Not needed

9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.


9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)

____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)

____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical) the longer the better, but I appreciate that for the budget, I can't expect too much.
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).

____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.



12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do. The simpler to operate, the better.

____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).

____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).

____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)

____I don't care - the simpler the better, I guess
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).

____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant) - The more waterproof the better, but I appreciate that for the budget, I can't expect too much.
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_____________________________________________



17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Thanks a lot for any suggestions.
 
Ok, just a bit more than your target price, but here's a recommendation that an order of magnitude more capable:

Rayovac Rechargeable Flashlight. Available at WalMart, Kroger, and other sellers for $9-10. High - 320 lumens, low 130 lumens, plus strobe (you'll be mildly annoyed with the strobe, but the scouts will love it). SKU: ROVVMHAL8H.
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Only issue with that Rayovac model is making sure none of the scouts will have a seizure due to the strobe function.
 
If you have a Costco card, get the three packs of Infinity X1 700 lumen headlamps. They have 900 mAh usb-c rechargeable lithium ion battery packs and 3AAAs (they will run on either). They are $24 full price for 3 ($8 each). They may be on sale now. If you want flashlights, they have a similar pack of 3 for $25. I think they were 1200 lumen and Duracell brand (1800 mAh lithium ion batteries) again lithium ion or 3AAA powered. That pack was $25 full price. If each kit is about $5 off on sale, they should about be in your price range. I'd say on or off sale, that's the best bang for your buck you're going to get in stores.
 
Lumen craft is having a sale on a rechargeable light @7 $ each. Not sure how many they have but worth a look-see.
 
I bought one of these for an elderly aunt about a year ago. She used it regularly and has never had any problems with it. The advertised runtimes appear to be truthful, based on her experience with the light. At the offered price you would do well to grab as many as you need, plus a few spares.
 
Home Depot recently carried a Defiant cylindrical aluminum 4" 3AAA LED light with 200 lumens, high/low/flash, rear clicky with soft press, at a low price. It has single LED, not showerhead if that matters. I've seen them in Canada in 3- and 4-packs. The one I have also works on 18500 cell, Li-ion or even LiFePO4.

Check HD website for current offerings, not sure the specific one I mention is still offered. (1001 543 745)


Dave
 
Home Depot's Husky branded flashlights are good. Tailcap switches tend to be soft and squishy. But that's the only minor issue. Used to carry and use a 3C-cell Defiant at work for several weeks. Was very happy with it, until one night when it just stopped working on me. Crapped out completely.
 
Husky is okay for a cheap work light. They aren't very waterproof. Once you start looking at hiking and backpacking, you want at least IPX-6 rated. Still, most usually can take a beating and still work. Some are better than others. 3C (550 lumen) with glow O ring around lens (nice bonus to find it in the dark) and 3D (650 lumen) lights with the side switch were good for me. 850 and 1200 lumen 3C lights with tail switch were utter :poop:. They overheated and burned out the l.e.d.s and the tail switch had a parasitic drain. Their headlights are cheapos. I don't trust the brackets for tilting to last. 3 AA light with pivoting head and magnetic base is excellent light, but not waterproof. Husky is a hit or miss brand. Some lights are great, some are garbage. Coast (sold at Home Depot) is slightly better for backpacking in the way of headlights but still not that waterproof. If you don't have access to Costco (not sure if O.P. is in Europe or Canada), honestly the first light I'd give a kid is a Fenix E01 v.2. Put it on a lanyard and hang it around their neck so they don't lose it. It's waterproof, lightweight, relatively cheap, efficient so you aren't spending more on batteries in the long run, isn't so bright the kids will blind each other (which is actually a problem with most lights now), and doesn't have a strobe for them to annoy you with at night.
 
So, these are small, AAA, have about 100 lumens, IPX8, about an hour (70 minutes on an eneloop) run time, come with spare o-rings and a key ring, come in a bunch of FUN colors, and if you buy a bunch, they get cheap.

Skilhunt E3A:


If you buy 12, you actually get 13 (you get one free for all orders over $89), which comes out to under $7/each for the cool white. Add $1 each, and you have the high CRI version. If you get more than $200 worth, you get another $10 off.

I had specifically given some of these away to some kids to attach to their scout bags. Kids LOVE the bright colors, easy operation (single mode twisty), small size, light weight, and shocking brightness. Bring a bunch of spare AAAs, and you're in business. I've given a LOT of these away, and I haven't had anyone that wasn't just completely thrilled with it.
 
So, these are small, AAA, have about 100 lumens, IPX8, about an hour (70 minutes on an eneloop) run time, come with spare o-rings and a key ring, come in a bunch of FUN colors, and if you buy a bunch, they get cheap.

Skilhunt E3A:
Those are neat little lights, would not mind having one or two myself. Only concern for OP's application is short runtime, and low output, which you would expect from single AAA. I'm hoping to get ahold of a Coast G22, which is in the same class, waiting for a sale price.

Dave
 
Those are neat little lights, would not mind having one or two myself. Only concern for OP's application is short runtime, and low output, which you would expect from single AAA. I'm hoping to get ahold of a Coast G22, which is in the same class, waiting for a sale price.

Dave
I think these are a lot more impressive than you'd think. Skilhunt makes pretty decent stuff. If you REALLY wanted to squeeze into that 90 minute runtime, you might be able to get close with Eneloop Pros, and 100 lumens isn't too bad in terms of output, since they have a halfway decent reflector and floody filter (they kind of make a nice, floody cone of light that covers a good 20 feet in front of you). It's kind of idea for lighting up a path/walkway.

Plus, I think these shine in that they're a GREAT gateway to get people to consider maybe spending $20 on a somewhat decent flashlight.

Like I said, I've given a good amount of these away, some specifically for kids doing scouting. Their compact size, ease of use, performance, and colors make them REALLY popular. And, if they are impressed enough to spend $20 on something like an AA Convoy T3, Acebeam Tac AA, or Skilhunt E2A, they can just lanyard this to their bag as a backup/secondary light - which it's absolutely fantastic for. Versus, getting an upgrade that means their original light just becomes more e-waste.
 

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