lights-out penned: I want a good throw and very bright, and something I can buy locally (would like to try before I buy) - even though it will be more expensive.
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The advantage is that you probably can try and then return the light to stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Wally-Mart, Sport Authority, ****'s Sporting Goods, Eastern Mt Sports, REI, etc... Also consider any private or regional sporting goods store in your area. There is a sporting good store local to me that has been around for decades and prides itself on great service. Anything I can buy, I can return. Downside is it will dramatically limit your choices of lights.
You did say alkalines and that will limit your choices a bit more. Generally the alkalines lights are not going to be the brightest lights but alkalines are easy to find and almost always on sale. For the best of both worlds, throw and flood, consider an Eagletac P10A for 1-AA and the P10A2 for a 2-AA. I use the P10A when I have a jacket pocket to place it in. Not too heavy, big or bulky but not as compact as my EDC Fenix L1D (1-AA). The P10A has a bright hotspot and on high is a little brighter than my Fenix L2D (2-AA) on turbo, both also have a decent flood area. The L1/2D line has interchangable parts so you can use them as a 1-AA or as a 2-AA light, something to consider. Also Keep in mind the line of alkaline powered lights that 4-Sevens has out, not very familar with them myself but the business has an excellent reputation. I agree that the TK20 is a nice light to consider. You do have choices, which "IS" the problem, choosing!
As for Target and HD, Lowe's. I picked up a River Rock 2-C light that Target discontinued last month, 7090 cree, smaller than 2-C Maglite, some folks got it for ~$13, good light for duty in the car and very good for lighting a room up. Lowe's is going to have a sale on 2D or 3D LED Maglites for $14.97, 11/26/2009 - 11/30/2009
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?acti...category=Black+Friday&N=4294893155+4294961544 Nice gift and can be modded.
Make a point of reading the reviews like
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224932 and
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235473 and
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229430
The reviewed lights may not be the ones you want but they may give you an idea of how the lights compare to what you do want. I am giving a bunch of AAA lights to friends but none of them will be great outdoor lights for brightness, just convenience, a small light that can be carried on a keychain everyday. I bought a bunch of each type and will let the person getting the light decide which one he/she wants. Hopefully I can sell the leftovers here on CPF.
Your biggest problems will be the $50 tag, use out in the country and bright, if you want one to do it all it ain't gonna happen, you're going to have to compromise.
