Once upon a time there was a debate here as to the price point cut-off for a budget light. $15-25...35...50...
Well it seemed $35 got the most "yays" so that's kinda where I deem the cutoff point.
I added a few of what I consider Budget lights this year. Rayovac essentials that go for $3, $5 or $8. Little low output numbers based on runtimes instead of brightness. I also picked up some "hyper-tuff" items in the $3-8 range. An Ozark Trail or two at $12-15 were added. But the outter edge was reached in late summer....
The Maglite brand. In the 1980's the Maglite brand stood for premium-money-is-no-object flashlight as they were like $20 vs the $1.99 to $6.99 competition. They dominated during the light bulb days. Ahhhhh, but time caught up and passed by Maglite who's prices are still pretty much 1980's prices. Their incan models go for less than they did in the 80's. My first minimag was $19.99 and now the incan goes for $7.99.
Their pre-2016 LED wares are below 1980's incan prices too. A classic D sized LED was $25 a few years ago, but can easily be found for $20 and under.
My favorite budget lights this year skirted that magic $35 limit. The Maglite ML50 in 2 and 3 cell size along with a 3 cell XL50 were just below $35 and to me... worth every penny. Maglite build with easy to use interface that has ideal output levels for the typical flashlight useage. Same Maglite focus but better thanks to a stopping point of about 45° rotation either way. Gone is the hole in the beam as well.
And their little Solitaire LED at 37 lumens is a great sub $10 keychain light easily found in big box stores. I still like that little XL50 and look forward to the warm version for 2018.
But my favorite Budget light for this year goes way back in time to the Icon Modus. A little plastic number fed by double A fuel. The one and two cell start on high but momentary (or click) to low. Plenty bright for walking around, putting out the garbage or changing a flat tire. And when turned on an old fashioned style glow takes place at the tip to add to the safety value of creating an eye catching ring of light. They can still be found on the internet from clearing houses for under $20... way under.
Well it seemed $35 got the most "yays" so that's kinda where I deem the cutoff point.
I added a few of what I consider Budget lights this year. Rayovac essentials that go for $3, $5 or $8. Little low output numbers based on runtimes instead of brightness. I also picked up some "hyper-tuff" items in the $3-8 range. An Ozark Trail or two at $12-15 were added. But the outter edge was reached in late summer....
The Maglite brand. In the 1980's the Maglite brand stood for premium-money-is-no-object flashlight as they were like $20 vs the $1.99 to $6.99 competition. They dominated during the light bulb days. Ahhhhh, but time caught up and passed by Maglite who's prices are still pretty much 1980's prices. Their incan models go for less than they did in the 80's. My first minimag was $19.99 and now the incan goes for $7.99.
Their pre-2016 LED wares are below 1980's incan prices too. A classic D sized LED was $25 a few years ago, but can easily be found for $20 and under.
My favorite budget lights this year skirted that magic $35 limit. The Maglite ML50 in 2 and 3 cell size along with a 3 cell XL50 were just below $35 and to me... worth every penny. Maglite build with easy to use interface that has ideal output levels for the typical flashlight useage. Same Maglite focus but better thanks to a stopping point of about 45° rotation either way. Gone is the hole in the beam as well.
And their little Solitaire LED at 37 lumens is a great sub $10 keychain light easily found in big box stores. I still like that little XL50 and look forward to the warm version for 2018.
But my favorite Budget light for this year goes way back in time to the Icon Modus. A little plastic number fed by double A fuel. The one and two cell start on high but momentary (or click) to low. Plenty bright for walking around, putting out the garbage or changing a flat tire. And when turned on an old fashioned style glow takes place at the tip to add to the safety value of creating an eye catching ring of light. They can still be found on the internet from clearing houses for under $20... way under.
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