LED light for around $50

[Badbeams3]

I will throw my vote to the Lightwave 3000.

Ken

 

[MY]

I can understand being on a budget but for $20 more, one can get the ARC LS second kit and be done with it.

 

[Graham]

Well, I'd say a simple, economical combo would be a PT Rage and a PT Attitude.

Both use AAA batteries - the Attitude gives a nice bright light with long runtime, and the Rage gives a decent incandescent light with longer through.

If using different batteries doesn't matter, the UK mini Q40 would be a good alternative to the Rage - very bright, fairly long runtime, but uses AAs instead of AAAs.

Graham

 

[pec50]

I believe I would second the PT Attitude and Rage combination as there is a great deal of interchangability of the parts and the combination is fairly inexpensive. Horses seem to do relatively well in dim light lowering their heads for a better view of their footing. Although I have not actually tried, I would think that the Attitude's relatively diffuse light would not startle or distract the horse as much as a brighter light. The Rage would be handy for supplemental human use.

 

[revolvergeek]

Out of everything listed, I am suprised none have suggested the humble Photon light. I normally keep at least 2 with me all the time.
A red Photon II hung on a chain around the neck seems like a natural for this sort of setting.

My picks:
1)PT Surge or Brinkman LX (for distance and power,the LX with lithiums would last better on a cold cold night, but i kinda like the Surge better)
2)PT Attitude (waterproof and long running)
3)Photon II or III, red (can run all night as a nightlight and might help someone spot you if they are looking for you)

I would think that you could easily get the LX, Attitude and a Photon II for under $50 if you shop around enough for them.

A Dorcy Cool Blue with lithiums might also be handy, and sure is cheap enough, and you could keep a xenon bulb with you to drop in if you need more light or reach.

 

[arab]

My recommendation would be a Photon Fusion. It's best features include:
o Fully regulated output - constand until batteries are all but dead
o Different light output levels
o Can be used as a conventional torch or a headlamp.
o Water Resistant

Early Fusions had problems with the battery cover but these are now resolved.

For more information, check out Photon's web site at http://www.photonlight.com/fusion/index.html. Also, have a look at the LED Museum's review at http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/fusion.htm.

These sell for $82.00 on Photon's website but you can easily get one to match your budget. Check out http://www.vicomptel.com/Photon/Fusion.html for details.