Under $40 EDC AA Flashlight

[Dynasty]

I’m looking for a quality single AA EDC. I have been looking into the following flashlights, but am having trouble pulling the trigger one only one. I want a solid, rugged, and reliable flashlight that I can keep in my pocket (removable clip helpful, but not required) under $40.

Here is what I have been looking at:

• Maratac AA (85 lumens) = $30.50
• Klarus P1A (150 lumens) = $35
• JetBeam BA10 (160 lumens) = $39
• Fenix LD10 (100 lumens) = $40
• 4Stevens Mini AA (90 lumens) = $40 *does not have clip

Which is the best choice based on your experience? Any other suggestions?

Thanks for helping out a new guy!

 

[AnAppleSnail]

What flashlights do you like? Try filling out the "Recommend me a flashlight" survey.

 

[zenbeam]

TerraLUX Lightstar100

100 lumens
Hi, Med & Strobe
Rear clicky
Built-in Clip (and comes with holster)
Quality, solid build (down right good looking too)

$20 Most anywhere you look (like Amazon, etc.)

Next to my ET D25C (while still in twisty tube) for scale:

Very nice looking beam on the Lightstar100 as well. Very bright for single AA @ 100 lumens.

The lights you've listed are all very good quality. I recommend this one for its overall value and ruggedness.

But also at about the $40 price point, you can get an EagleTac D25A Twisty (D25C pictured with my Lightstar100).

 

[zenbeam]

And if you ever want to kill a thread, just show pictures of a TerraLUX Lightstar100... :naughty:

 

[madecov]

Lower priced lights,
Xtar Wk25B

Shining beam has some budget decent lights also

 

[Danielight]

Lower priced lights,
Xtar Wk25B

Shining beam has some budget decent lights also

I agree that Shining Beam has some affordable lights, e.g., the following:

ShiningBeam I-mini XP-G Neutral White Tactical LED Flashlight 245 Lumens

This light can run on either a AA or a cr123 cell. Sells for $38.75. I had one but sold it to a friend ... not a bad light at all.

 

[hiuintahs]

I'd recommend 2 lights one twisty and one tail cap switched.
an EagleTac D25A or Fenix LD15 as a twisty
and
I'd recommend a tail cap switched light with side mode button like the Klarus ST10 or Fenix LD12...........or even the Xeno E03 is a nice inexpensive light.

What I've found out is that just one light doesn't serve all as you find out they all have different features, beams, efficiencies, sizes etc. To begin you just have to buy something after doing some research. I don't worry too much if it's something I don't like because it seems you can always sell on Ebay or CPFM. Also it doesn't hurt to look for used or discounted lights. That way if you don't like it, it's not very painful to get rid of it for a small loss.

And then before you know it, you're going to want a Sunwayman V10A or M10A where you can set your output and know exactly what that is before you turn on your light...........wait a minute, I must be talking about myself.

 

[zenbeam]

Lower priced lights,
Xtar Wk25B

Shining beam has some budget decent lights also

I just checked out that Xtar WK25B - Nice! 150 lumens, very nice looking light, 1xAA. Having seen a few Xtar lights, I'd say the build quality on this light has to be worth more than the asking price (~$20). This one just made the wishlist.

 

[basballny2]

I have expirience with the klarus and jetbeam . . . Cant go wrong with either one for the price the only noticable difference is the tint . . . Klarus is warmer than the jetbeam

 

[FadetoBlack]

I've been carrying this light for a couple years now. I use it to qualify on the night time course at my police department out to 25 yards. It's not the best light in the world but it'll reach out that far and for a tiny little 1AA light it does pretty well. Comes with a holster and a pocket clip, gonna be ~$38.

Link removed. See banner at top of page.

 

[FadetoBlack]

I've also heard good things about the FourSevens Prion 2 (I think I've got the name right). It's right at your $40 mark but uses 2 AAA batteries instead. 160 lumens and a bunch of modes in a light that will fit in a pen pocket. I'm new here so I don't know if this has already been beat into the ground but from what I've read so far it looks tough to beat...