X'mas list! Great lights below $20

I was wondering what u guys are getting for your non-flashaholics this x'mas?
I guess first thing to note is that the regular lights should use either AA or AAA batteries.
Or it should have a super easy no fuss rechargeable setup.
Also included coin cell lights.

Here's what i came up with.
My personal favourites are the Blimp for people who like high output, and the Elly for those who simply go for looks and not to mention they're cheap too!


[size=+1]AAA Size[/size]
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Blimp 7W 3xAAA $19.75
http://contents.fifthunit.com/html/products.5th/sku.851.html
Why?: Amazing output and regulated runtime from an unbranded china light. Even on regular NiMH or Alkaline batteries.

Dorcy Metal Gear 3xAAA $18.83
WalMart
Why?: Unregulated but very long diminishing runtime.

Fenix E0 1xAAA $19.95
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=102
Why?: For a key chain type light, lower output needs and super long runtime.


[size=+1]AA Size[/size]
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Inova X1 1xAA $18.99
http://www.lighthound.com/sales/inova_x-series_flashlights.htm
Why?: Great proven build quality, very long low output solution.

Lumapower LM-301 1xAA $20
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/139548
Why?: Cheaper alternative to Fenix, unregulated but good diminishing runtime and 2-stage hi/lo.

MXDL "Elly" 1W 1xAA $6.25
http://contents.fifthunit.com/html/products.5th/sku.1120.html
Why?: Purely for the design which i find very attractive, expecially good for non flashaholics who will usually go for cosmetic look. Very cheap.

UFO Camping Lamp V3 4xAA $12.32
http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/4xaa-2mode-camping-lamp-p-493.html
Why?: Very handy outdoor light for camping/beach BBQ/power outages/etc.

Ultrafire "Charm" 1W 1xAA $15.50
http://contents.fifthunit.com/html/products.5th/sku.934.html
Why?: Cheapper alternative to Fenix. Fairly well regulated and can take 1.2v rechargeables now.


[size=+1]Coin Cell Size[/size]
==========
Photon Freedom 2x2016 ~$10 on eBay
Why?: I think the photon freedom is one of those great, flexible lights which everyone should have. Small enough to go un-noticed on a keychain.

I have a pair of "Elly" on order, also a pair of the .5w units.
Due here in about two weeks.

Same here
Purchased 2 Ellys, 2 Blimps as presents and 1 Vika 18650 for myself

Just checked the Blimp out. Man! It looks to good to be true! Fearsome throw considering it's size and 3AAA-driven, and that for an hour, and all for under 20dollar??? How come there hasn't been anymore talk about it?
I was considering buying a SL Luxeon 4AA(a real pain to buy in Sweden for a reasonable price), but the Blimp seems much more tempting to me.

That's a nice list.

I would add the Dorcy 1AAA model. (Under $10)
-and-
The Dorcy Metal Gear ($18.83 at Wal-Mart).

Just picked up a Metal Gear, yesterday. For the price, I think it's a Winner.

RR 2 AAA is a nice light for that price. I have given out numerous of these. The Inova X1 is right at $20 and a great gift too.

@Lobo
Yeah that Blimp is amazing, i have no idea what electronics it uses but totally happy with how it works However it doesnt match the SLPP's throw and runtime.

@Monocrom
Any idea why the Metal Gear has such a long body?

I would put the maxfire LX on the list since you can find them easily for under$20...but due to the fact that it uses 2 cr123's its not nonflashlight user friendly...too bad though great light for the money!

x2x3x2 said:

@Lobo
Yeah that Blimp is amazing, i have no idea what electronics it uses but totally happy with how it works However it doesnt match the SLPP's throw and runtime.

Click to expand...

Have you compared both when it comes to throw? They seem to be reasonably fair and honest when they make the tests at fifthunit, and the Blimp actually scores higher in both throw and overall output in their test than the Streamlight. But I believe you if you say otherwise, you can't stare yourself blind at numbers. My Dorcy Metal gear has better throw than my Fenix L2p according to http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/dorcy_metalgear.htm but not in real life. Or I might have just got a dud Metal gear and/or a really good l2p.

Oh, I would put in a vote for Metal Gear too, great light for regular people. Commonly available AAA-batteries,very long runtime, perfect size and probably brighter than whatever they had before, and not that expencive.

I am going a little over and getting some E1's for presents.

I don't like to spend a lot on lights for gifts. Always afraid the recipient is gonna be like: "Uh yeah, nice light, thanks."

Besides, most non-Flashaholics will still be impressed by any decent quality LED light.

For ladies, I'd give Ice Cream II lights along with something else (not a light all by itself):

http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/21-led-ice-cream-ii-p-231.html

I simply can't believe how good these little lights are ... especially for $7-8!

Only downside is that DAE is out of all the colors advertised 'cept black.

Another cheapie light that is very impressive is one of the 2 x CR123s with xenon bulbs:

http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/xenon-gentle-police-rugged-recommended-p-261.html

Hard to beat for less than $10. It's essentially the throw of a 3-4 C/D cell Maglite in a MUCH handier package.

to make the Elly even better, u can even swap in an XR-E and still have it cost less than $20 that is if ur comfortably with modding...

Good choices. Another one might be the new Lumapower TM-301 at $20 shipped - sounds like an excellent deal (e.g. 2-stage light, orange-peel reflector, glass lens, etc.). See the Manufacturer's Corner for threads.

I don't have the BLIMP yet, but the 18650 VIKA is a great light. Mine throws noticeably further than my SL ProPoly Lux - in fact, beam output almost exactly matches my 3D cell MagLED 3W focused for throw. See my thread on it here:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/137198

Concept said:

I am going a little over and getting some E1's for presents.

Click to expand...

I`m going to give most my lights away for Christmass to make room for the upcoming Cree stuff. But I am picking up a few E1`s to fill in some missing gap`s. I think there great bang for the buck little common battery lights.

Ken

x2x3x2 said:

@Monocrom
Any idea why the Metal Gear has such a long body?

Click to expand...

No clue! But I will say this, as someone who is experienced in martial arts, the light does make for an excellent yawara stick. Or a fist-enhancer. You can hold it in your fist and easily strike an attacker with either end, since the light is just long enough that it protrudes from either end of your fist. The carry clip just makes it convenient to carry around.

Don't know why they made it that long.... But I'm glad they did!

x2x3x2 said:

I was wondering what u guys are getting for your non-flashaholics this x'mas?

Click to expand...

A better question is what should I tell my non-flashaholic friends to get ME for Christmas? :naughty: That is to say, what lights under twenty bucks will still get me excited?

Aw, heck. What am I talking about? ANY light will get me excited... doesn't matter what it cost, or how crappy it is. :laughing:

haha thats right bower! the sad thing is, few of them will pay the premium price for lights. heck, my girlfriend would pay $200 to buy me a new phone but wont even consider $50 for a light...

if u havent tried much of these china lights or had negative reactions to the ones u have tried. i highly recommend the Blimp
its combo of size, battery type and output simply blows me away. its like having output of SLPP(almost) + size of Pelican M1 + running AAA + regulated runtime! it's replace my P1 for most uses now...

Fenix E0's

Inova X1 fits the bill. I love mine and it should certainly make a great gift

Garrity 3AA Headlight 18.88 at Chimart.