First major flashlight purchase suggestions

I work two security jobs in very different settings, one at a casino and one at a hotel. I own several decent lights already but after reading these forums for a few months I am ready to purchase a good light. After reading countless reviews and threads from other first time posters requesting advice I have come to the determination that the Fenix LD20 is the Ideal flashlight to suit my needs. What I would like from you, if you should choose to help me, is this. Can anyone recommend to me any flashlight in the same price range that would suit my needs better. My specifications are as follows

1) Must be able to fit comfortably in a pocket (my casino job does not allow me to wear a flashlight on my belt)
2) Must use commonly available alkaline batteries, but being compatible with NiMH or lithium is a plus (batteries are provide for me without cost but only AA, AAA, C, and D alkalines are available)
3) Must have multiple output levels and regulated output (strobe and SOS settings are irrelevant to me but a low mode for dark room navigation and a "HOLY CRAP THATS BRIGHT" setting and a good in-between mode are mandatory)
4) Must be water resistant enough to be used in a heavy downpour
5) Must be US$70 or cheaper

The LD20 may in fact be more flashlight than I need right now, but the price point is good and I have no way of anticipating what I may need in the future. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help

LD20's a good choice. But since you said SOS/Beacon is irrelevant, you want to check out EagleTac P100A2 (no clip) or Nitecore D20 (slightly heavier)?

Maratac AAA comes to mind. Upgrade to liIon 10440 for the wow factor.

Take a look at Quark too, they have an AA and a AAx2 size

Thank you for your suggestions

The Quark 2AA light seems to have more output modes than I really want to deal with, and the battery life compared to the Fenix doesn't seem to be worth the small purchase price savings to me.

The Eagletac P100A2 doesn't have enough modes though, as I need a low setting and the general setting seems like it would be a little too bright

The Maratac seems like a great light and I'm going to get one now for sure (and it looks like I'll probably be spending plenty of money at countycomm so thanks for that) But I don't think the high mode will be quite enough to suit all my needs.

The NiteCore is fascinating to me however due to it's "infinitely-variable digitally-controlled brightness system" But it is over twice as heavy as the LD20.

This is going to take a lot more thought and research than I anticipated

then how about a quark 2AA tactical?

it has programmable modes.. no strobe if you wish.

You are on the right track to choose a 2xAA light.

I would go with the quark 2Xaa tactical and set it up with a low and high mode that you will use most of the time so that you do not inadvertently activate the strobe function at work.

But your idea of the LD20 is a great choice too.

have you considered the Jetbeam Jet I Pro EX , its fully programmable and runs off 2xAAs, you can have strobe when you want or need it and being totally programmable, you can have infinite flexibility. It's just $2 above your budget.

you can have a look at selfbuilt's excellent review on the Jet I Pro EX v2

and since AA cells are provided free at your workplace, you dont have to get eneloops (which would actually make more sense and is more eco friendly too) for yourself.