The 300 lumen 2AA Rayovac "indestructible" is good for $15 at lowes or home depot. If you are going to be using it a lot, it runs real well on Eneloops.
E20 is a great 2x AA.Good budget light. HEAVY as a brick, especially with eneloops.
I did manage to get a lemon as well with the first one I bought. Had a strange switch problem.
Maybe check out the Fenix E20 @ a few bucks more....$38 Ea and a $10 (total) discount on first purchase at Fenix store dot com.
So $68 and free shipping if it's not too far above your budget OP. Fit and finish is tops as well.