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sweet UER decals:
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 Shawn W.
     
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Gender: Male
Optimistic Pessimist
 |  |  |  | Best flashlight under $30?
< on 7/21/2010 6:19 AM >
|  | | | Over a year ago, the batteries in my 3AA MiniMaglite LED corroded and messed up the flashlight to the point that it's no longer functional. Since then, I've been using flashlights belonging to my family. I'd like to be able to stop borrowing their flashlights, so can anyone direct me to some good ones that are under $30? 
What is a rebel? A man who says no. - Albert Camus |
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AnAppleSnail
Location: Charlotte, NC
Gender: Male
ALL the flashlights!
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 1 on 7/21/2010 7:06 AM >
| | | | Oh boy, spending other people's money! What batteries do you like?
Oh, I posted an hour late. Ok, so. For all-around UEing, the Coast/LEDLenser 2 color light is pretty good. 5 white LEDs, 1 red LED (Not that it's really stealthy at all, way too bright), 3xAAA. Mine's survived some falls, but I wouldn't take it in water - the head has no O-rings behind the little LEDs.
clicky. Note that the "80 lumens" and battery life are maximum output (for the first second lol) and that at ten hours the thing is pretty dang dim. It'll work rather nicely though.
The magLED isn't so bad really, why change what works? The miniMag runs on 2 AA, and I like AAs better. Don't use alkalines! A 4-pack of decent low self-discharge NiMH AAs with charger is only $15, and they'll each last 500ish discharge cycles (Eneloops are good).
[last edit 7/21/2010 7:18 AM by AnAppleSnail - edited 1 times]
Achievement Unlocked
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metawaffle
  
King of Puns
Location: Brisbane!
Gender: Male
Purveyor of Fine Lampshades
| | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 2 on 7/21/2010 7:17 AM >
| | | | Every cheap light I've had has failed in some way, eventually. I would consider spending more than $30, if you can.
This is $59, but use discount code UER10 and you'll get 10% off. It'll be reliable, super-bright when you need it, and for inconspicuous trespassing, it also has a very dim low mode.
http://www.longexposure.net |
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metawaffle
King of Puns
Location: Brisbane!
Gender: Male
Purveyor of Fine Lampshades
| | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 3 on 7/21/2010 1:01 PM >
| | | | Actually, this is probably a decent option, for $25:
http://www.shining...-N3-CREE-R4/Detail
The RC-N3 is a relatively decent cheapie light, and that shiningbeam guy fits fancier LEDs into them. So, for a cheapie, it probably wouldn't get too much better, for that kind of light.
http://www.longexposure.net |
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NotBatman
Location: MSP
Gender: Male
Secret Cult Member
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 4 on 7/21/2010 1:57 PM >
| | | | Posted by metawaffle
This is $59, but use discount code UER10 and you'll get 10% off. It'll be reliable, super-bright when you need it, and for inconspicuous trespassing, it also has a very dim low mode.
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Seconded. I carry a few lights, but this is the only one I ever really use. It's an awesome light. Compact and built like a tank. I keep mine set to bounce between High (for general exploring) and Moonlight (for ninja exfiltration).
It's more expensive, but it's bad-ass and with some rechargeable batteries you wont need to spend again for a good long time. Save up for a while, if you have to. It's totally worth it.
EDIT: Oops! I have the 123^2 model of the same light. My opinion stands.
[last edit 7/21/2010 2:02 PM by NotBatman - edited 2 times]
I'm a "Leave only footprints, take only pornography" kind of guy, myself. |
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\/adder
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 5 on 7/21/2010 2:39 PM >
| | | | This has replaced several $30 flashlights. I bought it at NAPA auto parts for $7
http://www.twocool...73454/product/5519
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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bonnie&clyde
Location: 510 & 415
Cleverly disguised as responsible adults
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 6 on 7/21/2010 4:22 PM >
| | | | Posted by Shawn W.
Over a year ago, the batteries in my 3AA MiniMaglite LED corroded and messed up the flashlight to the point that it's no longer functional. Since then, I've been using flashlights belonging to my family. I'd like to be able to stop borrowing their flashlights, so can anyone direct me to some good ones that are under $30?
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If they are Duracell's mag will replace the light for FREE. I even got them to pay for shipping.
The question is not when are we gonna stop, It's who's gonna stop us?
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praxela
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 7 on 7/21/2010 4:40 PM >
| | | | Get a headlamp. A decent one can be had for $30ish. I use one at work and when I backpack. Small, hands-free, perfect. They also last quite a while on one set of batteries.
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Shawn W.
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Gender: Male
Optimistic Pessimist
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 8 on 7/22/2010 10:58 PM >
| | | | Thanks, everyone.
What is a rebel? A man who says no. - Albert Camus |
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AnAppleSnail
Location: Charlotte, NC
Gender: Male
ALL the flashlights!
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 9 on 7/25/2010 4:53 PM >
| | | | Posted by Shawn W.
Thanks, everyone.
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Well tell us what you got!
Achievement Unlocked
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Shawn W.
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Gender: Male
Optimistic Pessimist
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 10 on 7/25/2010 9:33 PM >
| | | | Posted by AnAppleSnail
Well tell us what you got! |
I ordered the one that Vadder suggested. It's already been shipped, and should be here in time for me to use it at the Rochester meet. I'll probably order the one that Meta suggested later, but this one should work just fine for now.
What is a rebel? A man who says no. - Albert Camus |
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musket boy
Location: Maui
Gender: Male
It smells like your grandpa and your feet stick to the floor
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 11 on 7/25/2010 10:27 PM >
| | | | at wal mart they have these 3AAA led lights for $18 that look like this http://spln.imageg...ges/p5821677dt.jpg
uering |
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\/adder
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 12 on 7/25/2010 10:29 PM >
| | | | Posted by Shawn W.
I ordered the one that Vadder suggested. It's already been shipped, and should be here in time for me to use it at the Rochester meet. I'll probably order the one that Meta suggested later, but this one should work just fine for now.
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Well, I could have given it a better review than what I said earlier.
It was an impulse buy. It's very small, but a lot of power for the package. If you keep it in your pocket via the pocketclip it is very rapid to deploy with one hand. It is probably the best bang/buck light I've held in my hand.
It made it through Indy, Detroit, Gary, and Chicago and still as bright as the day I bought it and on the original offbrand alkaline battery no less.
It was intended to be a backup light, but became my main light when I went underground the first day in Indy and lent someone my main light. I found I preferred it to my former main light.
The NEBO is brighter than my Sportsman Extreme which is brighter than my NiteIze upgraded LED AA mini maglight. It's brighter than my original (circa 1999) 2D Mag.
--------------------
Sportsman Xtreme 3W LED Flashlight used to be my main light.
http://www.rayovac...selux2aa3w-b.shtml
^
I bought that one cause it was on sale and I thought it looked cool, no lie. I paid $14 on clearance, I wouldn't pay $30 or whatever amazon.com wants for this light again. I bought this for $14, paid $17 for my 2D LED maglight same day.
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Another Recommend:
And for draining nothing beats a D cell LED or Halogen Maglight for price/durability IMO. Weight and bulkyness are obvious cons.
I've thrown my LED 2D mag off a few roofs, accidentally dropped off a cell tower (though only about 60' into gravel), went swimming in below 30o*F water in March and worked immediately out of the water, my rayovak extreme and rayovak headlamp died but came back to life once dried out.
And it killed like 100 wolf spiders that had invaded my unzipped tent during the second chestfest ...
And look at this!
No climber I know would want added weight but damn he looks 1337!
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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Shawn W.
Location: Niagara Falls, NY
Gender: Male
Optimistic Pessimist
| | | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 13 on 8/2/2010 4:22 PM >
| | | | I'd just like to say that the Nebo performed quite well during the Rochester meet. Really bright, and easy to stash. I recommend it.
What is a rebel? A man who says no. - Albert Camus |
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Vectored Approach
Location: Morgan Hill, CA
Gender: Male
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 14 on 8/25/2010 11:57 PM >
| | | | I just picked up a Coleman branded LED light at Walmart last night. It runs on 6x AA batteries and packs in a single LED running 183 lumens! Package also states a runtime of 26 hours for the included Duracell batteries. It was $25 which I had a gift certificate for. I was looking for an A2DP bluetooth stereo headset, but they aren't technologically advanced enough for that. Since my 3 year old son ran off with just about every flashlight I've ever owned and then some, I needed a new one.
Tried it out last night. Outdoors, it creates a remarkably tight beam which is visible in open air. This thing is way bright! Only gripe I'd have is that the hotspot in the center is extremely bright, which may not be ideal for exploring after dark and trying to be stealthy. The remaining cone of light is fairly wide and remarkably similar brightness which would be perfect for building interiors. I may try sticking a round dot of tape in the center of the lens to kill the hotspot.
Honesty may be the best policy, but it's important to remember that apparently, by elimination, dishonesty is the second-best policy. -George Carlin (1937 - 2008) |
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\/adder
Location: DunkarooLand
Gender: Male
I'm the worst of the best but I'm in this race.
| | | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 15 on 8/26/2010 1:51 AM >
| | | | Posted by Vectored Approach
Only gripe I'd have is that the hotspot in the center is extremely bright, which may not be ideal for exploring after dark and trying to be stealthy.
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Cheap red filter.
tail light repair tape - automotive section: $2.
[last edit 8/26/2010 1:52 AM by \/adder - edited 1 times]
"No risk, no reward, no fun."
"Go all the way or walk away"
escensi omnis... |
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Tupsumato
Location: Finland
Gender: Male
How close can you go?
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 17 on 8/27/2010 10:26 AM >
| | | | Posted by praxela
Get a headlamp. |
Yeah, and during a night exploration your friend asks you something and you'll turn towards him, forgetting that you have a portable sun in your forehead...
Flashlight is also much easier to dim with your hand, and it's easier to "paint" a bigger area, focus to something interesting and shine to places where you're not going to stick your head.
All information and details given in good faith but not guaranteed! |
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gmailsbtr
| | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 18 on 8/27/2010 3:01 PM >
|  | | | Posted by Tupsumato
Yeah, and during a night exploration your friend asks you something and you'll turn towards him, forgetting that you have a portable sun in your forehead...
Flashlight is also much easier to dim with your hand, and it's easier to "paint" a bigger area, focus to something interesting and shine to places where you're not going to stick your head.
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I would never trade a flashlight for a headlamp but there are situations where a headlamp is ideal. Having both would be the optimum setup.
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badgerbadger
Location: Rhode Island
Gender: Male
Hey look, a ______! I wanna climb it!
| |  | Re: Best flashlight under $30?
<Reply # 19 on 8/27/2010 3:04 PM >
| | | | Posted by gmailsbtr
I would never trade a flashlight for a headlamp but there are situations where a headlamp is ideal. Having both would be the optimum setup.
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I concur. Try shafting with one hand in a vent too narrow to lay-back, Heh.
[23:30:28] <Trap> Protip: Soylent Green is people
[23:30:39] <badgerbadger> Best. Protip. Ever. |
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