Best flashlight in the $ 30- 40 range that uses AA batteries

**Groat** · 06-21-2012, 05:43 PM

I decided to heed the collective advice of B&B today (and take advantage of a smokin' deal) and bought a Surefire Minimus Vision headlamp as my first 'real' headlamp. It'll take a little while to get to me, but I'm looking forward to it. I decided on the Surefire for several reasons:

1. I wanted a headlamp that would take CR123 batteries. I keep them for my flashlights and find them vastly superior to the normal AA/AAA sizes. There are only a handful of headlamps that take 123s. Surefire, Zebralight and a couple Princeton Tec models were all that I could find.
2. I really liked the idea of having a potentiometer adjustment instead of a push button, allowing you to get exactly the right amount of light for the situation.
3. I did some reading on 'warm' or 'high-CRI' LEDs and decided that it sounded superior to regular, 'cool blue' LEDs for most times when I would be using a headlamp.
4. Most of all the awesome deal.

**otto76** · 06-21-2012, 07:05 PM

Another big +1 for Fenix lights, my wife and I both carry one and love them.

Hers takes AA's, it's a little over $30 but such a great light..
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&redirect=true

**Groat** · 07-04-2012, 08:07 AM

After getting a headlamp in and using it several times over the course of a week, I really like it. The one I bought doesn't have a whole lot of throw, but it's perfect for close to medium range viewing. I've also found that because the light is so close to your eyes that retro reflective materials light up better than a simple flashlight in your hand.

I wouldn't say that I'm in the camp that would suggest a headlight in lieu of a flashlight just yet, but I find that they complement each other nicely.

**otto76** · 07-04-2012, 08:12 AM

I wouldn't suggest a headlamp in lieu of a flashlight either but they are extremely handy. Very useful around a camp at night and for reading in a tent. We lost power with the last bunch of bad storms we had here and for roaming around the house the headlamp was more suitable than a flashlight.

**brucered** · 07-04-2012, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Groat

I wouldn't say that I'm in the camp that would suggest a headlight in lieu of a flashlight just yet, but I find that they complement each other nicely.

when camping, i have both and wouldn't want to be with out either

**Groat** · 07-04-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by brucered

when camping, i have both and wouldn't want to be with out either

When I was looking at headlamps, I came across a new model coming soon called the Petzl Nao. It is a sort of reactive lighting system, where the lamp automatically adjusts itself depending on where you're looking and the ambient light. It seemed like something like that could potentially replace the flashlight in some situations, especially when camping.

**otto76** · 07-04-2012, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by brucered

when camping, i have both and wouldn't want to be with out either

Absolutely. I think they are really both very different instruments. I like the headlamp for lighting up my immediate area and leaving me free to use my hands, more like a lamp, while a good flashlight is for distance and more precision.

**ray777** · 08-18-2012, 05:59 PM

Fenix E21 is my choice, and for keychain E05.

**nymtber** · 08-19-2012, 02:53 PM

I have a cheap Coleman "108 lumen" headlamp from walmart. 3 white settings and a red and blue setting. LOVE it when camping, especially the red. Wake up in the middle of the night and have to answer nature's call? The Red will let you keep your night vision better.

Now, I hardly doubt the thing gets to 108 lumens, maybe 75ish, but its bright on high. I have shoveled the driveway at 1am before with it, and Low was plenty with fresh white snow all around (I was bored, and wanted to test out the headlamp)

I would, however, suggest a higher quality one, although at $25 If I break mine, I can go to walmart and buy another. Runs on 3 AAA batteries, still on original batteries but I don't use it much. Both of my brothers who go camping have one, both cheaper, and all 3 of us swear by them. Leaves them hands free for everything else :)

**rickboone1** · 08-31-2012, 05:32 PM

Not an LED, but for that price range Underwater Kinetics make a nice light, IMO. Quite durable.

**Shakey-and-twitchy** · 05-02-2013, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Lesmore

I would use primarily in the house, but also outdoors on occasion. Want durability, reliability and toughness...also LED lighting. Suggestions ?

So what did you get?
i have a fenix e05 on my keychain. AAA
HDS Clicky rcr123 in my pocket
FENIX TK-135 back door. 18650
Zebralight headlamp next to lazyboy. AA
have you considered a keychain light?