Not the cheapest price out there, but if you have Amazon gift cards, like OP, it's not a bad idea.
Thorfire sells them direct on Amazon, right now 20% off (so like $60) EDIT: Link
this light at amazon is so bright it HURTS with your eyes CLOSED.
It's also sold direct by Thorfire on Amazon, right now it's 20% off there making it just under $60. I just ordered some, and with Amazon Prime they were delivered next day. 1 ended up damaged out of the box, and thanks to Amazon customer service I had it's replacement the next day. EDIT: Link
Here you go buddy, enjoy
Powerful Flashlight, BLF Q8 5000 Lumen Compact Searchlight, UI Configurable, 4 XPL Led Professional Tactical Light, Use Four 18650 Button Top Battery (Not Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773Q46D3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_0h.sAbM0V3XS6
Did you have any luck with the Q8? You can get it here and the coupon is listed on the page. 30% off.
https://www.amazon.com/Powerful-Flashlight-Searchlight-Configurable-Professional/dp/B0773Q46D3/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1514921925&sr=8-2&keywords=blf+q8
Those were before my time. I've only been here for about three years.
Here are some new points of interest:
Two Emisar D4s taped together.
Alternatively, if you have four married, high drain, unprotected, button top cells, a BLF Q8. If you can go $10 over, the Astrolux MF01.
Pocket friendly
Soda Can style
Cheaper: BLF Q8 4x18650 cells - Amazon.com $73, or Banggood.com $60
Higher output: Thrunite TN36 4x18650 cells- Amazon $140
Decent 18650 cells will run you $5-9 each and a 4 cell charger will be around $20, so factor that in as well.
$72.80 USD from Amazon
u/LillyEpstein, the Q8 is definitely a great option here. It's available on Amazon, and you can get a charger and batteries from Illumn in the US, so shipping shouldn't be too slow. It'd be significantly under budget, too.
The Q8 fits nicely in the hand but probably won't be great in a pocket so you might want a belt holster; smoke grenade pouches supposedly fit a Q8 well. It also has a tripod mount to screw on to a tripod, so you could get a D-ring and attach a lanyard to that.
Here is the Amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773Q46D3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OxuKCbDQMPSCA
Alternatively, it's $56 on Amazon with the check box 20% coupon and prime shipping now too
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0773Q46D3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7hUYCbF848H5N
I wouldn't go for quite the same size. There's not much point to the length, and the weight makes it unwieldy. The thickness is good though. We have what we call soda can lights because they're about the size of a soda can.
The BLF Q8 sells for around $50. It's a great light. It costs more on Amazon right now, but occasionally it goes on sale. I'll warn that this light was created to work very well in ways that you can't see without taking it apart, and to avoid other lights that look the same because they took a lot of shortcuts that make them perform horribly that can't be fixed without spending more than it would cost to buy a Q8. There's also a Sofirn version of the Q8 that's legit, but it has a colder tint that I recommend against if you want to see rattlers.
The next light I'd look at is the Emisar D18. It's a little skinnier, and twice as expensive, but twice as bright. The best thing about it is the LED options. I've found that rattlers are easier to see with a light that has a slightly rosy tint, so I'd get warm white 3000K LED's. That one also has great CRI, so things will look more natural. I think the D18 would be a better match for you than the Q8.
You'll need batteries and a charger, and you'll need to be careful where you buy batteries. The type of battery you get is a big deal too. The "30Q" is a solid battery. Mtn Electronics is a safe source, and he lists some other batteries that will work at the bottom of the page. Illumn is also a good source. Note that these are button tops. You can find cheaper batteries elsewhere, but they will probably be flat tops that may not make a solid electrical connection.
These two lights will blow you away. Honestly, if you've only used that Maglite, then you'll probably be very happy with this Wowtac A1S that only costs $26, and it comes with a battery that can be charged via usb. Make sure you buy the NW version.
I've mentioned tint a couple of times. Even if you don't buy any of these lights, you should pay attention to the tint. Avoid cold white lights. Those are about 6000K or higher. A neutral tint (4000K to 5000K) should be okay. Warm white is around 3000K or lower, and makes the colors on a rattler pop more.
Gotta try my luck with a Q8 Thanks!
Very generous, thanks!
I've been in the game less time than you have, I only have the BLF Q8 so far. I love it so far, it is insane how bright it is and the little firmware features (ramp up/down, etc.) are really neat.
Here are the links for where I got everything if needed:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0773Q46D3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1