Greetings fellow Canadian. The Thrunite T10 looks close to what you want... Although it's a little over your budget, occasionally you can find them on sale on Amazon for closer to $25.
It has three modes however, and mode memory, so if they always use it in high mode, it will always turn on in high mode. If not, three modes is about as many as you would want to cycle through, and each one is easily distinguishable from the last, and no Strobes! It also comes with a little diffuser to put on the end, I've never used mine, but other people find them handy.
And finally, this is the old model. They are currently working on an upgraded T10 for 2018, but we have yet to see any new details emerge since it was announced. I've personally used this model for over a year, and given away a handful as gifts to friends/family. Might be worth a look!
Is available on Amazon a hard requirement? Can you estimate "last a long time"? What type of charger do you have and do you have? I ask these questions so the people more knowledgeable than myself (still pretty noobish) can better help you out.
If Amazon is a necessity, the thrunite t10Nw is a nice option that runs on AA and (possibly) supports 14500 for better runtime and higher output.
>Can't go wrong with a classic
I not so sure about that. The ThruNite T10 is about a dollar more expensive on Amazon, and it's smaller, brighter, and only uses one AA.
The Olight S1 is a great light. Depending on just how tight it really is, maybe the Thrunite Thrunite T10 might be a better option because it's a little slimmer. Additionally, I'd pick up some Eneloop AA NiMH batteries (or a 14500 battery for ~500 lumens). Let me know if you need help with a battery and charger if you decide not to use Alkaline batteries.
I highly recommend any & all AA Zebralights. If you’re interested in the Thrunite T10, which is a highly recommended AA flashlight here, you can find it on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B498P3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A0KwAbPE01SMB
But I’ve heard Thrunite is expected to push out the newest version of that flashlight later this month.
I really like the Thrunite T10. So much so that I've bought 2. I bought CW in September and carried it everyday until the clip got caught on my car door as I was getting out. The clip came off and got run over. I've been told that I can email thru ite and they'll send me another but I've just attached it to my key ring and it's great to have on there! It's only about 3.5 inches in length half and inch wide. It's got a deep carry clip, and 3 modes. The highest gives you 252 lumens. To me it's totally worth it.
ThruNite T10 compact flashlight series, Max 252 Lumen Single CREE LED;Uses one 1.5V AA battery;tail switch and twisting head for single-hand operation;3-mode;Powerful AA Flashlight! (T10 NW XP-L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B498P3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zPuhAbSGBFB3W
This would be my first real light
If by some miracle I win, I would like neutral white. Thanks for doing this!
https://www.amazon.de/ThruNite-Lumen-Einzel-Taschenlampe-aluminum/dp/B01B498P3O/
Thrunite T10, unless the Manker E03 shows up in the next couple days. NW, of course - not that I'll keep an XP-L in it, but sales numbers will encourage Thrunite to keep offering NW on everything.
Thanks for the giveaway.
ThruNite T10 compact flashlight series, Max 252 Lumen Single CREE LED;Uses one 1.5V AA battery;tail switch and twisting head for single-hand operation;3-mode;Powerful AA Flashlight! (T10 NW XP-L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B498P3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_yfHnzbPRPZE04
> I had incorrectly assumed my eneo AA's would work.
They'll work, but the output is lower.
> Is there anything on amazon <$25 that is small edc size and outputs 100+lumens and takes AA/AAA batteries?
Thrunite T10, though note that alkaline AA batteries won't be very happy running it on high. NiMH rechargeables are fine.
> seems like a waste to invest in batteries/charger just for a single cheapy flashlight
If your goal is to make a lot of light from something that fits in your tube, does it really matter whether the flashlight or the batteries/charger are the more expensive part of the system? Two Convoy lights, two 18650 batteries and a charger cost less than just one of the Eagletac lights you mentioned in your toplevel post.
You're missing out! Alkaline batteries perform poorly under loads, so they don't allow for a super bright flashlight, and they will eventually leak and ruin your light.
That being said, the ThruNite T10 is great. The "best" is probably something by Zebralight, like this AA flashlight.
I'd go for the ThruNite T10 NW personally, as a bonus it works with Amazon Prime. That or the Acebeam L10.
I just bought one recently off amazon. You’ll have pay a premium for it though..
(T10 NW XP-L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01B498P3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_A0KwAbPE01SMB
thrunite t10 only $20 on Amazon, very highly recommended around here. It's a single AA tail clicky.
Also since it's the same price as the 1A, I would also consider the Archer 2A. It's will get brighter and have longer run times than it's single AA counterpart, though it's much longer, but still quite pocketable.
I understand where you're coming from by wanting to run alkalines in it, but I, along with many others here, would highly recommend a set of Eneloops for regular use. I'm going to assume your reason for wanting an AA-sized light is for the availability of the batteries, which is just fine, but they do have a tendency to leak (although probably not anywhere near as likely as the folks here would have you believe). I own lights that take all sorts of batteries, and for actual "emergency" situations, I keep some Energizer Lithiums handy. They're shelf-stable for a very long time, can handle pretty extreme temperatures, and don't pose any danger to the light. They are fairly expensive for regular use, though, and that's why I tend to use Eneloops.
People have recommended a few good lights, but, from my personal experience, I would say a Thrunite T10 is a solid candidate for what you want. I EDC'd it for a few weeks, and it was pretty good. There isn't any brightness setting between the "low" mode and the "turbo" mode, which was a little annoying for me, but it was still usable. It comes with a diffuser, as well, which makes it very good for emergency lighting. In terms of durability, I haven't thrown it around too much, but the driver and all is glued in pretty solidly (at least on mine), so I'd assume it wouldn't mind a bit of a beating.
Unfortunately, it seems to be sold out on their website, and Amazon only has the cool white version at the moment.
My choice. Thanks for doing this again, you rock.
The Lumintop Tool AA and the Thrunite T10 are both good AA lights in that price range.
The Tool comes with a magnet in the tail, which I find super handy for EDC - I don't think I'd EDC a light without this feature after using my S1R for so long.
The Thrunite also comes with a diffuser for better use as a lamp.
That's pretty vague, so I'll just recommend the ThruNite T10. It's well built, made by a reputable company, and probably bright enough for whatever you need it for. It won't be able to achieve maximum brightness without using rechargeable Ni-MH AAs or lithium AAs. Those two types of batteries also have the advantage of not leaking and ruining your flashlight. Eneloops are the favorite brand around here, but the Ni-MH AAs by the big brands are all pretty similar.
If you're comfortable buying a light that uses a (included) lithium ion battery, the Atactical A1 and A1S are good budget models. They both come with batteries. The difference is that the A1S is a bit brighter and comes with a higher capacity battery.
The best light that I can think of in that price range is the ThruNite Neutron 2C V3. It also comes with a battery, and it can charge it without removing the battery. It has a ramping UI. ThruNite is having a 20% off sale on their website, so if you enter that coupon code the price will go down to $40. I suggest the neutral white tint.
Thrunite T10 I already have but there is no harm to have more!
USB charging in a light smaller than a 18650 is going to be rare.
Here's three options, but be aware they don't have USB charging. The ThruNite T10 and the ThruNite Archer 2A v3 are both available on Amazon.
Or check out the ArmyTek Partner A2 if you want to squeeze the max out of AAs at this price point.
ThruNite T10. I would also suggest getting some Ni-MH rechargeable AAs if you don't have any already. They'll allow for higher output than alkaline AAs. Here's a bundle with a charger.
ThruNite T10. $20, 250 lumens, 1xAA, slightly larger than what you've got.
> Also, is it better to use a separate rechargeable battery, or usual AA/AAAs?
Rechargeables should always be preferred. But be aware there are rechargeable AAs and AAAs.
If it is a light for work, consider spending a little more. How quickly do you need the light? Most of the good options in that price range are shipped from China and will take around three weeks to arrive.
My generic recommendation for that price-point is the Thrunite T10 but 250 lumens isn't extremely impressive or disabling.
Perhaps the thrunite T10 xpl NW?