Please suggest a well-made flashlight that uses regular alkaline batteries ...

[Mulliga]

I had an El cheapo Maglite Mini-Mag flashlight that crapped out on me when I dropped it on my dorm floor a year ago (4 foot fall onto a hard floor). I repaired it, but it's finally given up the ghost and now I need a new flashlight for general use (dark places, hunting, camping, etc.).

I prefer regular alkaline batteries (lithium batteries, while getting more available, aren't nearly as common as alkys and that would be a concern if the SHTF), and I want something tougher and better made than the MagLite.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TechBrute]

Lithium batteries are smaller, lighter, more powerful, and have a 10 year shelf life. Something to consider.

I don't know of better lights that use alkaline. Better lights use better batteries for the most part.

 

[SteelyDan]

For something in the same general ballpark as a Mini-Mag, I'd suggest a PrincetonTec 40. It's approximately the same length, but a bit wider because it runs on four AA batteries. The cost is about $15, and you can find it at most big box hunting/camping stores, and even some WalMarts. And, saving the best for last, you'll be astonished at how much brighter it is than the Mini-Mag. Great little light.

 

[Navy joe]

Take a look at Pelican products, they make lights primarily for the fire/rescue market. I have 4 AA light from them that I really like. Tough, waterproof, cheap.

Lithium is where it's at though. Buy some cheap Surefires and a bunch of batteries from them, the batteries store for 10 years. Cheap from SF also. In a "SHTF" pinch you can get them at any Wal-Mart or photo shop for 5 bucks a pop. My limited SHTF observations from a recent hurricane is that if you want a light you can buy batteries for, get one that uses C batteries. I have a larger Pelican/Hubblelight that does. D bats. left the shelves a week before the storm and AA were hit or miss. AAA available, but of limited utility. The 123 Lithiums stayed in stock. Buy your gear before you need it.

 

[Schuey2002]

Small? Streamlight Luxeon. (runs on 2 AA's).
Smaller? CMG Infinity Ultra (runs on 1 AA - 24 hr. runtime).
Even smaller? ARC AAA (nothing in its size range can match it).

 

[Mulliga]

Aren't there also lithium AA batteries available? Is there any disadvantage to using those vs. conventional lithium batteries?

 

[SapperLeader]

My general around the house light is a 2AA brinkman led light, that I use rechargeables with. I keep the same light in my truck with led AA for emergency purpouses. There are several excellent led lights that run off of aa or AAA. Take a look at the streamlight, arcs or pelicans or go to walamrt and look at thier flashlight aisle.

 

[Mulliga]

Thanks for all the recommendations. Lithium batteries aren't as expensive as I thought - I'll give the SureFires a look.

 

[woolfam]

All you would ever want to know about flashlights (and much more) at this site:

CandlePowerForums

 

[Shane]

Since you want alkaline batteries, here are a few options:

Streamlight Luxeon (3AA).


Elektrolumens Hyper-Blaster (2D)

 

[Hutch]

Streamlight TwinTask, available in various battery flavors, including AA, CR-123, and C-cell. My 2xCR-123 has a xenon bulb and 3 LED's. Click it on, get the xenon. Click it off and on again, get the LED's. Neato.

 

[Secmat]

The Pelican Magnum Plus is a great little 2AA light. I've had mine for a few years now, and it has outlived a lot of abuse for a $16.00 light. The head is rubberized and has withstood several drops without killing the lamp.

 

[David]

I own the CMG Ultra Government model (it is a LED and use one AA battery). It's it Type III OD Anodized, lasts a long time on a battery, super tough, and it's water resistant -- plus it's cool looking. I really like it.

Also, Princeton Tec makes some great flashlights that use AA batteries.