Recommend AA or AAA for daughters trip?

[gnolivos]

I am looking urgently for a flashlight for my daughters upcoming Costa Rica trip. I don't want to give her any of my lights because they are either expensive or rechargeable batts

I'm looking for something around these specs. Can anyone recommend a light based on experience?

- LED light under $30
- Single AA or dual AAA primaries.
- palm sized approx
- at least a dim and a bright mode.
- preferably a moonlight mode too.
- ideally a tail cap clicky with lockout
- rain proof
- must have by Wednesday. (i.e. No China shipping)

Any suggestions?

Only as reference, My favorite light is a Nitecore MH20. But it's not even close to meeting the req'd specs.

 

[gurdygurds]

Fenix LD09 2015 edition is a nice light. 3 lumen low and 130 or so on high. Solid build and everything controlled through tail clicky. Just over 30 dollars

 

[Vothelo]

Well, since the EA11 is outside the price range I'd probably go the AAA route. Something like the UltraTac K18 or Lumintop Tool with a 10440 battery.
These are just a couple, there's obviously a whole wealth of options currently using AAA/14500 batteries. I also recommend the Eagletac D25AAA which is actually made to handle the extra voltage of the 14500.

 

[ven]

I like the thrunite T10 range, simple 3 mode UI with a sub lumen mode............come in alloy, stainless and ti flavours.

 

[phosphor22]

Perhaps Olight I3S would work for what you describe, although not a clicky - if needed fast this light may be a good option if the clicky is not a critical requirement

 

[RI Chevy]

I would go with an AA or 2-AA light. Worse comes to worse, get her a small mini mag light. Take a set of extra batteries.

 

[Kudzu]

I'd say a Streamlight Protac AA. They're tough, mine have done several long fieldwork trips.

 

[RI Chevy]

The $30 budget, and must have by Wednesday was why I didn't suggest anything more extravagant than box store light.

 

[LGT]

How bright does it have to go. I would suggest a thrunite Ti3 mini AAA. .04 lumen firefly, but only a 120 lumen max. It's also a twisty.
Short notice for such a request, but good luck in your search.
Forgot to mention, saw them on amazon for $20.

 

[Kudzu]

The $30 budget, and must have by Wednesday was why I didn't suggest anything more extravagant than box store light.

The 2xAAA Protac is $27 on Amazon. If you're not a Prime member you can sign up for a free trial and have it in 48 hours. Just saying.

If you have to buy local, try a Fenix E12 if you have an REI nearby. Great light for $27.

 

[gnolivos]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm actually considering the Fenix E12. Good?

 

[Kudzu]

Great.

I love mine. Mine is a little off-center and so somewhat ringy, but the UI and switch are excellent. I think it's the best 1xAA I've ever bought that's not a Zebralight. A solid choice.

 

[gnolivos]

Well I'm off to REI tomorrow. 20 min drive. Thanks!!!

 

[Kudzu]

PM sent.

 

[gnolivos]

Thanks all. Got the Fenix E12 and it's perfect! Very nice quality light, brighter than I expected at a much smaller size than I had imagined. Very nice beam too.

I also found this nifty flashlight/lantern convertible light for $20. Will let you know what I think.

 

[gnolivos]

Posted a mini review of the UCO Clarus
UCO Clarus 118 Lumen light/lantern Mini Review
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/417050

 

[RedLED]

Get a NEBO Larry Light. I have built my daughter nice pieced together semi customs, which go missing in Philadelphia, no more. Larry lights.

i am supplying boyfriends with Malkoff's.

 

[dhunley1]

I was going to recommend the E12. With your criteria, I think you made a solid choice.

 

[mcnair55]

I to think you made a great choice for your daughter, pack of spare batteries in her bag and good to go.