Look for new EDC light

[squinty]

http://www.amazon.com/ITP-Cree-SA2-Elum ... B0035HCU62" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a similar model that uses cr123a batteries. Can't say enough good about it. On off tailcap switch, bright (mines 220 lumens) separate from the power switch is an easy and intuitive control to switch between three preset brightness levels and strobe, thoughtfully placed "pocket clip" opens towards the rear of flashlight, so the light can be clipped "beam forward" to a hat brim or other flattish surface for hands free operation. Sturdy aluminum body and scratch and fog proof lens, good balance of throw and spill with a small, distinct "hot spot," waterproof enough to survive a "heavy duty" wash cycle in my front loader. Sturdy enough to drop on concrete and just the right size and diameter for use as a yawara, "roll of dimes" in a fist, or kubotan.

[MDCCLXXVI]

You should not be disappointed with a Preon 2 from 4Sevens.

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php ... ts_id=2085" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

$45 + free shipping.

AAA x 2.

Purchase an extra twisty tailcap and a Preon 1 body and you can play lego. Can then carry a 2xAAA and have the option of using it as a 1xAAA light for only a few dollars extra.

Its a decent light I'd give mine a 7/10.

The pocket clip could be better and my one has tailcap functionality/water resistance issues, which holds it back from being a 9/10.

With a stronger/longer pocket clip and a confident clicky tailcap it would be superior.

I got mine almost a year ago. Rather it was gifted to me. It is the polished titanium one. The titanium scratches very easily though so the polish will be gone with regular EDC use. Also the rotation of the pocket clip scratches a big ring around the body of the light. In fact I think they discontinued the polished version for this reason. Personally I did not care about the scratching though, its only cosmetic.

EDIT:

Just throwing this out there for you or anybody else who reads ...

My personal EDC is the Preon 2 (on person) and the HDS Systems EDC Rotary, in EDC bag. The Rotary is 200 lumens on turbo and great throwy beam with good spill too, 1xCR123 and 24 different lumen settings controlled by one-handed dial. Its an amazing light, however your $50 budget does not allow for it. Its $190, but waterproof (enough to scuba dive with), literally bomb proof, and much more durable than the Preon. Just had to add that in there.

Its a solid 9/10 light. Lacking only in pocket clip.

[hutchb25]

Ive got the Streamlight Stylus Pro that I picked up for 20-30 bucks, I forget. Uses two AAA batteries and has an LED bulb which puts out insane amounts of light at a pretty damn good range.

Tail cap on and off, pocket clip, and so far pretty bomb proof in terms of getting wet and standing up to abuse. I work in a rural EMS system and this is the light that I carry at work with me. It'll light up my small living room clear as day. It fits in to a pocket very easily and stays put snug and secure with the clip.


The only downside is that if you burn through the 50,000 hour bulb, it's not replaceable, and you have to replace the whole light.

[gunfreak]

I like Streamlight led's. Just bought a SL headlamp from brownells and it is great.

[Hermit]

I'll cast my vote for SureFire as well. I'm carrying this: http://www.surefire.com/E2E-Executive-E ... id=3142173" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (which is discontinued, 60 lumens). However, I've been using the same one for EDC since 2006 and it was worth the extra expense at the time. So yeah, another plug for considering SureFire.

[Bad Penny 08]

I'll cast my vote for SureFire as well. I'm carrying this: http://www.surefire.com/E2E-Executive-E ... id=3142173" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (which is discontinued, 60 lumens). However, I've been using the same one for EDC since 2006 and it was worth the extra expense at the time. So yeah, another plug for considering SureFire.

Sure is the standard.
You just can't go wrong.

[MDCCLXXVI]

SureFire makes good lights, but I'd stay away from their newer offers (6PX, G2X, etc). Build quality and reliability go down and price only goes down a little bit.

I have a 6P, 6PX Pro, and Saint (headlamp). I'm impressed with the 6P and the Saint for the most part, but the 6PX Pro is unremarkable especially considering the price.

If I had the need for it, I would not hesitate to drop $$$ on a E1B, LX2, UB3T, 6P, or Saint/Minimus. But I don't have the need at the moment.

[MasterMaker]

I'll throw in a second vote in for the maglite xl50 as I just got one and so far I'm quite pleased with it, I found it to give of more than enough light on its lowest setting(25%) so the batteries should last a good while as well.

I am looking for a belt holster for it though, preferably one that has a closed bottom to protect the lens(haven't found one yet).

[phractal]

I modded mine by sewing a piece of webbing across the bottom of the nite ize holster. Never had it fall out since.

[m ellis allen]

probably the best random $10 purchase ive made in a long time
http://nebotools.com/prod_details.php?i ... subsubcid=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Winston Smith]

Redline is a nice light too, like $20 on amazon