help needed

[matt]

I just started a new job at work and need a good flashlight for 2nd and 3rd shift use.I need to be able to read numbers on railcars,inspect the tubes and see well enough to keep from tripping over things.I would like something with multiple modes to save batteries because the light will be used a lot,and if possible it should be tough and less than $50(pocket size).any and all suggestions are welcome.

[Sazabi]

Quark Mini for $39 shipped?

Link.

[Millhouse]

Fenix E21 in neutral white. Runs off 2 AA batteries. Well within your $50 budget. Use rechargeable batteries such as Sanyo Eneloop for cheap running.

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=2420

[Teofilo]

I would suggest LD10, but your price range is below 50dllrs., I'm with Millhouse. Try the Fenix E21, right within your budget and it's a Fenix.

[Gareth]

I'm very happy with my iTP SA2.  Again a 2xAA light and within your $50 budget.

[ari6126]

Another option would be the iTP C7T. IT has been discontinued but you can still find them for about $35. It's got variable brightness but no stupid flashing modes. It runs a 1xAA.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I think a Fenix LD15 might be right up your street mate

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_50&products_id=2340

[ari6126]

Looking over the suggestions, we have basically no idea what you need. Have you thought about what batteries you want to use? What overall size are you looking for?

[rp252]

For the basic, fairly cheap flashlights out there ITP seem to be a good place to start.  There are plenty of Fenix lights for a fair price and things like the nitecore EZAA would fit the bill if you look around for a good price.

You could grab yourself a better light if you looks through the specials on some websites or the garage sale bit of 4sevens.  Some good deals to be found.

Rich.

[Black Rose]

I'll add third recommendation on the E21.

I have the neutral white version and am very happy with it.

[SlackOne]

I would guess that a 2xAA with a clicky switch would probably be the handiest form factor for this kind of stuff.  A twist light would seem to get old if you're going to be using it several times nightly, and 2xAA would be easier to find if you happened to drop it in the dark.  Or is a 2xAA not "pocket sized" enough?

I guess one question would be...do you need to be able to use it with gloves on?  A lot of clickies are recessed, and would be hard to push on with gloves.  The "tactical" style lights usually have a protruding switch...I *think* the iTp SA2's tail switch sticks out past the end, but I don't have one to check.  A Quark AA2 Tactical would probably fit the bill, if you can find one used.

[Gareth]

I would guess that a 2xAA with a clicky switch would probably be the handiest form factor for this kind of stuff.  A twist light would seem to get old if you're going to be using it several times nightly, and 2xAA would be easier to find if you happened to drop it in the dark.  Or is a 2xAA not "pocket sized" enough?

I guess one question would be...do you need to be able to use it with gloves on?  A lot of clickies are recessed, and would be hard to push on with gloves.  The "tactical" style lights usually have a protruding switch...I *think* the iTp SA2's tail switch sticks out past the end, but I don't have one to check.  A Quark AA2 Tactical would probably fit the bill, if you can find one used.

It does indeed.  You also get, as standard, an optional reverse clickie switch and low profile boot so as it can tail stand.

This isn't any use once you wife throws out the box and says "I didn't realise there was anything still in it".

[matt]

there are some really good suggestions here i appreciate them all very much,now for the fun part,time to shop.thanks guys.