Background: Recently my EDC LED flashlight went through the washer AND dryer. It was a Rock River (AAx2) unit I had purchased from Target about two years ago (I think). I really liked it even though sometimes I had to unscrew and screw the end off to make it work (bad connection). Unfortunately it did not survive the wash and tumble. So now I looking for a new EDC LED flashlight and I thought I would seek recommendations here (I read A LOT and rarely post).
My budget is $20 and hoping to find a unit that runs on AA or AAA.

Thanks for your time.
Dave

For that price, three EDC-type lights came to my mind:
Gerber Infinity 1AA
Inova X1 1AA
Mini MagLED 2AA

If you want brighter, then the Mini Mag is the choice. But for smaller, sturdier, or longer runtime, I'll give the edge to the Infinity, but the X1 is also a good light for the money. All three are about $20.

My wife carries a 2AAA Rock River. She rarely uses it but is satisfied with it. However, I feel like it's a bit flimsy, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for EDC, but that's just me.

Check out Doug's version of the Photon Freedom.
http://www.equipped.org/dr_photon.htm

I EDC one on my keys. It is parctially indestructable and would probably function even after the wash.
At $19.95 it is around your budget.
Bill

I still prefer a mini maglight. I have trimmed down one of the red lenses from an army issue flashlight so that I can use the red light at night without destroying my night vision for 30 minutes at a time.

My last mag light lasted 2 years and died because a faulty battery leaked into it.

The Infinity and the Inova are your best bets. I also recently got a AAx2 Energizer Hard Case flashlight, and I'm very pleased with it. Maybe a little too big to be carried in your pocket (unless you have multi-pocket cargo pants like I do) but it's perfect for something like a toolbox or a glove compartment. I use it for walkthrough inspections where I work all the time!

The Gerber Infinity is a great little light and it meets your price. Great value IMO.

I have EDC a CMG Infinity Ultra for several years. I got the military style from CountyComm.com when they still sold them. It has worked great! The single AA lasts for weeks of regular use. It does require cleaning the contacts, once in a while. The Gerber is a China knock-off of the original, but it may still be OK.

Does anyone have experience with the Inova X1? It looks like an interesting light. The package says it is 2 watts.

Thanks!

I have an older style Inova X1 (v.2), before they recently put the more powerful LED in it.

There should be about three versions of the X1 floating around:

version 1 - spotlight beam.
version 2 - flood beam.
version 3 - latest model, more powerful LED, less battery life.

Also, some folks (myself included) have noticed that the light will flicker because of bad contacts. A little sandpaper to take off the excess anodizing fixed that, although the momentary on switch is still temperamental.

Still, it's a nice light, especially for the price. I haven't tried the v.3 latest model. The folks over at Candlepower Forums can probably provide more info.

Here is a link to Flashlight Reviews and their opinion of the X1:
Review of X1

ARC Flashlight
http://www.arcflashlight.com/arc-aaa.shtml

I love it! Fits on keychain and blows away the photons IMHO.

thanks for the ARC link