Before I toss out suggestions, let me ask:

- what's your favourite standard battery?
- when you say waterproof, do you mean "dunk proof" or fully immersible for long periods of time?
- how much light would be the minimum acceptable
- on balance, would you prefer more light or longer battery life?

You might find what you like here. http://www.sportsmansguide.com/search/search.asp?r=Page%3A+%2FDefault.asp+KW+Box&s=SEARCH&a=search&k=flashlights

The cost of some of the lights are not that steap.

I tend to like plastic-bodied lights - mostly so they won't be so cold to handle in cold weather, but also because they can be brighter and easier to find if dropped.

At this point my favorites are:

Headlamp: Princeton Tec EOS (3 AAA, 2/9/44 hrs, $34)
Handheld tiny/bright: Fenix P1 Cree LED (1 CR123A)
Handheld flood: Underwater Kinetics 4AA eLED (5.5 hrs, $35)
Handheld spot: Streamlight ProPolymer 4AAA Luxeon LED (2 hrs, $30)

The only comment that I have is a negative one. The Brinkman LED version of a mini-maglite has been a disapointment to me.

It would not "lock" into an "off" position such as the mini-maglite does. It would work itself into an "on" position from my moving around in the Captain's chair during my 6 hour watches. This wasted battery power and bulb life.

The scabbard (or holster) was cheap (as in thin) nylon sewn together in an unreliable fashion. It started coming apart after about 10 days of use. The scabbard was too short for the length of the flashlight making it top-heavy as it rested in it's scabbard. It didn't take much for the top heavy flashlight to fall out of the scabbard.

Early during the 2nd month that I was using the light, the lens retaining edge of the cap, which is one molded piece of aluminum, split off and left me with a light that no longer worked at a time that I very much require a working light. I used "super glue" to fix the problem.

The bottom line, in my experience: I have gotten another mini-maglite to use because I can depend on it. BTW: My last mini-maglite endured 2 years of abuse before it succumbed to some leaking batteries that caused life ending corrosion.

Target carries a Brinkmann 3w LED which should fit the bill. It uses 3AAs and is very satisfyingly bright. It's light, rugged, and for around $30, I think it's a great light.

For truck work like changing a tire at night, I'm a really big fan of the Energizer 6 LED headlamp you can get at any WalMart/Target for around 15 bucks. The only thing I really wish they would change is to put a strap over the top of the head and not just around. Even so, it's a great light to have.

I carry both and the nice part is having the same batteries for both.

Streamlight has a 2AA Propolymer LED light with an 18 hr. runtime. I love mine. Not blazing bright but tough, waterproof, and good enough for anything I can think of. $18.


http://www.brightguy.com/products/Streamlight_2AA_LED_ProPolymer_Flashlight.php

Hi,

For about 8 years I have used the Streamlight 2AA Propolymer light in the old incandescent version. It has been a tough light and worked well, although I would gladly upgrade it to the LED version for the increased run time and bulb life.

Mike

Inova X1 - Was part of my EDC until it stopped working for some reason(should be able to get it replaced under the warranty). Runs on a single AA battery. Came with nylon belt pouch. $30 USD.

wow, didn't really expect such a response. I appreciate the suggestions.. I'm gonna have to come back to look at the info...Time for work

Don't tease us too long. Don't you know that flashlight addicts even get a vicarious thrill when someone else buys a new light and there's the prospect of pictures and a review?