This eliminates quote a few fancy-pants models, but wha'ts the best $10 led flashlight?

TRO

What’s the best of any given item? You first have to decide what you want to do with it.

I like an ARC-P for my key chain but I think it was almost $40, super bright, awesome key chain light VERY RIGID and bright.

For $10 I would say this:
http://www.amazon.com/Super-Bright-Heavy...3685&sr=8-1

I have one very similar I got free with an order from a parts company it's lasted over a year and I've sent it through the wash, and dryer, and it still works. It is one of the two lights that stays by my bed. The other is a SureFire G3 w/LED conversion and ~130 lumens I believe.

It really depends what you want it for, etc.

Fenix E01 is $12 and a great value.

I have to go with a classic. Maglite AA.

Well not considering what you would do with it or where you would take it, the best models around ten bucks, IMO, would have to be an Energizer Hard Case AA model (I bought several on clearance), or get both a Mini-Maglite and an LED conversion kit from Nite Ize. Never really had a problem with either setup, and I should know. One of the AA Hard Cases I put through hell and back. It rattles inside but still works great.

http://www.garritylites.com/page725.html

There it is.
Costco sells these in a 3 pack for 20 bucks including 9 Duracell batteries !!
I carry a Surefire on duty but keep one of these as a back-up and for use while searching as the runtime is excellent.

$10 LED flashlights are generally keychain lights that are simply not large enough for general emergency use. Most are not very rugged and few are even moderately resistant to water.

For $10 or less I would look at some of the very simple but reliable 2-D cell non-LED, incandescent, industrial flashlights. They put out a lot of light and usually will run for about three to four hours on a set of batteries. More than enough time to get your act together, change a tire, practice your first-aid or signal for help.

With judicious intermittent use it will serve for several days. With a single change of batteries, a week. Don't forget to get a spare bulb and keep it handy. Many industrial flashlights have a built-in holder for the spare bulb. Usually behind the reflector.

The weak point is that such a flashlight is fairly heavy and bulky. Which is okay if your carrying it in a car or around the house. A bulky flashlight can also be handy if you need to back off a dog.

If your willing to swing for a few dollars more I would get a 2-AA Maglight for about $10 and a Nite-Ize LED conversion kit for $5. Your 50% over your $10 budget but you will have a compact and reliable little flashlight that puts out a good amount of light and it will be a LED light so your not going to be burning through bulbs or batteries.

Ditto to what Art wrote. That's exactly what I'm putting in my daughter's "off to college PSK/BOB/ bag".

John E

Why are LED flashlights so expensive? I did the Mini-Mag and LED-kit thing, but if you want to buy an LED flashlight off the shelf, they are twice (or more) as expensive as regular bulb lights. I can't see why they should be......