Why are all flashlight recommendations for 50$+ cost??????

cheers

I bought it for its size and capabilities. So far, I am liking it.

Atoz,

The countycomm $1 fauxtons are great value in my opinion too. Those are a buck each.

I chose the EZ AA because it is small for a AA light and bright. Being waterproof is a big plus for me too. I haven't found one that fits those criteria for cheap.

4sevens had a 30-35% off coupon code on the NiteCore lights. Unfortunately, it came out a week after I bought mine. That would bring the cost to under $40.

<50c and free shipping these are pretty hard to beat.
They are very bright (2x3V batteries and no regulator) they are well enough built that they are pretty water proof.
They have a switch to lock on in addition to press to light but with no regulation the battery would only last a few hours.

http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1100 or (black http://dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1253)

Mostly because these lights are reliable and well built. Over the years I have discovered that spending a bit more money on a quality built item once is better then spending two, three, four or more times over again on slightly cheaper items that are not as well built.

That being said, I have been burnt by expensive tools that just didn't cut the mustard and have been surprised by some less expensive tools that rocked.

I personally LOVE my little NiteCore EZ AA... it is a pretty cool little light that is well built and as bright as I expected. I almost like this light more then my NovaTac EDC120P that I have been carrying for a few years now. For the money (and the money you can save on batteries) I would go as far as saying it is a better light if you don't need/want a tail-cap switch. I can't wait to try one of NiteCore's Smart Piston Drive lights.

I disagree. IMHO, mostly because there are so many different cheap flashlights and so cheap prices for components that there is no feasible reason to compete for the best (low) price. Instead the manufacturers rise the price (sometimes using unreasonably expensive components, sometimes charging just for the name on it) to make their product to stand out of the crowd. There is no other reason. I saw China made flashlights with fantastic bodies but bad electronics, with excellent electronics but flimsy casing. With bad everything but with very desirable side features/accessories... All for under $20.

How much would those lights be if you combined all of the above, good electronics, good casing and good side features? I doubt it would be $20 or less.

In the end it is your money, spend it on the product you like. I have no problem spending $50 or even $100+ on a tool that works repeatedly in the environments and conditions I need them to work in.

The top-tier lights are not likely to disappoint in any area except perhaps price. That makes them a safe recommendation until we learn other things, such as the intended use, budget, etc.

Next time someone asks for a recommendation maybe I'll suggest a Surefire Beast!

Great looking light. Which LED did you go for, the Cree or the Q5? Reasons? Any info about warranty?

I got a little cash for my birthday and I might just indulge myself. (And I hate AAA batteries. Rip off IMO.)

Check out 7777's Preon2. Titanium, and thin enough to slide into a front pocket like an EDC folder.
Low: 2.2 OTF Lumens, 23 hours
Medium: 22 OTF Lumens, 6 hours
High: 160 OTF Lumens, 0.8 hours
Strobe
SOS
Beacon (Hi)
Beacon (Lo)

The first time I lit off the High mode inside was a wake-up -- won't do that again.