Usually in the array of items from which we are choosing, there is a "sweet spot," where you receive great value and utility for a very reasonable price. For instance, Mora knives, at something like $15 or so, do everything that a $200 (and up) item will provide IMHO.

On the other hand, there are times when one needs to spend real money. Years ago, I got out of the military and purchased fundamental outdoor gear. i had to spend $100 for a down sleeping bag, which was a huge sum in those days, but the baag was warm, light, and very well made. I used it for the next twenty years, in some very cold situations (well below zero) until it was stolen. In retrospect, it was a fantastic bargain.

Shop carefully, and acquire the knowledge and skills along with the gear. All are critical for being well equipped.

Banggood has the S15-R (AA sized) Olight comes with 14500 lion and charging base for under $23 when using discount code, M4DS15R

http://www.banggood.com/Olight-S15R-Bato...t-p-948431.html

I've shifted away from CR123 primaries, they're not cheap and you can't recharge them. I like guilt free lumens so I opted for rechargeable lights.

If you decide to do it, listen to the advice on the folks above and do a couple days of research. There are forums out there just for flashlights and you can learn a great deal.

I settled on 18650's as my go to battery form factor. If you decide to go for this route, don't cheap out on the batteries, get good quality ones and avoid lights that run them in series if you can help it. I use protected panasonic 3400mah 18650s.

The two lights that have been out-standing in my experience without breaking the bank are...

1. Zebralight SC600 Mk II (~$70)
As long as you don't need a "tactical" light, this is a pocket rocket. It's about the size of a Surefire 6P / other 2x CR123 lights, and it's incredibly bright. More floody than throw, but still throws due to it's sheer output. Small enough to EDC, walking the dog, etc. I carry it when I know I'm going to be out after dark.

2. Blackshadow Terminator (~$75)
I use this on crash scenes, river rescues and other work that needs what amounts to a portable flood light. Again more floody than throw, but with the incredible output it throws quite well as well, never fails to impress. It would be good to have in a car, or in the house for looking around the property.

Slightly higher than the $50 price point, but IMO a worthy investment. Avoid the inexpensive chinese stuff you see. Some are gems, but you'll have to do a lot of research and check out reviews to find them. I got tired of having lights crap out on me and ended up doing research and spending a little more but have been really happy with them.

Other than that, I do have a streamlight microstream that's always on me. Not too fancy, but simple, small, and just the right amount of light and cheap enough I won't cry if I lose it!

Also this has been one of the most useful websites I've been able to find that compares a lot of the popular brands
http://fonarevka.ru/#

Click on the english flag on the upper right. If you press the scene button on the upper right as well, you can compare indoor shots, outdoor shots, longer ranged shots and close up shots. It's a great tool

While I have shied away from rechargeables in the past I'm considering getting an Elzetta body bored out for 18650's just to play with.

I'll bet you will dig 18650's- they are sort of AA's on steroids. I am very happy with a Zebralight headlamp powered by an 18650 (they have several variations) - the lamp unit can be detached from the headstrap and used in the hand, if desired. Several other manufacturers also market 18650 headlamps.

I also like my Nitecore P12, a definite thrower. It is not the only good one out there I am sure...

It does pay to do your homework

for mom, how about a simple familiar-looking 300-lumen surefire?

its a new 3-level simple-to-operate keychain-fob USB-rechargeable, $80 retail that discounts for about $70



factory page - http://www.surefire.com/sidekick-a.html

here's a 6-page review on CPF - http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/show...-Keychain-Light

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Cruising through the REI website, I encountered Black Diamond's Ember Power Light, basically an 18650 battery with charging cables for pumping up cell phones, etc. Cost is $50.

No experience, but it looks like a pretty good, versatile bit of gear. Output is claimed to be 150 lumens, which should be quite adequate for most tasks.

Alright, I'm interested in that for my keychain..

Surefire Titan & Titan Plus Review: http://www.equipped.org/blog/?p=664

Great review!

If your price point is lower for a keyring light, I can recommend the Thrunite Ti Titanium, available for $20-$30 online. I've been carrying one for some time and I really like it. It runs fine on primary or rechargeables AAAs and doesn't have the output of the Surefire, but has a very low low.