Hi Garrett,

Marc is right. To give a good answer It depends on how you plan to use the light.

Do you have access to 123A batteries for example? Do you plan to use this for utility, or for combat? With a longarm?

The answers can be pretty different based on your use.

Please check out this thread on Candlepowerforums.com: IRAQ/Military Deployment Lights.

Also check out: Need help w/ light for Iraq

If pushed to make a recommendation w/o information, I'd probably suggest the Surefire G2. It is a good, rugged, basic but bright light that takes 2x123A batteries. It has a very good beam pattern and you can't go wrong for the price ($35). With the saved cash, I'd consider getting some accessors and batteries as well as perhaps a spare light.

Let us know more details and we can give you a better recommendation.

Be safe!

-john


Edit: Oh, I didn't see your request for a "clickie" type tailcap. The SF Z48 and Z49 tailcaps will fit the G2 and are high quality clickie style tailcaps. The only difference is the color. Note they aren't cheap, so they will add to the price of your light. But, I would avoid getting one for your spare light. I know this is pushing your budget, but consider:

$35 (1) SF G2
$37 (1) SF Z48 "clickie" tailcap
$11 (1) SF Z33 Lanyard kit
$28 (1) SF FM35 Red "tipoff" Filter
----------------------
$111


A spare bulb is $17 (P60 spare lamp assembly) but the light is $35. You should get a spare bulb at the very least, but as I was saying, at the price you might as well get a second light if you can swing it.

You should take some batteries. The SF SC1 spares carrier is top notch and will VERY securely (and it's waterproof) provide storage for 6 batteries and a spare bulb, however you might want to take more batteries than that.

Batterystation.com has deals with their brand batteries combined with storage cases which might be a good way to go.

Either way, make sure you buy your 123A batteries online. Surefire brand are $15 for qty 12 and the Batterystation brand are near $1 ea. If you buy them locally you could be looking at $6 ea!

Edit2: Oh, check out this thread as well: Operation Enlightenment it sounds like some folks are trying to get GIs lights at reduced prices.