Heh. You almost got me. It's sort of trick question.

I can think of two non answers:

(1) There is no best flashlight. They're all compromises in one way or another.
(2) The best flashlight is the one you'll always have with you. A perfect flashlight left behind is useless.

Those of you reading this who cannot spend, or chose not to spend, $250 on a flashlight, rejoice. You can find your way out of a dark room just as well with a $1.00 CountyComm special.

If flashlights aren't a hobby for you, simply buy something you can afford, put it where you can find it when you'll need it, check the batteries once in a while, and move on. (If, on the other hand, flashlights fascinate you, take my advice.... just stay the heck away from Candlepower Forums. They'll take everything, including your lunch money. You've been warned.)