I too own far more flashlights that I can actually use

Brands I favour include: HDS/Novatac, Surefire, Fenix, Peak LED Solutions and Inova.

Of those, I would offer the following opinions:

HDS: I have the earlier version of these lights, the HDS42XR. If I could choose only one light it would be this one. These lights are no longer available but the founder of the company has reformed and is now operating under the Ra name, they currently have a Twisty and Clicky model available, in various permutations.

Surefire: I have the L2. This is a piece of functional art, so well made it is worth owning for that reason alone. The L2 offers high and low, with a floody beam that is very useful for lighting up a room. However, the beam quality - while perfectly functional - is somewhat greenish by comparison to the Novatac and Inova X03, particularly on low. It is a tactical light in that it offers a momentary on function (button), as well as permanent on (twisty).

Novatac: I have a 85P. While it is a fabulous light in many ways, I don't think it is up to HDS standards. Mine has displayed some tendencies to flicker every so often on lower settings. While it does not affect the functionality of the light in any way, it is somewhat disappointing in a $100 flashlight.

Both the HDS and Novatac can run on rechargeables and I have enthusiastically adopted this approach. Even though CR123a's cost 'only' a dollar apiece, once you use rechargeables, its hard to do it any other way.

Fenix: I have the L2D Rebel and E1. The L2D is a superb light marred only by the fact that the 'low' setting is still quite bright. However, you can get a red filter for this light that will mute the low even further. The E1 unfortunately has a horrible ringy beam but it is a very small and compact light that lasts forever on one AAA cell. If you're not fussy about beams, this is a very useful little light.

Peak LED Solutions: I have the brass Caribbean (1X CR123)and HAIII Matterhorn (1X AAA). This is a 'sleeper' company that make rock solid pocket and tac lights with beautiful beams. The Caribbean is an absolute pocket rocket if you are looking for a small light that can blast out a real blazing amount of light. You can also add a beautifully made momentary switch to certain models (my Carib has one). The Matterhorn has 3 LEDs in it and it is also a pocket rocket that lasts forever on one AAA (Energiser lithium in mine). Peaks are truly custom lights that are available in different materials, incl. brass, stainless steel and HAIII aluminium. The brass is wonderful to look at and use but it is heavy. The Matterhorn at $35 is a real sleeper bargain.

Inova. I have the X5 and X03. These are both superb lights for the price. Built extremely well, each offer exceptional runtimes (particularly the X5) and compact form factor. Everyone should own an X5 for its fantastic runtime and handy size, not to mention great price. The X03 has a flared head so is not quite as compact as the X5 but offers a fantastic beam that has both reach and a nice wide spill. It also has a beautiful white tint. These lights can be considered tactical in that they have a momentary on button as well as a twisty permanent on.

Hope this is useful. Sorry to waffle on a bit...



L-R: Caribbean, HDS42XR, Inova X5, SF L2, Fenix L2D, Inova X03.