Well not considering what you would do with it or where you would take it, the best models around ten bucks, IMO, would have to be an Energizer Hard Case AA model (I bought several on clearance), or get both a Mini-Maglite and an LED conversion kit from Nite Ize. Never really had a problem with either setup, and I should know. One of the AA Hard Cases I put through hell and back. It rattles inside but still works great.