I usually have a Streamlight Nano on my keychain, and a Quark Mini 123 in my pocket (Minimum). When I know I'll be out after dark I generally carry a modified E2D flashlight.

The Surefire isn't cheap, and when the Quark Mini blew it away I wasn't a happy camper. I ended up buying a Veleno Designs LED that gives ~250 OTF lumens for 2 hours.

So... It does kinda suck that it takes a $50 upgrade to a $90 flashlight to best a $30 flashlight, but the surefires are well built and I like it, even though I probably wouldn't spend that kind of money again.

Flashlights have come a LONG way... I think my next purchase will be a 6P sized host, there are a lot of nice drop ins available like Malkoffs.