flashlights

[OldCannon]

Costco sells a 3-flashlight pack. Each uses 3AAA batteries (so 9 are supplied in the pack). I think it's something like $9.95 for the pack. The lights have hi/lo/strobe switch on the tailcap, use CREE LEDs (so they're very bright), and each light has a wrist lanyard.

Most importantly: When I lose one of these flashlights, I don't go into a wheezy panic attack because I just misplaced a $100 flashlight

[AEA]

Costco sells a 3-flashlight pack. Each uses 3AAA batteries (so 9 are supplied in the pack). I think it's something like $9.95 for the pack. The lights have hi/lo/strobe switch on the tailcap, use CREE LEDs (so they're very bright), and each light has a wrist lanyard.

Most importantly: When I lose one of these flashlights, I don't go into a wheezy panic attack because I just misplaced a $100 flashlight

Is that the ones that have a white'ish tail cap switch that has a red light in it that comes on to tell you when the batteries are getting weak? Also has a plastic battery carrier that holds the 3 batteries in one unit that you drop into the flashlight?

If it is....it is JUNK. The battery holder is easily broken when inserting batteries and the tail cap light thingy draws current from the batteries even when it is not lit, thereby drastically shortening the useful life of the batteries.

Both of these deficiencies are well documented on the web.

Your better off just buying a Mini-Mag AA light that will actually work when you need it.

[Ark03]

I've got three Solarforce flashlights, all of which I'm extremely happy with. They are very well-made knockoffs of the Surefire, but are priced much more reasonably. I first learned about them from Shipwreck at Texas Gun Forum, and bought one to see if it was as good as he claimed. I was a bit leery at first, but thought I'd take the chance with one of the 800+ lumin lights with a XM-L drop-in for $30 and change, and I was floored. (I think it was this light: http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.c ... =44&id=505)

They have a very sturdy switch and frame, and you can order just about any CREE bulb you like.

They ship from somewhere like Taiwan (free shipping), so it took 2-3 weeks to arrive, but the light for the price just can't be beat. I've since bought a couple for my FIL and have three myself, and wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

Their website http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com is a little confusing for me to navigate, and if you're looking at something with a price much less than $30, you are probably just looking at a flashlight body - you'll want to buy a drop-in bulb as well. I saw another poster on that forum make that mistake, and it would be an easy one for a novice like me to make.

Most take the CR123 or the 18650 batteries - I usually just buy CR123's at HD or Lowes for $5 for a 2-pack, or you can buy a CR123 charger for about $30 if you'll be using it a lot.

[snatchel]

+1 on the 5.11 ATAC 1. This is a fantastic little light at a very cost effective price.

[karder]

I have been carrying the 511 ATAC L2 for over a year. I use it several times everyday and it is great. I use my flashlight several times a day, my knife several times a week and my concealed carry, not once yet. God willing that pattern will continue.

[OldCannon]

Costco sells a 3-flashlight pack. Each uses 3AAA batteries (so 9 are supplied in the pack). I think it's something like $9.95 for the pack. The lights have hi/lo/strobe switch on the tailcap, use CREE LEDs (so they're very bright), and each light has a wrist lanyard.

Most importantly: When I lose one of these flashlights, I don't go into a wheezy panic attack because I just misplaced a $100 flashlight

Is that the ones that have a white'ish tail cap switch that has a red light in it that comes on to tell you when the batteries are getting weak? Also has a plastic battery carrier that holds the 3 batteries in one unit that you drop into the flashlight?

If it is....it is JUNK. The battery holder is easily broken when inserting batteries and the tail cap light thingy draws current from the batteries even when it is not lit, thereby drastically shortening the useful life of the batteries.

Nope, the ones I have are all black, and are far from junk. Good, clicky tailcap button, momentary press for light, all black, and even some "compliance knurling" on the front.

Keep in mind, I'm NOT saying these things are better than some of the excellent flashlights discussed above. I'm saying that, at about $4 per flashlight, I'm enormously happy with the performance of these lights relative to more expensive brands. I've owned expensive flashlights before (still have a couple), but I'm of the mind that for "around the house" or "rolling around in toolbox or back of truck", these Costco flashlights are a darn good bargain.

[recaffeination]

They aren't my choice for TEOTWAWKI but for EDC the Costco lights are pretty good for the price paid.

[AEA]

Nope, the ones I have are all black, and are far from junk. Good, clicky tailcap button, momentary press for light, all black, and even some "compliance knurling" on the front.

Keep in mind, I'm NOT saying these things are better than some of the excellent flashlights discussed above. I'm saying that, at about $4 per flashlight, I'm enormously happy with the performance of these lights relative to more expensive brands. I've owned expensive flashlights before (still have a couple), but I'm of the mind that for "around the house" or "rolling around in toolbox or back of truck", these Costco flashlights are a darn good bargain.

OK thanks for the clarification.
The ones I mentioned must have been pulled and/or redesigned. They were a total design failure.

I'm glad to hear I was incorrect about the ones you discussed.

[OldCannon]

Nope, the ones I have are all black, and are far from junk. Good, clicky tailcap button, momentary press for light, all black, and even some "compliance knurling" on the front.

Keep in mind, I'm NOT saying these things are better than some of the excellent flashlights discussed above. I'm saying that, at about $4 per flashlight, I'm enormously happy with the performance of these lights relative to more expensive brands. I've owned expensive flashlights before (still have a couple), but I'm of the mind that for "around the house" or "rolling around in toolbox or back of truck", these Costco flashlights are a darn good bargain.

OK thanks for the clarification.
The ones I mentioned must have been pulled and/or redesigned. They were a total design failure.

I'm glad to hear I was incorrect about the ones you discussed.

Next time I go to Costco, I'll see what the brand/package is. My wife reminds me that she thinks it was more like $29.99 for a 3 pack.

I might order these next time to see how good they are: http://www.costco.com/Blackfire--Clampl ... 60122.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.