JayThe world of flashlights is often large and packed with many different features. unfortunately, due to all these options buyers are often left in the dark when it comes to which is the best choice. This article will mostly focus on flashlights that will fit comfortably into your pocket, accompanying your everyday carry for any need. When people ask what I consider to be essential carries, it’s always a pocket knife or multitool and a flashlight.
At this point in my life, I find myself using my flashlight even more than I do my knife. Long gone are the days of me standing in a shipping and receiving room, And instead, I’m crawling around network racks and dingy closets looking for that runaway Ethernet cable. Even around the house and doing basic daily chores, my flashlight tends to come out first. While the cost of flashlights varies, you can find a perfect solution to your daily needs well within $50.
The Contenders
- 250 Lumens
- Multi-function push-button tail switch with charge indicator: Red-charging; Green-fully charged
- High: 250 lumens; 68m beam; runs 1.5 hours; low: 50 lumens; 31m beam; runs 3.5 hours
- Includes removable pocket clip, 5-inch USB cable, and high-strength lanyard
The MicroStream offers 250 lumens and a small compact package, my favorite feature about this line of lights coming from stream light is the hat cliff that they include. this turns your baseball cap into a headlamp and a pinch and has served me very well so far. Streamlight does offer a battery-powered option as well which comes out a bit cheaper.
- Lithium ion battery recharges in 4.75 hours; push-button tail switch with charge indicator Red=charging Green=charged
- Integrated tail-end magnet for hands-free use; removable and rotatable pocket clip
- Three modes: high (160-Lumen; 23m beam; runs 3 hours; 130-Candela), low (40-Lumen; 11m beam; runs 8.5 hours; 30-Candela) and flash (runs 7 hours)
Another wonderful option from Streamlight, the Stylus Pro Series has multiple configurations. Whether it’s your tool bag or your pocket, this one features a rechargeable battery, a work lamp, and a magnetic base makes it easier for you to stick it to the hood of your car after you’ve dropped your 10mm.
- Powered with a single AA battery or a 14500 rechargeable battery
- 3 Different Modes of use. High / Low / Strobe. (for Cycling)
- Push Button control
The J5 Tactical V1-PRO is more on the budget side of flashlights but that doesn’t mean that it is lacking in features. With three different modes, powered by a single AA battery pushing upward of 300 lumens, this flashlight will be sure to meet your needs, especially in light use.
- Takes three AAA Batteries or one 18650 battery.
- Larger than the others but with two, they make for great beaters.
The GearLight TAC LED actually comes with two flashlights for right around $30. These two LED flashlights are identical and on the inexpensive side. proving themselves worthy as a nice knock-around light. Since the pack comes with two, you won’t need to worry in case you lose one after you set it down without thinking.
- 3 Modes & Zoomable light throw.
- Small form factor
- Carved flashlight edge to protect the bulb.
A true budget offering, the KOMI LED flashlights also come in a pack of two but this time for just about $10. Type of flashlight that you’d want to rely on in a true survival situation, but good enough to throw on a tool bag as an extra or in your jump drawer in the kitchen. Their small size makes it easy to fit into a pocket and they are powered by an AA battery.
Winner of this Flashlight under $50 Battle
if I was in a panic to get out, this would be the absolute first thing I would grab. I personally have carried a Streamlight MicroStream for the last six years of my life. I’ve yet to need to replace it nor have I run into any issues with it. With its small form factor, it easily fits into my pocket right next to a knife there’s plenty of room to spare for a set of keys. People are often surprised by the amount of light that it puts out and the fact that it’s so small.
Right now, it’s featured on Amazon for right around $32 with its battery-powered brother for just a little bit less. This is an absolutely amazing budget-tiered flashlight with some of the highest build quality that you’ll find. I doubt I’ll ever stop singing the praises of a good Steamlight.
Holly Meyer
