I needed to buy new emergency flashlights, and after a bit of searching I settled on the Streamlight Dualie, a 3AA 140 lumen LED flashlight with separate spotlight and floodlight modes.
I have numerous everyday and regular-use flashlights, but had very different criteria when it came to emergency flashlights.
Part of what prompted this search was a conversation with my parents about how they needed another flashlight or two. After a bit of research, the Dualie seemed perfect.
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The Dualie has separate floodlight and spotlight modes. The spotlight is built into the end of the flashlight, and the floodlight is built into the front side.
With the floodlight, you can clip the flashlight to a pocket, or place it standing up face-down to aim it where you please.
The spotlight and floodlight emitters have independent controls, so you can use either, or have them both on at the same.
The operation is simple, with on/off controls and nothing more.
As this is a 3AA flashlight, batteries are readily available.
The spotlight delivers 140 lumens of light, and so does the floodlight. Together, they emit 245 lumens. Runtime on fresh batteries is 18 hours for either mode, or 9 hours together.
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Pros
- Impact-resistant housing
- Yellow housing stands out (also available in black)
- Easy to change batteries
- Textured grip
- Dual and independently-controlled pushbutton switches
- Large spring-action belt clip
- AA batteries are easy to find
- IP67 dust-tight and waterproof
- 2 meter impact resistance
- Wide operating temperature range (-20 to 130°F)
- Rugged-feeling design
- Chemical-resistant housing
- Intrinsically-safe design
- Streamlight reputation
- Easy controls and operation
- Light weight
- Long runtime
Cons
- Medium brightness
- No output mode controls (aside from on/off)
- Price
This isn’t a smart flashlight, meaning there are no programmable output modes. I like the simplicity of the on/off controls, but it hampers its versatility and performance as an everyday light. But, I did buy it specifically as an easy-to-grab light that I can pass around to other family members if needed.
$31 seems a bit high for a plastic-bodied on/off 140 lumens flashlight. However, Streamlight has a very good reputation, and I feel this is a flashlight that won’t let me down.
With a 2 meter drop rating and IP67 waterproof rating, the Dualie should be able to endure all kinds of environmental conditions and even incidental rough handling.
I probably won’t use the floodlight emitter mode a lot, but it seems good to have. As it’s on the side of the light, placing the flashlight vertical and face-down creates a stable base to aim it from.
The intrinsically-safe aspect – which usually means it cannot spark an explosion in the presence of combustible gasses – isn’t a feature I sought out, but can’t hurt to have.
Some people will scoff at the 140 lumen rating, but in reality that is plenty of light.
From Streamlight’s performance curve chart, the output brightness tapers away from 140 lumens somewhat quickly, with the 18 hours of runtime based on the amount of time it takes to drop down to 10% of its max output. I figure that 9 hours might be more realistic, after which I would use the half-depleted cells in 1xAA pocket lights or similar.
I will likely replace the included alkaline cells with lithium cells, which have a long shelf life and tend to be higher performing.
Overall, this flashlight checks off all the major boxes – it’s quick to find, easy to use, fairly bright and long-lasting, is powered by easily-replaceable batteries, and feels very durable. I have used enough Streamlight products to trust their quality and reliability.
Some of its aspects make this model a less-than-ideal EDC or daily-use flashlight, but that’s not what I bought them for.
I also wish the price was a bit lower.
I ordered two for my parents and two for my own home, and have zero regrets so far.
Price: $31
My challenge now is in finding a flashlight that’s at least 80% as good for half the price. I am very happy with my choice, but would like to find a more budget-friendly recommendation for others.
Stacey Jones
This wally world special looks promising, though it is black and not sure if you can stand it on end. Has usb charging though. Nice in an emergency.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/seort/356853780
Stuart
I don’t trust no-name brands for emergency or safety products.
Respectfully, that flashlight looks like flashy-marketed junk that will fail when you need it most. There are countless flashlights like that at Amazon.
It promises “rain and lightning protection” and “blizzard prevention.” Instead of an IP rating, they say it is “waterproof for life.”
It also only has USB charging. What do you do in a blackout where there’s no AC power?
In emergency situations, you need reliability. The product you linked to is from a seller that doesn’t seem to exist outside of Walmart’s online marketplace.
Stacey Jones
I can understand brand preferences, but personally I’ve had very good luck with just about every flashlight I’ve bought. I still have a whole drawer full of cheapies that cost 99 cents apiece, batteries included, from Frys. Not a single fail in the lot. All no-name chinese. Kinda makes sense, flashlights are pretty low tech devices. Walmart has replaced or refunded my money, every single time I’ve had an issue, without complaint. And that’s also only happened a couple of times. So I’m guessing they don’t put much junk on the floor. Sure, it may look cheesy, but it usually works. That’s my experience anyway.
Stuart
I have seen cheap flashlights burn out because brands didn’t put any thought into thermal management.
Once I asked a hyped-up consumer brand how their “waterproof” claims were justified, and was told they put their lights in a sink.
Most people use flashlights for very short durations. It’s when you need to use a flashlight in demanding conditions that quality and reliability shine through (no pun intended).
Cheap flashlights are recalled on occasion for various reasons, mainly burn and even fire hazards.
Will a no-name Amazon or Walmart vendor selling randomly sourced flashlights are going to stand by their products when they don’t even have websites or customer service departments?
Even high quality lights can fail, but I’d rather put my confidence and safety in brands that stand behind their products.
Do you remember the “hoverboard” fires and battery explosions from a few years ago? I continue to avoid unbranded devices with rechargeable batteries.
If you’d rather a “lightning protection” and “blizzard prevention” keyword-hyped no-name rechargeable flashlight that is advertised as being convenient for “looking for or carrying an umbrella, etc”, go for it. But can you trust it in an emergency?
If cost is a concern, there are still plenty of brand name lights, such as Rayovac. This 2AA model is $15 https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-Virtually-Indestructible-Black-Flashlight/dp/B0716D98GQ/?tag=toolguyd-20
Stacey Jones
LOL, Now curiosity may get the better of me, I may just have to buy one and see if it’s junk or not. 😉
Dave
That thing looks awful. Stick with good brands like Surefire, if the military uses it, it’s rugged.
MM
Agreed. I like the Streamlight Sidewinder as an emergency light, it’s not that cheap but it is very handy. It’s easy to use, compact, waterproof, has a variety of brightness settings, and I like how you can angle the head so it makes a very handy worklight if you have to fix something in an emergency.
D3t
This model may not be the best, but there is nothing lacking from Streamlight. Just b/c the military likes to spend our money with no control, doesn’t mean there isn’t quality elsewhere. Besides, as a veteran what “Mil-spec” really means.(Built by the lowest bidder)
Bart
Pretty naive reasoning, to say it nicely.
Stuart
In case it’s not clear, Dave’s comment was in reply to the one above pointing to the gimmicky no-name Walmart model.
Unless he indicates otherwise, I’m pretty certain he’s NOT talking about the Streamlight discussed here as looking awful.
Dave
Correct. Streamlight is a great brand. I was talking about the no name Walmart one.
Mike
With Surefire you are getting a slightly above-average light. I own several. The only thing that sets Surefire apart from others is its customer service. Which is worth the price when you get parts and service no questions asked.
Larry
That Walmart light is pure garbage.
Hon Cho
Have an ancient yellow bodied Streamlight 3C flashlight that has been one of the accessible emergency lights in the house. While replacing batteries recently, searched around a bit to see if converting it to an LED light was financially reasonable. I came to the conclusion that it was not cost effective but I hang onto it because it’s a good and reliable unit.
For scattered emergency lights around the house and cars. Have several inexpensive 1 AA LED lights picked up at Micro Center equipped with AA Energizer Lithium non-rechargeable cells. They are black machined aluminum, whereas I’d prefer the hi-vis color of the streamlight units but they were cheap and work good enough for their intended purpose. Units with AA cells are a good choice as AA batteries are everywhere and the Energizer lithium cells don’t leak and last a very long time in storage.
I’m not a rechargeable battery kind of person for emergency lights although I do have several units with rechargeable batteries. Disposable lithium batteries with long storage lives and, if necessary, use those lights to get to the rechargeable lamps.
eddie sky
May I suggest Energizer L91 AA Lithium batteries since, unlike Duracell Akaline, won’t leak and have a long shelf life (last pack I got shows 2033).
Shame this is a 3-battery as most of these battery sales packs are in 2, 4, 8 or more.
frobo
Agree completely. I’ve had way too many things damaged or ruined by Duracell Alkaline batteries. Switched to Energizer Lithium, no more problems. They’re spendy, but worth it, especially for a seldom-used emergency device.
Wayne R.
Agree completely. Lithium cells are ideal for emergency devices.
Alternatively, removing alkalines from devices and keeping them in Storacell caddies will save your devices and some cash, too – especially now that Lithium cells are stupid expensive.
blocky
This is convincing for the price and features. I have an arsenal of smaller EDC lights that are harder to locate, easier to misplace, and in our family, never make it back to the van door or kitchen drawer. Some of them are not easy to use with gloves on or shorter runtime makes them less ideal in an emergency or in freezing temps.
Can you comment on the Streamlight light quality? I looked at the Pelican lights but ultimately I do not like their emitters. Color temp and CRI aside, I find it more difficult to distinguish details.
I’d also be interested if you have an upgrade pick.
Stuart
I like a particular Pelican (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/pelican-3310-glow-in-the-dark-led-flashlight/%3C/a%3E%29, but the top area crazes over time and I am now somewhat hesitant about its long-term durability.
The Streamlight beam quality is utilitarian. For the spotlight, the center is yellow-tinted, with a wide cool white circle around it.
It seems to be a good general purpose and emergency light, but less than ideal for task or work lighting where color rendition, consistent color temperature, or beam tint purity are high priorities.
This wouldn’t be my first choice for task or work lighting.
Raphael
I have red 3-D Maglites in wall brackets adjacent to doors that lead outside. Red cost about $4 more than standard black, but is more visible. A couple 3/4″ bands of white refelective tape – one at the base, one at the switch – make it “findable” if you set it down in the dark.
In the brackets its easy to tell if it’s there or missing. If I see one missing I start finding out who used it and where it is. And, in the bracket, it’s pointed up at the ceiling and can be turned on to bounce light off the ceiling to provide general lighting.
And, should the need arise, an aluminum Maglite with 3 D batteries makes a pretty good club.
There are a few plastic shell Surefires and Streamlights in strategic locations – bookshelf, end table, nightstand, etc. as “grab ‘n’ go” lights because they’re bright, long battery storage life with 123s, and smaller than the Maglites so they drop into pockets; they are prone to “unauthorized accidental relocation” at times, so one has to be observant to correct that.
That said, I am never without a personal Tube of Dark Repellant – I have a 2-cell R123A Elzetta in a hip holster (the Elzetta body is the same diameter as Surefire’s and fits the Surefire holster) and a Streamlight 1-AAA clipped in a shirt pocket. Spare batteries are easy to carry, 5 volt 1.5 amp charging outlets, not so much.
Rob Sterling
I’ve used these for years in chemical manufacturing. I like the light. Main flaw I’ve found is if dropped from 5feet+. Back clip can break. Fairly bright and if you get used to using both buttons, I grown to use prefer this over my other lights
A W
Great recommendation!
Somewhat off topic, but still safety related: I really like the $17 vehicle escape tool by Smith and Wesson.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07Z8LHDHG
Stuart
The ResqMe tool has been on my consideration list. It has a strap cutter and glass breaker.
https://www.amazon.com/01-100-09-Original-Emergency-Keychain-Seatbelt/dp/B01G6C18EC?tag=toolguyd-20
A W
I have a bigger glass breaker/seat belt cutter in the center console. What I like about the 12V style is that it’s unlikely to come out in a severe crash (most of which are from the front or side), and so I’ll know where it is when I need it.
The downside is that the glass breaker point doubles as an electrical contact, so it is a little more finicky than a standard 12V adapter.
The keychain style looks solid but a little too bulky for EDC inside a pocket.
Scott K
I also have this on my Amazon wishlist as well. I saw this on an episode of Battle Box (maybe) where they tested a few variations and this seemed to work better than the standard hammer looking models.
TMedina
There’s a new model that includes the flood light in the head, pointed forward. Also comes in a warm tint.
https://brightguy.com/product/streamlight-dualie-3aa-color-rite-flashlight/
Stuart
I did spot that after I received mine, but it has lower runtime and combines the high CRI and spotlight to the same face. I’d rather have the side floodlight capability.
In spot mode that model runs for 8 hours until 10% output, and 8.5 hours in flood, or 5 hours in combined.
They don’t have a performance chart (yet?), but if it looks like the one I mentioned above, the brightness might dip too low after maybe half the max runtime duration.
For an emergency light, 18 hours to 10% output brightness seems a lot better to me than 8 hours.
There’s also a version with a laser. All have similar bodies, and so it’s a matter of choosing between different emitter configurations.
Schill
Streamlight propolymer lights have been my go-to emergency lights in the car and at home for years. For this use, I want them to be plastic and I like the yellow color. I don’t want to search for black in an emergency. I do have one that is a red-orange color, but I prefer yellow. I also put lithium batteries in them.
They are the lights I recommend to friends and family.
The model you wrote about is the one I chose to get recently when I wanted to get a few more.
I have a lot of other flashlights including plenty of EDC lights that are smaller, brighter, etc. but these are ones I want to have around in an emergency. They are easy to grab and use and are not going to confuse other people as much as fancier multifunction lights.
Dave
I’ve had good luck with Surefire, streamlight and fenix for emergency lights.
Jared
That is pretty expensive, but I get the appeal of something foolproof and reliable for an emergency light.
I’ve had good luck with some Dorcy flashlights in much the same role, but none of mine have the flood feature (but they were cheaper).
It’s awfully tempting to just go with some Olight i3e lights as backups too. For $10 you get 90 lumens from a single AAA and it’s proven to be very robust (I kept one on my keychain for years). However, it’s small size is great most of the time, but maybe not when you’re looking for it in a drawer in the dark.
Brian
I have a number of these lights, scattered randomly around my house and camper. One thing not discussed is that these lights are rated as ‘intrinsically safe’, meaning they can be used in dangerous environments like natural gas leak situations. By extension it also means these things are 100% waterproof, and are rugged as heck. I think they are an excellent general use flashlight.
Hon Cho
Someone above commented on Pelican lights and as I had forgotten that Pelican made flashlights too, I decided to go check out their website. Their products look to be work focused and they have a very similar product (model 3345) to the Streamlight Dualie unit featured in this post. Unfortunately, at least at list price, the Pelican 3345 is substantially more expensive at $50 plus.
Ryan Guldbrandsen
I completely agree with this recommendation. I have 4 of these, one in each car and one upstairs and downstairs. Definitely a solid reliable flashlight.
Kurt
I have wondered for a while why more flashlights are not available in bright colors or even better, with glow in the dark bands to help you find them when the power goes off. I’d love to see some of those tactical flashlights in bright yellow, for example.
Ryan Guldbrandsen
Well, unfortunately glow in the dark bands only work if exposed to light before the lights go out.
My dualies in the house have glow rhino tritium fobs attached for that reason. If the power goes out and I’m watching a movie or something. I can still locate something atleast. 🤔 I can’t really think of any reason I would really need to locate a flashlight quickly though. So it’s just for convenience I suppose.
Ct451
It wouldn’t be very tactical when it’s off. It would be a glow in the dark target.
Larry
Definitely like the size of that and that it comes in high viz.
Replaceable batteries are a must for emergency flashlights.
Chris
I like the pelican lights for emergency use, they have served me through several hurricanes and they even have an emergency version:
Pelican 3310ELS Emergency LED Flashlight with Case (Photo Luminescent Body) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BVRZCRG
They are pricier, but you get what you pay for.
Stuart
I like the Pelican – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/pelican-3310-glow-in-the-dark-led-flashlight/%3C/a%3E – but feel the Streamlight is more durable. The Pelican has a history of plastic crazing over time.
Chris
I have one that I used in ship emgine rooms for 10 years and it seems fine, maybe newer production?
Josh
I like trying out well reviewed off-bramd lights from Amazon, if names like Olight, Lumitop, and Wuben are still considered off-brand. I carry an Olight Baton 2 at all times and love it.
In the glove box I’ll keep a cheap light, but in the car tool kits I have a Streamlight and one of those classic yellow Dorcys, all with lithiums. I prefer the super bright multimode rechargeables for daily use, but if I’m changing a tire at night in the rain I’m with you, I pick brand reputation and simple design.
Leo B.
I like my Wurkkos FC11- it’s my go-to larger light. Rechargeable battery, variable brightness, magnetic tailcap, etc. Works well for me, and it’s a few dollars cheaper than the Streamlight right now.
Joatman
I would buy one or two of these in a heartbeat if I didn’t already have an over abundance of flashlights. Crazy that on Amazon this light and similar Streamlights cost less if you purchase the option that includes the batteries as opposed to w/o. It’s like $4 more if you choose the option w/o batteries. Am I missing something??
Stuart
Subsidy from battery brands? I noticed the same, can’t think of any other possibilities.
Kingsley
The little Dewalt 12v ones (DCL508 & DCL510) are what I have in my car’s boot(trunk) and near my fire extinguishes. I always have batteries charged up to swap out and you can check on the charge level with the gauge on the battery.
IndianaJonesy (Matt J.)
I really like my Coast XP6Rs and XP9Rs for this purpose. I run them on the rechargeable for normal use, but keep a storacell of CR123s with each light in case of long-term power outages, etc. Yes, CR123s are harder to come by and a bit more expensive, but for 30 bucks ($40 for the bigger one) I think it’s a better deal than this one (for me). They do have a few AA models in the lineup, but they were larger and more expensive than I wanted. I do wish it had a brighter colored shell like this, though.
I do have one of these that I keep in my boat that’s been great for years. Only downside is the lack of adjustable/dual beams, but runtime is solid and the price tag is hard to beat (I think I paid like $9, but amazon has a two pack for $15 that I may now buy…): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HZHASJS
1day@atime
If an emergency situation requires both hands, which in most cases does, then a flashlight is going to make the situation worse. So do yourself a favor and carry a headlamp and ditch the flashlight. A flashlight is of no use to an emergency situation that you’re going to need both of your hands to negotiate a possible solution.
Kingsley
Depends on the emergency… my Dewalt DCL043 coupled with a big old 9ah batteru wouldn’t feel too good smacked around someone else’s head, if they were breaking in. I guess it would still be a “head torch”!
Stuart
Headlamps have their place, but aren’t a substitute for a good handheld flashlight.
It all depends on the situation.
Jaeger
Have one of these I got for free. Found it stuck inside a piece of machinery that got shipped cross country so I know the magnet is good. Keep it stuck to the inside lid of my truck box to keep it lit up. Solid little light.
Dan
I’ve used this Streamlight Dualie for a couple years now. I made the mistake of giving it to a 10-year old daughter for a very wet woodsy summer kids camp week. It came back with the LED Broken from water penetration. I sent it back to Streamlight Warranty Center Repair Department and they quickly (surprisingly) ‘repaired’ (not ‘replaced’) the broken LED and it’s been working great again. Very happy with their warranty service department of this flashlight.
Frank
They give these out at work:
https://www.amazon.com/Nightstick-NSP-2424GMX-Multi-Purpose-Flashlights-Green/dp/B078X2BQZH/
Very similar to the streamlight but comes with a magnet on the base and clip. Same battery configuration and a little brighter.
Franco
I can appreciate that everyone has their favorites.
I have about 80+ flashlights (yes, I am a sicko…and not just with flashlights) and 4 of them are Streamlight. One is the highly recommended Protac HL-X.
The quality on these light is up there with the best of them but for the price and the ergonomics or user experience, I am not a fan.
After the 4 I have, I will not buy anymore Streamlights, again, they aren’t bad, but just tail buttons that are hard to press, brightness levels which change but not with ease….mainly for me, it is the user experience which is disappointing. More what I would expect on cheap knock offs, not a Premium brand and pricey flashlight.
When I say I have 80 or so flashlights, I do not count 99 cent or 12 flashlights plus batteries for $9.99…although there are some lying around the house. I mean brands like Thrunite, Sofirn, Olight, Rovyvon, Imalent, Fenix, Acebeam, FiTorch, and and many other brands, too many to list, all quality and pricey flashlights.
Again, not to offend anyone, Streamlight are good quality, but for the price, there are dozens of flashlights that will give you much more, or cost less.
Stuart
These have side-mounted switches, and NOT tailcap switches. It seems you’re talking about completely different flashlights.
I sent two to my father, who doesn’t have the strongest hands anymore, and so far he’s been happy with them.
Certain Streamlight lights – mainly penlights or belt-carry lights – do have stiff switches, but not these, at least not any of the ones I recently bought.
Franco
My complaint about the Streamlight is not just the tail cap switches; BTW, the Protac HL-X is definitely not penlight. It is one of their premium tactical lights.
What I find is that for the price…
Quality, fit and finish……..9/10
Intuitive……………………………7/10
Technoligical features…..6/10
User Interface………………..7/10
Value………………………………..4/10
I don’t rate the beam as I find it varies a lot between people on what they like. Some prefer the super white (slight blue/purple tint), others are big on CRI and prefer the yellowish tint.
One of the models I have is the Streamlight 66608, also know as the camping light or also Microstream. Again, nice construction, but the tail switch is very hard to press, either for momentary on or stay on. But the big killer is that the head can slide forward, which makes a narrower beam. I have this function on many lights but every other light the lens slides forward with the head to better focus the beam. On this Streamlight, it is just the head “tube” that slides forward, the lens remains recessed in the the tube. This kind of shocked me, that is for a FL of this price and notoriety.
To me this is what I would expect on a cheap flashlight.
Overall, I do not dislike Steamlight, I just find that in today’s market, there are so many FL giving as much or more, yet costing much less. I think they are getting by on their name and making people pay for that name.
Franco
Sorry, I just wanted lastly say that the model you have, I am not familiar with it. And it quite possibly is straight A’s across the board. But bottom line, price and what you are getting, still loses on value.
Stuart
These are still completely unrelated flashlights.
I do appreciate your feedback about other Streamlight lights.
Given the breadth of your flashlight collection, what would you recommend for someone looking for a basic AA-powered light with standout easy-grabbable color, very high reliability, high dust and water resistance, long runtime, and medium brightness?
Lights with 1000 max lumens and multi-mode user interfaces work well for misc. everyday use.
My goal here was to find a light I could keep in the house for emergencies, and also give to any or every adult family member for their households, from my retired parents, to my empty-nester cousins or their mid-20’s kids.
Although a little pricy, the model this post is specifically about offers a strong balance between light output, runtime, durable construction, waterproofness, visibility on the shelf, and brand reliability.
While I am interested in hearing about all of the different-from-this-one Streamlight flashlights you’ve been less than perfectly satisfied with, are any flashlights that you think would serve as better emergency lights than this particular one?
Franco
Well, first off, like I mentioned, I am not familiar with that model. So it could be great in many aspects. I am not sure it is a value purchase, and this is only because of my experience with other Streamlights. This could be be the exception and I know that the Dualie is one of their better known models.
That being said and having put my big mouth on the line, here are a couple of thoughts.
First off, being that it is an emergency light, simplicity and being able to count on it are 2 key issues. So whatever anyone buys, make sure that the Energizer Lithium mentioned in above posts by others (not Max or or similar) batteries are what you use. They guarantee a minimum 10 year shelf life.
Ease of use, super important. I have trouble giving a flashlight to my wife. She has the attention span of a gnat and after I have said 3 words, the rest of the explanation of how it works is gone. A rechargeable would die in her purse and in 3 years she would say it doesn’t work, or look what I found in my purse.
So forget about multiple intensities, strobe or SOS modes; just one level is all that is needed. And like your Streamlight, a side switch which everyone from 5 yr old Timmy to 95 yr old gramps can figure out is best. Twist head or tail switch can also work, not that incredibly hard to figure out.
So here’s the thing, I do not own any flashlights I can think of that fit this….mainly because either mine are complex, or expensive, or most of my bare essential emergency lights are mini in size; just barely larger than a AA battery. Example, Olight i5t.
Something more standard would be something like, first off, the Strealight you mention.
Similar, but less would be something like this Coast PolySteel 200. (Coast in general make good quality but cost a bit less than some of the big names)
https://www.amazon.com/Coast-POLYSTEEL-Twist-Flashlight-Crushproof/dp/B0B4RDCZL2/
Rear tail switch but overall very good emergency light
This Husky is very inexpensive and would also make a very good emergency light (also tail switch)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-500-Lumens-Tough-Stainless-Steel-Core-Multi-Setting-LED-Flashlight-Impact-and-Water-Resistant-with-Batteries-HSK1PAK500PSF1/313015202#overlay
This RayoVac would also be very good (tail switch)
https://www.batteryjunction.com/rayovac-diy3aaa-b.html
There could be a list of dozens that could make excellent lights, but here is something many do not think of initially.
This Energizer is Intrinsically Safe, which in the case of…example, an earthquake, lights are out and natural gas lines have fractured and leaking. Or your hot water, dryer, furnace, that work on natural gas or propane are possibly leaking. The lights aren’t out but you are trying to figure out if the smell is coming from in your house or it is something else. (I had a triplex apartment years ago. A tenant called the gas company thinking something was leaking. There was no natural gas on the street, what she smelled was the manure put down by a farm not to far away)
https://www.batteryjunction.com/energizer-enishh25e.html
It does have a side switch, and bright orange, but one downside is the D cell batteries.
Or this one is almost identical with AA batteries, just has 20% runtime of the D battery model and slightly smaller.
https://www.batteryjunction.com/energizer-enishh21e-intrinsically-safe.html
BTW, I have this one…I do not recall if the tail switch was super stiff on this one.
https://www.batteryjunction.com/streamlight-2-aaa-propolymer-led-flashlight.html
Stuart, please do not think I am trying to put down your recommendations and I know better than you. I only stated at the outset that I am not a fan or impressed by Streamlight, mainly because it is a big name that charges big name prices but does not give the value that other brands give.
Stuart
The Streamlight mentioned above is intrinsically safe. =)
Buying a flashlight at any price point is easy. Finding ones that fulfill specific criteria is the challenge.
There’s no right answer. I only wanted to make it clear that this model has little in common with those you were complaining about.
You also mentioned you have 80 flashlights. But none of them closely fit the criteria I put forward for an emergency light? Same here, hence the research I had to put into it again.
Franco
Understood and a tip of my cap to your research as well as the work you put into all of your articles 🙂
Leo Tam
Bayco Nightstick offers many options that are similar – Intrinsically Safe certs too, if you need them
https://www.nightstick.com/collections/hazardous-industrial?pf_m_%3A%3Aspecs%3A%3Apower_source=AA