Anyone tried one of the 40ish dollar high lumen (higher than reality) lights? Most of the reviews are around the same. Looking to primarily use it on the river to navigate. I dont believe the pictures on there from the manufacturers whatsoever. The el cheapo rechargeable spotlights look like a really tight focus or id get one of those, im looking for something to light up the whole river. My ryobi one spotlight is awesome and does just that, but its not water resistant at all. Any of the off brands any good?

Don’t shop there unless I need something I can not get local
I live in a small town and support local business, even if I pay more

I spend plenty local.

Best thing about Amazon’s return policy.
If not what you like send it back We have prime so it’s easy

I prefer to support mom and pop businesses too!

streamlight
I have had a few of the ProTac2AA they have a good warranty
https://www.amazon.com/STREAMLIGHT-...s/dp/B003GXF9OA?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

my son has and daughter have the little micro rechargeable ones
https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...t/dp/B077BLB1DN?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Id steer clear of anything Streamlight. They are known for having switch problems. They will typically replace them when you send them in, but its a pain to continually do that...Ive sent them back numerous times. At one time they cornered the market on LED lights, not anymore and there are much better ones out there. Just my opinion from experience and the experience of many others that I personally know.

I’ve owned a lot of stream lights and never had an issue and never had an issues with a switch. That’d be my choice. The cheaper ones on Amazon can work well but I wouldn’t expect them to last forever, they just aren’t great quality. I’d make sure I had some sort of backup light

I would look at Streamlight, also.
And maybe keep the, "I shop local/yay for mom and pop" comments to your self.

Amazon puts Mom and pop stores out of business. I believe Amazon needs competition. Stand up for small businesses!

Amazon may need competition, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the OPs question.

I bought one similar to this but it didn't come with tripod. It shone 150-175 yards easily, rechargeable and has never went dead yet on me.
https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Flashlight-Searchlight-Waterproof-Emergencies/dp/B08XZ4CQCH/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3GIWKYYGDOIPX&keywords=spotlight&qid=1683991623&refinements=p_36%3A-3000&rnid=1243644011&sprefix=spotligh%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-11

Thank you, got it.

I have a Cree flashlight that uses the new type of lithium battery. Actually I have three. Very bright.

Many of the lumen claims are false. There is a utube video that dispels exaggerated claims.

I bought the old version of this one in 2016 from Amazon. It was about the same price. Yes its higher than what you mentioned, but this has been the best and brightest rechargeable flashlight I have ever owned. Small and stupid bright. Lasts a long time, even on high. Still same battery and use all the time.

I prefer to buy from my local folks too, but some good stuff you just can't get.

Fenix Light

I lose most flashlights before they stop working. I have a random one I've used for years that just keeps working but I think I got lucky and just found a good one.

I am not saying I have never had a switch problem with a streamlight Pro-tac2AA , I have and it was when there was hardly any of the black finish even left on the light and it had lived 18+ months in my pocket every day.
I sent them back and they were replaced it cost me the shipping

I would get about the same and ether the tail cap switch or the bezel were the reason for sending it back

they will last a lot longer if you get them out of your front pants pocket especially with coins and keys and such

get it in pouch on your belt and they will last a lot longer

nothing else would hardly ever even make it a month or two in my pocket

I had a lot of very short lived flashlights

nothing I had ever lasted as long as the streamlight.

the sure fire kept going on in my pocket and CR123 aren't cheap so I don't carry those daily like I do the stream light I think I have been carrying a streamlight now since 2013 they were less lumens back them I think 120 and now 255

I think over the years I had 150 , 180 , 200 seemed every one I got made a jump in output

sadly lost my first one
but even if you think of them as a 2 year 45 dollar flash light , think what you would spend on a 10 dollar flashlight every 3-4 months and not get near the performance

I keep 2 of them main and spare

it depends what your looking for in a light the protac2AA works for most things I do, engine bays , behind computers, ceiling wire runs , across the backyard at night , enough to light up a room and run as your white light to go with your gun at pistol range for target ID but also having the ability to dim it down to low and go for many hours and pop in a spare set of alkalines.
easy to source batteries , CR123 are great for power but you can't get them at any gas station or grocery store.
rechargeable options are good also
I also ran mine on rechargeable AA a lot they worked well could swap in new ones and be ready to go in a minute
when on high and it auto shuts off , you can get 15 more minutes on low