Looking for a cheap, reliable flashlight under $10 that will light up almost anytime you want it?

These days, a lot of folks go gaga over the latest Surefire, Fenix, or (insert name here) styles of expensive flashlights when sometimes all you need is a simple, cheap and easy to maintain flashlight. Plenty of situations call for simple, cheap, in the drawer flashlights to find your way to the breaker box or to the candle supplies.

The military stlye anglehead flashlight is (IMO) one of the most reliable flashlights on the planet, a true modern marvel of simple technology and toughness. For those former service folks, is there anyone that has ever heard of them breaking without using high explosives or armor? It is a Private/Airman/Sailor/Marine proof design which has been in service longer than many of us have been alive. Simple to operate and the batteries last a (decently) long time. Under $10 most of the time and used ones at the Army Surplus store probably go for less. And buying used really isn't really a huge deal as the are pretty darn sturdy over time. Takes common D cell batteries and the bulbs are fairly easy to find.

Instructions might be 1. Install batteries 2. Install bulb 3. Turn on 4. If not working, whack against something 5. Replace bulb and/or batteries 6. Continue whacking 7. Bend copper contact points, try again 9. Continue whacking 10. If all else fails, get a new one

I've seen them still work after corroded batteries had been removed and replaced, underwater and after taking a serious beating in the hands of bored Airman cops. And if you lose one? No big deal, at under $10 you really won't mourn the loss like you might with a Surefire. For that price, there isn't really a downside.

SHTF often strikes when we least expect it and 60+ lumens isn't really what you need when you are looking through the plastic bins for candles and lanterns. I'm not talking about a BOB flashlight, but something simple for home/vehicle use when weight isn't a factor, but reliability is. And there is little debate as to the reliability of the anglehead. My first flashlight was an anglehead brought back from Vietnam by my Uncle. It still sits in my nightstand and proves useful when the lights go out.

For throwing into a drawer and forgetting until it's really needed AND not breaking the bank, you cannot go wrong with the anglehead flashlight.

For my personal choice I hate the angle GI flashlight. It may be because it was forced upon me for so long but I can not stant them. I would rather have a little AA maglight. They just sit around and the batteries drain and you end up having to whack it against lots of things before it actually works most of the time. Not to mention ever tired to hold one on your teeth while working with both hands? Not happening. If is a good flashlight to get your kid because you dont have to spend an arm and a leg on it but there are much better lights out there even for looking for the candles