Aaaaaaargh! Fuggitt! I just lost another Mini-Maglite to the leakage monster!
A misery I have not suffered in literally over 2 decades due to moving to Li
xx rechargeables and flashlights. In fact, during the move I found 3 Mini-Mags (Krypton incandescent) from my auto mechanicking daze brand-new in package with leaky copper-tops; I took them out of the package and donated the flashlights to the
Salvation Army Thrift.
I prefer 14500-size for EDC/side holster... shop carefully and you'll find ones promising 180-220 lumens from a Cree XM-L; these are usually honestly rated.
The one on top was a random thrift score for a buck; 18650 power, but genuine Cree T6 emitter in a decent all-metal drop-in module. I like it because it actually is waterproof with single-piece polycarbonate cap under the anodized ring, and triple o-ring seal.
The one in the middle is a S108; those used to be a UltraFire model, but when I was shopping last AloneFire was the current "cheap knockoff" (doubtless made in the same factory); now it appears that brand is "UniqueFire".
The one on the bottom is one of the first AA/14500-powered EDCs I ever bought off
www.Lightmalls.com; a genuine UltraFire C3 SS.
They are still my favorite due to a nearly perfect mix of sane price ($15-25), just the right size head to have a usable spot beam with decent spillover, light enough to keep in a pocket all the time, and a shrouded reverse-clicky in the tail. I cannot tolerate any other config as they invariably get turned on and half-drained in my pocket; I don't notice until I feel the light getting hot against my leg.
I'd suggest you look for this model, but I just bought the first and last I've seen in the wild in ~5 years off eBay; supposedly a genuine UltraFire one. We'll see what arrives. I do believe you can still buy the C3 in anodized aluminum as a UltraFire or UniqueFire model.
I recommend you shop Lightmalls for the light, and get your batteries/charger off Amazon; they have better deals on known-quality cells, at least over here. Alternately, get you some hi-cap (800-1200mAH in this size) 14500s from your local vape shop.
mnem
*lit AF*