I have a birthday coming soon and have been asked what I would like.  I want a very durable, bright, rechargable and small flashlight. I have had a few ($70.00) but have found them expensive to use.  Lithium batteries I do not like.  What's out there?  

Since you added the rechargeable qualification have you considered the Streamlight PolyStinger?  Take a look at [url]www.galls.com[/url] and check out their selection

heheheh, here is my favorite flashlight, comes with some [b]cool[/b] accessories  [:)]

[img]http://imagem.webphotos.iwon.com/1000024224/1000024224_124200293604PM0.2240521.jpg[/img]


seriously, I've been wanting to get a streamlight for sometimes, my AA(2) battery Maglight has failed me more times than it did me good. [:(]

There is a web site called "bright guy" with hundreds of different lights in most of the brands I've heard of I think it might be BrightGuy.com but I'm not sure.  They have a search engine you can put your requirements into and it will pop up with a list of all those which meet your criteria.  Also, make sure you check out the SUREFIRE 8NX ($97 at www.shomer-tec.com).

Go with the Streamlight Stinger. I have three of them now, an old one (standard), an issued one (standard), and an XT (tail cap switch, much like the Sure Fires). I have replaced the rechargeable battery on my old one twice now in about six years at about $25 each battery. I like them better than the Sure Fires because 1.) you don't have to buy lithium batteries all the time, 2.) you just put the whole flashlight in the cradle charger and leave it there until you use it (the literature says it cannot overcharge). They are very bright too.

The XT will cost you a few dollars more, but that's my favorite....