Radio Shack and EverReady
We all remember when we saw the sales at Radio Shack and Dad or Grandpa went out and picked up some new doo dad to tinker with. I remember the flashlights that I always though were the most powerful were the big long D flashlights that could basically be used as a baseball bat if you were dealing with a home invasion. Now everyone knows that those flashlights worked well for that time period, but you can get the same brightness from CR123 batteries and have 1/10 of the weight and bulk. I think my biggest problem with modern flashlight technology is that the flashlights are getting easier and easier to misplace and lose.
Flashlights these days are virtually bullet proof and most are water proof. The Streamlight flashlights are something I keep in the tool box, in the car and carry from time to time, especially when going to a mall or park late at night. The PolyTac is my primary lightweight go to white light. I would not recommend going with the smallest thing you can get your hands on because losing a $200 flashlight is going to be pretty painful. Although I do keep some weapons mounted lights, it’s always good to tote around something that isn’t attached to a gun.