Have field crews that need a decent, reliable, powerful flashlight for when they open up manholes to see clearly down in them 10-20 feet at times, as well as just a good general flashlight for when they are out on site before the sun is up walking through tall grass/brush,etc... Can a good one be had for under $100/each? Recommendations? Thanks

Above your price point, but I have this light and use it daily. 5 brightness settings, if you turn it to the max, it's like a car headlight.

I think you can get 20 or 30% off if you sign up for the Fenix email list.

https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-lr35r-rechargeable-flashlight

Nebo

I have been very happy with Fenix

Nitecore p12.

Can take rechargable batteries and has 4 optional power levels from "i need a little light" to "i want to see whats inside that raccoon"

If you already have the 18v battery, this Milwaukee led searchlight fits your budget and is the best/ most powerful flashlight I've seen. Took it hog hunting and it blows away my other hand held lights including the browning high noon and stream light waypoint. Different modes for spot light and flood light work great.

Get the one that matches the cordless tools they're already carrying?

All of our local LEO's use these two:
1.) Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL
2.) Maglite MCLM that uses an Intec IMT-3500D Rechargeable cell or you can use regular batteries.
Maglite is about 12" long.
Streamlight is about 8" long and 1" tube.
Every DPS, and firefighter in our county carries these.
I bought both… have had them an abused them and they hold up and hell for stout and very bright.
They snap in their respective chargers that you lay on a desk or mount.
I use mine for ranch work some but mainly my use is in marine environments…. Fresh and Salt. They have been good for me

The Maglite has dual brightness levels. The Streamlight has three brightness levels and a strobe.

Dirty-8-thirty Ag said:

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Nebo

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Been using Nebo Slydes for many years. For the money, they have been the best.

Everyone at my work, myself included, uses the Fenix PD36R. Very similar to the other Fenix that was suggested. Retails for $100.

https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/fenix-pd36r-rechargeable-flashlight

Another vote for Fenix.

Here's the flashlight nerds list of recommendations. The list was recently updated.

https://zakreviews.com/arbitrary-list-2024.1.html

I have a Convoy 3x21D SBT90.2. It sounds like overkill for what you need. I use it to spotlight animals 150+ yards away.

The Fenix PD36R is on the list.

cant believe anyone hasnt recommended this absolute gem!!

I have some of these. LedLenser P5R Work. Comes w/ a swivel belt clip. Hard hat mount and other accessories available.

https://www.ledlenserusa.com/collections/work-flashlights/products/p5r-work

I have a Fenix E09R that I really like. It is not much bigger than a Chapstick, but I think it would work well for the needs you described.

Slightly over your budget, but I have one of these that I really like. Super bright when you need it and seems to be quite durable. Streamlight 88081 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079D3DDGB

Another vote for Streamlight Stinger II.

We used to equip our security guards with those and they have plenty of umph.

Bought a Nebo for my husband and it's insanely bright. 18,000 lumen. Rechargeable as well.

Is the Fenix PD36R Pro worth the slight increase? I see you can also get a keychain light with it.

If you want to spend more get the Fenix HT32, if you want to spend the full $100 get the Fenix PD36R, and if you want to spend a little less get the Fenix PD35R. I handful of Fenix flashlights and prefer them over my Streamlites and other lights.

This thread cost me $100

I've got a variety of Fenix's for different purposes. Everything from small E18R for EDC in my pocket to LR35R. I'm a big fan of their products. I also have a mix of rechargeable and CR123 battery versions, some taking either.

I do have to relate an old Air Force maxim that a flashlight is a long metal tube designed to store dead batteries.

nealan said:

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This thread cost me $100

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Pretty cheap for an OB thread

Fair point lol

For the price point I was surprised. Bought one of those NEBOS at a ACE hardware store for $30-40 dollars? Can't remember. Flashlights have definitely improved over the years. I remember when a D cell maglite was all the rage. I do have a rechargeable stinger, which is bright. But has a yellow halo in the center of the lens that drives me nuts.
But for around the house general purpose, I bought some flashlights off Amazon. They are aluminum body with adjustable beam LED for like $16 a piece. They take 4-AA's.

nealan said:

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This thread cost me $100

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I find more things I didn't know I needed on texags. This wasn't one, as I have way more nice flashlights than any person should need, but it happens to me quite often.

nealan said:

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This thread cost me $100

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They just got me too.

RIP one more Benjamin

Only cost me $30.

Decided to try this one from the list I linked earlier.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BWN42KF9

All in all a pretty cheap Outdoor thread.

Pretty good reviews. Probably made in the same factory in China as the $100 Fenix I bought

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88062-Professional-Tactical-Flashlight/dp/B06WD29DZ8/ref=sr_1_35?sr=8-35

I have this, you can get rechargeable batteries for it, which is what I do.

This is a handy flashlight:
https://www.nitecorestore.com/Nitecore-TUBEv2-0-Keychain-Flashlight-p/fl-nite-tubev2.htm

i'm flagging the thread so when my wife asks me what I want for Christmas I can remember.