early this summer I add 2-aa and 2-c maglite lead flashlight to my hurricane kit . they perform exceptionally well for I over a very stressful four day without power during and after Hurricane Ike . the 2-aa model amaze I with be everything I need to get thing do 90 % of the time . I sleep with it on my belt for four night and it be on my belt during daylight hour too . the tendency for it to fall out of its holster can be solve with a heavy rubber band loop a couple of time around the sheath to add tension . for a week after my power be restore I continue to carry that little light on my belt , because my friend or neighbor power might not have be restore and it be easy to carry and handy to have . I have bond with the little flashlight and will always recommend it . although I have since add a 3-aa maglite lead to my stable and would probably recommend that light for folk that be only go to have one good flashlight around . 12-8-2009 Update : mag-lite have new and improve they 2 aa lead light , and I just happen to have one . subjectively , it appear to be 20 % brighter than the old style 2 aa lead light . it also have a 25 % power mode which will allow it to burn continuously for over a day . the blink and SOS mode be nice , but I doubt the average person will ever have a call for those function . although the old style 3 aa led be brighter than the new style 2 aa lead , the 2 aa be handier to carry and the low power function have I convinced this be the most useful flashlight to have around . this be the most versatile flashlight I own . I have up my rating on it to five star if I know how .