the AA Mini mag be a reliable tool for everyday use . here be the pro 's : it be compact size and the sheath allow you to carry it anywhere you go . if you drop it nothing will happen to it -lrb- unless of course you abuse it -rrb- . the lens scratch easily , but they be inexpensive to replace . the lightbulb be also inexpensive should the original blow out . the head quickly adjust from spotlight to floodlight , and it be quick conversion to candle mode make it a unique tool , especially during a blackout or natural disaster . its compact size also allow you to use it in tight space such as check the back of the refrigerator , wash machine , or in you car 's engine . the con 's : the light be not too bright , it just do not hack it if you be picky about illumination . of course the xenon bulb be better than the type you 'll find on a $ 1 Dorcy light , and many other cheap flashlight . but if you have use Streamlight , Inova , Surefire , or even the new 3-watt led maglite , you 'll be disappoint by its brightness . if you be willing to spend some buck , you can upgrade you Mini mag to a 1 Watt LED light , which will provide twice as much light . you can also buy the switch that allow you to turn it on at the bottom with a simple click . there be some pretty cool thing out there that can turn this tough , reliable flashlight into something better ! however , it be still not appropriate for law enforcement , military , security guard , etc. . it would be more appropriate for everyday household use , walk the dog at night , or light up the room you in during a blackout . this flashlight usually range between 8-15 buck depend on where you get it from . if you spend about $ 25 buck -lrb- which would be roughly the same amount you would spend to upgrade the minus mag -rrb- , you can buy yourself a 2aa battery , 3-watt Mini-Mag Lite with a holster that will surely not leave you disappointed . it be light output be tremendous , and it be sure to blind you or anyone who look directly onto it . it also travel further . it also save battery life . it be not you average led-light , it be better and at a affordable price . so you might want to give that other flashlight a try if you be picky about the brightness of you flashlight . Hope this help !