Go for the Boruit. I got a few of them, they’re cheap, they’re handy, and even with the lowest level of light they’re perfectly usable, and will run almost forever. Even at its highest it’ll run on a fully-charged cell for probably 3hrs. Pull off the elastic thingies, and you can hand-hold it just fine.
Flood? Convoy S2+. The 4C tint-bin is nice.
Thrower? Convoy C8 w/ XP-L HI.
Überthrower? Convoy L2.
Nice EDCs? Thorfire VG10, Zanflare F1.
Small/Keychain? Jetbeam Jet-I. Takes an AA.
Smaller? Astrolux A01, ODEPro EA01, BLF348. All take AAAs.
Slightly bigger 26650 lights w/ more runtime? UltraFire DV-S9 and F13.
Wouldn’t have thought so myself until he mentioned spending some pounds.
My money is still on a 3D cell MagLite ML300LX using 3xAA to D adapters for eneloops or just alkaline D cells. Will be bright enough for 95% of things, durable, use common cells, and double as a club in a pinch.
I love super bright lithium stuff as much as anyone, but for an emergency light you just can’t beat something that uses cells you can find at your local supermarket.
Yeah, the more that I think about it, the Maglite ML300LX with adapters or Nitecore EA81 I think are the best options. The EA81 would also qualify as “super bright” for most people. It’s able to sustain ~2000 lumens while having 5 modes including Moon. No need IMO to switch to a lithium if they really only want 1 emergency light.
Another cheaper option is the energizer 6xaa 900 lumen triple for $20 at battery junction. I have one and for $20 can’t beat it. Has three tir optics two for throw one for flood. Works great and would fit the bill. Big enough to be a club and great for emergency. You have high low and strobe. High 900 lumen for 3 hours I believe. Low is 400 lumens. Strobe is hidden have to double click
Nothing new from me, but having recently re-entered the high performance flashlight world I'll say that I'm both astonished and thrilled by 18650 batteries (and associated lights) and my new Skilhunt H03.
Imo quality lithium batteries are easy to manage and when examined in total are actually cost-competive with alkaline.
Also agree you should likely have several types of lights.
+1 This is why (I tell myself) I have a drawer full of flashlights and another full of batteries.
I’m still over prepared but in addition to a light for each room and hall there are lights for everyone in my family…and all the guests if the blackout occurs during my superbowl party or…
I haven’t read all the suggestions, but what I recommend is a headlamp. There are lots of great headlamps to choose from. You mentioned having work to do when the power cuts off, there’s nothing like a headlamp when you need both hands.
