I’m looking for a flashlight for my grandmother. She is around eighty years old and still working hard on the farm and always needs a good torch.
Since she isn’t the youngest anymore, the driver should be very simple, preferably no strobe, low - med - high would be perfect I guess. Just on/off could do it as well, but would be better if the on-level was not 100% then.
Price should stay below 60$, the further the better, but it should be a good and safe light, especially for non-flashaholics :D.
Every suggestion is welcome.
Thanks and all the best,
Christian
PS: I guess it could be a (micro-)USB charger, but a simpler two-pole charger, where the orientation of the connector does not matter, would be easier for her I guess.
I can’t think of any with a simplified charger right off hand but I’m sure they are out there. Most these days are micro USB.
I’m really liking the new Convoy S9. I’ve had mine for about a month now and I’m very happy with it. Excellent beam pattern for general use. It’s mostly flood but also throws further than I expected it to. It has a little deeper reflector with a tighter hotspot than the S2+. It’s probably a similar beam to an S2 with an OP reflector but I don’t have an S2 so that’s just a guess. It has simple 3 mode side-switch operation with a hidden strobe accessible by a quick double tap that grandma probably won’t hit by accident. It has good output (around 500 lumens on high) for daily use and built in USB charging through a micro USB port.
You could couple the S9 with a good protected 18650 and have a nice simple and safe light. You have three tint choices too. With both the light and a good cell you’re probably looking at about $30.
P.S.
I’m working with Simon on a little tweaking to the existing driver. The next revision should have a low that is a bit lower than the current model as well as a hidden but easily accessible moonlight mode.
Ain’t got one, but vaguely remember the Xiomi plain white one. Unimpressive output, but simple. Got a twisty cap to change modes, but dunno if they’re discrete steps or stepless.
I’ve given a Convoy BD06 to my brother-in-law and he loves it. It’s a high quality basic flashlight, a good medium size, has plenty of power, and an easy to use side switch.
It also comes with Biscotti firmware so you can program the mode you think would be best for your grandmother. You could even ask her what she would prefer and program it once you give it to her.
I also put in a protected 26650 battery so it’s safe and has plenty of runtime, but you could also use an 18650.
What’s nice about the BD06 charger is that it’s more waterproof than a USB charger. But the downside is that it’s proprietary and harder to replace if it gets lost.
Zanflare F1 with a protected ncr18650b. I gifted one to a non flashaholic coworker and he loves it. Was well under $20 for a great performing light and battery.
Got one for my Mother (she’s 87) She’s doing very well with it, very simple to operate.
No side switch to fumble around with trying to locate it in the dark, and no blinkies. 3-mode L-M-H
I guess I will just keep my eyes open for any discounts on of the few you shared with me.
At the moment I’m leaning towards the BD06 Convoy as I think an AAA to 18650 adaptor would fit best. (Grandma does not always have electricity when there is no sun or rain for a long time in the mountains. :D)
I hope that the charger cable that comes with the BD06 is easy to use. Anyone any experiences with that? (:
Thanks again. If there are any more suggestions or ideas just keep em coming.
I was also looking at a Nitenumen NE01, but I heard that the switch is quite bad.
for small every day carry, you can’t go wrong with the Zanflare F1 which you can get for $20 with a code. It’s 1240 lumens and has built in charging.
For a slightly larger, more throwy light, I highly recommend the Skilhunt S3pro with xhp35 HI emitter. 1600 lumens, nice throw, good cooling and built in charging.
Recently I saw an Olight S30, which comes with a charging dock. Does anyone know of a simpler, maybe cheaper version that comes/supports some kind of charging dock as well?
