I didn't see this one coming, But out of the blue my Aunt asked me to find her a flashlight like the ones ive set my mom up with. My mom who is 64 and my Aunt is almost 70 i believe loves her lights, I just finished a "Gift" light to my mom which is a 501A w/2.8A driver and XML run on an 18350 IMR which she loves and is amazed by. This is my moms fourth light and i guess my Aunt thinks she needs one too.
Now im gonna need recommendations, But there are limits since she is non flashlight savvy. I take care of all my moms lights cells so she don't have to worry about Li-Ion care and charging and all cells are protected i give her except the IMR which don't need it. But my Aunt who lives 5 miles away makes Li-ion and IMR cells out of the question due to maintenance issues and also costs.
Im thinking CR123 or AA, But i do have a TF TR-001 charger i dont use and some Reverend Jim 2400mAH unprotected Panasonic 18650's. I have 2 full boxs of CR123's and i could give her a box to get her going and most likley that would last a year or two. I dont think she can be counted on charging cells, Even AA. I cant even convince her to put 91 Octane fuel in her supercharged car that requires it and she puts ONLY 87 octane in it.
Her needs: I gotta guess here, But im gonna say mostly indoors low powered reading, Power outages and outdoors so some throw would be useful. A hard driven R5 with OP reflector or XML driven at 2.8A with a smooth reflector seem they may fill the needs from my knowledge.
Size: should be small like L2 sized and smaller.
Modes: H/M/L only if possible, No blinky-blinky, I can build from parts if need be with no issues and may even have the parts on hand and just need a host.
Output: Id like 700 lumen's, But to be realistic from non 18650 and IMR run lights 400 lumen's plus would be about right.
Quality: SolarForce or better.
Cells: AA or CR123 or any readily available cell that doesn't require charging.
Cost: $20-$30 for complete light minus cells.
Origin: USA or China, Depending on price. Id like it to be in her hands faster than waiting 3 weeks, But will do whats needed to get the right light.
Finally, I know i put alot of wants and restrictions, But mainly the only one that is set in stone is no Li-Ion or IMR's due to safety and costs and teaching a 70 year old how to do it. A set of Eneloops with a basic charger would be ok id think tho. So recommend lights that come close to the requirements also if you know of any. Links to the light your recommending would be useful if possible please.