Hello everyone. I am new here and also rather new to flashlights. I was on another well known forum but they preech "you get what you pay for" in a light and have a hard time leading you to a budget light that people can afford. I gave my dad a while back a Streamlight Stylus Pro 2 AAA pen light....and he loves it. I would like to get him for father's dad a budget flashlight that is brighter than the 25 lumens of his pen light. Here is some info that may help:
66 years old
lives on a 1/2 achre corner lot
is retired
would have to be an AA, AAA, C, D light....that way he can get batteries anywhere for it
I prefer to buy online as it is cheaper
clicky is preferred to a twisty
size is not an issue as this will be an "as needed" light, not for EDC
can be a ready to go light or something I put together
Your biggest choice would be in AA lights. There are more of those than all other battery types put together.
If arthritis in the hands is an issue - which it shouldn't be at 66 a C or D light might be better as the wider body will be easier to hold.
For an AAA light, there is the Trustfure F23 which tmart are selling for $11 just now. That is a great deal for a very nice light. I like the 4Sevens Preon 2s too. The preon 2 is about the same size as a pen.
In AA size, I'd look at the EastwardYJ J09 which is the brightest light I own that takes AA alkalines. If your dad will use rechargeables, I'd look at the Trustfire R5-A3, the Trustfire F22 and the Mr.Lite J4 (Which is the biggest single AA light I own). Or the Ultrafire C3 stainless steel which is a nice light that has a bit of heft to it. Or the XTAR WK-30 which comes recommended by me. I have a recent review of it around here somewhere. Actually, I'll be giving it away shortly when I get around to finishing the review so look out for a thread from me on giveaways.
For an "as needed" light I'd go for something on the large side which will make it easier to find when it is needed.
What about the L2R? 2AA 3-mode (also available as 1-mode ) ? Prices are 21.99+2 = 23.99 or 23.99+2= 25.99 . That is what I gave to my dad to impress him a little, I admit. But also to give him a useful, reliable, bright but also affordable light with some runtime. He already had 3 Romisen G2 (good 1AA thrower). ;-)
in a budget package it's hard to go past the Sipik SK68 http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/sipik-sk68-floodtothrow-zooming-cree-q4-convex-lens-led-flashlight-grey-1aa-p-5822
I've given a few away to family and friends, and in every case they've been mightily impressed. There's also a black version on that site.
2xAA would be the best choice in this case, IMO. 1xAA is good if you also have 14500 (and it's compatible). 2xAA should be brighter (+larger runtime) than 1xAA, and more or less the same if you use 1x14500. And AA you can find everywhere ;)
Its more throwy than floody, but if you want something simple and easy to use, its hard to beat and quite bright. It does take 4xaa batteries and some Sears also carry it should you wish to buy brick and mortar.
There's also the venerable single mode Ultrafire C3 SS at Tmart and you will receive it faster than just about anywhere else.
That Dorcy from Amazon looks like a good idea as well because the light is a little larger and would be easier to hold. Single mode so he will not have to fiddle with modes and still a AA light. Hmmm, so many good choices.
Yep, I 've always thought the Dorcy is a good light for the elderly. The bright yellow makes it easy to find, the shape is easy to hold and with a side clicky is quite easy to turn on. Its about as simple of a light design as there is and yet is still quite bright. As you can see by the Amazon reviews, regular people seem to really love it (as opposed to us crazy flashlight people who need multiple modes and crazy interfaces or other bizarre requirements that non-flashaholics would never ever think about).