So the other day I was showing off my lights and mom mention that she would like one for camping. The light in question was a 1300LM C8. If I lend her this light she will burn the light out. So I am going to get her a early Christmas gift, something with thermal control.
The camping trip is in November.
Purpose - Lake side camping.
Size - Handheld
Battery Type & Quantity - AA, Cr123a, (2X Cr123a and 18650 would be nice. )
Price Range - Under $60.
Lumens - I’m not to sure, around 400LM would do.
Switch Type - End button would be nice but anything would work.
Anything Else? - Throw type, also the Nitecore EA41 looks nice.
Going to sleep soon, I will answer any questions later.
Sunwayman D40A is probably the easiest, brightest light for “the battery challenged”. 4 (+ 4 spare) Eneloops, and away she goes. Unless you think she might not be able to load the cradle with batteries the right way. This is similar, IMO better, than the EA41 you mentioned. Should be able to source one close to the budget (plus batts)
EagleEyes X6 (not the BLF special, just a standard one)?
SupFire A6? (wont take a protected cell IIRC, not sure about the EE above)
Theres so many to choose from.
Can’t really charge an 18650 while camping, that is the only problem with batteries. Heat is the my main concern. Thanks for the suggestions.
Edit: That Sunwayman looks nice.
No car? Theres a few chargers that will run on a car cig lighter socket, or the phone charger USB cig lighter dongle things. The Soshine SC7 will charge both Nimh and li ion, and runs off USB. Theres the Nitecore i2 as well, but I dont know if it does nimh. The I2 is the preferred charger of the 2 I think. But Im happy with my SC07, just dont charge small batteries like AAA or 10440 with it.
I use the Nitecore i2 for my 18650, it works on NiMH.
I would recommend the D40A over the EA41 (I’m saying this having never handled a D40A but owning an EA41).
I would think any 2-button light is easier to operate than a single button for someone not into lights much already.
While a high output light is very useful while camping I’d suggest a nice 1x or 2x AA light for her. I use a low mode 90% of the time camping, especially if near other campers. A nice quality light such as the SolarForce Z2. For that price get her a light, 4-8 Eneloops and a charger.
I HIGHLY recommend the D40A. It runs on AA cells, puts out a ton of light, is easily controlled, runs a good long time. Perfect for camping. One of my favorite lights and I'd never get rid of it.
Problem with the D40A is it will cost you twice your budget. Why? Because if you get your Mom one you will want another for yourself!! 
The D40A is a fine light indeed, but make sure she has a good tactile sense. The switches on that light are a challenge to find in the dark. I've used mine as a night stand light for over a year now and still fumble trying to locate the switches. The lanyard hole on the other side of the light is my best assist in locating the switches, but it's actually easy to have the light backwards (facing you).
It also strikes me as a very easy light to lose when camping due to it's compact size, color, and shape.
Whatever you get her, make sure it has a couple good low modes. Bright lights have a tendency to annoy other campers, which is quite understandable.
D40a. Don’t give mom an 18650 light.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/131160604371?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&\_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
This guy will accept $59.00 offer on ebay.
I’m think you mean EA4, because EA41 is 2 button.
Robert another thing too is you can use the Enegizer Lithium AA and you will get good run time. I use an Energizer Fusion LED 3 in 1 Light for camping $20 VERY handy! Has a flood and spot, flood light has a dimming feature.
Either the D40A or the Nitecore EA4/EA4I would be my choice. I have an EA4 and a D40A. I like the D40A slightly better but not much. Nice thing about the Nitecores for camping is they blink making them easy to find in the dark camping situation. Also, they don’t have a battery carrier which might be easier fir your mom.
I have an Nitecore MT2A I was planning to give to a friend for Christmas. I could give it to her and order another.
> Enegizer Lithium AA
Perfect for camping because they will keep working fine down to freezing temperatures, while the alkaline and rechargeables lose a lot of their oomph when they get cold.
And don’t don’t don’t saddle anyone with li-ion who’s not really prepared for the safety issues.
Ever since I’ve started using lights that use Li-Ion batteries, one thing I REALLY appreciate about them is easy battery changes. With a 1x18650 or 1x26650 light, you just pull out the drained battery and stick a fresh one in. Couldn’t be easier, especially in the dark. And when it comes to polarity, you only have one cell to worry about. 4xAA lights, in contrast, can be quite difficult. The D40A is even MORE difficult than others (like the EA41 or SRA40) because it uses a battery carrier. This is DEFINITELY something to consider with a 4xAA light for camping. If she is willing to learn how to properly care for Li-Ion batteries, a 1x18650 or 1x26650 light could be a better choice. And if she doesn’t like the idea of either Li-Ion batteries or fumbling with batteries in the dark, a good 2xAA light may not be a bad choice.
A reliable multi-level 2xAA is the way to go for a general camp light...runs on two easily available batteries and puts out plenty of useable light. Something like this perhaps (well made, well regarded, and won't break the bank) : http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=126&tid=11&cid=1#.VAAmc2fn9jp
If you shop around they are available for just under $35.
I like the Olight S15 as well, for not a whole lot more. It's not much of a thrower, but it's more than useful around the campsite. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olight-S15-Baton-Cree-XM-L2-LED-280lm-EDC-1x-AA-Flashlight-Free-Extension-Tube-/281305620515?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item417f1f2023
Takes 4 x AA batteries and is as good as most C8s and is still available here: http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1980
+1
I ended up with three of these, one to keep and two to give away, without li-ion worries.
The group buy was here CLOSED! Group Buy: Starry Light SA-22 BLF Edition (NW emitter, better modes, faster PWM, BLF logo)
.
She did ask me how much 18650’s cost, and she did not seem to mind.
But I use Sanyo which are 2/$10.
If she is up for it I could get her some convoy lights.