I know a woman who volunteers as a ship tour leader for tourists and she is required to carry a flashlight on her belt, it must be slender.
Currently she has a 2AA Maglite about 8 years old or more, but she likes my Fenix PD35 and I am ready to set her up with two protected batteries (Panasonic 3400s from Fastech?)
and the Xtar VC4 charger for the 18650 and eneloops, and probably the Fenix E-35.
My go to light is always Fenix, but she doesn’t really need a Fenix, but something similar, and nothing of questionable quality.
So it must be skinny, no fat heads, 2 AA or 1 18650, impressive enough to justify her spending money when she already has the Maglite and good enough to impress the vets and military men around her, and she needs a holster
The Thrunite TN12 2016 is great for the price, and has the same interface as the PD35. Alternatively, the Eagle Eye X5 is even cheaper, and very well made. Same interface also.
The UI is very loaded, but not complicated. Basically it is just a 3-mode e-switch that always starts on high. It is so cleverly designed that it can suit a first timer and a flashaholic.
This is going to be harder than I thought, I thought that the good choices would be more limited, these high quality choices are going to take some looking at.
I would also recommend Eagle Eye. The X5 is similar to the F35 which I have. The build quality and output is on par with my friend’s Nitecore P12 (which is likened the PD35), but the price is much lower. I think having one button for modes and one for turning it on also makes it intuitive and easy to use even for non-flashaholics.
Edit: I re-read your post the Fenix may not work , but something similar perhaps
Is she knowledgeable about li-ion powered lights, chargers, cells ?
A rechargeable light such as the FenixUC 35 in the package has flashlight, 18650 cell, USB cable, holster, clip might be the way go.
It will also use two CR123’s
It recharges like a cell phone so it no so complicated.
MecArmy PT14.
It’s a neat little well made light with a great output, 14500 cell and USB charging built in. It uses a triple XP-G2 head, for ~1000 lumens. (downside is no clip, pricey)
The new Manker X5 or Astrolux in that size is also a tremendous small light, with the option to configure the number of modes, L-H / H-L configurable as well as last mode memory toggle on/off. A lot there for someone that wants to set it up their way, even if only once and leave it. Again, it’s a 14500 cell so it offers great power (in excess of 1200 lumens right out of the box) great throw (surprising, really, matching or bettering much larger lights) And with a belt clip it’s easy enough to carry while being small and light enough to virtually forget.
The Manker Godmes T01 can use AA OR 14500, uses essentially the same reflector as the X5 so it’s got a stupendous beam profile, and has some hidden features that allow configuration as well, although not to the extent of TK’s firmware in the X5. A bit on the pricey side here as well, but with a very nice clip and small form factor.
Might also consider the Astrolux S1 at Banggood. Less than $30, ultra small, yet mega powerful with an 18350 cell. It’s the A6 shorty, with Toykeeper’s firmware for 4 or 7 mode levels and the reversing feature with hidden loop. Run time wouldn’t be exceptional at full power, but with 7 levels it could be very useful in the lower levels for a LONG time! probably the most powerful small light commercially available.
X5 is so cool, just returned from feeding the neighbour’s cat from 100m this tiny thing lights up the house more then the 1504 we brought.
But I do not really understand the emphasis on costomer being female, must be important so I say RED Convoy S2+ should outshine the one she is using and look nice.