Budget Light for Mom, help needed.

[ODatsBright]

I'm looking for help selecting a budget light for my Mom. She's used to a Mini Mag with Terralux Cree drop in and clicky that I gave her a few years ago. She put cheap batteries in it and they leaked...end of story.

I'm looking for a replacement and she absolutely will not spend the extra $$$ on a good light.

Needs:

AA powered, L91's (to be supplied by me) or NiMH, she wants simple, open the pack, fill the light.
clicky, she likes the clicky option I put on the mini mag
80-100 lumen output range. She doesn't need 500lm+ just something to walk around the house with or outdoors

Any suggestions?

Thanks to all.

 

[mcnair55]

Solid well made, 3 mode 100/50/strobe and regulated and simple ui.Here is mine before I ripped the pack open.

And one of the vendors on here does them.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/

 

[rekd0514]

I would get the RC-N3 R4 2 mode from shiningbeam.com as it is basically the same size as the Mini Mag in 2AA mode.

It is item# 1208 in gray and 1209 for black.

I think she will love the huge upgrade and you get some extra runtime with the 2 mode R4. I know I love mine!

It has a little less than 3 hours on mine with fresh duraloops. The CR123A is always an option too. You could also get the Q5 for a more throwy beam or a neutral white version with a Q3-5C.

*This Customized 2-mode RC-N3 uses a Premium CREE XP-G R4 emitter, about 70% more output than the regular model*
*Uses premium 2B tint Cree XP-G R4*

* This light comes with an extension tube, which allows you to use it in 2 formats 1 X CR123A or 2 X AA
* Tactical monentary-on forward switch
* Constant brightness: Up to 280 LED Lumens
* Compatible with 2 x AA and 1x CR123A
* Runs fine with some RCR123A, but not recommended by manufacturer
* Water resistant design
* Aluminum alloy casing
* Glow in the dark tail cap
* Textured (OP) aluminum reflector


Dimensions: 6.18 in x 1.1 in x 1.1 in
Weight: 3.35 oz

EDIT: Also use coupon code CPFuser to get 6% off when checking out!

 

[davefr]

I would get the RC-N3 R4 2 mode from shiningbeam.com as it is basically the same size as the Mini Mag in 2AA mode.

It is item# 1208 in gray and 1209 for black.

I think she will love the huge upgrade and you get some extra runtime with the 2 mode R4. I know I love mine!

It has a little less than 3 hours on mine with fresh duraloops. The CR123A is always an option too. You could also get the Q5 for a more throwy beam or a neutral white version with a Q3-5C.

*This Customized 2-mode RC-N3 uses a Premium CREE XP-G R4 emitter, about 70% more output than the regular model*
*Uses premium 2B tint Cree XP-G R4*

* This light comes with an extension tube, which allows you to use it in 2 formats 1 X CR123A or 2 X AA
* Tactical monentary-on forward switch
* Constant brightness: Up to 280 LED Lumens
* Compatible with 2 x AA and 1x CR123A
* Runs fine with some RCR123A, but not recommended by manufacturer
* Water resistant design
* Aluminum alloy casing
* Glow in the dark tail cap
* Textured (OP) aluminum reflector


Dimensions: 6.18 in x 1.1 in x 1.1 in
Weight: 3.35 oz

I agree^^^.

I bought a N3 with the Q5 emitter and it's a fantastic light. I prefer the 1 mode version but it's personal preference.

I bought from Shining beam version but if you want just the stock light you can save a few bucks at Deal Extreme.

 

[brainy1000]

All the lights recommended here are quite good. Fo my Mom, I purchased about a year or so a Fenix E01. For her needs is a most adequate light, she really loves it. Of course, is a 10 lumen light and uses 01 AAA battery, not your specifications anyway. My Mother lives in an apartment, which is also not your situation. But, who knows, maybe the E01 can be a light to be carried in your Mother's purse? another, more potent light, can be left for use in the house.
Good luck and hope this helps

 

[sol-leks]

I think she might really like the romisen rc-29 or rc-c6 with the 2xAA extension tube depending on whether you want a 1xAA light or 2xAA light and how much you want to spend. It's a simple light and the big wide smooth output is really appealing. You also have the option of getting it in a warm tint from shiningbeam if you think that's something she would like.

another option is the solarforce l2r which is being sold on sale on ebay right now for 9 bucks(just the body) from the itc shop. Throw in the solrforce 3 mode R2 drop in you should have a pretty nice light for 23 bucks. Or you can always get the single mode drop-in.

The hugsby P12(sku. 3184 on DX) might be a good option too.

 

[dealgrabber2002]

shiningbeam new RC-G2 II. Also, if you remove the head and you get a pure flood light excellent for brighten up the entire room. Great brightness and decent runtime. Nice price too. Don't forget the 6% discount.

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/...searchpath/116971/start/9/total/32/Categories

Black or gray

 

[Jash]

Fenix E20 is a top KISS light that will take your battery options and has flood to throw.

I find it more useful than different modes sometimes because you can still have plenty of light, but over a wider area so you don't have a blinding hotspot up close.

 

[sol-leks]

Fenix E20 is a top KISS light that will take your battery options and has flood to throw.

I find it more useful than different modes sometimes because you can still have plenty of light, but over a wider area so you don't have a blinding hotspot up close.

Oh I forgot about the E20, def a good choice. The one drawback on the light I'd say is the runtime isn't great. Although if you are going to be providing her with lithiums than it should be fine. However it only gets like an hour on alkalines.

 

[Zatoichi]

I think this is a nice one for a lady, although it's a AAA. Looks like a posh mascara. It has 3 modes, high/low/strobe. I doubt she'd want a strobe but just clicking on and off will always put it on high. I'd guess the high at about 70 - 80 lumens with an L92.

It has glow in the dark o-ring round the lens, and glow in the dark button. It's $13.23, DX sku 24291. There's an AA version but it's quite a bit more expensive at $22.85.

 

[brainy1000]

Oh I forgot about the E20, def a good choice. The one drawback on the light I'd say is the runtime isn't great. Although if you are going to be providing her with lithiums than it should be fine. However it only gets like an hour on alkalines.

NO doubt a great choice, IMO.

 

[ODatsBright]

I ended up getting the RC-N3 II in neutral white.

Now to decide whether to give it to her or not. :| Might have to get another one for the glove box....they are not bad lights at all.

 

[randomlugia]

Just curious, did you get the R5 version? I haven't heard much about it yet.

 

[ODatsBright]

I ended up getting the Q3-5A version. I'm really liking the light. The spacing of the modes aren't that great as they don't really seem that far apart but the overall light is fantastic for $25 shipped. Widen out the modes and add memory and it would be a solid light for anyone, flashaholic or not.

Mom might have to wait until I order another one. LOL

 

[rekd0514]

I ended up getting the RC-N3 II in neutral white.

Now to decide whether to give it to her or not. :| Might have to get another one for the glove box....they are not bad lights at all.

I'm glad you finally updated us. You kinda disappeared there! haha

Just curious, did you get the R5 version? I haven't heard much about it yet.

I think you mean the R4 version.

I ended up getting the Q3-5A version. I'm really liking the light. The spacing of the modes aren't that great as they don't really seem that far apart but the overall light is fantastic for $25 shipped. Widen out the modes and add memory and it would be a solid light for anyone, flashaholic or not.

Mom might have to wait until I order another one. LOL

The 2 mode I think is 50% of high, but it doesn't seem like it. It actually is kinda nice that it is still bright with the added runtime. Poor mom has to wait to replace that old maglite! I think she is going to be overwhelmed how bright her new Romisen is if she ever gets it. :thumbsup:

 

[randomlugia]

Yeah, I meant R4...