Emergency Flashlight Suggestions for Elderly Users?

[NorCal707]

Want to buy my 80yo Sister and her 86yo Husband a couple of rechargeable LED Flashlights to replace the next to worthless incandescent junk they currently have. Would like them to be simple to operate, possibly multi-function (flashlight/work light), USB-C rechargeable, 18650 cell or larger for longer runtime, and a charge remaining indicator would be nice. They're living on fixed incomes so would prefer to not spend a lot.

Thanks for your suggestions

 

[bluflaam777]

Lumencraft has one that meets your criteria and comes with a li-ion battery for about $8 + shipping.
Been using one since summer of last year almost every day. My roommate also uses one and they like it.

Low -High - double tap for strobe. No memory. USB chargeable and/or swap with 18650.
I bought another cell to swap with b/c I have a charger.

But the light doesn't need either to work.

*correction $7 + shipping

 

[IMA SOL MAN]

Either a 2C Maglite ML25LT or a 2c ML50L or ML50LX with the Mag Charger Powerbank (18650). Which one you choose depends on whether you want maximum throw, or maximum flood. For elderly, they probably would be better off with the maximum flood of the ML50L or ML50LX. I'd go with the ML50LX due to the greater grip ability of the grenade texture over the normal knurling, but it is more expensive. Another advantage of this light is the ability to use normal C cell primaries if the 18650 runs out and there is no time for a recharge before needed. You can program the flashlight for them ahead of time for the functions that they will want.

https://maglite.com/collections/mid-size/products/ml50l-led-2-cell-c

 

[NorCal707]

Lumencraft has one that meets your criteria and comes with a li-ion battery for about $8 + shipping.
Been using one since summer of last year almost every day. My roommate also uses one and they like it.

Low -High - double tap for strobe. No memory. USB chargeable and/or swap with 18650.
I bought another cell to swap with b/c I have a charger.

But the light doesn't need either to work.

*correction $7 + shipping

Thanks - trying to order three with the basic 2200mah cells but wont add to cart. What am I missing or doing wrong?

EDIT - Lumencraft responded with this explanation.

"We still have the 600 lumen flashlights, but the included cells have completely depleted and might not take a charge at this point. That is the reason we don't 'sell' them with the lights, we give them away. If you order the 600 lumen FL1 without battery, it will still have one in it, it just might not work. (There is a long story about Matt creating that light and it's being shipped from China in the midst of Covid...the shipment getting lost in the shuffle of international containers on the west coast...long delays etc. That is why the batteries got totally depleted.)

Whew! Long explanation, but now you know."

 

[NorCal707]

Either a 2C Maglite ML25LT or a 2c ML50L or ML50LX with the Mag Charger Powerbank (18650). Which one you choose depends on whether you want maximum throw, or maximum flood. For elderly, they probably would be better off with the maximum flood of the ML50L or ML50LX. I'd go with the ML50LX due to the greater grip ability of the grenade texture over the normal knurling, but it is more expensive. Another advantage of this light is the ability to use normal C cell primaries if the 18650 runs out and there is no time for a recharge before needed. You can program the flashlight for them ahead of time for the functions that they will want.

https://maglite.com/collections/mid-size/products/ml50l-led-2-cell-c

Thanks but those are way more than they want to spend.

 

[IMA SOL MAN]

Thanks but those are way more than they want to spend.

Yeah, I'd like to pick them up for $4.99 each, but that isn't reality. Buy once, cry once.

 

[bykfixer]

Check out a Home Depot or a Lowes where there are various brands to pick from. They're not enthusiast grade lights but for emergency use they should do the job. Brands like Millwalkee and Coast should be good enough for their use.

 

[Monocrom]

In a different topic, someone suggest an Energizer Hard-Case model. Might be worth taking a look at that line of lights. Not remotely expensive, plus likely to keep working if dropped on the floor.

 

[xxo]

these are not bad for $15 -

Energizer 18650 Hybrid Headlamp

Just got one of these. First impression is that is a OK light, but nothing to write home about. What made it interesting to me is that it is an Energizer light that runs on either a 18650 or 2X CR123A's (both battery types included). What kind of 18650 comes in this Energizer light? A a blue...

www.candlepowerforums.com

can be used as a headlamp or a hand held (angle head) light. Has a built in charger, floody beam.

 

[Monocrom]

Have to be honest, I don't think an 18650 would be ideal for elderly, casual users. AA or 2AA models with primaries would be easier for such individuals to use. Either loaded with Eneloops or perhaps even alkalines.

 

[IMA SOL MAN]

Thanks but those are way more than they want to spend.

What is the budget? I guess we should get that info upfront.

 

[bluflaam777]

Thanks - trying to order three with the basic 2200mah cells but wont add to cart. What am I missing or doing wrong?

EDIT - Lumencraft responded with this explanation.

"We still have the 600 lumen flashlights, but the included cells have completely depleted and might not take a charge at this point. That is the reason we don't 'sell' them with the lights, we give them away. If you order the 600 lumen FL1 without battery, it will still have one in it, it just might not work. (There is a long story about Matt creating that light and it's being shipped from China in the midst of Covid...the shipment getting lost in the shuffle of international containers on the west coast...long delays etc. That is why the batteries got totally depleted.)

Whew! Long explanation, but now you know."

Interesting. The 2 I bought seem to be OK. Of course, I have other cells and don't actually use the onboard usb to charge it. I just rotate them out. But the originals seem to hold a charge. Maybe it's a hit or miss and Matt doesn't want the potential issues.

Good to know the back story. Thanks!

 

[NorCal707]

Ended up ordering them two Wurkkos FC11C's in Bright Orange so they'll be easier to find along with a two bay smart charger.

 

[PaladinNO]

Ended up ordering them two Wurkkos FC11C's in Bright Orange so they'll be easier to find along with a two bay smart charger.

Excellent choice! I also bought a Wurkkos FC11C in orange recently, and within less than a minute of trying it, I decided to buy 2 more.