Flashlight recommendation for an old man

[bum4evr]

I want to buy both a handheld flashlight and a headlamp and I just need them for things right in front of me so brightness is the least priority, I would like the handheld flashlight to be around the size of a mini Maglite (2 AA size) and would like both to be rechargeable. Battery life is highest priority and if possible, no "modes" like flashing mode, just on and off would be nice, but I guess I could live with high/low if I had to. Under $50 price range on each unless there is some feature I cant live without. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Sean G

 

[Showngo]

It might be hard to find something with just a single mode that fits that mold — most would be pure tactical lights. But a few to look at that you might like and fit the budget while still being pretty easy to use:

- Rovyvon Aurora A33. It's got a few brightness toggles, but they make good stuff for a low price, plug it in to recharge.
- Nitecore's NU25 headlamp is one of my favorites out there. Super small and light, while being rechargeable. It's easy to use but has some really cool features, like a flood light for working close up, you'll have to learn the button press to activate that though.
- Not directly rechargeable like the Nitecore, but the Petzl Zipka is a nice package as well, and easier to drop in a bag.

Hope that helps!

 

[vicv]

I want to buy both a handheld flashlight and a headlamp and I just need them for things right in front of me so brightness is the least priority, I would like the handheld flashlight to be around the size of a mini Maglite (2 AA size) and would like both to be rechargeable. Battery life is highest priority and if possible, no "modes" like flashing mode, just on and off would be nice, but I guess I could live with high/low if I had to. Under $50 price range on each unless there is some feature I cant live without. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Sean G

How about a maglite minimag 2AA. You should be about the right size! Get a couple of nimh cells in there like eneloops.
For the headlight I have some Energizer one that runs on 3XAAA. I bought a three pack at Costco for $20 so you should be able to find them cheap.
It has both flood and spot mode

 

[Light-saber]

As an "older fellow" perhaps I can make a few recommendations.

- Streamlight Stylus Pro (2 x AAA eneloops) - single high mode
- Streamlight Microstream USB (onboard USB rechargeable) - 2-modes

Simple to use tail buttton, compact shirt pocket carry, and easy on the wallet.

 

[xxo]

How about a maglite minimag 2AA. You should be about the right size! Get a couple of nimh cells in there like eneloops.
For the headlight I have some Energizer one that runs on 3XAAA. I bought a three pack at Costco for $20 so you should be able to find them cheap.
It has both flood and spot mode

The standard LED Mini Mag might be a good way to go, it has some modes but they are hidden and you can pretty much forget that they are there. Mag makes a warm white version of this light as part of their spectrum series. Don't get the Pro version as these are too bright.

Personally I like either the smaller AAA LED Mini Mag (also available in warm white) or the bigger 2C ML25.

To feed them, Fujitsu or Japanese eneloop batteries are the way to go.

 

[nightowl4150]

While probably not the most exciting recommendation, I'd offer that if you want a flashlight that you can trust and that will suffer through just about anything that you can put it through, I'd go with a Surefire Sidekick. Sure the Mini Mags are cheap and thin, but the light they put out has never been very good for me. I find that Maglights, in general, just kind of put out light that seems to be everywhere other than where you want it. Surefire, on the other hand, seems to produce light that is clean and focused. The Sidekick is well under $50 in most stores, is USB rechargeable, is compact enough to attach to your keys, and is very light weight.

As for a headlamp, I'd check out Black Diamond Equipment and determine which one of their headlamps is most comfortable for you. The company offers several models that are under $50 and are very reliable. I'm not sure what your application is, but Black Diamond has models that put out decent light at really affordable price points.

I hope that helps.

 

[tango229]

I can fully understand where you're coming from on your requirements but to procure what you're looking for in today's market for the price range, it's limited.

For the handheld I'd have to recommend, though I personally loathe them, the Mini Maglite and simply use rechargeable batteries. It's extremely no frills but it fits the bill to a tee.

As for a headlamp, that's a bit tougher mainly due to the limitations of your requirements. Personally, I own a Fenix HM61R, it actually is a great combo style light as it is an L shaped style light that comes with a great headband that the light mounts in when needed as a headlamp light or it can serve as a handheld light when removed from the headband as well. Actually, the Fenix HM61R might just been exactly what you're searching for as it covers both the bases of a handheld & headlamp at the same time, reduces the $50 each price range without limiting the quality of light or the power you get. Plus you'll have one of the best reasonably priced great light with everything you're searching for BUT this option does have multiple power setting options BUT it's a very simple light to operate without having to dumb down to a mini maglite option.

The Fenix HM61R has the rechargeability base covered beautifully as it uses 18650 battery rated at 3,500 mAh, has in the light rechargeability option via a magnetic connected recharge dongle that allows recharging from any USB source, has extremely long run times at decent output and it has a great magnetic base that allows it to be placed on anything metal and it can serve as a work light as well.

Granted, being that this option would only require you to have to procure just one light, instead of two, it doe cost a bit more than a single light BUT it's cheaper than $100 for two different lights at around $85 but you'll have an even greater overall savings because you'll only need one size of batteries and they're rechargeable to boot.

 

[vicv]

A mini mag light is a very good light I'm not sure why someone would loath to recommend it.
It has a simple UI, long runtime, plenty of output, and and it's very reliable.
Another recommendation from maglite would be an XL200. Three AAA rechargeables with a really cool UI.
But if you want something really simple get a streamlight 1L1A. Just run a rechargeable double AA in it and set the programming to only high

 

[Franquixote]

I am always dealing with this, I am just under 50 so not technically and "old man", but I am the one that supplies my father and father in law with their lights.

Keep an open mind as far a modes go. Here is the perfect example- the headlamps I got all of us have a red LED option which is great when our wives are sleeping so that they don't get woken up in the middle of the night if you need some light. The black Diamond headlamps have some with different color options.

Are you a hunter? If so, you should absolutely get something with a bkue LED too. The Black Diamond headlamps (I can give you a model number if you want buts lots have both blue and red LEDs) have easy interfaces.

So let's say that you just want simple headlamp for around the house - I STILL say get a red LED because it does not wake up anyone sleeping. My mother in law also loves the Back Diamond (again, I'd have to look at model numbers but there are lots) I gave her because it has a "moonlight mode" which is perfect for reading in bed while my father in law is falling asleep. She loves it.

As for the handheld, I would again say don't get intimidated by multiple modes because something like the "4 Elements" Warrior Mini by Olight has one button with a memory that will just remember the last mode you used BUT- and this is huge- on the end of it, there is a secondary button which you never have to touch if you don't want to, but is there if you need it which can be set to either a blinding light or a blinding strobe light which makes me feel a little secure knowing that with it by my bedside I can either have exactly the light level I want by using the button on the side but if I want to blind someone that is breaking in to the house or something like that I can just press the tail button and blind/startle an intruder which will buy you at least a good 20-30 seconds.

I know this is not what you asked for, but this is what my parents and in-laws thought was the best light. The Black Diamond headlamp and the Olight Warrior Mini.

Again, you don't have to worry about the extra features because they can all be bypassed. It just gives you options and for the price you are basically getting these options free and don't have to bother with them if you don't want to.

 

[mjlamb]

How about a maglite minimag 2AA. You should be about the right size! Get a couple of nimh cells in there like eneloops.
For the headlight I have some Energizer one that runs on 3XAAA. I bought a three pack at Costco for $20 so you should be able to find them cheap.
It has both flood and spot mode

While I definitely enjoy my higher end lights. I have to second the affordability and so far the reliability of my Energizer headlamps from Costco. I power them with Kirkland throw aways. I use them mostly riding my mountain bike when fall/winter kicks in. This will be year three with no failures so far. They get abused for sure.

Handhelds.. I have everything from old school maglites to HDS. I keep a Surefire C3 with a Malkoff M61 drop in in my glovebox, a newer Surefire G2Z maxvision on my night stand, and a Surefire Outdoorsman in my Bug Out Bag. Love my Surefires. My other 50 lights are in a box. 😵

 

[fuyume]

Given that you say you are an "old man", I would first ask if there are any special physical/disability considerations? I'm 52, now, and I'm starting to understand aging. I can't see anything without my reading glasses, I've got a bad knee from a rollerskating crash at age 44 that sometimes requires me to use a cane, and will never get any better.

I'd also ask what you mean, specifically, by "rechargeable". Do you mean the flashlight can sit on a charger until need arises? Or are separately rechargeable batteries acceptable?

Do you have difficulty operating small switches? Many modern flashlights have multiple modes, but not all of them are complex.

I'm happy with my Fenix E12 and very happy with my Fenix HM23 headlamp. There's a 2xAA version of the E-series, the E20, that is otherwise identical.

All of these models turn on and off with a single button press, and have three brightness modes accessible with an additional tap or two. All turn on in Low mode, and all have long battery life.

I use primary cells in mine, because rechargeable cells would self-discharge faster than I would use up their charges, because these lights do not sit on a charger, but need to use a separate charger for the cells. I just make sure to keep a spare battery within arm's reach.

My E12 is my EDC, so the spare battery lives in the same pouch as the light, plus I keep a spare in my desk at the office. My Inova X1 (not recommended) is my bedside light, so there is a spare AA in the little dish on my nightstand/kotatsu table straddling my futon, where that light lives.

I admit I'm not a fan of lights with integrated batteries that must be charged with a cable or cradle. My kotatsu is already crowded enough with iPhone, iPad, and MacBook, and chargers for all of them. My usage patterns are better suited to using separate chargers. So, I can't really recommend those integrated types, based on having no experience with them, but many exist.

 

[Candlestick]

Young guy here, and I feel you. A lot of these newer lights can be fun but they get swamped down with all the modes. I just want to be able to turn onto low or high when I need it without accidentally starting a disco inferno.

One really durable light that is just twist on/off is the Peak Eiger (AAA) or Peak El Captain (AA) They run for hours and they are really simple twist on / off.

As far as headlamps I am very partial to the Zebralight H503c. The UI is pretty simple, just press and hold to go low-medium-high or do a quick click to turn onto high. Its pure flood and it makes a nice even wide beam for close up work. It also uses a high CRI LED which is designed to reproduce colors accurately. I've had the last model for about 6 years now and its been underwater and hit concrete fairly hard with no issues.

 

[efbasham]

I'm 53 and my dad's 85 - we both use a nitecore hc65 headlamp for the following reasons:
#1 - it points where you look since it's on your forehead, which keeps the hands free to do other things
#2 - has 5 levels of brightness on the main beam, from almost nothing to massively bright
#3 - has a soft red light for night use without blinding the eyes - important as you age
#4 - has a color corrected secondary natural white light, better than the main beam which is good for medical exams
#5 - uses the standard 18650 --OR-- 2 ea CR123 lithium primary cells in a pinch
#6 - runs forever on low brightness and runs a decent time even on high brightness

cons - it's a few $ but not outrageous - check around at amazon or a new york camera shop like b&h photo for best deals.

 

[Vemice]

I agree with a Peak Eiger. To further simplify it, you can order it with a Momentary switch which you just press for on and release for off. You can also have it with ramping however a simple on and off is very easy to use. Choice of metals (SS, brass, copper or aluminum), optics and leds. It sounds complicated but they will talk you through it. It will use virtually any version of AAA.

 

[bykfixer]

For a headlamp I use the streamlight double clutch. It comes with a rechargeable battery the size of 3aaa's side by side and a usb charger cable. A simple twist one direction turns the lamp on through a lens that pushes light forward. Twist it the other way and the lamp comes on through a honeycomb lens that disperses light very well. It has high or low and comes back on whichever you set it on every time until you change it.
Has a rubber head band and elastic covered by cloth so you can choose to wear it on a helmet or just like a head band. Runs on regular batteries if the rechargeable runs out of juice while you are working. Mine has been flawless for about 5 years so far. $45-53 at Bright Guy depending on chosen options.

For hand held, as much as I like the aaa minimag, in this case I would not reccomend it simply because it's so dang bright for close up work. Plus I know of no aaa batteries that come with a usb charger port. For hand held in this case I like the Elzetta G-Line aa made by Jetbeam. Comes with a double a sized battery with a charger port (and cable) and can run on a regular battery while the rechargeable charges. For another $8 one can buy a spare battery. It's a twist head on/off like a minimag but has memory so whichever of the 3 settings it was on last is the one it returns to. $39.99 at Elzetta. It's one of my favorite flashlights anymore.

 

[Poppy]

I want to buy both a handheld flashlight and a headlamp and I just need them for things right in front of me so brightness is the least priority, I would like the handheld flashlight to be around the size of a mini Maglite (2 AA size) and would like both to be rechargeable. Battery life is highest priority and if possible, no "modes" like flashing mode, just on and off would be nice, but I guess I could live with high/low if I had to. Under $50 price range on each unless there is some feature I cant live without. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Sean G

I like the feel of the mini Maglite 2AA. There is something elegant about the feel.

Back in the day we had various sized NiCad rechargeable batteries. They were the worst!

Today's rechargeable NiMH batteries are much better if you get Eneloops, Duracell, or even the ones made for IKEA.

OTOH if you would be comfortable with a cigar sized lights, then there are a number of 18650 powered lights that will last forever on a battery charge on low levels of light.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

As someone that was into AA and 2AA lights at one time that has transitioned to 18650 lights now I strongly recommend 18650 format for both option and the right angle (L shaped) removable lights are more favored by me. I currently use a wowtac A2S for headlamp and a Sofirn SP32 for flashlight you can get both for around $50 or so the Sofirn can be had for around $20 or so the A2S used to be around $30. Both offer low and medium modes that will run for days in use and the high modes are very useful at times when you do need them I generally use low and medium modes most of the time. One light has a USB rechargeable the other you have to remove the battery and they also make lights/headlamps that have built in USB charging all 3 options I have in lights and all 3 work well enough. AA cannot compare with the power density of 18650 format even with 3AAs a single 18650 can have more power in it and is smaller and lighter.
It may take a little getting used to multi modes but worth it when you get the hang of it IMO.

 

[search_and_rescue]

Hi my friend, I recommend the Mastiff E5 warm white LED flashlight. This was my original LED flashlight and it was extremely useful and good on the eyes due to its true warm white LED. It takes the now ubiquitous 18650 rechargeable lithium ion protected cell and it's a simple click on click off at the tail. Here are a few pictures of this flashlight:

 

[bum4evr]

Thanks for all your help, I decided to order the Fenix HM23, a mini-maglite LED 2AA and an eneloop kit with charger and 2X AAA, 6 XAA, it was all around $100 on Amazon but it should solve any flashlight problems for a long time. I use flashlights every day so hopefully self-discharge of the batteries won't be a problem.

My current handheld flashlight I got off ebay for $18, it's rechargeable, comes with 2 batteries and if I leave it on continuously, I get 5 to 10 minutes of light per battery. It takes one 18650 battery and they are made by Actfire and I suspect they are cheaply made. I was attacted to it because you plug the charger right into the side of the light. I never used a separate charger before but I need to get with the times

 

[radellaf]

"I never used a separate charger before but I need to get with the times" As much as I didn't love the Wirecutter "best flashlight" review's insistence on only recommending a rechargeable light with a built-in charger, I gotta say it's not behind the times at all. People in the last 10 years are more used to USB charging things than ever before, so it might actually seem old-school to have to take the battery out.

(FWIW, they picked the Fenix TC15 (~$45) or Olight SR2 ($70). Wouldn't have been my picks.)

Your pick of the HM23 is one I didn't know about it but looks great. 1 AA alkaline, 70lm, 16h? Not bad. I personally don't use my headlamps much but, really, they are, 90% of the time, more practical than handheld. I went for the Petzl Zipka. Worst batteries (3xAA) but most compact headlamp available, since the headband retracts. Just replaced my 20-year old Zipka with the (3rd revision?) new one.