I was at my brother and sister in laws residence this past Friday evening when they lost power. I just so happened to have my Streamlight Key Mate on a lanyard around my neck and switched it on. I don't normally "everyday carry", but I sort of had a hunch given the weather report. Anyway, my brother in law breaks out a couple of incandescent flashlight and my sister in law light a few candles. My mother in law made the comment that my Streamlight Key Mate was brighter than the "big" flashlight. Anyway, I am kind of sporadic about posting here because I have other hobbies, too (GPS, amateur radios, scanners, computers, home entertainment electronics, ATVs, horses, etc.) Anyway I was thinking that I really owe it to my brother and sister in law, and possibly my niece as well, to introduce them to some nice Cree flashlights that don't cost an arm and a leg. That leads me to recall that I bought both of my sons, who are scouts, each a Lowe's Task Force 3 watt Cree 2C cell flashlight for Christmas 2007. Anyway, since I haven't been following these forums lately, is this about the best choice for something that I can buy at a nearby neighborhood store, or has something surpassed this in price and/or performance. I do seem to recall a Ray-O-Vac some time back, but it seems like the consensus was the Lowe's outperformed the Ray-O-Vac. They would probably have one of these in each vehicle and possibly another one in the home. As an aside, I used to suggest to friends and family to keep a good reliable flashlight in each of their vehicles, that way they have it with when traveling and if they need it in the house they merely need to go out to the vehicle to get it. Obviously it is better to also have an additional one in the house, but not everybody takes their flashlights as seriously as we do here. I also programmed their SAME weather alert radio during that trip and I was almost going to suggest that they simply keep a flashlight near the weather radio under the theory that sometimes they lose power during severe weather and the weather radio will keep them informed, so when they go to check the weather radio the flashlight is right there.
Anyway, I am sorry this post is getting so long, but looking for some ideas. What would you guys get for family that is readily available at local brick and mortar stores?
Anyway, I am sorry this post is getting so long, but looking for some ideas. What would you guys get for family that is readily available at local brick and mortar stores?
