Need a light for my elderly (70+) parents

[Sly Fox]

Looking for a few good quality lights with an EASY UI for my folks.. (Probably two of the same kind of light)

When I was visiting, my mom had a whole bunch of those super cheap LED lights. It gave off so little light that I couldn't tell it was on. And it used like 3 AAA batteries.. I showed off my light Fenix L1T and she liked it. I would have given it to her, but needed it for the long drive back.

I would prefer if it was powered by a single AA battery, though I will entertain AAA..

I looked at the Fenix LD10 and that seems about right although I am concerned about the UI, might be too complex.

Suggestions?

 

[Sly Fox]

Forgot to fill this out:

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? Doesn't matter.. Online probably..
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! 🙂
Under $55, but I'm flexible..
3) Format: Flashlight,
4) Flashlight-specific format/size: 2-4 inches, more or less
5) Emitter/Light source: Doesn't matter to them
6) Manufacturer: Doesn't matter to them
7) What battery type do you want to use? Prefer AA, but AAA works..
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
Around 100 lumens, +/-20%
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
Flood probably, its mostly for house, with some outdoors use
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
Most LED lights have plenty of runtime.. 1-2 hours at max..
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
Something I won't need to replace next year
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply): An easy switch for an older person
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. Easy for an older person
14)Material/Finish/Coating: Doesn't matter to them
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
Doesn't matter to them

 

[swan]

Gday Slyfox- the jetbeam ba 10 is worth a look. Simple high low single aa great quality 160 lm. I gave my dad a jb bc10 [cr123 model] and he loves it-about $35-$40.

 

[aimxplode]

I would suggest the Jetbeam BA10. It runs off 1x AA. Head tightened = 160 lumens, head loosened = 12 lumens, very simple.


edit: ^^ beat me to it

 

[Samy]

I would also recommend the Jetbeam. I just bought my grandad (89) a Jetbeam BA 20 to replace his beloved mag light 4d I bought him over 10 years ago. As long as it turns on and off it will work fine. I will explain the whole "twist head for low mode" but thats about as much as he will handle. He is still a farmer and uses flashlights early morning and at night checking pumps and chickens and checking on his orchard.

Another option is the quark tacticals, I have several of these, but they are $20 more than the Jetbeam and only advantage is the ability to program it, which a non flashaholic couldn't care less about unless you program a lower high mode to get longer runtime. You're going to want long runtime with a light for someone a bit elderly.

Cheers

 

[cbthedookie]

The Fenix e11 is another option. 1 aa with a forward clicky and a bright low mode so even if they don't tighten the head it is still useful. E21 (2aa) is another similar option. Both of these lights are well below your budget...

 

[LGT]

Looking for a few good quality lights with an EASY UI for my folks.. (Probably two of the same kind of light)

When I was visiting, my mom had a whole bunch of those super cheap LED lights. It gave off so little light that I couldn't tell it was on. And it used like 3 AAA batteries.. I showed off my light Fenix L1T and she liked it. I would have given it to her, but needed it for the long drive back.

I would prefer if it was powered by a single AA battery, though I will entertain AAA..

I looked at the Fenix LD10 and that seems about right although I am concerned about the UI, might be too complex.

Suggestions?

Left your mother with a dim light because you had a "long drive back?":scowl:

 

[Flying Turtle]

The folks might like the side switch on a Zebralight or even a Zeeb headlamp. I think they'd get the hang of the UI quick enough. You might need to supply them with some lithium AA's, unless they wouldn't mind charging up NiMH's.

Geoff

 

[Sly Fox]

Left your mother with a dim light because you had a "long drive back?":scowl:

Well, the drive was Pennsylvania to Seattle in the middle of winter in a rear wheel drive car. Sorry, but I needed a good light in case I got stuck.. She on the other hand was safely in her house with working electricity and several cheap flashlights.. We both survived..

 

[Sly Fox]

The folks might like the side switch on a Zebralight or even a Zeeb headlamp. I think they'd get the hang of the UI quick enough. You might need to supply them with some lithium AA's, unless they wouldn't mind charging up NiMH's.

Thanks, but the exotic batteries are too confusing for them.. I know, I know, they aren't exotic, but AA's are everywhere and easy to understand. I don't want to have to explain what a lithium AA battery is to my mom, and she won't keep the NiMH's charged.. Heck, I have trouble having her keep her cell phone charged... And my dad still thinks NiCD batteries are the bees knees.

 

[Sly Fox]

Thanks for all the responses so far.. It looks like I need to checkout:

Jetbeam BA10, BA20
Fenix E11, E21

 

[SimulatedZero]

+1 on both the E11 and the E21. Both are very simple and rugged, the only thing that I would worry about is if they have the hand strength to push the tail switch down. My grandparents were looking for a good light but couldn't push the stiff switch on the fenix down. Another option is a mini mag. Not the best light but they are simple, dependable, runs off of AAs, cheap, and the new ones, Mini Maglite Pro and Pro Plus, are pretty bright. I would suggest the single mode one if they didn't mind constantly having a full 240+ lumens.

Update: The interface on the Mini Maglite Pro Plus is fairly simple, point the light at the ground and turn it on for low mode. Point it anywhere else and it will turn on in high mode. If your parents can work with that then it should do fine.

 

[tacticaltony]

I think that's pretty cool that your getting them lights. I think something simple will be good, no extra modes or complicated ways to use the light. Also a push button might be kinda hard to activate, and maby it shouldn't be too bright because in close quarters if you shine it on a wall or something semi reflective you can end up blinding yourself momentarily. Sorry I have no suggestions, but I just wanted you to consider those options. Good luck

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Just a question. Have you discussed your flashaholic behavior with then and showed them your lights? You might find that a 70+ year old may be able to handle some of the complicated UI's. Speaking from experience I know that a 70+ year old, unless handicapped, can handle most UI's, unless they have no inclination to do so. 70 is not really "old". LOL.

Bill

 

[LEDninja]

:welcome:

I showed off my light Fenix L1T and she liked it. I would have given it to her, but needed it for the long drive back.

I would prefer if it was powered by a single AA battery, though I will entertain AAA..

I looked at the Fenix LD10 and that seems about right although I am concerned about the UI, might be too complex.

Suggestions?

The Fenix E11 works just like an L1T. Head tight 105 lumens. Head loose 32 lumens. Rear Click switch. 1AA. ~$30.

I do not see any reason to pay $20 extra for unused modes ($40 for 2).

2*LD10 $100.
3*E11 $90. Time you replace your L1T.

 

[subwoofer]

The folks might like the side switch on a Zebralight or even a Zeeb headlamp. I think they'd get the hang of the UI quick enough. You might need to supply them with some lithium AA's, unless they wouldn't mind charging up NiMH's.

Geoff

It was very deceptive to only state NiMh or Lithium as the only power sources. NiMh might give the greatest output and Lithium the long shelf life and no risk of leaking, but for the everyday user, Alkaline will be just fine. Better that than miss out on a great light.

Thanks, but the exotic batteries are too confusing for them.. I know, I know, they aren't exotic, but AA's are everywhere and easy to understand. I don't want to have to explain what a lithium AA battery is to my mom, and she won't keep the NiMH's charged.. Heck, I have trouble having her keep her cell phone charged... And my dad still thinks NiCD batteries are the bees knees.

There is no need to get hung up about these batteries. The Zebralight SC51 will happily run on alkaline and has a side switch.

 

[robostudent5000]

Thanks, but the exotic batteries are too confusing for them.. I know, I know, they aren't exotic, but AA's are everywhere and easy to understand. I don't want to have to explain what a lithium AA battery is to my mom, and she won't keep the NiMH's charged.. Heck, I have trouble having her keep her cell phone charged... And my dad still thinks NiCD batteries are the bees knees.

if your parents are going to use alkies only, do not, DO NOT get them a single AA high current draw flashlight. alkaline batteries will eventually leak in such a setup and destroy the flashlight. if you search the forums a bit, you'll see reports of this happening a lot.

get them a couple Mini Mag LEDs. they are simple, durable enough, affordable, and they are kind to alkaline batteries. they have some flaws and i do not recommend them for flashaholics, but they are just about right for people who just want a flashlight that works and don't want to mess around with nimh's or li-ions or chargers.

There is no need to get hung up about these batteries. The Zebralight SC51 will happily run on alkaline and has a side switch.

there's a thread somewhere where a dude destroyed his prized SC51 when an alkaline he used in it leaked. the alkaline was a good brand IIRC. i don't know why anyone would risk that happening with a $64 flashlight, but i guess some guys are willing to take the risk.

 

[LIFEINHOVER]

Rechargeable is an option too!

I think your parents could use something which is easy to use and not be confused with the option taking out batteries and charging them. For this reason, i think the most suitable light for them would be ITP R01 which is a 190 Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight. The charging cable has a USB tip and will charge from the USB port of any computer or anything else USB (portable battery packs, solar chargers, ipod chargers) the possibilities are limitless. Moreover the battery is internal non-remoable 18650 built into the light so they never have to worry about buying a charger. After looking at video reviews, i bought this flashlight for my wife as she walks the dog at night. We have had the flashlight for about one year now and we love it. It would also make a great addition to anyone's survival kit.

I hope this information has been helpful. BTW the video link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojzpqPhpmdM

 

[eh4]

Re: Rechargeable is an option too!

I know that I'm on a major Warm/High CRI LED kick, but every older person I've shown this quality of led light to has been really impressed, it's a very Comfortable light.
I'm not criticizing high quality, bright cool white per say, but your standard low CRI cool white or worse blue-white can make things (and skin) look dead, stark and cold. I Suspect that it stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and could promote stress, fight-flight response, etc.
The warm tint on the other hand is downright Encouraging (to me), and I am willing to bet more familiar and comforting to the average older person who grew up with fires and incandescent lighting.
The warm white leds do put out a good bit of red light, you can demonstrate this by seeing how brightly a given light shines through your knuckles and fingers, it does not seem to penetrate muscle well so the skin/bone/tendon only parts of the hand show it best. -Compare with an equally bright cool white led.
It may well be completely a placebo effect but the little bit of joint pain in my left thumb and right ring finger seem to improve after I've "warmed" them up for a few minutes with this light... or maybe I just like looking at the brilliant orange-red glow of my hands.

AA Little Twisty with Malkoff M31WL is kind of goofy expensive for a one mode light but it is the most dead simple and high quality/good runtime AA light that I've been able to come up with yet. It will make an old timer smile like a 6 year old.
If an older person had trouble twisting the light on and off I would wrap a little grip tape around the bezel and battery tube, leaving the rest of the head bare to radiate the modest heat of the M31WL.
I would really love to find a 20$ version... just a warm white Mini-maglight would be great.

 

[Sly Fox]

Re: Rechargeable is an option too!

SO MANY OPTIONS!! ARGGGH..

Thanks to everyone who responded, I will be going through all these choices.. I must admit, I have a bias for Fenix lights, as I own them. And I think the brighter the better (within reason and battery type).. At least for Dad, I need to be able to show him that the old double D mag lights from 15-20 years ago just don't cut it (as he bought me a mag-light many years ago and said it was the best).. So I may get him a more powerful light.. I think mom will be fine with the 100 lumen choices..

Thanks again..