Need recommendation for an inexpensive led for "older" person

[MrCowboy99]

I'm looking for a recommendation for a flashlight, that is for an person in their 90s that lives alone. This person has arthritis in the hands so the switch needs to be a clicky as twisting can't be done.

So here's what I have in mind:

I need something little larger then a 6P in size. Anything smaller is hard to handle.

The switch can be tail or forward, but it has to be clicky.

Single Mode and nothing fancy.

Would like around 80 lumens but more the better as the eyes are going also.

Price range : $20-$40

Lighter weight the better as the strength isn't there.

Perfer AA batteries but need something that is larger in diameter for them to hold easy. Could do C or D size but AA adapters which is fine.

I have been thinking about a 2 cell Mag D or Mag C and converting them to a LED but this is going to drive the price up. Wanted to get ideas to see if other exist out there. This person lives in an area that electricity goes out with bad storms and went out there and they didn't even have a flashlight. They said they "sit in the dark" until they come back or burn candles which is bad for someone that age.

Any ideas would be appreciated. (I"m now off to get a few CFL or LED lanterns also for him also.)

Thanks.

 

[mcnair55]

Pop down to your local big shed Target/Costco or whatever you have in your locality,they will have plenty of decent lights to satisfy your needs,no point in buying anything else really,your requirement is very simple and basic.

 

[scriverdog]

Rayovac makes a nice, small LED lantern that runs about $25 and uses three D cells. two light intensities. great for power outages, throws a lot of light. 360 degrees. I've got a couple for just this purpose.
I've seen these at Lowes and home depot.

search at amazon for Rayovac Sportsman Extreme Lantern to see the unit I'm referring to. excellent reviews on this unit.

for the flashlight, you didn't indicate if this is for indoor or outdoor applications. will the owner need a "thrower" or something less?

 

[mikra]

Solarforce L2r with single mode, low voltage dropin.

 

[MrCowboy99]

Thanks for the input... and I will try one or two of the lanterns.

This is for indoor use and you are probably correct, just go down to Costco and pick something up. This is simple and I appreciate the feedback. ( .. and as I stated, I just don't want his house to burn with candles indoor as he might fall asleep.)

thanks again.

 

[aramid]

I'd consider an Energizer Hard Case 2D. They're big and beefy - probably about the same weight as an equivalent Mag - but simpler without the adjustable focus. The plastic housing is also a lot nicer than a Mag when the light is cold. The switch is a very easy reverse clicky.

If you want something a bit lighter, just go to your favorite hardware store and buy whatever decent-looking LED light you see. Hardware-store lights are exactly the kind of thing you're looking for, since they're engineered for simplicity and Alkaline compatibility (which are ideal for this situation). Menards in particular has some off-brand AA lights with absurdly thick battery tubes, making them a bit bigger than 6P diameter. They should be very comfortable to hold.

 

[rekd0514]

Solarforce L2r with single mode, low voltage dropin.

Agreed.

 

[Chicago X]

The Solarforce L2i might be a better grip, with its larger diameter.

Under $25, with drop-in.

 

[distrbd]

Absolutely without a doubt Fenix E20,easily press the clicky ,no need to press hard and WOW lots of light,single mode, $33 to $35,perfect I were to buy it for a 90 year old person.

 

[SirJohn]

You could always go with the Dorcy 180-lumen cyberlight. I always thought it would work well for an elderly person light. Very simple to use. Old fashioned side clicky. Single mode. Good size and shape for the hand and the color makes it easy to find. Check out the reviews on Amazon. you can pick it up for $20 shipped from Dorcydirect if you use the cpf discount code.

 

[sol-leks]

I think that dorcy is a good suggestion or something similar. I definitely think it should be a light with a side switch which is much easier to press than most tail switch lights.

Another option to consider is the romisen rc-p3. Or maybe one of the rayovac sportsman xtreme lights.

 

[lemlux]

I gave my 94-year-
old mother-in-law an Icon Rogue 1AA which is 50 lumens. She can deal with the large rear button switch. The Rogue 2AA will get you to 100 lumens, but the light usually costs close to $50 although it can frequently be found for about $40 on sale.

 

[Ecolang]

Sounds like a 2D Mag LED would be the best idea - nice big button where non-flashaholics expect it to be - most folk not used to lights won't find a tail clicky.

Nice large diameter for arthritic hands and a very well recognised brand.

If you live in the US they are cheap - if you don't this is probably too expensive to fit the budget.

 

[MrCowboy99]

Thanks everyone for the comments... I'm now off this weekend to look at what's at the local stores also.

I appreciate the suggestions and I know he will enjoy it.

 

[LEDninja]

41-2951 2AA Gel Brite Flashlight
with
TerraLUX TLE-6EXB EXTREME LED Upgrade Kit

The Dorcy 2AA is very lightweight and extremely fat for a 2AA flashlight. The gel coating absorbs shock both to the light and to feet.

It is also available as a 41-2961 2D GEL BRITE RUBBER LIGHT and a 41-2981 2AA/2D GEL BRITE COMBO
I worry about the weight of D batteries if the light gets dropped on a foot.
With the combo you can decide whether to go AA or D after holding it.

You can use other rubber coated flashlights such as the Garrity Tuff Lights.