Something about giving lights as gifts.

[Crenshaw]

Ive noticed something when considering giving a light as a gift. Usually when you gift something, you make it a point to get a new one.

However, when it comes to lights, and gifting to someone who has a proper appreciation for lights, i find myself thinking, so and so would really like my (insert name of light), rather then thinking of ordering one specifically for them. Most of the time, its because i wouldnt really be able to afford another one of those lights at that point in time. Not to say that ive gifted many lights though...

just, wondering...thoughts anyone?

Crenshaw

 

[Monocrom]

Gifting one of your older, good-quality lights, is perfectly fine. Just tell the person that it's not new.... and then turn it on for them. Most folks who are non-flashaholics will enjoy your used light. Heck, depending on the light, even some flashaholics will appreciate what you give them.

Gifting a brand new light is not without problems. I once bought two Surefire G2 models at a good price. One for me, and one for my Firearms instructor. (He already owned a Surfire G2, and I figured he'd like having a back-up. Normally I don't gift lights that run on CR123 cells).

I was sitting in a BBQ restaurant in Soho. I opened one of the blister-packed G2s.... It was DOA. I pulled out my SF L4 that I was carrying that day, pulled the SF CR123 cells from it, and tried them in the G2 I had just opened.... Light not workie.

Opened the other G2, and that one worked fine. I carefully put the working G2 back into the blister-pack, and closed it up. I handed that light to my instructor; and then explained to him why the new light was opened.

I never saw him after that day, almost 2 years ago.... I'd hate to imagine what would have happened if the G2 I opened first (the one for me) had been the working one, and he had gotten the one that was DOA; and I never would have known about it. :shakehead

 

[ruriimasu]

i got myself a D10 recently and being a person who is 'faithful' to only 1 light, my LF2X got knocked off as my EDC. I actually think LF2X has more lumens and is brighter than D10 but D10's brightness is fine for me and I like the extended runtime that AA batts can give it, so it became my new EDC. So my less than 1 month LF2X is just sitting on my desk, with me occassionally lighting it up for the fun of it. I could keep it but I rather it be used frequently, so I gave (well, verbally promised, its really still in my possession ) it to a friend and she was so happy about getting it. I like lights but if they are just not being used enough, I would rather give them away so as not to waste them. But I make it a point to tell the recepients of my lights that they can return the lights to me if they ever dont want them anymore :laughing:

 

[sORe-EyEz]

as long as the lights can be tested before it leaves the shop, new 1s would be more presentable. if the lights are sealed, i'll request to have them tested in-store. chemical lightsticks make a joke out of a reputable non-working lights! :sick2:

i'll make it a point to explain why sealed lights were ripped open, save the hassle sending them back for repair or replacement if it's DOA.

 

[Darkpower]

I found that giving an expensive light to a non-flashaholic is a waste of a good light. I gave my dad a Centurion C2 LED Surefire and a box of CR123 batteries. When I called him to find out if he opened his gift and if he liked it it was like "yeah? so it works fine". He's a grumpy old guy but he didn't know that it was a $145 light. He probably imagined it was a $30 light from Target. I'll tell him some day that light is a $145 flashlight.

 

[besafe2]

Heck I'll take a used light anytime if someone wants to donate one

 

[HeadCSO]

I like giving lights as gifts to people who I know will use them. I think in the last 2 years, I have given away about a dozen lights. Most are AA based Fenix. Some have been new for birthdays etc, the rest as I have upgraded. The folk I have given the lights to are not flashaholics, but do appreciate a good light for work and leisure.

 

[TONY M]

Lights make great gifts and most people really appreciate them I have found.

If there is an out of date light that you desperately want rid of then just say to (persons name) that it has been on you for x number of years, has served you very well - perhaps even saved you're life (lol) etc, been all over the world by you're side, will be of great use to them and you are sad to see it go. Play it up to them and make it sound like you are doing them a huge favour by parting with it.

That is the best way to see the back of a M*g solat*ire and make the new owner appreciate it!

 

[RGB_LED]

Hmm... interesting theory crenshaw. I think that, for most people who have at least a passing interest, this may be ok. With the increasing usage of LED's, the idea of giving a used light seems very practical as the LED would last quite a long time and still have many more years of useful life left.

I have given away four of my lights that I had opened, tried out and put back in it's box. For all intents and purposes, they were 'new' and I suppose that I could say that I tested the light to ensure that it worked but I didn't say anything otherwise to any of them. Btw, I have received positive comments from all four persons who have indicated that the lights were really bright and they use the lights quite often.

That said, I don't know if they would have felt the same if I had used the light for a longer amount of time and then given the light to them. I have the feeling that the average non-flashoholic would still appreciate a pristine blister pack or unblemished and unopened cardboard box.

Personally, I don't care about the packaging since many of the lights I purchase show at least some scars from being shoved into the small postal box in my building. Just my thoughts...

 

[cave dave]

I found that giving an expensive light to a non-flashaholic is a waste of a good light....

Ya, my cousin gave my uncle an E2e. The bulb blew, and its been sitting in a drawer ever since because the bulb is $14 + shipping. I don't think he ever even used up the first set of batteries, so I'm sure those would of been a sticker shock too. I told him I'd get it fixed but he wasn't interested.

 

[Monocrom]

Ya, my cousin gave my uncle an E2e. The bulb blew, and its been sitting in a drawer ever since because the bulb is $14 + shipping. I don't think he ever even used up the first set of batteries, so I'm sure those would of been a sticker shock too. I told him I'd get it fixed but he wasn't interested.

An E2e is a very poor choice for a gift to a non-flashaholic. Mostly because of issues involving the lamps and CR123 cells.

A far better choice is an LED light that easily runs off of more common batteries.

 

[Force Attuned]

I gave my only Gunmetal 6P w/P60L drop-in to my brother as a dual gift for his birthday and for the army of which he leaves basic training for in a few weeks.

The light was in brand new condition in a brand new Surefire holster. Was hard to part with...but now I can buy another light for myself!! Hmmm...Optimus or Invictus??

 

[adamlau]

Gifted a rarely used H50-Q5 w/o headband to a mechanic last night :thumbsup: .

 

[Triple A]

I can't count the number of lights I have given away. I can say, however, that almost everyone I have ever given a light to has come back and shown great appreciation. (Many people, believe it or not, have never considered carrying a flashlight with them!!) The most common response is, "I can't believe how much I use it. It's so handy, I can't believe I lived without one for so long!")

Most recent gift was a Fenix P1 (Luxeon) to a friend who said he liked it after seeing me use it. Nothing cooler than pulling the light someone gets excited about off your belt and giving it to them!!

Flashlights are one gift that seems to be life enhancing for people I give them to. Even if the don't know the price / greatness of the light, I still find that people like them. GREAT POINT on the LED thing. Now, with no bulbs to burn out, lights are much less likely to be retired because of a blown bulb. (And unless I know the person will be using a light nightly, I usually tell them to just let me know when they need batteries, then hook them up. Either way, I can at least order them for them to make sure they don't pay $10 for two at Wal-Mart on 123's....)

GREAT TOPIC. Sharing flashlights- what could be better??:thumbsup:

 

[american lockpicker]

I usually give maglites as gifts so far I've give my dad a red 3d Maglite and 2AA mini maglite, gave my sister a pink 2AA minimag light and a red solitaire and I've given my best friend a black solitare.

 

[Crenshaw]

Well, i usually give cheaper, but good quality ones to non flashaholics...such as Ultrafire C3, KD V4, and perhaps a E01, but for budding flashaholics, that are my really good friends, i usually "give better"

like, one of my friends is a Firefighter, and he has my fenix T1 on "indefinite loan"...ill probably get another light for him for his birthday and then take my T1 back. I told him to give me a shout if he needs batteries too.

The most expensive light i had given away was to this friend of mine who asked what light i woudl reccomend for her. She wanted small, but bright, natrually, the most cos effective solution was an L0D Q4. She asked how much it would cost, but knowing that the cost would probably put her off, i asked her how much her budget was...which was about SGD$20..rouhgly USD$15...so i told her to just give me that amount, and i would pay the rest as a belated birthday present...now, she uses it extensively, and im very happy about that..

we are the light of the world..

Crenshaw

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I have given some of my lights away. The really simple on/off lights. They were LED lights and are still being used. When given they were appreciated, but I understood that they were just tools to them. I will not give a complicated and or expensive light to anyone who does not appreciate nice flashlights.

Bill

 

[flashfan]

Over the years I've given away so many lights to the people around me, they don't want anymore.

 

[kramer5150]

Most people I know do not like receiving used items as gifts... regardless of what it is. The exception of course is vintage collectors. My brother collects old early 80's Tamiya RC cars (for example). One of the best christmas gifts I ever gave him was an old rubber bushing and some original chassis bracket parts. It looked like old junk to me, but he appreciated it immensely.

 

[Wattnot]

Most people I know do not like receiving used items as gifts... regardless of what it is.

Big +1 on that. I doubt anyone would actually complain but a used gift, on a gift occasion, in my opinion, is tacky at best.

However, if it is not a "gift occasion" (birthday, holiday), then I believe used is fine and would probably be appreciated. I've already created a couple of budding flashaholics but not by giving but by them wanting what they didn't know they needed . . . a better light!!

As for friends getting tired of you giving them lights all of the time, try giving them a fire extinguisher. It's a strange but very caring and thoughful gift.