Hi everyone,
My father likes to wake up every morning and walk. He's a really early riser, so this means walking around at 3AM. I decided to get him a good flashlight and ended up buying an Inova XO at Target. After I got home I and read up on it online and I've begun to think this may not be the best option.
Following one site to another, I ended up here. I've been lurking the last couple of days trying to learn what I can and see if I could find a flashlight on my own - while avoiding asking annoying first-time-poster questions. But I confess, I'm overwhelmed by the all choices available. So I hope you can help me narrow the field to a few good choices. Using the questionnaire I found, here's what I'm looking for:
My father likes to wake up every morning and walk. He's a really early riser, so this means walking around at 3AM. I decided to get him a good flashlight and ended up buying an Inova XO at Target. After I got home I and read up on it online and I've begun to think this may not be the best option.
Following one site to another, I ended up here. I've been lurking the last couple of days trying to learn what I can and see if I could find a flashlight on my own - while avoiding asking annoying first-time-poster questions. But I confess, I'm overwhelmed by the all choices available. So I hope you can help me narrow the field to a few good choices. Using the questionnaire I found, here's what I'm looking for:
0) Purchasing: I'll be buying online.
1) Price Range: up to around $50 or so. It can't be too expensive or he won't use it, instead putting it away so it stays perfect. :shrug:
2) Format: I want a flashlight.
3) Length: 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
4) Width: I'd prefer a short wide light. But it's not a major factor as long as it's decently grippable.
5) Batteries: It's really important that it use common AA Alkaline batteries, though an option to use lithium batteries is also okay (I assume the XO doesn't have this versatility). My reading so far leads me to think a 2AA setup would be better, but I'm open to advice. I might get a charger and some Eneloops for it if possible.
6) Amount of light: It's for walking around at night, so 20-40 lumens?
7) Throw vs Flood: I assume something with more flood than throw would be best, but it shouldn't be too short. I'm open to advice here.
8) Runtime: Longer is better. 240+ preferred.
9) Durability: Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.). It doesn't have to be fancy, but it should be obvious it's well-made.
8) Switch Type: Sliding or Clickie
9) Switch Location: No preference as long as it's easy to access.
10) Operational Modes: Simple is best. An on-off or no more than 2 light levels if the adjustment mechanism is simple/intuitive.
11) Body construction: Metal
12) Special Needs: Belt/Jacket clip or lanyard preferred. Strong preference for flashlight made in USA.
Looking at all these flashlights has also given me the desire to buy a couple of keychain lights for my wife and I. Here's what I'd like to find:1) Price Range: up to around $50 or so. It can't be too expensive or he won't use it, instead putting it away so it stays perfect. :shrug:
2) Format: I want a flashlight.
3) Length: 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
4) Width: I'd prefer a short wide light. But it's not a major factor as long as it's decently grippable.
5) Batteries: It's really important that it use common AA Alkaline batteries, though an option to use lithium batteries is also okay (I assume the XO doesn't have this versatility). My reading so far leads me to think a 2AA setup would be better, but I'm open to advice. I might get a charger and some Eneloops for it if possible.
6) Amount of light: It's for walking around at night, so 20-40 lumens?
7) Throw vs Flood: I assume something with more flood than throw would be best, but it shouldn't be too short. I'm open to advice here.
8) Runtime: Longer is better. 240+ preferred.
9) Durability: Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.). It doesn't have to be fancy, but it should be obvious it's well-made.
8) Switch Type: Sliding or Clickie
9) Switch Location: No preference as long as it's easy to access.
10) Operational Modes: Simple is best. An on-off or no more than 2 light levels if the adjustment mechanism is simple/intuitive.
11) Body construction: Metal
12) Special Needs: Belt/Jacket clip or lanyard preferred. Strong preference for flashlight made in USA.
0) Purchasing: I'll be buying online.
1) Price Range: up to around $25.
2) Format: I want a flashlight.
3) Length: 2-3 inches. (Keychain/pocket)
4) Width: Narrow
5) Batteries: Single AA or AAA Alkaline battery. An option to use lithium batteries would be nice, but not necessary. I'd likely power them with Eneloops I have.
6) Amount of light: For casual and emergency use, so 20-40 lumens?
7) Throw vs Flood: primarily for short range use, so more flood than throw.
8) Runtime: Longer is better. 240+ preferred.
9) Durability: Very Important (My wife can tear up anything).
8) Switch Type: Slider or Clickie
9) Switch Location: I don't care.
10) Operational Modes: 2 light levels preferred, but simple on/off also okay.
11) Body construction: Metal
12) Special Needs: Belt/Jacket/Keyring clip or lanyard preferred.
Thank you for any advice and recommendations!1) Price Range: up to around $25.
2) Format: I want a flashlight.
3) Length: 2-3 inches. (Keychain/pocket)
4) Width: Narrow
5) Batteries: Single AA or AAA Alkaline battery. An option to use lithium batteries would be nice, but not necessary. I'd likely power them with Eneloops I have.
6) Amount of light: For casual and emergency use, so 20-40 lumens?
7) Throw vs Flood: primarily for short range use, so more flood than throw.
8) Runtime: Longer is better. 240+ preferred.
9) Durability: Very Important (My wife can tear up anything).
8) Switch Type: Slider or Clickie
9) Switch Location: I don't care.
10) Operational Modes: 2 light levels preferred, but simple on/off also okay.
11) Body construction: Metal
12) Special Needs: Belt/Jacket/Keyring clip or lanyard preferred.
