idleprocess
Flashaholic
Looking for a simple-to-operate LED flashlight to give as Christmas gifts. Target audience is effectively grandparents who need a flashlight to put in a junk drawer, glove box, purse, or toolbox for extremely occasional use - but it needs to work when called upon; as such electronic switches out out (unless someone has finally perfected zero standby current). Single-switch UI is fine so long as the mode sequence makes sense. Program-ability is not wanted. Compactness is important, however 1xAA will more than suffice - no need to go with 1xAAA or some USB-charged lipo-powered light likely to self-discharge within 3-6 months nor something that runs on coin cells and has a runtime of 10 minutes. Lithium AA compatibility is important - I've sworn off trying to salvage alkaline leaks and these users will not suffer NiMH cell maintenance thus they'll be handed a stack of Energizer lithium AAs with these.
The laundry list:
Going over Parametrek's entries, the following look to be moderately compatible...
The laundry list:
Ultratac A1 honestly looks to be the favorite from the list, however I've not kept up on this specific niche thus there might be options I'm missing.
EDIT: The Lumintop Tool AA should probably also be on the list.
Appreciate any advice the community has to offer.
The laundry list:
- ≤$50 price point
- Conventional cylindrical formfactor in aluminum or any other reasonable metal
- Replaceable 1xAA : 1.5V Lithium, alkaline, NiMH
- Simple operation w/ no SOS, party strobe, whatnot
- Flood beam for tasks
- High output is not a priority
Going over Parametrek's entries, the following look to be moderately compatible...
The laundry list:
- JetBeam SF-AA01 - Upsides: Inexpensive, single tail switch, seemingly a forward clicky. Downsides: SMO reflector for throw, can't locate a user manual to describe operation, first review I came across doesn't care for the UI/switch.
- Fenix LD09 - Upsides: I've had good experiences with Fenix, forward clicky switch might be more intuitive for inexperienced users toggling modes than reverse. Downsides: SOS mode, pricier at ~$40
- Streamlight Protac EMS - Upsides: Brand reputation, apparent forward clicky. Downsides: "High" output is a tad low.
- Pelican 2350 - Upsides: Brand reputation. Downsides: Dumb default mode sequence means I'll have to reprogram it and hope that said program is stored in some sort of nonvolatile memory and also isn't accidentally changed.
- Ultratac A1 - Upsides: Inexpensive, OP reflector for a diffuse beam, includes a diffuser, no strobe/SOS, available in neutral tint on Amazon. Downsides: I'm not so sure on the brand.
Ultratac A1 honestly looks to be the favorite from the list, however I've not kept up on this specific niche thus there might be options I'm missing.
EDIT: The Lumintop Tool AA should probably also be on the list.
Appreciate any advice the community has to offer.
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