mini flashlight for wife

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,251
My wife is always taking my minimag lite out of my truck. So I want to get her something to keep in the car. Looking for something relatively small and lightweight she can slip into her bag too.

One consideration. It will be sitting in the car most of the time and we are heading into weather where it can be 20 below zero at night, does any battery handle that type of extreme cold better than any other?
 
Hi Shann-

If it will be sitting unused for extended periods...until it is REALLY needed, you have to go with lithium-powered batteries all the way. They have a very extended shelf-life lasting several years.

Here are the results of a BladeForums search under the gadgets and gear section using flashlight* as the identifying term. Enjoy!

~ Blue Jays ~
 
Longbow Micra. Ideal purse flashlight.

Lithium copes with cold temperature better than alkaline batteries so you should go with the lithium powered flashlights.
 
Silver Inova X5T is the the perfect purse light. Uses lithiums so you don't have to worry about temps or shelf life. The current isn't regulated at all, so it will gradually dwindle down to nothing, meaning that she can keep using it till it barely puts out any light (and she probably won't even notice). Its sleek and smooth and easy to use. Waterproof and indestructible. And less than 40 bucks.

Mark
 
inova x1 is smaller, focused beam, and cheaper. uses AAA batt.
 
The X5T is a great choice. I'll be trying out an X1 sometime in the near future.

Paul
 
Actually, the inova x1 uses AA batteries so for the cold, you would have to find lithium AA batteries. Also, it might be too focused to be useful in some situations (e.g. walking at night). You might want to take a look at the Inova X5, X0, or T2.
 
Since the lithium battery powered flashlights have such a short usage life, I picked up one of Streamlight's 'TwinTask' lights. I got the single battery light. Just a bit fatter and about as long as a MiniMag light. It's got 3 LED's and an incandescent bulb. So you get long battery life w/ the LED's and a little more focused beam and a bit brighter w/ the incandescent. About $25 at my local sporting goods store.

Or just get her another MiniMag light. :D
 
Twintask is an excellent light and a great value.

You can get AA lithium batteries...most lights that work on AAs will work on these and you get the benefits of lithium batteries that are more available in stores, or AA batteries or AA NiMH rechargables.

Some light companies say not to run their lights on AA lithiums...
 
I highly reccommend this Peak. I have the aluminum one with snow LEDs. It is very bright, as bright as the X5 on fresh batties. It is also the whitest light I have ever seen from a flashlight, and is regulated, which is a good thing. It is a nice size for carry, and has a removable ring on one end that can be used to attach to a keychain, lanyard, etc. It also uses lithium cells, which should be good for low temperatures.
 
In that type of weather, lithium batteries for sure. Most of them have many years shelf life. And are reliable in below zero temps. The LED bulbs are much more reliable, will provide longer burn time and are more resisitant to damage when dropped or hit with impact. Incandescents are no match in these areas. Depending on what requirements/ role the light will need to fill, you' ll need to choose a model with higher lumen output if you want to light up a good area. Or a model with long run time and relative low output if you just need to light to see the insides of the car for reading a map. Many of the ones recommended will do just fine. But if she is use to grabbing your AA mini mag, then by all means get her one. BUT with a TerraLux kit for converting the light into a 1 watt LED white light that burns at 25 lumens max! This is a quick drop in setup that installs in about 1 minute. Includes an LED and reflector where most of all the dark circles are eliminated. They are standard upgrades for all my AA maglites. And well worth the $30 MSRP.

N2
 
Don't ignore...the finest light that is bright, has runtime of 10-15 hours, and is practically indestructible...the UK 4AA eLED loaded with AA lithiums. Purchase for about $20 or so. An amazing light...I have two. Not pocket size but only a bit bigger
 
What kind of stuff does she use it for? The X5 is a good light or you may try one of the Nightcutters or the new Nuwai QIII looks pretty cool too. I only have first hand experience with the X5, but I'll probably be getting a Nightcutter and QIII sometime next year. The Princeton Tec Attitude is also a good, cheap light.
 
I am very Flashlight challenged :confused: but I just picked-up a pair of Luxeon 2 AA flashlights from Costco for less than $40 that I am very happy with. Put one in my vehicle and one in my wifes. Not sure if they would take different batteries.
 
Most of the time when I come to BF I hit the "new posts" link and every time this thread comes up I think it's an offer for a trade. :)
 
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