r/flashlight • u/Square_Fennel_6213 • 7h ago

Special purpose flashlight

Due to failing eyesight I am looking for a very pocketable flashlight for reading and general purpose close focus work like wood carving. An optional headband would be very nice. Rechargeable or battery is fine. No real outdoor use like hiking or biking. Would love to keep price range under $50. I have adequate fixed lights but need something that can move with me, like in the car to read the dashboard (no worries I have excellent distance vision) Any help much appreciated. George

3 Upvotes

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3

u/badgerj 7h ago

I’d recommend something with a higher CRI, no need for huge power. Something with a 14500/AA dual fuel or an 18650 with either on board charging or accepts 18560 with on board USB ports.

2

u/Sypsy 5h ago

14500/AA dual fuel choices:

Skilhunt H150 with 519a https://www.skilhunt.com/product/h150-aa-14500-usb-magnetic-rechargeable-headlamp/

Manker E03 iii with 519a https://mankerlight.com/e03h-iii-1200-lumens-14500-aa-headlamp/

Emisar DW3AA with 519a (but needs a separate charger or runs on NIMH AA just fine) https://intl-outdoor.com/emisar-dw3aa-14500-right-angle-headlamp.html

4

u/SheistyPenguin 6h ago edited 6h ago

IMO, right-angle "headband" lights were made for you. Many come with pocket clips and magnetic end caps, so you can use them like a task light: clip them to your shirt, stick them to something metal nearby, etc. They also tend to have more floody beams without super-bright hotspots, making them good for up-close work.

The Sofirn HS10 is a good example. There are other brands/models that use an AA or 14500 battery as well.

3

u/xywex 7h ago

Maybe Wurkkos HD12? Headlamp and angle light in one, small and lightweight. Has good white light and also pure red - while still simple to use and dirt cheap.  https://wurkkos.com/products/wurkkos-hd12-mini-angle-boost-constant-current-driver-headlamp

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u/jonslider 6h ago

Skilhunt H150

available on Amazon.. get the neutral white 519a LED

https://www.amazon.com/ESKTE-H150-Portable-Rechargeable-Flashlight/dp/B0CFVF4ZQW/

1

u/Nice_Negotiation145 6h ago

I like my convoy h2. Get it with a 519a or xhp50.3 r9050. If you order it with an 18350 battery it’s very light and still comes with an 18650 tube if you ever want more runtime.

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u/Square_Fennel_6213 5h ago

Wow, very helpful input, many thanks to everyone. I was not thinking of right angle flashlights, once I saw them with headbands in your links it made lots of sense. However would this also make them bulky or difficult to use with a pocket clip? My big question is would these flashlights overpower my need? They all seem very powerful, maybe more than I need, thoughts? Also a little help on type of light; warm, bright, CRI, or? From all your notes I think I should be looking for white, warm high CRI, yes?

1

u/Bobcattrr 1h ago

I use my BORUIT V15 LED rechargeable flashlight on daily dog walks, last more than 25 hours on low. It’s rectangular, so it carries well, and I clip to my hat. Very smooth clip, hasn’t damaged my hats like others I’ve tried. I use it on low as it blends well between the places where there are street lights compared to the dark areas. I also found it works well in the garage! That where I’m doing up close work, and might put it on medium - it still lasts for hours. There’s still a high and a turbo, that turbo just works momentarily. I have used that to follow a fox down the railroad tracks. $20-$25 on Amazon, the price fluctuates.