Flashlight for the blind

Pseudonym

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 12, 2018
Messages
1
I'm legally blind (okay central vision with no peripheral vision and subsequently no night vision). My city doesn't seem to want to replace burned out streetlights despite them being reported by multiple people over several months. I'm overwhelmed by all the flashlight options that are out there, so I'm seeking some help. I'm not sure of the best way to answer some of the questions below. For most purposes, it'll be used for illuminating the sidewalk in front of me with some occasional camping. When I'm walking, a car coming from behind me will illuminate the path just enough, but it is still dark. I want to be able to see foliage down the path in front of me, so that I can avoid being smacked in the head (a white cane doesn't work for this). I looked through the forums a little and I laugh at the people who only need a few lumens for night time hiking. Lucky folks! I think ideal for me is something that has multiple settings, so that I can adapt to different situations (ludicrous bright, crazy bright, very bright, bright). Thanks in advance for any guidance/suggestions!




1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?


____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
_x___Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_x___I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
__x__I don’t know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

_x___LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

_x___I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
__x__I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
__x__I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__x?__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
_x?___I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
_x?___I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
_x?___Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
_x?___Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__x__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don’t know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
__x__I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don’t care.
__x__I don’t know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
__x__I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__x__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
__x__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 

Modernflame

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 27, 2017
Messages
4,383
Location
Dirty Dirty South
Welcome to CPF! We're glad you're here. You've wisely left your options open and I'm certain you'll get lots of suggestions. Hopefully, you won't still be overwhelmed when this thread has run its course.

If reliability is uppermost in your mind, I'd recommend a Malkoff Hound Dog. The down side is that it only has two modes and the high output is "only" 1200 lumens for the cool white version. However, it has a wide reflector that balances throw and spill quite beautifully. The upside is that the flashlight is as tough as a set of Craftsman wrenches. Also, the regulation will be flat, meaning that the output won't step down throughout the life of the batteries. You can run it on two 18650's, which are rechargeable and inexpensive. If you live in the States, you may appreciate that Malkoff is based in Alabama and has great customer service.

If that's not enough output, then I'm sure the others will offer up more ideas. Good luck with your search!
 

Crazyeddiethefirst

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 13, 2012
Messages
2,005
Location
Southern California
Welcome to the CPF family! Since you have left your options open, I have a couple suggestions/questions:
First, may I suggest you "split" your budget and buy 2 lights. An old saying that is often repeated here is "two is one and one is none". Once you get used to having a good light, if it dies(malfunction/dropped/dead battery etc), getting home may even be more challenging. Two lights allows you to also always have a backup battery on hand.
Second: would you consider a headlamp? By being on your forehead, it will illuminate where you look, but every time you look up ahead of your path of travel it should really make any foliage or eye level obstructions light up.
3. I agree that Malkoff is an excellent choice due to durability & quality (won't die if you drop it). There are a number of lights that can be used as a handheld or as a headlamp-Zebralight is one that comes to mind. You could buy two-one for flood, one for throw and buy the headband for maximum flexibility. I would suggest going Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries for longest runtime and least cost in the long run. You do need to take the time to read, watch some videos to ensure you use them safely but most people accomplish this easily in a reasonable time period. There are so many choices and I am not even scratching the surface-this is on purpose-I am hoping you get enough responses to narrow down what you want and then we(CPF collectively) can "steer" you closer to what will meet your needs.
 

Phlogiston

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 7, 2015
Messages
601
Location
Scotland
Hello and welcome to CPF :)

I'm legally blind, in what sounds like a similar situation. Central vision only, so tunnel vision (field of view about 5° wide), no peripheral vision and no low-light / night vision. The following are some of my thoughts in no particular order.

I see you're leaning towards tighter beams, which is the way I go as well, on the basis that my field of view isn't wide enough to make full use of a floody beam. I like my hotspots to be about 10° wide.

There's a trade-off: a tighter beam gets maximum light into my visual field, for maximum range, but means I have to keep the beam exactly in line with where I'm looking, which can be tiring after a while. Some people find going for a slightly wider beam offers a compromise they prefer: a bit less range, but more leeway in getting the light pointed in the right direction.

The light outputs and runtimes you're after will require a decent sized light, partly to keep the LED cool and partly because you'll need a decent sized battery. If you're happy to handle the safety aspect, Li-Ion (lithium-ion) cells are the best option for the battery. Don't give up if not, though - there are a few options that use normal NiMH AA cells. Both Li-Ion and NiMH are rechargeable, which will save you a lot of cash over time if you're using your lights a lot.

Are you aware that some lights are available in different colour temperatures? Most lights come in "cool white", but some are available in "neutral white" or even "warm white". Some people find that neutral or warm white seem more natural to them, which helps with resolving detail and colour in whatever you're looking at. I personally like neutral white - I find it to be very like midday sunlight.

When it comes to durability, I would advise you to have two or three less expensive lights, rather than putting all the cash into a single expensive one. Even top-notch lights can fail on occasion, and dropping your only light in the dark before you've managed to turn it on is no fun either.

I personally carry a tiny 1×AAA light on one side of my belt, a small 1×18650 light on the other side of my belt, and a large 1×26650 or 2×18650 light in my backpack. (Those 18650 & 26650 numbers are Li-Ion cell sizes). That gives me a light for every job, with enough overlap that if the one I want goes out of service, I can probably make one of the others do in a pinch. I also have spare batteries in my backpack.

The belt lights have lanyards, clipped to my belt with spring-loaded carabiner clips to make it hard to lose them, but still allow reasonably easy access. Your preferences may vary - some people prefer to put their lights in their pockets, for example, hooking the clip on the light over the edge of the pocket to keep the light in place. Faster access, but more risk of having it fall out and potentially be lost. Belt holsters are still another option, but not one I have any experience of.

The large backpack light has a neoprene camera wrist strap attached to it, which is very comfortable in use, especially if I accidentally drop the light, or I need to let it hang from my wrist for a moment. That's the light I actually use for walking around in the dark (the belt lights have other jobs).

When it comes to operating the lights, will you be wearing gloves at any point? I wear impact gloves when I'm out and about - they protect my hands from all the things I walk into and bash my knuckles on - so that means the switches have to be prominent enough to find by touch, in the dark, wearing those gloves. In winter, I add Merino wool inserts or switch to heavier gloves, so that has to be considered too.

Most lights with switches in the tail will be fine by this criterion, but most lights with side switches will fall short. Not all, but most; side switches are often made with quite a low profile for neatness and to make the light slide in and out of pockets and holsters more easily without snagging.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned any specific lights in all this. Unfortunately, two of my three are no longer in production; I'm currently experimenting with new ones as potential upgrades. I'm hesitant to recommend lights I haven't finished qualifying for my use yet, but I can certainly name names if you'd like?

Do you have any lights at the moment? If you do, please let us know which ones. You might already be aware of aspects you like or dislike about them, which will help narrow things down.

By the way, once you've posted 3 times, you'll be able to send and receive private messages (also known as PMs). That would let us send you links to lights you might like, once we've narrowed things down a bit more.
 
Last edited:

Timothybil

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
3,662
Location
The great state of Misery (Missouri)
I agree that a headlight would definitely be an option, although I have never used one, so "further deponent sayeth not". I also agree with the 'two is one and one is none' philosophy. My personal recommendation would be two lights from Nitecore - The P30 and the EA11/EC11. The EA11 and EC11 only differ in which cells they use. The EA11 can use either a rechargeable 14500 LiIon cell or a regular AA cell, although with much reduced output. The EC11 can use either a primary CR123 lithium cell if you don't want to deal with rechargeable LiIon cells, or an18350 rechargeable LiIon cell. Either one would make a good second light, or you could get two for both primary or secondary uses. My recommendation for a primary light would be the P30. It is a single rechargeable 18650 cell or two CR123 primary cell light. It has a very nice central beam that can reach out as far as you would want with your limitations. It also has a nice spill light that does a good job in lighting up the area right in front of the light.

I personally usually carry the EA11 as my Every Day Light, due to its small size. Since I am set up to use rechargeable LiIon cells for my other lights I use a 14500 cell in it. When I know that I will likely need more light, and especially more throw, I will carry the P30 either instead of or with the EA11. The nice thing is that with a little judicious shopping one can get both lights for $100+, especially as we approach the holiday season.

It is good to see that you are not letting your vision problems limit you. Hopefully by the time your vision degenerates further technology will come up with solutions that will continue to assist your vision.

PS: I just thought to add - I also carry a Nitecore Tip on my key ring. It is a USB rechargeable light, and would be ideal for things like lighting up your keyhole, or the area immediately in front of you if you drop something or need to find something on a desk or counter, without having to get out a larger light. Just a thought.
 
Last edited:

bykfixer

Flashaholic
Joined
Aug 9, 2015
Messages
20,352
Location
Dust in the Wind
Hello,

SureFire makes a pretty nice little light with a clicky tailcap on a non metallic frame. It starts out at around 16 lumens for battery sipping with a second click causing a bright 360 lumens that has a nice spot that evenly spreads out a good amount of side lighting for traversing pathways.

It's called G2x Pro and runs around $50. It will run off a 16650 if you prefer rechargeables over CR123 batteries. They come in yellow among other colors for ease of finding in low light.

Others will offer many fine ideas. But to me, after reading your needs the G2x came to mind. It's one I prefer when walking in dense woods when the beam needs to be out front, lighting the side a little without without casting self-blinding light on close up dense brush etc. Great for your narrow vision but if you turn your eyes/head a bitwithout moving the light, the little spill will ensure you don't bump into stuff or trip on sidewalk cracks or tree roots.
 
Last edited:

LetThereBeLight!

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 26, 2014
Messages
635
I just want to add this: consider having a backup light on a lanyard you can wear around your neck like Nitecore's Tip mentioned by Timothybil.
 

Keitho

Enlightened
Joined
Jun 7, 2017
Messages
781
Location
CO, USA
I'm thinking throw more than flood as well--no need for a flooder. The Emisar D1 is a nice quality, low cost option to try out a color temp (I would echo above, and try warmer colors), and see if you want more throw, and/or more or less output. Who knows--your eyes might respond better to cooler light, so buy two Emisars at only $35 each, and try them out. You'll have to charge cells externally (I like replaceable cells: two is one, and one is none; and, a spare cell is easy to carry). The UI is easy: double-click to get max turbo; hold down to use the ramping UI.

Once you find a color temp you like, Zebralight might be one to consider. Current generation lights have a programmable UI--program the levels to range between "bright" and "super bright," if that is what is most useful to you. The spot-flood, higher CRI options that I would suggest considering if you end up liking warmer tints are the SC64c, H600c Mk IV, and H600d Mk IV (the 600's are slightly more throw, slightly larger size). The promised upcoming Oct release of the SC700d will most likely have a longer runtime with a larger size.

Best of luck!
 

Crazyeddiethefirst

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 13, 2012
Messages
2,005
Location
Southern California
After seeing the above recommendation for a Convoy, one other suggestion: the standard Convoy S2+ is a basic light that runs off an 18650 Battery. Because they can be bought for $12-$20, come in cool white or neutral white and can be switched between a 5 mode or 8 mode user interface, it would be an inexpensive way to see if the size, color and switch are adequate for you. Because they are not potted(more fragile than most the lights above), I would not recommend it as your main light. However, if you like it, you can buy an LED "drop in" that is potted with a great driver/User Interface for around $50. It can also be a third backup light....although I have a ton of expensive lights, I also have 14 or 15 convoys-it is a light I can loan to a number of people for temporary use and if it gets lost or broken, no big deal. It is my favorite "budget light"....just another consideration...
 

Bazar

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Dec 2, 2016
Messages
138
Location
Colorado
First off, emphasis on ease of use with it turned off, a great easy user interface, should be noted. You need a light that is good for turning on and even changing the batteries with minimum sight. The Nitecore Tm03 comes to mind as it has two different instant access buttons. It is also powerful giving you the ability to see a relatively floody spot right in front of you and down the road.

The recent Klarus xt11 x also comes to mind, again 3 different buttons and simple modes of light access make it viable and easy to turn on and off without looking at the buttons. And again a strong but widespread hotspot. Not the most floody but it should be close to ideal for your condition. Both are 120 $ or so.more or less.

The Emisar D4 is tough to work with so can't recommend that.
 
Top