I’ve had to learn the hard way how crucial it is to have a strong flashlight because I enjoy hiking and camping a lot. A few years ago, my old, inexpensive flashlight failed me while I was out camping for the weekend. I was left to fumble about in the pitch black, looking for my belongings and setting up my tent. Since then, I’ve made it a point to spend money on reliable, high-quality flashlights.
There are a few important factors to take into account when selecting a flashlight, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast like me or just need one for regular use. We’ll go over everything you need to know to make an informed choice in this thorough shopping guide.
Lumens
Lumen output is one of the most crucial things to think about when purchasing a flashlight. The brightness of the light is measured in lumens. The brightness of the light increases with the lumen count. A flashlight with about 100 lumens is typically adequate for daily use. But you might want to think about a flashlight with 500 lumens or more if you require one for tougher pursuits, like camping or hiking.
Charge Type
The kind of battery the flashlight utilizes is another crucial aspect to take into account. Disposable and rechargeable batteries are the two basic types used in flashlights. Although they are simple to replace, disposable batteries can add up over time. Although they may cost more up front, rechargeable batteries are more economical in the long term.
Weight and Size
Another crucial factor is the flashlight’s size and weight. You should choose a tiny and lightweight flashlight if you intend to take it on treks or camping trips. But you might prefer a bigger, heavier alternative if you need a flashlight for heavier-duty duties, like working on a car or in a workshop.
Durability
Another crucial aspect to take into account is the flashlight’s durability. You should look for a flashlight that is waterproof and robust if you intend to use it in inclement weather, such as rain or snow. Choose flashlights that are built with sturdy materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Beam Diameter
The beam distance represents the farthest point the flashlight’s beam can travel. If you need a flashlight for long-distance duties, such as search and rescue operations, you should take this into account. Seek out flashlights with a minimum 100-meter beam radius.
Now that you are aware of the qualities to look for in a flashlight, let’s examine some of the top models available.
PD35 TAC Tactical Flashlight by Fenix
The beam of this flashlight can travel up to 200 meters and emits 1000 lumens. It is constructed from sturdy materials and is water-resistant up to two meters. Rechargeable batteries power it.
ProTac HL 5-X Tactical Flashlight by Streamlight
This flashlight has a 3500-lumen output and a 452-meter beam radius. It has a 1-meter waterproof range and is composed of sturdy materials. It is powered by discarded batteries.
Tactical flashlight, ThruNite TC15
The beam of this flashlight can travel up to 246 meters and emits 2300 lumens. It is constructed from sturdy materials and is water-resistant up to two meters. Rechargeable batteries power it.
In summary
When purchasing a flashlight, think about the lumens, battery type, size, weight, durability, and beam distance. You may pick a flashlight that suits your needs and will endure for many years by keeping these considerations in mind.
Keith Manners, luminary expert and author of “Lumen Hero,” boasts two decades of illuminating experience. A childhood raccoon encounter sparked his passion for flashlights, leading to nocturnal adventures and unmatched photon-based humor. Keith’s tongue-in-cheek writing style brightens the often overlooked world of portable lighting. When not penning hilarious articles, he enjoys moonlit hikes and shadow puppetry with his cat, Lumen. Keith’s electrifying personality and vast knowledge ensure no flashlight enthusiast is left in the dark—both literally and metaphorically.