What Should You Look For When Buying a Flashlight

A flashlight is an incredibly useful tool that everyone should own. It can be used for a variety of purposes. Whether you are using it to find your way in the dark or as a source of light when working on something, knowing what should you look for when buying a flashlight will help ensure you purchase the right one for your needs.

Some of the important factors that need to be considered are bulb type, battery life, the brightness of the flashlight, beam distance, and waterproofing. Let’s read more about them to get a clear understanding.

What Should You Look For When Buying a Flashlight: 7 Crucial Things

A flashlight is a portable hand-held electric light. Although flashlights are typically small, they can be powerful enough to light up an entire room or area

However, flashlights with different light outputs are chosen according to the particular need. It is necessary to consider various factors while buying the perfect LED flashlight because there are many things that one shouldn’t miss when choosing the right device.

If you’re looking into buying one, here are some things to consider before making your purchase.

Bulb Type

The first thing that one should look for is the type of bulbs used in the device because it determines how bright or dim the light will be emitted. For instance, LED light bulbs are typically brighter than incandescent bulbs. Some flashlights such as tactical flashlights use both LED and incandescent bulbs together. They have multiple applications such as disaster lighting, machine tool lighting, navigating in dark places, signaling for help during emergencies, etc.

What Should You Look For When Buying a Flashlights

Battery Life

The next factor that one should consider is the battery type and lifespan because it determines how long your device will work. Some flashlights use regular batteries while some can be charged with a wall adapter or USB port, which makes them portable options as well. It also depends on the number of batteries used by the flashlight. Although it is necessary to look for an energy-efficient device because high power consumption will drain the batteries quickly.

Brightness

Power output or brightness levels can be chosen according to individual needs. While brighter flashlights are preferred in dark environments, low flashlights are needed close to home where there is enough light. There are various factors that determine the brightness of a flashlight, for instance, the number of lumens in the device, reflector design, and type of bulb used.

Durability

To prevent the device from breaking, it is necessary to buy a durable flashlight because there are many such options available in the market. Flashlights come with different levels of durability depending on their cost. The higher-priced flashlights are more durable than their low-budget counterparts.

Beam Distance

It is also important to look at how far you can see using your device when looking for the best one. Flashlights with longer beam distances are typically brighter because they can emit light over longer distances. It is necessary to look for a device that has adjustable focus settings, which will allow you to adjust the beam distance according to your need.

 Waterproofing

Another thing that needs to be looked at when buying a flashlight is its waterproof rating. Some devices are specifically made to only be used indoors while some are also waterproof. There are cases when devices with lower ratings can be submerged for a certain period of time, but it is better to avoid getting your flashlight wet if possible.

Build quality & Aesthetics

Flashlights are generally made using either aluminum or plastic material. If you are looking for a flashlight that will last longer and can handle rough use, it is necessary to look at the build quality and aesthetics of the device. Higher-priced devices typically have better build quality than low-budget counterparts because they come with shock-resistant features or titanium coatings.

Final words

To make the best decision, it is necessary to look at various factors when choosing a flashlight. I have played my parts by discussing the important factors so that you know exactly what should you look for when buying a flashlight. So, it’s your turn! Now, pick the best flashlight that suits your requirements while keeping the aforementioned consideration in mind.

There are many types of flashlights out there. Here are the most common kinds!

The variety of models and types of flashlights is impressive. If you need one for specific activities, getting some basic information will ease out the selection process. More details about the types of flashlights come down below.

There are many types of flashlights out there

Incandescent bulb flashlights

Nine households out of ten have at least one incandescent bulb flashlight. These models need D batteries for power and people used them for decades now. Affordable and easy to procure, incandescent bulb flashlights represent the most common type out there.

Durability can differ from one manufacturer to another, so spend some time before placing your order. Most models have rugged bodies that withstand the inclement weather and corrosion. Should you look for a cheap flashlight for camping and fishing, an incandescent bulb model is always a good choice.

LED Flashlights

LED flashlights don’t generate heat and can last for a very long time. It’s the same for the bulbs and the body of the flashlights that can take a fall. Since they’re sturdy and dependable, LED flashlights are great for camping trips.

A good LED flashlight is pricier than an entry-level incandescent bulb flashlight. Even if LED flashlights are not as cheap as the incandescent bulb models, they are worth the extra buck.

We want to remind you that LED flashlights generate a different kind of light than incandescent models. LED models give an off-white light with a blue hue, whereas incandescent bulbs generate white light.

High-Intensity Discharge HID Flashlights

These flashlights can generate highly bright light, and they’re excellent as bright portable flashlights. They’re not as common as the previous models and sit on the expensive side. The price tag for a HID flashlight can be as high as 10 times more than for an incandescent model. The price tag throws off many clients and only outdoor enthusiasts tend to use them.

Pressurized Gas Flashlights

Some flashlights are powered in specific ways, such as incandescent bulbs that use pressurized gases to expand the bulb’s lifespan. Krypton, xenon, and halogen will brighten the light and help it burn out slower. Such models are highly efficient for emergencies, such as power outages when you need fast access to light.

Solar-Powered Flashlights

More and more people look for environmentally-friendly solutions and solar-power flashlights fall in this category. They’re comfortable to use and reliable for many activities. You can find relatively bright models, but most won’t compete with LED or HID flashlights. As long as they’re adequately charged, the solar-powered models are as affordable as incandescent bulb flashlights.

Headlamp Flashlights

The headlamp models are a great choice when you need to use your hands for something other than holding your flashlight. Such models are easy to strap right on your head and effortless to use.

A headlamp will let you do whatever you need with your hands. If you have a flat tire in the middle of the night, having a headlamp in your trunk will be of great help. You will be able to see and change the tire at the same time.

Lanterns

Traditional lanterns run on kerosene or another kind of fuel to give a flame. Nowadays, LED lanterns are widely used, and you only need to set them down near your location and not point them where you need to go.

Some models are effortless to carry when camping and not so much for hiking or walking. If there’s a big storm coming in, make sure you have a lantern within reach.

USB charging flashlights

You can forget about buying batteries if you get yourself a USB charging flashlight. These flashlights come with built-in batteries that charge like your smartphone charges. Charging such a flashlight is effortless: simply plug it into your USB port.

The USB charging flashlight is probably the most appropriate type for these days. You always have some device that requires USB charging. Just make sure you don’t forget to charge them to use them when the power goes out.

USB flashlights can get very bright and may seem pricey when compared to other models. They also have a durable build and will take many years of use.

Shake flashlights

Shake flashlights stand out from the other types of flashlights because they don’t run on batteries. Magnets inside the flashlights will power the shake flashlights. When you shake the flashlight, a reaction will occur and produce the light you need. You only have to shake the flashlight when you need light.

The best part about this type of flashlight is that you never have to worry about running out of batteries. However, the light isn’t very bright. Reliability is the essential benefit of these flashlights that will run whenever you need them. They come for an attractive price and you don’t need to buy batteries either.

How many styles of flashlights can you choose from?

Flashlights differ by style as well, not only by type.

Utility flashlights

Utility flashlights are the regular incandescent bulb models. They’re the most affordable styles to get and highly versatile as well. Don’t expect much in terms of durability—most will break down if dropped.

Since they’re cheap, you can buy one every time you break the old one.

Heavy-Duty Flashlights

Such flashlights have a long-lasting build and will take a beating. If you drop one, the risk of breaking it is relatively small. Versatility and rugged build recommends the heavy-duty models for strenuous outdoor activities like hiking or hunting.

If you need a flashlight to use often, the heavy-duty model is the right option. With such models, you have access to the light, but you always need batteries within reach.

Work Flashlights

Work flashlights are specially made for people who work in the dark and need light to examine the smallest details while working.  Most of the work flashlights are rechargeable which eliminates the need for batteries.You need to charge the flashlight at the end of the workday. Many models come with adjustable zoom features so that you can focus on a particular item/area.

Tactical Flashlights

Police offices and military personnel typically use tactical flashlights to examine situations and disorient people if necessary. Tactical models will generate very bright light. Many firefighters and rescue workers include tactical flashlights in their toolkits.

Needless to say, the tactical flashlights are rugged and have resistance to impact and inclement weather. The beam distance can be incredible and reach up to 1,181-feet in some models.

Faqs

Are you allowed to bring your a flashlight on a plane?

If you want to pack a regular flashlight in carry-on luggage, it shouldn’t be longer than 7 inches. Should you use a tactical flashlight, make sure you don’t bring it with you in the cabin as it might be forbidden. As for the checked bag, you can pack it in any size flashlight you want. Remember to pack the spare lithium flashlight batteries in your carry-on.

Is it possible for a flashlight to cause blindness?

There is no report until now that a flashlight has made one person go permanently blind. However, this doesn’t eliminate the risk of temporary side effects and damage to the vision. Seeing dots, temporary blindness, and mental confusion are some of these effects.

Why should you keep water out of your flashlight?

Regular flashlights aren’t made to withstand moisture seeping in. If water gets inside the flashlight, it will burn out and leave you without any light.

Why do headlamps come with green lights?

Greenlight is easier for the human eye to spot and it’s more effective for illumination, especially when contrast is crucial. The green light emitters in hunting flashlights are less visible to many animals that are green/red colorblind.

Why do military flashlights feature red lenses?

Military flashlights come with red lenses to improve night vision. When using night vision equipment, a red lens over the flashlight maintains the capacity to see through the lens and offer some illumination. The red lens is typical in military operations because it’s highly compatible with night vision and makes soldiers less visible.

Robert Dwayne

Robert Dwayne

To say that I am an outdoors enthusiast is probably an understatement. I am hyper passionate about everything outdoors: hiking, survival, hunting. On this website I am sharing my stories and experiences, and I hope you'll find inspiration to take up your own adventures!

What Should You Look For When Buying a Flashlight

What Should You Look For When Buying a Flashlight

Robert Dwayne

Robert Dwayne

To say that I am an outdoors enthusiast is probably an understatement. I am hyper passionate about everything outdoors: hiking, survival, hunting. On this website I am sharing my stories and experiences, and I hope you'll find inspiration to take up your own adventures!

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