Flashlights are a versatile tool. Whether you need one for work, home, or outdoor activities like camping or hiking, it’s important to get the right kind. The latest LED technology allows manufacturers to squeeze massive amounts of light into a small flashlight and increase the number of features and modes available to you. These improvements have led to better flashlights, but they’ve also made choosing one harder. To help you choose the right type, let’s look at some things to look for when you’re buying a new flashlight.
Lumens and Light Output
A Lumen is a unit used to measure light output. The more Lumens a flashlight puts out, the brighter its beam will be. A flashlight with an output of 1000 Lumens will be brighter and have a further beam distance than a flashlight with 180 Lumens. If you’re using your flashlight around the house, a lower output will work fine. For camping, go for something mid-range. Using your flashlight for work? Look for flashlights with a powerful, long-distance beam.
Battery Type
Another thing to look for when you’re buying a new flashlight is the type of battery it uses. You can put batteries into two main categories: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. A non-rechargeable battery is perfect for people who carry spare batteries on hand or can find them quickly when needed. If you’re always on the go, consider getting a rechargeable battery instead. Batteries come in different sizes, too. The 18650 was long considered the gold standard for flashlights, but in recent years, the 21700 battery has surged in popularity.
Durability
Durability doesn’t matter to everyone, but it’s one factor you shouldn’t overlook when you’re buying a new flashlight. There’s a wide range of quality certifications and durability tests used to judge a flashlight’s quality. You can find waterproof flashlights, impact-resistant, explosion-proof, and more. If you’re a police officer, construction worker, firefighter, or in some other kind of hands-on profession, you’ll want a flashlight that can keep up and last through tough conditions. Look for flashlights that you can drop from higher distances without breaking and can resist water penetration. If you’re looking for an everyday carry flashlight, one with a normal impact resistance should do. This kind of flashlight is perfect for a stroll through the woods, a weekend camping trip, or looking for monsters under your child’s bed.
