What to Consider When Choosing a Flashlight
Having a good flashlight is essential. Whether you are camping in dark woods, reading a book under your covers or hiding out during a storm, you want to make sure your flashlight can illuminate your area.
With this goal, here are some qualities you should consider when choosing a flashlight.
Battery
There are several battery options: rechargeable, non-rechargeable and renewable. Non-rechargeable flashlights require batteries, usually AAA or AA. For those who are constantly moving or using their flashlight, rechargeable might be a better option. Renewable refers to flashlights with a hand crank or solar panel, making them idealistic for emergency kits or surviving storms.
No matter the battery choice, you want to think about how long the flashlight will last. It is also important to consider if it will fade gradually over time or stop all at once.
Flashlight Durability
Nowadays, everyone wants indestructible items – cell phones, cars, you name it! When it comes to flashlights, there are many different “indestructible” qualities to look at, such as shockproof, waterproof or impact resistant. If you want one that will survive tough conditions, such as the zombie apocalypse or major storms, this is a vital topic.
Light Output
There are several details when it comes to light output. The first is lumen, which is the unit used to measure the amount of light emitted. More lumens mean a brighter flashlight’s beam. Some flashlights will even offer different levels of lumens, known as modes – they usually come in high, low or strobe. For lumens, consider what the flashlight will be used for; do you want a light that is good for hiking in the dark or one that will help you read at night?
You also want to look at the distance of the light beam. This is especially important if you want to use the flashlight for signaling, highlighting objects far away or even finding objects in the dark.
Keep in mind that there are different bulb types and lens reflectors that can alter the light output. The bulb types can range from incandescent to xenon to LED, although LED has taken over the market in recent years. As for lens reflector, this determines how the light is dispersed, such as in a single beam or a wide range.
Flashlight Size and Weight
Flashlights can range from as small as your pinky finger to huge lanterns that require both hands to carry it. If you want to move quickly, get something small and light. For a wider beam (think the Batman symbol in the sky), a bigger flashlight is a better option.
Miscellaneous Details
After considering the battery, durability, light output and size and weight, you can start looking at other details that might not be as important but could help narrow down your options more.
Do you want a flashlight that has a button or a switch? Can you turn it off with gloves on? What material is the flashlight made of – plastic or metal? Can you tie the flashlight to other objects, such as a backpack? Is the flashlight circular, which makes it easy to roll, or square? Does the flashlight come with a warranty?
