Author: Stephanie Cox

You and the Law: When buying a LED flashlight don’t be fooled by lumens

How Bright are LED Flashlights? And What the Heck is a Lumen? | WIRED

“Our church recently formed a disaster preparedness and safety panel. We assemble emergency kits for home, office and automobile.

“I was asked to look into emergency lighting — specifically flashlights — which next to a supply of drinkable water and a radio, is a must have.

“I came across a package of Three 200 Lumen LED Tactical Flashlights at one of the big box stores for under $20. As 200 lumens is very bright, I bought several for our members. Frankly, I was impressed by the word ‘Tactical,’ thinking that it meant very high quality. That proved to be an embarrassing mistake.

“They were real junk, cheaply made, drained the batteries in about a half an hour and a couple battery holders fell apart while we were trying to install the batteries. The light pattern was horrible — it had large dark, splotchy areas. To make matters worse, in order to get a refund, I had to talk with the store manager, because they thought we had abused the flashlights!

“Many of us read your column and know that you occasionally review products and make sound recommendations. You thoughts would really be appreciated. Thanks. Don from Porterville.”

“Consumers need to be aware that the term ‘tactical’ is often overused and frequently  misleading,” Kevin Corcoran, marketing communications manager of Portland, Ore.-based Coast Products, tells You and the Law.

“True, tactical use flashlights are designed for law enforcement and the military, can be attached to a weapon and often sell for well over $100. They are meant to be relied upon in potential life or death situations.

“Some will have selectable colors — to reduce night blindness — and others adjustable to become incredibly bright, intended to disorient a suspect. They will have extremely high quality optics.

“Tactical sounds impressive, suggesting high quality, but few consumer flashlights which use the term are near that level of quality-certainly not three for $20  — as your reader quickly discovered. Tactical is now applied to any flashlight with a switch in the rear and has nothing to do with the quality of the light,” Corcoran stressed.

Jason Hui, owner of Prometheus Lights, a very small, boutique flashlight maker in Mountain View, agrees with Corcoran, maintaining, that “A tactical flashlight for everyday use can be limited in its effectiveness for seeing in general, by potentially reducing your ability to see your general environment and not merely a specific object. A highly concentrated beam, characteristic of true tactical flashlights, is appropriate for brightly illuminating a single object at distance.

INOVA T11R Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight + Power Bank

“Just compare a flashlight to a camera,” Hui suggests. “Most photos are taken in wide angle, not with tight zoom, but lots of zoom is a strong selling point. For homeowners thinking of disaster preparedness or camping, the ability of brightly illuminating a very broad area — think wide angle — is often many times more useful,” Hui strongly maintains.

 “When you are using the flashlight you want objects to be evenly illuminated, and easily identified, and not getting light spots and dark spots, a characteristic of lesser quality optics,” he notes.

Corcoran and Hui agree that consumers need to be aware of today’s “lumen war” where  LED brightness is touted as the most critical selling point. It isn’t, they caution.

“At short range, too much brightness in a highly concentrated beam, can reflect back, and actually reduce your ability to see well in the dark,” Hui points out.

“For most uses,” Corcoran adds, “having a general purpose, emergency flashlight, ready in a drawer at home or in your car, 50 to 80 lumens is adequate. With a focusing flashlight — going from spot to floodlight — then more lumens will provide a much better beam, with what we call spill which allows you to see well around the periphery of the centrally illuminated area.”

There are more flashlight manufacturer today — both foreign and U.S. based — than ever before, making selection a bit complicated, because of newer LED’s and quantum leaps in light transmission optics.

Coast packages their flashlights in a way that permits testing, right in the store — a definite advantage. We like their PX-45, which goes for around $45. It is very bright, has a twist focus, and runs for seven hours on three AAA batteries.

Five Mile Flashlight - Hammacher Schlemmer

Finally, as with so many other products and services, time spent online in research will pay off.  Contact us for more information.

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4 Things To Look For When Buying A New Flashlight Flashlights – Things To Consider Before You Bu

4 Things to think about:

1. Battery Type:

Nitecore Battery

The two main categories you can put flashlight batteries into are: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. There are many types of flashlights that take one kind or the other. A non-rechargeable battery is perfect for those of you who are just on the go and will pick up a spare pack of batteries whenever it is needed. However, disposal batteries are cheaper and can be found almost anywhere.

On the other hand for those of you who are always on the go or tend to use your flashlights more often – flashlights with rechargeable batteries might be for you. Do you need your light for work or frequently go venturing into the outdoors? Then a flashlight that uses rechargeable batteries could help save you money over time.

2. Lumens and Light Output:

A Lumen is the unit we use to measure light output. The more Lumens a flashlight puts out the brighter your flashlight’s beam will be. For example a flashlight that has an output of 1000 Lumens is going to be brighter and have a further beam distance than a flashlight with say 180 Lumens. As a buyer you need to pick the Lumen output that is most suitable for your needs.

Flashlights with higher Lumen Outputs are:Nitecore Battery

  • Nite Ize INOVA T4R Rechargeable Tactical LED Flashlight
  • Underwater Kinetics C8 Xenon
  • SureFire R1 Lawman Rechargeable Variable-Output LED Flashlight

 

Flashlights with lower Lumen Outputs are:

  • Nite Ize XPB-01-R7 INOVA XP Professional Grade LED Pen Light
  • Nite Ize XSC-01-R7 INOVA XS Professional Grade LED Flashlight
  • Ultimate Survival Technologies 15-Day Aluminum LED Flashlight

 

3. Durability:

Durability doesn’t matter to everyone but it is one factor that shouldn’t be overlooked when buying a new flashlight. In this day and age there are so many quality certifications and durability tests that it seems some flashlights are almost indestructible. There’s flashlights that are waterproof, impact resistant, they can be thrown off a cliff and still work – well maybe.

As a police officer, construction worker, firefighter, or some other hands on profession, you will want to look into a flashlight that can keep up and last through tough conditions. You want a flashlight that can be dropped from higher distances and can resist water penetration to a greater extent.

Some brands you can look at are:Nitecore Battery

  • Nitecore R25 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight with Charging Dock
  • JETBeam SF-R28 USB Rechargeable Flashlight
  • Sunwayman P25C Pocket-Sized Thrower Flashlight
  • Nitecore Explorer EC4S Searchlight

 

Moreover, if you only need an everyday carry then maybe those things are not as important. You can get something with a normal impact resistant that is perfect for finding monsters in your child’s closet – or if you want to take a stroll into the woods.

Flashlights to have on you at anytime:

  • SOG Dark Energy DE-05 Tactical Flashlight
  • Olight S1A Baton (Limited Edition) Copper Flashlight
  • Pelican MityLite 1900 Flashlight

 

4. Budget:

Nitecore Battery

This is the one factor that many Flashaholics don’t want to think about – the dreaded budget. When you are looking for an everyday carry there are many frugal options available. What most people don’t realize that you can get an extremely durable and long-lasting flashlight on a decent budget.

Frugal Everyday Flashlights:

  • Olight S2A Baton EDC Flashlight
  • Sunwayman C13R USB Rechargeable Side Switch Flashlight
  • Nitecore Precise P10 Flashlight

 

HOWEVER, if you are interested in high-performance flashlights and you do have a little bit more money to toy around with, there are some really great flashlights available to you! Sometimes “more is more” and if you can afford to get a flashlight with a few more features than we are happy to help!

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Flashlights: Tips to Pick a Top Torch

Flashlights run the gamut of price and quality. Here, we break down how to choose a good flashlight, including the best flashlight LEDs, batteries, designs, and more.

If you’ve purchased only cheap flashlights, you may not realize there’s a world of technology packed into these small, seemingly simple devices.

Flashlights have a devoted following. Some top models, like those manufactured by Okuma, cost hundreds of dollars and are meant to last a lifetime.

Okluma just released a big batch of flashlights today. These handmade flashlights sell out fast, so grab one quickly if they’re on your radar for the holidays. Get one here from $299.

2016_0812_01181700

How much flashlight do you need? What features set one flashlight apart from another? We spoke to Jeff Sapp — the founder, chief machinist, and business manager of the small but renowned brand Okluma — to break it down for you here.

Rechargeable Batteries

For the vast majority of users, a good-quality rechargeable battery is a must. Improvements in lithium-ion batteries are the reason modern flashlights can be so bright. Battery capacity and discharge rates are continuing to improve every day. And they last a long time, typically between 300 and 500 charges. After that, they can be recycled.

“No one should be throwing batteries away,” Sapp said. Look for a good-quality lithium-ion battery designed to power your specific flashlight. And watch out for fakes.

“There are tons of battery counterfeiters on eBay or Amazon,” Sapp said. “If there’s a good deal, it’s likely counterfeit. Buy it from the source or authorized dealers.”

Sapp noted that counterfeits — which are not much less expensive than the real deal — can actually be dangerous, as the poorly made knockoffs can even burn you or start fires.

Lumens: How Much Do You Really Need?

The lumen wars are real. Hop on Amazon and you’ll find many lights pumping out unrealistic numbers like 25,000 lumens or more. And while most of the lights on Amazon actually don’t make anywhere near the lumens they’re claiming, you almost certainly don’t need that many lumens for adequate brightness.

“There’s a point at which you are making lumens that aren’t useful and are just creating heat. And if you can’t hold it because it’s too hot, that’s not very useful,” Sapp said. “Because of the way your eyes work, 2,000 lumens is not twice as bright as 1,000 lumens.”

As a rule of thumb, Sapp said to look for a flashlight that can shine 800 to 1,200 lumens at its highest output. Obvious exceptions to this would be for people like search-and-rescue pros who need to light up objects far away. But for most users, it’s the lower power settings that matter the most. Lower modes are used more frequently than high, so it’s important to get those right.

Low-Light Modes

Okluma flashlights have a setting the brand calls Moonlight Mode. This creates just a few lumens and is great for use inside a tent or when looking at close objects. Low power modes also don’t ruin your night vision, so they are great when you want just a little light to clarify the scene.

For most, 100 to 200 lumens is fine for the vast majority of flashlight work. That’s plenty to light up a campsite or a trail while walking. And at this rate, most flashlights will have many hours of run time.

Higher settings are best reserved for fast activities like cycling on trails or spotting far-off objects.

Color Rendering Index (CRI)

Where high-end flashlights really shine is light color and quality.

Cheap lights often have a very blue hue, with a color temperature of 7,000 or 8,000 Kelvin. This bluish light is easy to make bright with cheap LEDs, which saves money in manufacturing.

But your eye won’t love them. High-Kelvin LEDs will barely allow you to distinguish one color from another. A lower color temp — between 3,000 and 5,000 Kelvin — will produce a more useful and appealing light. This also helps in the next category, CRI.

Okluma flashlight2016_0812_01181700

The Color Rendering Index describes how closely the colors you see when using a flashlight compare to how they appear in natural sunlight. A good CRI of 80-90 is very close to sunlight. Lower numbers may not show color well.

Using high-quality LEDs that help your eye render color will result in a much better user experience. This is where Okluma thinks it’s got it right. The brand spent a lot of time trying to balance lumens and light quality.

LEDs

All modern, quality flashlights (and even most cheap ones) use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Incandescent flashlights are now entirely obsolete.

Quality LEDs make all the difference in light quality, efficiency, and color. Most reputable brands use either CREE or Nichia LEDs in their products. (Okluma uses only Nichia LEDs.)

“That’s all we use unless the customer requests something else,” Sapp said. “They are super efficient, and the color is fantastic.”

Like batteries, watch out for counterfeits. Buy from reputable dealers.

Water Resistance and Durability

“It’s important,” Sapp said. “It needs to work in wet conditions. You should be able to drop it and shouldn’t be a big deal.”

For most users who don’t need a dive light (as in, you aren’t a diver), look for an IPX4 rating. This means it’s splash-resistant from all angles, even after an impact test has been applied.

Interface

How many modes does the light have? How do you step through them? Is the interface predictable? Simple is likely better.

Does it have an electronic or mechanical switch? Okluma prefers mechanical because electronic switches slowly drain the battery even when the flashlight isn’t in use.

Finally, a small detail that some find important in usability: Can it tail stand? If you want to set a light in the ground pointed up to light a space, it should tail stand with no rounded buttons on the tail.

Low-Voltage Protection

Lithium-ion batteries can be permanently damaged or even start a fire if they’re over discharged. The flashlight should watch the voltage and take care of the battery for you.

Warranty

Okluma ships with a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Sapp said one of his goals is for people to buy his lights with a mindset that they will last a lifetime. These lights are meant to be repaired, rebuilt, and maintained to last for generations.

Contact us for more information.

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How to choose a LED flashlight? By Linky Johnson 2018-12-03
LED flashlight is a new type of flashlight with LED (light emitting diode) as its light source. Because of its high brightness, low power consumption, long life and small size, LED is an ideal choice for portable lighting. Although the popularity of mobile phones is getting higher and higher nowadays, if you want to illuminate them, you can just turn on them directly, but the lighting function of mobile phones consumes electricity quickly, and it is not convenient to use them in some special environments. Therefore, the flashlight is still one of the necessary outdoor activities. However, how to choose a flashlight? I will introduce you to the selection tips of LED flashlights and the advantages of LED flashlights.

​​LED flashlights

Tips for buying LED flashlights:

Following are some tips for buying a good LED flashlight:

1. Pay attention to the bulb

● Pay attention to the number of bulbs.

 

The number should be moderate. The number of household LED flashlights had better not exceed 12. The batteries used are better in 2 to 3 sections. It would be a little wasteful if it was bigger. Used for other special needs can be determined according to needs. Of course, the number of high-power LED flashlights cannot generally reach 12.

● Pay attention to the brightness

 

Good LED flashlight has high brightness and slow attenuation speed.

● Pay attention to the bulbs.

 

When the LED flashlight is extinguished, it is difficult for the naked eye to distinguish the good from the bad. The consistency of the bulb can be seen when the LED flashlight is lit.

● Pay attention to the iris aperture.

 

Good LED flashlight aperture is a uniform circle. The light spot of poor LED flashlight is divided into yellow and blue uneven distribution. The bead concentrating surface should be concentrated as far as possible. Unlike ordinary torches, this kind of torches can adjust the focal length, so we should pay attention not to astigmatism when selecting and purchasing them.

the iris aperture

2. Pay attention to the internal structure

●  Pay attention the welding.

 

The welding is good. Each bipolar body is connected to the circuit board by welding. If the virtual welding contact is not good, it may cause the beads not bright or affect the overall use. Each bipolar body is connected to the circuit board by welding. If the virtual welding contact is not good, it may cause the beads not bright or affect the overall use.

the internal structure

● Pay attention to the battery.

 

There are two kinds of led flashlight: ordinary battery and lithium battery. Although lithium is a rechargeable battery, its life is low, about 2 years, and led is about 10 years, which can be selected according to the actual situation.

3. Pay attention to the external structure

● Pay attention to the waterproof.

 

Good LED flashlight has waterproof function, good seismic performance, that is, fall resistances. Because it belongs to electronic products, there is a circuit board in front of the LED flashlight. Once the water enters, it is easy to short circuit and cause damage.

waterproof LED flashlight

● Pay attention to the appearance.

 

You can choose an aluminum alloy case LED flashlight.

 

● Pay attention to the shape.

 

You can choose the appropriate size and shape of LED flashlight according to the specific use occasion and purpose.

 

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What are the advantages of the LED flashlight?

1. The service life of LED flashlight is over 5-100,000 hours, which is 5-10 times longer than that of traditional tungsten filament lamp.

2. LED flashlight has low heat, no damage to lamp holder and high safety.

3. LED flashlight has fast response speed, impact resistance, good weather resistance, small size and lightweight.

4. LED flashlight saves electricity, and has low power consumption and green environmental protection material.

5. The reaction speed of LED flashlight is only 1us (microsecond), and the safety can be improved without warming up the lamp.

6. Low-voltage drive of LED flashlight (voltage 1.8-4.0V) is safe.

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The 3 Benefits of Being Equipped with the Right Torch for Camping

camping_torch

When campers start packing their bags, most of them make sure to pack the big stuff first and then pass to the smaller essentials. Nevertheless, many tend to forget the importance of one accessory that has a great role in making their camping trip safer and more convenient – a quality torch. But how do you find a good torch for camping that will suit your needs and budget? With a bit of research on the matter, and of course, with our help.

First of all, start by figuring out what the best brands in that industry are and take a look at their models. Although some of them may offer torches that are a bit more expensive, with a quality torch in your hands you’ll have a peace of mind knowing that you have a reliable source of light that won’t let you down in the darkness. That’s just one benefit of a good torch for camping, now let’s take a look at the rest of them.

Powerful source of light

There is no doubt that LED lights far outweigh the advantages of regular lights. Not just that they have a longer lifespan but they are more efficient as well and that’s just one of the things that make them the perfect choice for camping and other outdoor activities. Camping in the middle of nowhere can be very fun and exciting but also a bit scary once the sun sets. Having the right flashlight will make your experience much more pleasant and safer.

Long lasting

서해바다 사진, 이미지, 일러스트, 캘리그라피 - 크라우드픽

A regular flashlight can go out of power in a very short time, which can be a huge deal breaker when you are out there in the forest on your own. With LED camping flashlights, however, you can have a peace of mind as they can last 60 to 80% more than regular flashlights. The bulbs in LED torches last longer and all you need to do before leaving your home is to ensure that the battery is fully charged (if you use a rechargeable flashlight) or to pack an extra set of batteries.

 

An emergency tool

No matter how comfy and equipped your campsite may be, there can still be some problems, like the electricity going out. This is where your high-quality camping torch will come to the rescue. You can use it to instantly illuminate your space or as a tool to signal other people that you are there and in need of help. Some models of torches come with some very special features like SOS for exactly those kinds of situations.

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8 Survival Uses for a Flashlight

Survival Uses of a Flashlight

There are many survival uses for a flashlight. Walking in a dark alley, a lonely street, a forested area or a dark parking lot can bring chills down your spine. This is because you don’t know what is lurking in the dark. If you have ever been in this situation before, then you know how crucial it is to have a flashlight, especially when you hear some strange sounds from a nearby bush or suspect to see a shadow of a person in a corner.

People in such situations wish they had a safety weapon with them such as a flashlight. In this case, not just any type of flashlight is good. There is a big difference between a normal light and a survival light. Tactical Flashlight Guide give the user a wide range of uses than normal flashlights. They can be used for illumination, self-defense, blinding an attacker, in emergency situations, and even to start a fire.

The advancement in technology has enabled flashlights brands to come up with compact, sturdy, lightweight and brighter flashlights. This makes things easy for Preppers as they don’t have to carry heavy and large flashlights for their lighting needs. Most of the tactical flashlights are portable and durable. They are made with lighter materials, but can withstand tough weather conditions.

The difference between a normal flashlight and a tactical flashlight

Tactical flashlights have a totally different role than a normal flashlight. Initially, tactical flashlights were created to be utilized in conjunction with a firearm to help with target identification in places where there is limited lighting. Instead of carrying a separate flashlight, it would enable the marksman to target a weapon and illuminate a target at the same time.

Another area where tactical lights were used was by the police and security. Tactical flashlights were a wonderful innovation as they could offer a concentrated light beam that could temporarily blind an attacker or suspect and assist with target identification. This field of use meant that the tactical flashlight had to be made differently from the normal flashlight. This is because normal flashlights are made with cheap materials like plastic, and would not provide the same durability as with a tactical flashlight. Let’s export other survival uses for a flashlight.

8 Survival Uses for a Flashlight

Tactical flashlights provide a wide range of uses that you won’t get from a normal flashlight. Also, unlike other survival weapons, tactical flashlights are portable and are allowed on all modes of transport making it easy for travelers around the world to carry them. Here are some of the uses of tactical flashlights:

  1. Provide illumination in the dark

No one knows what challenges awaits them ahead until they encounter it. For this reason, you should always have a tactical flashlight with you as you go hunting, hiking, traveling, or even as you carry out your daily activities. Today’s tactical flashlights are usually small, bright, and convenient to carry.

Having a tactical flashlight might save you as you go home late at night in the dark. It will illuminate your path or alley. Also, if you arrive home when there is a blackout, you can use the flashlight to light your room. Furthermore, if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, you can always remove the darkness to change the car tire.

 

  1. Disorient an attacker

Walking at night is very risky as you are likely to encounter a thief or an attacker or even a stray animal. If you are in such a situation and have a tactical light, you can always switch to the strobe mode and blind the attacker or animal. This will leave them confused as you make up your mind what to do next. Be very cautious before blinding any person with this mode. Not every person who is walking or running at night is an attacker.

 

  1. Start a fire

The survivalist can use a flashlight to make a fire in different ways. This may not be the primary use of this device, but it can help you to-do-so.

The first method is to take out the protecting glass on top of the flashlight in blazing sunshine. Then, hold it in the air between the sun and the tinder. After a few minutes, sunshine will converge and burn the tinder.

The second technique is to remove the head and the protecting glass. Then, break the bulb and not the filament. Afterward, put the tinder in and switch the light on.

The third and final method is available for only a few types of flashlights. The flashlight should have a very intense light that is capable of burning flammable materials. Simply turn the mode on and thrust your flashlight near the tinder.

 

  1. Provide light for shooting in the dark

Many tactical flashlights are used in shooting as they are designed to be mounted on guns. If you want a tactical light just for shooting, you can go for those that have rail mounts. Night vision scopes alone do not provide perfect light in very dark areas and thus shooters prefer having a tactical light to help out in such scenarios. Tactical lights provide more light so that you will have a faster target attainment.

When using the light for shooting, you should hold it in the appropriate position to avoid being hit.

  1. Provide light in extreme weather conditions

A survival flashlight can come in handy in many extreme situations. Imagine if a storm broke out and you had to be left in the dark? A flashlight will provide you with light until the issue is rectified. In addition, tactical flashlights are usually waterproof and can be used even when it’s raining. Normal lights can’t survive extreme weather conditions like rain, water, and extreme temperatures. In case you drop this light accidentally on tarmac or on a hard surface, it will still function as it is normally shockproof.

 

  1. Self-defense tool

After disorienting an assailant, now what? If an assailant is armed, you have to disorient them and hit them before running for safety. Almost all tactical flashlights are made with a hard strike bezel on the front of the flashlight. This part can as well be used to break the window if you have locked the keys inside the house or car.

  1. In emergency situations

As you go for your wild expeditions, something out of the norm might happen and make you look for help. Instead of screaming or waving at cars on the road, you can use the SOS mode to signal for help. This includes when you are lost in the forest or when there is a fire outbreak or any other kind of emergency situation that requires help. Use it well and it is advised that you should not switch on the light for long as it may as well attract bad people.

 

  1. Surveillance tool

A survival flashlight provides more uses than just providing light. It can be used to survey your camp at night or even for hunting animals in the dark. You should not take any chances when out there so having a bright, durable, shockproof, and weather resistant flashlight is important. That’s what a tactical flashlight gives you.

Features to look for in a good tactical flashlight

Is there the need of having a tactical flashlight that you cannot rely on in different situations? A tactical flashlight should be reliable and durable in all areas. This is by providing bright light to functioning in different weather conditions. Here are some of the features to consider looking for in a quality flashlight:

  • The type of material the flashlight is made with should be durable and lightweight
  • The flashlight should be very bright with powerful lumens
  • The light should be able to provide both a focused and wide beam for different situations
  • The flashlight should have a long runtime
  • It should work in different weather conditions and temperature
  • The flashlight should be compactly designed with a firm grip for easy handling
  • It should come with additional features like pocket clip and lanyard for easy storage while in action.
  • The flashlight should have different light modes to manage the runtime and be efficient in use.

If you are a Prepper, I hope you have found this information on tactical flashlights to be of great importance. As you can see from above, a tactical flashlight can save you in many situations and be used in various ways. So, instead of carrying a heavy defense weapon, carry a tactical flashlight which can save you in different situations that other weapons can’t.

When selecting a tactical flashlight, ensure that you go for the best. It should be bright, have different light modes, constructed durably, waterproof, shock-resistant, and compact in design. As you go out into the wild, you will always be grateful to have such a tool with you. Contact us for more information.

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How to Choose Flashlights

Fire tower on a mountain

Although headlamps have surged in popularity, flashlights remain a good choice whenever a handheld light is preferred, such as:
  • any time you want the strongest portable beam available.
  • when dexterity and precision in controlling the light is important.
  • being able to set down a light to work on a task.
  • signaling.

Advances in LED (light-emitting diode) technology and battery efficiency have resulted in flashlights that are smaller, lighter and brighter than they were just a few years ago.

What is the best LED flashlight for you? This article will help you narrow your selection.

 

Understanding Your Flashlight Choices

The key factors to compare when selecting a flashlight:

  • Light output
  • Battery type and run time
  • Size and weight

Flashlights range from under $20 to over $200, yet they may be the same size. What are the differences? Brightness is the biggest one. A pricier light is more powerful due to the use of advanced bulb, battery and circuitry technology. A rechargeable battery can add to the cost, as can features such as strong impact- and water-resistance, effective heat dissipation and multiple lighting modes.

Shopping in person? Check out the following:

  • How does the light switch on and off? Could it be inadvertently switched on inside your pack? Or, if you plan to use it in cold conditions, how easily could you switch it on or off wearing gloves?
  • Does it appear rugged enough (or, conversely, light enough) for your needs?
  • How does it feel in your hand?
  • Is a tool required to change batteries?

Flashlight Performance

Introduced in 2009, ANSI FL1 standards for flashlights ensure that models are tested and rated in the same way. Compliance with these standards is voluntary and the manufacturers do their own testing, but most major brands now include the following performance data on their packaging.

Light Output

Light output icon

Measured in lumens. This is a measure of the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight, on the highest brightness setting powered by new batteries. It may also be shown for multiple light settings. This is a great comparison tool, but does not tell the whole story about brightness.  Beam intensity, distance and type all influence the effectiveness of a light in different applications. Light output can range from a modest 20 lumens (great for reading a book) to a terrain-scorching 3500 lumens.

Beam Distance

Beam distance icon

Measured in meters. This is how far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. Full moon illumination is considered adequate for safe and careful travel outdoors.  This distance will vary with the brightness setting selected.

Run Time

Run time icon

Measured in hours. How long does it take the light output to drop to 10% of the rated output on new batteries, rounded to the nearest quarter hour. Light output may gradually decrease over time, or remain largely constant and then suddenly decrease.  Run time is commonly given for each light setting. A Runtime graph, if available, provides the best illustration of the performance of a light over time.

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance

Measured in meters. Lights are tested by dropping them 6 times onto concrete at the rated distance. This test is primarily to ensure the light remains functional after occasional accidental drops. It is not a test of resistance for a light being run over, being struck with a heavy object or being used to strike other objects.

Water Resistance

Rated using the IPX system. Water resistance is important if using your light in the rain or around bodies of water. Three ratings are used:

Water resistance icon

 

Indicates an IPX4 rating, which is splash resistant from all angles, after the impact test has been applied.

 

Indicates a water submersion rating, also after the impact test.

IPX7 – temporary immersion: up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m.
IPX8 – submersion: up to 4 hours at the specified depth.

Additional Features and Functions

Some or all of these non-ANSI-rated attributes will also influence your flashlight selection:

Bulb Type

Advancements in LED technology have rendered other bulb types almost obsolete. Incandescents such as krypton bulbs still exist in a few flashlight models, but it is hard to beat the energy efficiency, run time, impact resistance and brightness options of an LED flashlight.

Beam Type

The lens reflector that surrounds a bulb influences how the light is dispersed. The 3 common options:

Flood (or fixed): A single beam width. Good for general tasks in camp or while walking.

Spot (or focused): A single beam condensed into a spotlight to penetrate a long distance. This is best for route-finding or other fast-paced activity.

Adjustable: Beam width ranges from wide to focused, or any point in-between. This means, for example, a climber looking for the next pitch would use a spot beam; to study a map, a flood beam.

Regulated Output

Lights with a regulated power supply maintain a steady, near-peak brightness level throughout most of the batteries’ life cycle. Near the end, however, light output drops off abruptly and significantly. Unregulated lights start bright then progressively grow dimmer as they drain power from the batteries.

Battery Type

The type and availability of replacement batteries is often a factor in selecting a flashlight.

Disposable: The most common battery sizes in use, AAA or AA, are readily available. CR123A is also a common choice, but is more expensive and can be harder to find. Their upside is a higher voltage output for a smaller size and weight, making possible a brighter flashlight in a smaller, lighter package.  Flashlights using D cell batteries are still available if you want a baton-sized tool for security or a light that will not get lost in a pocket.

Rechargeable: Built-in lithium-ion batteries can be recharged through a USB connection from a computer, AC or DC outlet or solar panel. The higher upfront cost is more than made up for by the low ongoing running cost, no need for disposable batteries and reduced waste.

Renewable: Flashlights with a built-in battery energized by a hand crank or solar panel are ideal for emergency kits.

Caution: Do not use lithium or lithium-ion batteries with any flashlight unless recommended by the manufacturer. You risk damaging a light by mismatching it with lithium batteries.

Modes

A single setting is sufficient for general-purpose use. Some models offer 2 or more modes like low, medium, high and boost). You may rarely use more than one mode, but having the option to throw an extra-strong beam on demand can be reassuring.  The brighter the mode, the shorter the runtime. Some models may offer special modes like a strobe or SOS feature.  User programmable modes or mode sequencing may be an option.  This may be a feature that is integrated into the flashlight, or set up on software and downloaded to the light via a USB cable.

Controls

The type of on/off and lighting mode switches is important for some users. Push buttons and sliders are typically thumb operated. A rotating bezel can also serve as a switch, requiring 2 hands to operate. A safety lock feature prevents the light from being accidentally turned on, helping prevent unexpected flat battery exasperation and inconvenience.

Some lights feature a silent (non-clicking) insta-beam function in which slightly depressing the switch activates the light until either a full click leaves it on, or releasing the switch turns it off, without having to cycle through all modes. This is a desirable feature in law enforcement operations.

Materials and Shape

Most flashlight bodies are either plastic or aluminum alloy. Some feature stainless steel in the head of the flashlight for extra impact resistance. Not all aluminum bodies are the same—thinner styles are lighter, thicker ones are tougher.

Cylindrical bodies are the most common shape, but as these tend to roll around when laid on a surface, some models are profiled to resist rolling. Additionally, the surface of the body may have a knurled pattern to provide grip and reduce slipping.

Size and Weight

This is mostly personal preference. A larger, heavier unit is not necessarily brighter, but it is likely to feature an extended run time due to a greater battery capacity.

Accessories

Add-ons that may be included or sold separately include a lanyard, belt clip or holster, and lens filters and diffusers to provide lighting options.

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Everything You Need to Know About Bike Lights

When it comes to biking in the dark, bike lights come in handy. In fact, they’re the law in many states, however, it’s not as simple as you might think.

THE LAW

While exact requirements can vary according to your state of residence, most states have laws that require bike lights between sunset and sunrise or during limited visibility conditions. In addition to these laws, all new bikes must be equipped with a white reflector on the front of the bike and a red reflector on the rear. These can be removed by the owner without penalty, though you will need to use some form of a lighting device when operating your bike at night.

Though there is no federal code requiring lights, most state laws for bicycle lights are similar to this example taken from the Oregon Vehicle Code (ORS 815.280):

At the times described in the following, a bicycle or its rider must be equipped with lighting equipment that meets the described requirements:

  1. The lightning equipment must be used during limited visibility conditions.
  2. The lighting equipment must show a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of the bicycle.
  3. The lighting equipment must have a red reflector or lighting device or material of such size or characteristic and so mounted as to be visible from all distances up to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlights on a motor vehicle.

THE RIGHT MODE

On almost any decent bike light you purchase, you’ll have a variety of modes to choose from. Which mode is ideal for you depends on the weather conditions, time of day and length of your ride.

Here’s a quick guideline for when to use each setting:

FLASH OR BURST MODE

The flash or burst mode can help you to be seen on urban roads when you’ll need to grab the attention of other motorists. These modes can be more dangerous at night because they won’t allow you to see the road and can make it more difficult for other motorists to judge your speed and distance. Keep in mind that the flash and burst mode preserves the life of your battery, so it can be an option when your battery power is limited on lengthy early morning or evening training rides.

CONSTANT BEAM, HIGH POWER

This setting drains your battery the quickest (usually in an hour or two), but is also the safest when riding at night. A beam light helps you see the road when street lights are limited and is always a good option when you’re away from the city. If you are riding in an urban area at night, pairing a high beam light with a cheaper flashing light is the way to go for both the front and rear of your bike when possible. This help you see the road and grab the attention of other motorists.

CONSTANT BEAM, MEDIUM/LOW POWER

During early morning and evening hours when sunlight might be limited or during medium- to long-training rides when battery life could be an issue, using the constant beam in a lower power setting might be the best option. Using a lower power setting can, in some cases, double your run time while still providing a constant stream of light for other motorists to judge your speed and distance. The medium or low setting also provides some additional light on the road surface — which is helpful for locating potholes and other hazards that may be difficult to pick up with the flash mode.

THE RIGHT LIGHT

To see the road and to be seen by other vehicles, you’ll need to purchase a good front and rear bike lights. In general, there are three different types of bike lights:

HIGH-OUTPUT LIGHTS

These lights offer a high number of lumens for maximum illumination on the road so you can see where you’re going. They are higher priced and often have a high-powered beam for riding on roads without street lights.

FRONT AND REAR SAFETY LIGHTS

The primary purpose of safety lights is to help motorists see you. Many options feature very bright LED lights suitable for daytime and nighttime use. Various mounting options and the type of battery used (rechargeable or disposable) affect the price point. Since these lights aren’t meant to help you see where you’re going, they are generally less powerful and cost less than high-output lights.

OFF-ROAD LIGHTS

Often available as a helmet or front handlebar mount, off-road lights are some of the most expensive lights on the market because they are brighter and transmit a wider beam of light than road models to help you see the trail in complete darkness. Because of the power required to operate these lights, run time is often limited.

 

If you want some affordable bike lights you just contact us.

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The best 2021 front lights for cycling: Our big beam comparison engine plus how-to-choose guide

The best 2021 front lights for cycling: Our big beam comparison engine plus how-to-choose guide

Everything you need to know about what to put on your bars to light your way

When the nights draw in (or you get tempted by warm summer evenings to ride into the dark), you need to make sure you’ve got a set of lights on your bike. It’s the law in the UK to run them after dark, and they’re a major safety aid about town as well as letting you see where you’re going in the dark lanes.

  • The days of feeble incandescent lights are long gone. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have taken over as the source of bike illumination. They’re robust, efficient, and very cheap to run.
  • Smaller lights are plenty bright enough to get you seen at night. Need to see where you’re going? Look for output of about 500 lumens and up.
  • All but the cheapest lights are rechargeable, usually via a micro-USB port so you can use a common charger or your office computer
  • Our lights comparison engine shows you the all-important differences in where the light ends up, showing that total lumens aren’t the only measure of good light.
  • Want lighting that’s truly ever ready? Take a look at a dynamo system: no recharging needed and you can’t leave them at home.

If you’re in the market for some bike lights there’s a bewildering array to choose from, at prices ranging from a few quid to nearly a grand, so what’s the best bet for your riding? To help you choose here’s the road. check the guide to the technology and the options available for your front light.

The light beam comparison engine

Let there be lights! The road.cc 2019 Front Light Beam Comparison engine is  live – helping you compare the beams of this year's top bike lights |  road.cc

Our beam test comparison data contains beam shots and data for 27 of this year’s cycling front lights, as well as all our historical data going back to 2015. So you can directly compare one with another. After it, we take a look at the various options in lighting technology and recommend some of our favorite lights.

If you have a nice big screen you can click here for the widescreen version (1400x1000px)

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What do personal injury lawyers look for?

The objective of personal injury law is to make individuals whole after getting involved in an accident due to somebody’s intentional or careless behavior. This category of law seeks to find solution to wrongful acts that don’t lead to criminal behavior, though in some instances there is an overlap. Personal injury law is abroad area and lawyers can opt to concentrate on representing plaintiffs. Personal injury lawyers specialize in defending individuals who have been involved in accidents. These lawyers examine whether or not the plaintiff has a genuine claim, file the required court documents and offer advice on whether it is better to attempt to reach settlement or proceed to full trial.

What do personal injury lawyers look for?

One of the very first concerns by a personal injury lawyer is how the accident actually occurred. So as to hold somebody financially responsible, they breached a legal duty or in simple terms did something wrong that resulted to the injury. It is not sufficient that the injury just occurred or injuries suffered are severe.

In order to have a valid injury claim, the accident victim must be able to provide enough evidence to show that the other party was at fault. In case you are the one at fault the lawyer may reject your case since the monetary award will be less or rejected based on the extent of your fault. Thus, a personal injury lawyer will evaluate whether legal accountability can be determined and gauge the probability of success.

The injury is not much serious

Personal injury lawyers look for damages as a measure of the expected recovery for tackling the case. When it comes to personal injury cases, how worse you are hurt is the most critical factor in a case. If the injuries are minor, the lawyer may not take up your case because the expected monetary benefit will likewise be lower.

In addition, the cost of building up the evidence to prove up your injuries has to be considered in the assessment of the lawyer. If the expected depositions cost exceeds the expected return on the case, the lawyer will likely fail to accept the case.

You appear to have spoken to many other attorneys

Most cases are dropped because prospect client appears to be looking to choose the lawyer based on the response they get on the value of the case. It close to impossible for a lawyer to give a client a case value before the lawyer determines all facts not forgetting the defendant’s insurance coverage. Personal injury victims should be wary of lawyers who place a value on a claim immediately after the first consultation.

Moreover, if you have been rejected by another law firm the lawyer will have a second thought about the case from either a liability standpoint or an unjustifiable expectation viewpoint.

The economic reality of the case

Personal injury lawyers based on eventuality fee basis. This means that the attorney will have to make a business decision on every case they accept to handle. In addition to the business judgement are things like, the out of pocket cost required for the lawyer to build the case, the amount of time the lawyer expects to use in the case and the overall fee expected. The lawyer must deliberate whether the time effort and money are worth it before he makes a decision of moving forward with the case.

To elaborate this, defense lawyers are paid on hourly rate based on every minute the take on a matter. The client is required to make upfront payment of the case expenses and the defense lawyer is paid irrespective whether he wins or loses the case.

Another scenario that proved hard is when the personal injury victim has suffered considerable injuries and also huge hospital bills to settle. This can come into consideration when the insurance cover available to cover the damages is inadequate and the hospital will be the first priority to get the money from the case.

In a nutshell, lawyers who take up personal injury cases on contingency fee basis must be business individuals and accept or reject cases after assessing the time and amount of money they must spend to have the case moved forward balanced against the ultimate fee that is expected to be received from the client should they win the case.

 

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