Flashlight Buyer's Guide: Brightness & Features

Shopping for a flashlight is a routine process for most people. They simply look for the brightest flashlight for the money and call it a day. While brightness is important, there are several other flashlight features that you should look for when buying a torch. What's more, there are several different types of flashlights that offer unique specifications and purposes beyond a standard light source. In this flashlight buyer's guide, we'll discuss essential flashlight features to look for and discuss different kinds of handheld lights to help you buy the best flashlight for your needs.

Flashlight Brightness Explained

The nature of consumerism tends to drive us to the flashiest and most powerful products on the market, but that doesn't mean those items are right for you. The brightest flashlight isn't always the best choice, as brightness only refers to the overall light output. Do you want a focused beam that is smaller but brighter? A wide floodlight that illuminates a larger area? Let's take a quick look at how flashlight brightness works.

What Are Lumens, Candelas, and Watts?

• Lumens refer to the total output of light (overall brightness)
• Candelas refer to the output of light in a particular direction (focused brightness)
• Watts refer to how much power a light source consumes

Lumens measure the total brightness output, but candelas measure brightness output with direction in mind. If two flashlights have the same max lumen rating but different candela outputs, the flashlight with the higher candela rating will produce a more focused beam of light that can be seen from further away. On the other hand, the light with a lower candela rating will illuminate the surrounding area more, like a floodlight. Most manufacturers list a max beam distance with each brightness setting, making it easier to find the best one for you.

Watts are just a measurement of energy consumption and don't accurately reflect how bright a light is. Two flashlights can have the same wattage but different lumens and candelas. In this case, the brighter flashlight is more efficient since it produces more light while consuming the same amount of energy as the flashlight with a lower light output. This graphic shows how much more energy-efficient LED flashlights are compared to other bulb types, so keep that in mind while browsing.

How Many Lumens Should Your Flashlight Have?

Not too long ago, 120 lumens was considered the ideal minimum output for a tactical flashlight, which needs to be bright enough to blind an attacker. And that's for police flashlights. Now, you can find civilian flashlights rated at 3,000 lumens and above. Unless you're going on a search and rescue operation, you will never need that much power from a flashlight.

For a standard EDC flashlight, 120-160 lumens will get the job done. Camping and hunting flashlights are anywhere between 200-500 lumens, but even 500 lumens may be more than you'll ever need.

Features of High-Quality Flashlights

After picking the optimal brightness for your flashlight, it's time to decide what specifications you need. This all depends on why you're buying the flashlight, so consider those reasons before making the mistake of buying a high-end tactical flashlight to just help you look around the garage or grabbing the cheapest model for weekend camping trips in the wilderness.

Rechargeable Flashlights

Rechargeable flashlights usually cost a bit more than those that use disposable batteries, but if you frequently use the light, that extra cost will pay off when you don't need batteries. A rechargeable LED flashlight may come with a USB cord you plug right in or an individual charging pack for the batteries themselves.

Flashlight Runtime

The temperature and brightness modes and type of batteries you use dictate how much runtime your flashlight has. Most manufacturers will list a flashlight's runtime in hours, so it is pretty easy to see how long it will last depending on your lighting mode. Even if you don't plan on taking long camping trips away from an outlet, long runtimes are a great feature to have. You never know if you'll forget to charge it, and if you use it frequently, that's more likely to happen.

Durability

If you're buying a flashlight for camping, hunting, or other outdoor activities, you need a heavy-duty flashlight that can withstand the conditions you'll face. Most torches are made from plastic or aluminum these days. Anodized aluminum is tough and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for tactical, outdoor, and camping flashlights. Some manufacturers list an impact rating, so pay attention to that if you plan on using your flashlight outdoors or in rough conditions.

Waterproof Flashlights

Any decent flashlight has some type of waterproof or weatherproof protection. Investing in a waterproof flashlight is worth the price because you'll end up with a better, longer-lasting torch instead of buying multiple cheap ones after they break. Even household lights are susceptible to moisture and accidents, but there are different waterproof ratings you should know about.

• IPX4 water-resistant flashlights are protected from splashes but not full submersion. IPX4 is the minimum rating you want for household flashlights.
• IPX5 is similar to IPX4 but can withstand low-pressure water jet tests.
• IPX6-rated flashlights go through the same test as IPX5 but with higher-pressure water jets.
• IPX7 waterproof flashlights are the first rating that means the light can be submerged in water for 30 minutes. Unless you're diving for hidden treasure, this is the ideal waterproof rating for a flashlight.
• IPX8 is the highest waterproof rating and is usually reserved for dive lights. You most likely don't need an IPX8-rated flashlight.

Compact Flashlights

Aluminum is strong and lightweight, so finding a compact flashlight that can hold its own isn't too hard. Compact, lightweight flashlights are great for hiking because they easily fit in your pack. If you're shopping for an EDC flashlight, it must be small enough to fit in your pocket.

Tactical Flashlights and Why You May Want One

The features listed in this section aren't essential unless you're looking for a duty light. Most of these upcoming features come standard with tactical flashlights. Tac lights tend to cost a bit more than standard flashlights, but they are incredibly versatile and reliable.

What is a Tactical Flashlight?

Tactical flashlights are designed specifically with law enforcement in mind. They are incredibly durable and built with features that suit officers' needs. The beam is bright enough to identify suspects at a distance at night, and it can easily blind a threat in the field. Tactical flashlights should not be confused with gun-mounted lights, but some tac flashlights are dual-purpose and can be mounted as a weapon light.

Activation Method

Standard flashlights usually have a side button or switch for activation, but that placement isn't ideal sometimes. Flashlights can also come with push-button switches at the tail, rotating bezels, or a combination of all the above. The rear thumb-activated button is how law enforcement is able to properly wield their weapon and tactical flashlight. It also makes it easier for civilians to operate a light under any circumstances. Magnetic selector rings are another type of activation that is becoming increasingly popular. These knurled rings adjust the brightness as you turn, providing more brightness control than flashlights that offer a set number of brightness modes.

Flashlight Strobe Mode

A quality flashlight should have multiple lighting modes, at least high, medium, and low brightness settings. Some flashlights have a strobe mode, which is for disorienting attackers. Strobe mode, sometimes called S.O.S. mode, isn't just useful for police; it can help you in any self-defense situation as part of your EDC. It is also useful for camping trips or late-night hikes if you get lost and want to signal your position.

Striking Bezel

A striking bezel, or strike bezel, is a serrated bezel on the head of a flashlight used for striking attackers. A flashlight, even if lightweight, can easily incapacitate a threat. It's basically a mini baton. Striking bezels usually have jagged, toothed edges that can dig into skin and do some serious damage.

A lot of tactical flashlights come standard with a striking bezel, but if yours doesn't, there are add-on strike bezels that you can purchase separately and equip. Beyond personal protection, a crenelated bezel lets small amounts of light through when turned upside down so that you can see if it's accidentally activated. It's not a bad idea to have one if you jog at night by yourself or go camping in areas with dangerous animals. For some, having an inconspicuous self-defense tool on hand brings peace of mind, and that is definitely worth the price upgrade.

Anti-Roll Head

Flashlights with an anti-roll head are designed to be set down on a surface without rolling away, like circular household flashlights. This feature is great and keeps your torch close by. You can also equip your flashlight with a pocket clip, which expands your carry options and acts as an anti-roll device.

Passing the Torch

Flashlight features are a lot to take in, but knowing them is important if you want to buy the best flashlight for the money. Now that you understand how flashlight brightness works and know what features to look for, you can confidently shop online for a flashlight that fits your needs and budget. If you want to learn more about how to choose a flashlight, check out this guide that explains some technical terms and bulb types we didn't cover here.

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