gcbryan
Flashlight Enthusiast
I think (not positive) that the 50,000 hour lifetime for the LEDs is frequently misused by the manufacturers (what's new). I don't think there is a rating for an emitters life expectancy in the way that it is commonly used.
The thing the 50,000 hour thing is that in the qualification test the last LED failed at 50,000. The first could have failed after 10,000 hours and there would be an average time before failure of course.
Anyway, I doubt that the LED is the weak point in a decent design. Humidity affecting the circuit board or impact from dropping is more likely to be the failure point.
This isn't just about "quality" flashlights however. The cheapest 2 D cell Everready lights out there from 40-50-60 years ago still work. What's not to work? A sliding switch and replaceable bulbs and batteries and a light should last a long time.
The thing the 50,000 hour thing is that in the qualification test the last LED failed at 50,000. The first could have failed after 10,000 hours and there would be an average time before failure of course.
Anyway, I doubt that the LED is the weak point in a decent design. Humidity affecting the circuit board or impact from dropping is more likely to be the failure point.
This isn't just about "quality" flashlights however. The cheapest 2 D cell Everready lights out there from 40-50-60 years ago still work. What's not to work? A sliding switch and replaceable bulbs and batteries and a light should last a long time.