Hi. I'm looking to buy two different flashlight - one for everyday use at home, one as emergency light source in my car. Here is my answers to checklist.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online from Amazon or Ebay.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Around $50 each.
3) Format:
Compact flashlight and i'd guess lantern size flashlight with carry handle, i.e. something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Dorcy-41-1046-LED-Lantern-Battery/dp/B001PII7RE/
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED
6) Manufacturer:
I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
Alkaline batteries for bigger light, since i don't plan to use it often
Rechargeable nickel or lithium for smaller light.
Smaller light - I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
Bigger light - I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
Smaller light - Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
Bigger light - 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
Don't really care for smaller light.
Bigger light - 90-120 minutes
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
I had Streamlight LED flashlight with AAAs, but it broke (switch cap, which even cannot be disassembled) after less than a year of casual usage, so i would like something more reliable.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
Whatever is more reliable, see previous answer.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's flashlights).
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
None
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online from Amazon or Ebay.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Around $50 each.
3) Format:
Compact flashlight and i'd guess lantern size flashlight with carry handle, i.e. something like this
http://www.amazon.com/Dorcy-41-1046-LED-Lantern-Battery/dp/B001PII7RE/
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED
6) Manufacturer:
I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
Alkaline batteries for bigger light, since i don't plan to use it often
Rechargeable nickel or lithium for smaller light.
Smaller light - I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
Bigger light - I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
Smaller light - Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
Bigger light - 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
Don't really care for smaller light.
Bigger light - 90-120 minutes
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
I had Streamlight LED flashlight with AAAs, but it broke (switch cap, which even cannot be disassembled) after less than a year of casual usage, so i would like something more reliable.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
Whatever is more reliable, see previous answer.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's flashlights).
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
None