Handheld Torch |
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? |
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________. |
_x_This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter). |
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! |
____I don't know yet |
____Up to $25. |
____Up to $50. |
____Up to $100. |
__x__Up to $200. |
____Up to $300. |
____Essentially unlimited. |
3) Format: |
____I am not sure, please help me decide. |
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained). |
____I want a self-contained headlamp. |
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source. |
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle) |
____I want a lantern/area light. |
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source). |
____Other ____________________________________________ |
4) Size: |
____MICRO - Keychain size. |
__x__TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches). |
__x__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches). |
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches) |
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case. |
____I don't know/I don't care. |
5) Emitter/Light source: |
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness) |
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition) |
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size) |
__x__I don't know. |
6) Manufacturer: |
__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box. |
__x__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom). |
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). |
7) What power source do you want to use? |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice). |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al). |
__x__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack. |
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources. |
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option |
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light) |
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart") |
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall) |
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge) |
____I don't care |
USB cable rechargable |
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience). |
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens). |
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens) |
__x__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens). |
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens). |
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens). |
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens). |
____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable. |
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance. |
____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking. |
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car. |
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking. |
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work. |
__x__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth. |
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends. |
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply) |
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work) |
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement) |
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard) |
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard) |
__x__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces) |
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter) |
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output). |
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods) |
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed) |
__x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical) |
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges). |
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights. |
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light). |
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood). |
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box). |
__x__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival). |
____I don't know. |
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply): |
____Any size switch will do. |
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues). |
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling). |
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights). |
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only). |
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened). |
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite). |
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights). |
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights) |
____I don't care. |
__x__I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________________. |
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. |
__x__A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me. |
__x__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) |
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.) |
____I want a programmable light. |
____I want a selector ring. |
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode") |
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern) |
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.) |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
14)Material/Finish/Coating |
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly). |
__x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights). |
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum) |
__x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive). |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________. |
15) Water resistance |
____None needed |
__x__IPX4 (Splash resistant) |
__x__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min) |
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours) |
16) Storage conditions |
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment) |
____Emergency kit (long standby periods) |
__x__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability) |
____Other_________________________________________ ____ |
|
Headlamp |
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? |
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________. |
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter). |
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! |
____I don't know yet |
____Up to $25. |
____Up to $50. |
____Up to $100. |
__x__Up to $200. |
____Up to $300. |
____Essentially unlimited. |
3) Format: |
____I am not sure, please help me decide. |
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained). |
____I want a self-contained headlamp. |
__x__I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source. |
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle) |
____I want a lantern/area light. |
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source). |
____Other ____________________________________________ |
4) Size: |
____MICRO - Keychain size. |
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches). |
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches). |
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches) |
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case. |
__x__I don't know/I don't care. |
5) Emitter/Light source: |
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness) |
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition) |
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size) |
__x__I don't know. |
6) Manufacturer: |
__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box. |
__x__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom). |
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). |
7) What power source do you want to use? |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice). |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al). |
__x__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack. |
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources. |
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option |
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light) |
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart") |
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall) |
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge) |
____I don't care |
USB rechargable |
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience). |
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens). |
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens) |
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens). |
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens). |
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens). |
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens). |
____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable. |
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance. |
____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking. |
__x__Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car. |
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking. |
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work. |
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth. |
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends. |
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply) |
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work) |
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement) |
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard) |
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard) |
__x__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces) |
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter) |
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output). |
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods) |
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed) |
__x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical) |
__x__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges). |
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights. |
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light). |
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood). |
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box). |
__x__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival). |
____I don't know. |
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply): |
____Any size switch will do. |
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues). |
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling). |
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights). |
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only). |
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened). |
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite). |
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights). |
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights) |
____I don't care. |
__x__I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________________. |
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. |
__x__A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me. |
__x__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) |
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.) |
____I want a programmable light. |
____I want a selector ring. |
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode") |
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern) |
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.) |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
14)Material/Finish/Coating |
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly). |
__x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights). |
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum) |
__x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive). |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________. |
15) Water resistance |
____None needed |
__x__IPX4 (Splash resistant) |
__x__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min) |
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours) |
16) Storage conditions |
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment) |
____Emergency kit (long standby periods) |
__x__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability) |
____Other_________________________________________ ____ |
|
EDC/Key chain torch |
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? |
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________. |
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter). |
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! |
____I don't know yet |
____Up to $25. |
____Up to $50. |
__x__Up to $100. |
____Up to $200. |
____Up to $300. |
____Essentially unlimited. |
3) Format: |
____I am not sure, please help me decide. |
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained). |
____I want a self-contained headlamp. |
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source. |
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle) |
____I want a lantern/area light. |
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source). |
____Other ____________________________________________ |
4) Size: |
__x__MICRO - Keychain size. |
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches). |
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches). |
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches) |
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case. |
____I don't know/I don't care. |
5) Emitter/Light source: |
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness) |
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition) |
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size) |
__x__I don't know. |
6) Manufacturer: |
__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box. |
__x__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom). |
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). |
7) What power source do you want to use? |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice). |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores. |
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al). |
__x__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack. |
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources. |
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option |
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light) |
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart") |
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall) |
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge) |
____I don't care |
USB rechargable |
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience). |
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens). |
__x__I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens) |
__x__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens). |
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens). |
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens). |
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens). |
____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable. |
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance. |
____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking. |
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car. |
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking. |
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work. |
__x__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth. |
__x__Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends. |
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply) |
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work) |
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement) |
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard) |
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard) |
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces) |
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter) |
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output). |
__x__Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods) |
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed) |
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical) |
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges). |
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights. |
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light). |
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood). |
__x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box). |
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival). |
____I don't know. |
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply): |
____Any size switch will do. |
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues). |
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling). |
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights). |
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only). |
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened). |
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite). |
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights). |
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights) |
__x__I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________________. |
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. |
__x__A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me. |
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) |
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.) |
____I want a programmable light. |
____I want a selector ring. |
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode") |
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern) |
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.) |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
14)Material/Finish/Coating |
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly). |
__x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights). |
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum) |
__x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive). |
____I don't care. |
____I don't know. |
____Other, please specify____________. |
15) Water resistance |
____None needed |
__x__IPX4 (Splash resistant) |
__x__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min) |
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours) |
16) Storage conditions |
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment) |
____Emergency kit (long standby periods) |
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability) |
____Other __Keychain/pocket |