Flashlight Recent History & Advancement

[Lumen_Human]

Hello all. I am new to the flashlight world and am interested in learning more about how flashlights have evolved over the past 10 years. Also what does the community think lights will have for things like battery life, lumens/candela, and features in the next fives years.

To help clarify when I say "flashlight" I am referring to a light that one would use for an everyday carry scenario and would fit in your pocket.

 

[jacobd]

Flashlights are predominantly made of the following components-

• Optic: Usually a reflector or TIR optic (Total Internal Reflection). TIR tech has improved, but reflectors are mostly the same.

• Emitter: This is likely the biggest jump. Emitters now are brighter, more efficient and better color rendering, with more options.

• Driver: this a massive improvement. Drivers are MUCH more efficient, able to modulate the current to provide a stable output for long periods of time, and use multiple battery chemistries like AA, NiMH and Li-Ion

• Battery: Another huge jump, most lights use Lithium Ion batteries able to store and output large amounts of energy.

• Body: basically the same, with slight variations in shape but a tube is likely always going to be a tube.

• Switch: mostly the same. Switches are largely split between electronic (e-switch) and mechanical. E-switches always have current and can register presses whether the light is on or off, and enable highly advanced UI's like ToyKeeper's Anduril 2.0. Mechnical switches are the same as ever; simple latching, on/off switches.

 

[bykfixer]

👆good post.

 

[jon_slider]

a light that one would use for an everyday carry scenario and would fit in your pocket

Welcome to the Rabbit Hole Lumen_Human ;-)

Emisar D3AA is state of the Art. Now you get to choose which LED you want.. For me, Dedomed 4500K 519a is state of the art.

If you want a simpler light with a poorer driver, and inferior LED, consider a Lumintop Tool AAA or AA

If you want to experience Old School but with a great driver, consider a Novatac Spa Defense from Ebay.

those three will span the technology from about 2007 to present. Of the three, the D3AA offers the latest and greatest driver, UI, and LED options.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

D1k from intl-outdoors, oh yeah.

RGB lighted switch with head emitters. Wonderful variety of nice LED's to choose. Many like 4000K to 5000K choices. Dedoming makes for a warmer cast.

A Zebralight 18650 battery wins for lightweight quality.

 

[Monocrom]

You've definitely come to the right place if you're willing to learn.