Thanks ahead of time for any advice you can give. The market has changed so much since the last time I looked for a light that I feel a bit lost. Just having a shortlist of good models or manufacturers to look into on my own would be a big help.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
I'd might be willing to pay up to $100 but would preferably less than $50.
3) Format:
Flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
I would consider getting a light that is pieced together but do not prefer this option.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
A light capable of using lithium primary or rechargeable batteries in AA form factor would be nice but I also want to be able to use cheap AA alkalines if I'm in a pinch.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
Variable output with good usability for the controls is a must for me.
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work) - Not common for me but nice to have.
Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement) - About half of my flashlight use.
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard) - Roughly the other half of my use.
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard) - Not necessary but nice if I can get it.
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
The higher end is preferable but I don't mind changing batteries more often when using standard AAs.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
Very important, I like my tools to be sturdy and to last.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I want a tail switch for turning the light on and off and I like momentary on. I understand that forward clickly is good for that but also that those switch types don't generally allow for standing the light on end, which is something I want to do.
I'm interested to hear what my options are with this.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
2 levels is acceptable but at least 3 would be prefered. Infinitely variable looks cool but is not necessary. Programmable isn't needed as long as presets are decent but would be fine to have.
As for controls. I don't like cycling through modes or brightness settings using the main on/off switch and have been dissatisfied with the usability of button based selectors on the side of the light. Selector rings look interesting and easy to work with although I've never used one.
I don't need strobe mode, SOS, or beacon modes. I won't be using them and they seem to complicate the controls.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
No platic but beyond that I don't care much. As long as the light is durable, can take a drop, and won't corrode if the finish is scratched I'm happy.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
A light that doesn't roll when laid on is side would be nice but a clip or lanyard can help with that. Having the ability to stand the light on its buttcap would be nice. I like being able to tie a wrist strap to my lights and a clip that can be put on or removed would be nice for experimenting with different ways of carrying.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
I'd might be willing to pay up to $100 but would preferably less than $50.
3) Format:
Flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
I would consider getting a light that is pieced together but do not prefer this option.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
A light capable of using lithium primary or rechargeable batteries in AA form factor would be nice but I also want to be able to use cheap AA alkalines if I'm in a pinch.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
Variable output with good usability for the controls is a must for me.
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work) - Not common for me but nice to have.
Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement) - About half of my flashlight use.
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard) - Roughly the other half of my use.
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard) - Not necessary but nice if I can get it.
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
The higher end is preferable but I don't mind changing batteries more often when using standard AAs.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
Very important, I like my tools to be sturdy and to last.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I want a tail switch for turning the light on and off and I like momentary on. I understand that forward clickly is good for that but also that those switch types don't generally allow for standing the light on end, which is something I want to do.
I'm interested to hear what my options are with this.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
2 levels is acceptable but at least 3 would be prefered. Infinitely variable looks cool but is not necessary. Programmable isn't needed as long as presets are decent but would be fine to have.
As for controls. I don't like cycling through modes or brightness settings using the main on/off switch and have been dissatisfied with the usability of button based selectors on the side of the light. Selector rings look interesting and easy to work with although I've never used one.
I don't need strobe mode, SOS, or beacon modes. I won't be using them and they seem to complicate the controls.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
No platic but beyond that I don't care much. As long as the light is durable, can take a drop, and won't corrode if the finish is scratched I'm happy.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
A light that doesn't roll when laid on is side would be nice but a clip or lanyard can help with that. Having the ability to stand the light on its buttcap would be nice. I like being able to tie a wrist strap to my lights and a clip that can be put on or removed would be nice for experimenting with different ways of carrying.
