1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
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! :-)
Up to $50. Possibly up to $100 if it is truly exceptional. Don't hesitate to recommend more expensive lights for consideration. I follow the buy-once cry-once philosophy so if it is more expensive but will basically never die and meets reqs, feel free to recommend.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches). Smaller is better if meets reqs ofc.
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I don't care.
I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
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 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).
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I don't care
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 illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens). Possibly more if within price point.
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.
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.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard). Obviously more is better, but this would be required.
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).
90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box). I am usually very hard on lights.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don’t know.
Other, please specify: I don't know much about the lingo when it comes to switch types. I want something that I can press and it turns on. Preferably in the tail. Have seen some "hybrid" switch fenix lights that seemed interesting.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
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 higher end flashlights).
Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Water resistance
IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
Pocket/belt clip
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! :-)
Up to $50. Possibly up to $100 if it is truly exceptional. Don't hesitate to recommend more expensive lights for consideration. I follow the buy-once cry-once philosophy so if it is more expensive but will basically never die and meets reqs, feel free to recommend.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches). Smaller is better if meets reqs ofc.
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I don't care.
I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
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 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).
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I don't care
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 illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens). Possibly more if within price point.
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.
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.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard). Obviously more is better, but this would be required.
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).
90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box). I am usually very hard on lights.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don’t know.
Other, please specify: I don't know much about the lingo when it comes to switch types. I want something that I can press and it turns on. Preferably in the tail. Have seen some "hybrid" switch fenix lights that seemed interesting.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
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 higher end flashlights).
Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Water resistance
IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
Pocket/belt clip
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