First, reliability, works the first time, every time, for a long time.
Second, good run time-- it can be bright as the ****ens, but if only for a short period of time, it is less useful than it should be. Disasters, and need of light don't always resolve themselves within the 60 minute to 1 hour 35 minute (+ -) run times of the most revered lights, which makes them useless after about 1 1/2 hours without battery resupply. Just one more thing to worry about. Few of us have an agency to supply our batteries. The high-zoot batteries could become unavailable. Back up(s) are worth considering. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/au.gif
Third, fairly reasonable cost, both for purchase and subsequent battery/replacement parts. If you buy a $150 light, It's fine, but what happens when there are no more of the specialized power sources to be had, or the light becomes hors d'combat? 4 lesser $24 lights plus a slew of batteries and incan bulbs might be more practical.
Fourth, availability of bulbs, and specialized spare parts. One popular light module replacement is $17. Not a lot, but if you don't have it... Nobody locally carries bulbs for my Streamlight 3C Twin task light. I have a supply of extras, now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/au.gif
But, on the other hand, the flashlight hobby is more useful and affordable than some others you could name, and more fun, IMHO. It is unlikely society will come to an end any time soon, so whatever lights your lamp will probably be fine for the foreseeable future! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
