Great topic which can be expanded to why people collect stuffs in general. This
writeup by Diane Fricke can shine some light on why people collect. A few reasons from the writeup as follows:
1.
To satisfy a sense of personal aesthetics and to please personal tastes. I think a lot of people will fall into this category where there is something regarding flashlight that they think is beautiful. This is the reason why people are willing to spent big bucks to buy limited or collector editions flashlights made of e.g. titanium, carbon fiber. Some of these lights may have solid performance as well but most of the time they are more of a work of art. Many people also find the regular standard off-the-shelf flashlights elegant enough for collection to satisfy their personal desires without burning a big hole in their pockets.
2.
To show one's individualism. Some people who fall into category 1 just want to be different from other flashlight collectors. They are the ones who will opt for those neutral warm or high CRI lights to stand out from the cool white led mainstreams. They are also more likely willing to spent on custom flashlights as their requirements are usually quite specific and cannot be met by those on the shelves lights.
3.
As a kind of security against uncertainty. This may not be a common reason but perhaps some people may have some negative experiences in the past where a flashlight has helped them out e.g. trapped in a lift, lost in a dark street at night. In those situations, a flashlight probably helped relief one's anxiety and frustration of feeling helpless and alone and from then on, collecting flashlights is quite comprehensible.
4.
To connect the collector to his historic, valued past and to trigger fond memories. How many of you collect flashlight due to some connection to the past and memories e.g. your dad bought you a flashlight for one of your birthdays when you are a kid and you are somewhat fascinated ever since. Or you have watched too many star wars movies as a kid and the nearest thing to the light saber beside those star wars toys and collectibles, is a powerful flashlight with a long throw.
There may be other reasons as to why people collect but in general, people collect because they have passion and interest in that particular topic.
As it is impossible to collect every flashlight out there, all collectors will draw the boundary of which categories of lights they will only collect so as to maintain a sense of control and not be overwhelmed by the sense of incompletion. Some may limit their collection to 18650 types of lights, some will only go for warm led lights, some will only buy lights that have practical usage (definitely not those collectors lights that you keep in gift boxes) etc. So to those collectors here, where is your boundary?
Another good point in the writeup is that there will always be disappointment accompanying the joys of collecting. How many times have you shown your impressive collection of lights to your peers or family only to receive little or lukewarm responses from? How many times have you posted a new thread to share about a new light purchase only to see your thread disappear from the first page in just one day? :ironic: Many people will feel frustrated that their prized collection is somewhat ignored or not appreciated by other people.
Personally, I collected quite a few things like comics and game cards as a kid but had since sold or given them away. Today, I am somewhat glad that I am not collecting anything in particular. Not only it helped to save some bucks, it also save me the effort of having to maintain the collection. Every now and then, I will come across something that I will have an urge to collect but I will try to get over with it by picturing what will happen to those stuffs 10 years down the road. My philosophy is "even if you can afford it, if you are not going to use it frequently and it will most likely be ended up in the cupboard collecting dust, then don't buy it". Some may argue that it is not a matter of having the items in possession for eternity but it is the process and memories of collecting that matters. Hence, they will sell off their items and move on to another collection when the time comes. I agree to some extend but as of now, I would rather spend my money on intangible stuffs like good food, vacations, movies etc.
:laughing: 
my 3yr old flashaholic helps too as when i order him one i have to get me one too
