I'm trying to find a flashlight that I can use for work. I help with shows that load in to a space, perform, and then load back out again, usually at night. So I need a flashlight that can be bright enough to illuminate a shipping container at night, but can also become dim enough to just do some closeup work on some wiring.
I used to use Maglite LED flashlights, but I never really liked them, and want something better. But this will be my first real flashlight purchase, so I'm capping the price at below $70 (Yeah, I know this is high. If there's something that costs far less than $70 that you recommend, I'd be more than happy to buy it instead).
I like the Fenix LD20, though I think the strobe and SOS features are rather silly, and I also liked the NiteCore D20, especially the granular control for light output. But again, this is my first real flashlight purchase, and there's a good chance that I'm buying something with more power than I need, or buying a poor product.
What would you recommend? And thank you very much for your help!
Recommend a Flashlight Checklist:
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I could spend up to $70.
2) Format:
I want a flashlight.
3) Length:
4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
4) Width:
I don't care.
5) What batteries do you want to use?
I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
Variable. Basically, I want something that can give me a wide range of brightness.
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below.
Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up
8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
8) Switch Type:
I don't care.
9) Switch Location:
I don't care.
10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
I want a metal-bodied light.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
I used to use Maglite LED flashlights, but I never really liked them, and want something better. But this will be my first real flashlight purchase, so I'm capping the price at below $70 (Yeah, I know this is high. If there's something that costs far less than $70 that you recommend, I'd be more than happy to buy it instead).
I like the Fenix LD20, though I think the strobe and SOS features are rather silly, and I also liked the NiteCore D20, especially the granular control for light output. But again, this is my first real flashlight purchase, and there's a good chance that I'm buying something with more power than I need, or buying a poor product.
What would you recommend? And thank you very much for your help!
Recommend a Flashlight Checklist:
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I could spend up to $70.
2) Format:
I want a flashlight.
3) Length:
4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
4) Width:
I don't care.
5) What batteries do you want to use?
I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
Variable. Basically, I want something that can give me a wide range of brightness.
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below.
Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up
8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
8) Switch Type:
I don't care.
9) Switch Location:
I don't care.
10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
I want a metal-bodied light.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
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