General Knowledge About LED Flashlights

Introduced in 2009, ANSI FL1 standards for LED Flashlights ensure that models are tested and rated in the same way. Compliance with these standards is voluntary and the manufacturers do their own testing, but most major brands now include the following performance data on their packaging. Light Output Measured in lumens. This is a measure of the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight, on the highest brightness setting powered by new batteries. It may also be shown for multiple light settings. This is a great comparison tool, but does not tell the whole story about brightness. ?Beam intensity, distance and type all influence the effectiveness of a light in different applications. Light output can range from a modest 20 lumens (great for reading a book) to a terrain-scorching 3500 lumens. Beam Distance Measured in meters. This is how far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to the equivalent of the light from a full moon. Full moon illumination is considered adequate for safe and careful travel outdoors. This distance will vary with the brightness setting selected. Run Time Measured in hours. How long does it take the light output to drop to 10% of the rated output on new batteries, rounded to the nearest quarter hour. Light output may gradually decrease over time, or remain largely constant and then suddenly decrease. Run time is commonly given for each light setting. A Runtime graph, if available, provides the best illustration of the performance of a light over time. Impact Resistance Measured in meters. Lights are tested by dropping them 6 times onto concrete at the rated distance. This test is primarily to ensure the light remains functional after occasional accidental drops. It is not a test of resistance for a light being run over, being struck with a heavy object or being used to strike other objects. Water Resistance Rated using the IPX system. Water resistance is important if using your light in the rain or around bodies of water. Three ratings are used: Indicates an IPX4 rating, which is splash resistant from all angles, after the impact test has been applied. Indicates a water submersion rating, also after the impact test. IPX7 - temporary immersion: up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m. IPX8 - submersion: up to 4 hours at the specified depth. Additional Features and Functions Some or all of these non-ANSI-rated attributes will also influence your flashlight selection: Bulb TypeAdvancements in LED technology have rendered other bulb types almost obsolete. Incandescents such as krypton bulbs still exist in a few flashlight models, but it is hard to beat the energy efficiency, run time, impact resistance and brightness options of an LED flashlight. Beam Type The lens reflector that surrounds a bulb influences how the light is dispersed. The 3 common options: Flood (or fixed): A single beam width. Good for general tasks in camp or while walking. Spot (or focused): A single beam condensed into a spotlight to penetrate a long distance. This is best for route-finding or other fast-paced activity. Adjustable: Beam width ranges from wide to focused, or any point in-between. This means, for example, a climber looking for the next pitch would use a spot beam; to study a map, a flood beam. Modes A single setting is sufficient for general-purpose use. Some models offer 2 or more modes like low, medium, high and boost). You may rarely use more than one mode, but having the option to throw an extra-strong beam on demand can be reassuring. The brighter the mode, the shorter the runtime. Some models may offer special modes like a strobe or SOS feature. User programmable modes or mode sequencing may be an option. This may be a feature that is integrated into the flashlight, or set up on software and downloaded to the light via a USB cable. Controls The type of on/off and lighting mode switches is important for some users. Push buttons and sliders are typically thumb operated. A rotating bezel can also serve as a switch, requiring 2 hands to operate. A safety lock feature prevents the light from being accidentally turned on, helping prevent unexpected flat battery exasperation and inconvenience. Some lights feature a silent (non-clicking) insta-beam function in which slightly depressing the switch activates the light until either a full click leaves it on, or releasing the switch turns it off, without having to cycle through all modes. This is a desirable feature in law enforcement operations. Materials and Shape Most flashlight bodies are either plastic or aluminum alloy. Some feature stainless steel in the head of the flashlight for extra impact resistance. Not all aluminum bodies are the same-thinner styles are lighter, thicker ones are tougher. Cylindrical bodies are the most common shape, but as these tend to roll around when laid on a surface, some models are profiled to resist rolling. Additionally, the surface of the body may have a knurled pattern to provide grip and reduce slipping. Size and Weight This is mostly personal preference. A larger, heavier unit is not necessarily brighter, but it is likely to feature an extended run time due to a greater battery capacity. Accessories Add-ons that may be included or sold separately include a lanyard, belt clip or holster, and lens filters and diffusers to provide lighting options.