Beam Distance

Often, flashlight packaging will declare the product’s beam distance in meters. This can help you determine which light to purchase, depending on your needs. If you’re just going to use the light to work on your car, you probably don’t need a light with a beam distance of 200 meters. If you’re going to use it while you’re out camping, however, you might want a light with a farther beam distance to help you see more of your surroundings at once.

Light Output

Believe it or not, light output (lumens) is not always related to beam distance. There are some lights out there that have impressive light outputs, but not very good beam distances. While these traits might be perfect for some situations, they would be less than favorable in others. Make sure to look at the beam distance in addition to light output so you know what you’re getting before you buy a new flashlight.

Run Time

Make sure to take note of how long the light will run. This can make a difference depending on your typical usage and preferences. If you don’t like to change batteries often, get a light with a longer run time. If you’re going to be using your light often or for long periods of time, it might be a good idea to get a light with long-lasting battery power, as well.

Type of Light

For most situations, a simple flashlight will suffice. They come in a wide range of sizes and weights, so it’s often easy to find one to fit your needs. However, headlamps are also extremely functional. They are handy for situations when you need your hands free, like when you’re working on your car, or when you’re trying to find something in your tent at night. Lanterns can also be useful depending on the situation, so nail down how you will be using your light to help you determine which one will be best for you.

Durability

Durability will not be a huge determining factor for everyone. However, if you’re primarily using your light for rough, outdoor use, you will want a more durable light. Often this type of flashlight will be more expensive because it needs to be made of good materials to hold up to abuse, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Miscellaneous Things to Consider

Many lights have different brightness settings. If you’ll have a need for multiple brightness levels, you might want to get a similar light. Also, as with most things, you get what you pay for. Just something to think about.

Looking at the traits above will help you to know what you’re getting before you buy it, and to find the flashlight that fits your needs.

Make sure to check out all of the awesome LEDs at Blade HQ, and let us know if you have any questions.

 Streamlight TLR-1 C4 LED Flashlight Tactical Gun Mountable

These types of LEDs are largely used for law enforcement and home defense in low-lighting situations.

Why get a gun mountable LED?

You might be wondering, “Why would I want to have a special LED just for my gun?” That’s a fair question.  One reason is obvious; with a gun mountable LED, wherever you aim your gun, the light will be pointing, too. That way, you don’t need to focus on aiming two different objects at the same place. Also, it gives you two hands to steady your weapon with instead of one.

Secondly, many people say mountable LEDs are beneficial because they make it easy to momentarily disorient an attacker. This is done easily by shining the mounted light into the attacker’s eyes.

Possibly the biggest advantage of gun mountable LEDs is their convenience. If you need to grab your gun in  a hurry, you don’t want to fumble around in the dark for a flashlight, wasting valuable seconds. With a mountable LED, it can be right there, attached to your gun 24/7 should you  need it.

Now that you know why gun mountable LEDs are a good idea, let’s talk about the specs for this Streamlight LED Tactical Gun Mountable.

Specifications

This LED comes with a two lithium batteries that have a 10-year storage life, so they are going to last you quite a long time, and the LED has a maximum output of 135 lumens. The light also has a rail grip clamp system that attaches securely, and it both attaches and detaches quickly so you can use it in a hurry. The on/off switch is ambidextrous, so any operator can use the light easily.

This is only one tactical LED available at Blade HQ. Be sure to check out the other weapon lights that Blade HQ carries.

Baladeo Lantern/Torch ROC Flashlight Combo

This LED functions as both a lantern and a flashlight—cool, right? This device is a flashlight by default, but it easily unscrews to transform into a collapsible lantern. For me, lanterns can be kind of a pain to pack for camping trips because they are sometimes bulky. This LED, however, is only 4 inches in length when closed and just a couple of inches wide. It is compact, but it also runs on three AAA batteries and can illuminate up to 30 meters, making it a functional choice, too. This LED also has IPX4 waterproof construction, which could come in handy on any outdoor excursion. Instead of packing a lantern and a flashlight, just pack this lantern/flashlight combo for your next trip.

Gerber Myth Hands-Free Light LED Headlamp

We’ve featured some headlamps in other posts, but humor me for a minute and take a look at this one. Aside from its awesome decorated elastic strap, this headlamp also has a great price to offer: $21.50. This LED headlamp also illuminates up to 25 meters and runs on one AAA battery. If you’ve never tried a headlamp before, give them a chance. They make life so much easier when you’re doing anything in the dark. For example, setting up your sleeping bag and finding your PJs in your pitch black tent will no longer be a challenge, because you won’t have do everything one-handed or a little bit at a time. You will never go back once you’ve tried one—I know I haven’t.

Check out these awesome LEDs and more at Blade HQ!

Pocket LED Flashlight Key Chain

Whether you’re a guy or a girl, a flashlight is a great addition to any keychain. Struggling to get your key into the door at night, or attempting to find that granola bar that fell under your seat in the car doesn’t have to happen anymore, because you’ll have a light with you everywhere you go. This flashlight is also available in orange.

Iain Sinclair Eon Classic Credit Card Flashlight

This sleek and slender LED gives a high tech look to your average flashlight. This flashlight is (you guessed it) the size of a credit card. Its small size makes this light a perfect addition to toss into any pocket or bag.

 Gerber Bear Grylls Micro

This micro torch is basically an outdoor version of the flashlight key chain. This small light can attach to any zipper, which makes it a convenient addition to any hiking or camping trip. Possible carry options include attaching the light to a jacket, backpack, or fleece. This LED comes with four settings: low, high, beakon/blinking, and off.

Maglite Mini LED Flashlight

From personal experience, this is a good flashlight to stick in the glove box of your car. It’s only about five inches in length and less than an inch in diameter, so it won’t take up much room in your car. On the flip side, it’s also big enough that you won’t lose it. While this is not a big, heavy duty flashlight, it is big enough to help you take care of minor problems you might have with your car. This flashlight is also available in red, black, and silver.

 Outback Mozzie Orange LED Flashlight

This flashlight is just over three inches long and about half an inch wide, making this a great pick to keep in your pocket. This light also has an aluminum body that is water resistant. For orange haters, a black version of the flashlight is also available.

You can find these LED flashlights at www.bladehq.com.

Fenix E35 XP-E

Just under five inches in length, this is a perfect flashlight to keep in a toolbox or the glove box of a car. It has a maximum output of 225 lumens. This led flashlight can run off of two CR123A batteries for up to 155 hours on the lowest setting. So this provides a lot of light for the compact size.

ZebraLight SC600 XM-L

This is a powerful flashlight with a max output of 750 lumens. A hefty flashlight ideal for keeping it in the cab of your truck. The SC600 SM-L runs off of one rechargeable 18650 battery, and has a run time of 5.9 hours at it’s maximum level.

Fenix LD10 XP-G

This torch is on the smaller side of things when it comes to flashlights. The LD10 XP-G is a waterproof flashlight with a maximum output of 100 lumens. It uses one 1.5 volt AA battery, and is easily one of the best selling lights due to its proven longevity and easily portable size. A near perfect light for a great price.

LED Lenser K3

This is a small little flashlight that is meant for a key chain. It puts out 14 lumens and is a barely noticeable at 1.2 ounces. Perfect for anything you may need a light for on a whim. At $20 it is a great addition for anyone’s key ring…. even those old dungeon masters.

Fenix TK21 XM-L U2

This is an ideal flashlight for the outdoors with its high output of 468 lumens.The TK21 runs off of one rechargeable 18650 battery or two CR123A batteries. At its highest setting it can run for nearly two hours. Not the best overall life on high but while on the lowest setting, it has a run time of 220 hours. Running under $120, this a great addition to your camping tools for a reasonable price.

Fenix TK45 XP-G

This is a unique torch with three output heads that has a light output that is better than most flashlights on the market. It runs on eight AA batteries—which is a bit excessive. However this should be in the arsenal of any serious outdoor lover. Whether it is camping, hunting, or off-roading this is a monster of an addition. The TK45 is designed to be set on a flat surface or serve as a candle. The MSRP may take a few people a-back, but I recommend spending the money for the top of the line quality, and I doubt you’ll ever be disappointed. Especially if you are out camping with the little ones, and they need a night light.

Fenix E40 XP-E

Easily one of the best all around lights that is available. It runs off of four AA batteries and has a max output of 220 lumens. The E40 is perfect as an everyday carry (EDC) torch in any situation and provides all of the light you would need. It can run for three hours on the highest setting which is decent. Costing under $60, this led flashlights makes this an affordable, practical and popular gift.

You can find Fenix Flashlights LED Flashlights, LED Lenser LEd Flashlights, and Zebralight LED Flashlights for screaming deals at BladeHQ.com.

Seventeen years later, with hundreds of patents and design awards under its belt, this Solingen, Germany based company has more than 1000 employees and three manufacturer bases. LED Lenser to this day still “remains(s) driven by light – the emission, channeling and powering of light.”

If you’re looking for performance and affordability, a LED Lenser flashlight or headlamp is the tool for you. LED Lenser has a large range of flashlights for all types of use: heavy-duty, full-size, pocket-size, keychains and rechargeables. LED Lenser headlamps offer a large range of use as well: from the full-size headlamps which feature your traditional hands-free light to a clip-able light to a mountable table lamp; to lightweight and rechargeable headlamps.

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Consider the following situations:

“Uh, that crawlspace is awfully dark. Who knows what’s lurking in there…”

“Dang, it’s 3am. I’m all cozy in my tent, but nature is calling. It’s pitch black outside! … “

“Sigh, the kids pushed another DVD under the entertainment center. Can’t quite make the DVD out in the dark underside of my mammoth entertainment center… “

“The power just went out. Guess I’ll have to sit here in the dark…”

What can save the day?

“Thank goodness for my trusty flashlight!!”

Flashlights are helpful in many dark situations. The flashlight (or torch) is a wonderful invention: a light on-the-go.

So what’s better than a flashlight?

A headlamp: a hands-free alternative to the flashlight. It’s a light that is secured in place on the head with a band. Consider the situations above with just a flashlight:

“Glad I have this flashlight in here with me. There’s that box! It’s a lot heavier than I thought…wish I had two hands to pull this thing out.”

“Ah, this flashlight makes it so much easier for me to find my way to a tree. Dang zipper! It’s stuck on something. I need two hands, but where can I put down my flashlight so I can still see what the problem is down there?”

“My head keeps blocking the light! Can’t see the DVD if the flashlight is in front of my head. Can’t find the DVD if the flashlight can’t shine where I want it. Perhaps I need a smaller head.”

“Got my flashlight and made it to the breaker without breaking a leg. This big flashlight is getting heavy. It’s too big to put in my mouth and to hold with my chin, no place to put it down… SALLY!!!!”

Now imagine each situation if you had a headlamp instead of a flashlight:

“This headlamp is great! I can see where I’m going. ACK! Mice!” *Whack* “Thank goodness I had the extra hands to bring a broom for just this reason. Mice attacks are rare, but they happen.”

“Found a good tree, this headlamp is great. DANG! Looks like my shirt’s caught in my zipper. Just a little tug here with this hand and pull there with the other hand.” *twinkle* “Ah…now back to bed.”

“Found the DVD! It was right in front of where I was looking. This headlamp provided the light where I needed it.”

“It’s like I have a light on my head. Wait! I do.” *Creak* “Didn’t think turning on a breaker would need two hands, but stranger things have happened. Glad I had my two hands free or I would have need to call Sally down here.”

Headlamps are quite useful when you need a light and two hands. They’re great for camping, night hiking, emergency situations, reading a book in the dark, getting a midnight treat without waking up the rest of the household, night fishing, changing a flat tire at midnight in the middle of nowhere, spelunking, etc. The uses of a headlamp are numerous.

Looking to spend to under $60 for headlamp for just those situations stated above or perhaps for some other reason? I recommend the following:

I love the Fenix brand. They offer high-quality, sensible products that use AA or AAA batteries.

The Fenix HL21 LED Headlamp with a CREE XP-E (R4) LED is another great LED headlamp to own. It’s lightweight and compact aluminum body is impact resistant and waterproof to IPX-8 Standard; powered by a single AA battery; multiple light modes with a maximum of 97 lumens and a minimum of 3 lumens (high, mid, low & SOS); it can run up to 53 hours on low; it throws its beam a distance of 305 feet. Retails around $50. You can get it bladehq.com for only $30.95.

The bigger, more handsome brother of the Fenix HL21 is the Fenix HL30 LED Headlamp with a Cree XP-G (R5) LED & a Nichia red light LED is a great buy. It’s powered by two AA batteries; multiple light modes with a maximum of 200 lumens and a minimum of 4 lumens; it can run up to 140 hours on low; an accessible push button switch; and the LED is digitally regulated which helps maintain constant brightness. Retails at around $53. You can find it at bladehq.com for only $37.95.

The LED Lenser H7 LED Headlamp (German made) is a good headlamp. It has two modes: 155 lumens on high and 2.7 lumens on low. It can throw its beam as far as 590 feet; has a maximum run time of 63 hours on low; water resistant to IPX-4 Standard; uses three AAA batteries. You can adjust the beam to whatever activity you’re doing: if you’re hiking, you want a wide beam versus if you’re putting up a tent, you want a more focused beam. It retails at $60. You can find it at bladehq.com for only $48.95.

You can find more great deals on headlamps at bladehq.com.

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Some of their flashlights are constructed with a high-strength aerospace-grade alloy which then are protected by an anodized finish of aluminum oxide. This anodized aluminum alloy construction makes the flashlight resistant to damage from impact or crushing and makes it small and light weight. SureFire also make a few of their flashlights out of Nitrolon (a proprietary high-strength, non-conductive, impact-resistant, glass-filled poly-amide nylon polymer).

All SureFire flashlights produce optimal beams with no rings, hot spots or shadows. A flashlight is only as good as it’s reflector. SureFire reflectors are made from CNC-machined aluminum instead of stamped metal or molded plastic. Each reflector surface is

…covered with tiny ripples that reflect light at slightly different angles, smoothing out beam irregularities and producing a bright central area surrounded by a gradually diminishing corona. This sort of beam is perfect for tactical applications because it clearly illuminates the main object of interest while providing enough light for the observer’s peripheral vision.

Most SureFire flashlight models are made of tempered, coated Pyrex glass. This window, not ‘lens’, protects the reflector and lamp from debris and water. An anti-reflective coating is applied to the window to reduce reflection loss which increases the net lumen output. Some of their flashlights are modular which allows you to reconfigure your flashlight with available accessories.

Below are four SureFire flashlights (pictured above) that I feel are great flashlights to have in any situation and won’t break the bank.

SureFire flashlights are pricey, but the quality and superiority you receive in a SureFire flashlight is worth the spending the extra dollars. You can find great deals on SureFire products at BladeHQ.com.

  Given the  high amount of lumens, this flashlight is capable of throwing a beam about 720 meters. If you are unfamiliar with how far that is, it is just under half a mile. The only job I can think of with a beam like this is if you are looking for someone lost on the woods, like someone involved in search and rescue parties.

When looking for a flashlight that is going to be used in your home for times like when the power is out, a flashlight with about 10-25 lumens will more than suffice. Here is a great example of a flashlight that is good to have around your home to light things up a bit. It’s the LED Lenser P2 LED Flashlight (13 Lumens):

What makes this great for household use is the fact that is a very compact light is is just under 4 inches in length making it easy to store in a drawer or anywhere else you want it place it in your home. It has 13 lumens, which isn’t super bright, but it will definitely do it’s job in the home. Another great thing about this light is that it weighs just over one ounce. The beam that this light throws is roughly 23 meters long (about 65 feet).

Now if you are looking for a torch to take camping with you, you are going to need a some more lumens. Any flashlight that I take with me camping ranges from 35-60 lumens. Obviously, if you hiking in the dark, you might want a a light with closer to 60 lumens. A great example of a light to take camping with you is the Schrade Tough Small Tactical LED Flashlight STF3 (45 Lumens):

This flashlight has a high-powered LED bulb in it with a high and low mode setting. Having different settings allows you to have control of the flashlights battery usage. Whether or not you use them is up to you, but it’s convenient having options. The body of this torch is very tough. It’s made out of anodized T6061 aircraft aluminum which translates into a lightweight flashlight. The best thing about this light (in my opinion) is that you don’t have to buy any fancy batteries for it. It runs off of 1 AAA battery.

Now, if you want something that can do it all, you won’t need much more than 100 lumens. Police officers usually carry a flashlight that has at least 90 lumens. If you are looking for something fairly similar to what some of them might carry, the Klarus XT1A High Performance LED Flashlight Cree XP-G R5 (150 Lumens) is your flashlight:

This is part of the Extreme Tactical line of flashlights from Klarus. This is a very compact yet very powerful flashlight. It is just under 5 inches, but puts out 150 lumens. There are 4 different settings ranging from high to low and a disorienting strobe setting. This light is very easy to operate and is guaranteed to light your way. My favorite thing about this flashlight is that is takes AA batteries.

Quite frankly, you don’t need the brightest flashlight on the block (even though that’s sometimes fun to have anyway). I would say that the brightest flashlight that I would ever get ranges from 30-150 lumens. I don’t have much use with anything more powerful, even though they are fun to have anyways.

Let me know what flashlights you use and for what purpose.

The Fenix LD10 or the Fenix LD20 are a must buy! These flashlights are durable, lightweight and run on one AA battery (instead of a CR2). These flashlights are great as an everyday carry, for camping and outdoors use, or for long-lasting use. The flashlights have 6 settings. When on the maximum setting, they shine at 100 lumens and 180 lumens respectively. Overall with their FL1 Standard ratings and price, they are a great value.

You can get a Fenix LD10 and a Fenix E05 as a boxed set. Two for the price of one.

If you’re looking for a handheld flashlight, the Fenix TK35 is the one for you. This flashlight is a high performance Cree XM-L (T6) LED light that has a whopping 820 lumen max output from four four 3V CR123A batteries or two 18650 rechargeable batteries. The TK35 has four light modes with two flashing modes (strobe and SOS) so you can do it all.

The Surefire Fury gives off 500 lumens when in maximum output. It’s lighter than the Fenix TK35. It’s great for camping, emergency/survival situations, and some hiking. Virtually indestructible, the LED is regulated to maximize output and run time. It has a dual-output tailcap click switch–press or click for low then high output (ie user-friendly).

Any of these flashlights will make your father/husband/grandfather/loved one smile. It will be a gift they’ll remember.