A flashlight can provide you with an instant source of light in all sorts of situations. It can light your way in the middle of the night when the power grid goes down, illuminate low light areas while you are doing some DIY chores around your home.
You can use it while you trying to find the toilet in the dark on a camping trip. Or you can leave a mini flashlight in the car in case you need to change a tire or find the keys to your front door.
The 6 Best Flashlights
- Amuoc LED Tactical Flashlight
- Streamlight 88040 ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight
- outlite A100 Tactical Flashlight
- Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight (Our Top Pick)
- SAMLITE LED Tactical Flashlight
- Maglite Mini Incandescent Flashlight
Our Top Pick for the Best Flashlight
Our top pick for the best flashlight is the Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight. It is easy to see why this flashlight is a favorite source of illumination with many security professionals.
An American-made flashlight, it boasts a superior sturdy slimline design, a super bright light, a range of lighting choices such as the handy eco-mode to conserve its battery and lamp life. Whether you are working at home or holidaying in the wilderness, the Maglite will provide you with all the lighting you need.
Check the price on AmazonLED or Incandescent Light Bulbs?
A flashlight can be powered by either the incandescent light bulb or an LED bulb, but these days the groundbreaking invention by Thomas Edison is being quickly replaced by the new and improved LED light.
Incandescent
Incandescent bulbs may be cheaper to buy due to their low manufacturing cost, and though they can still give you a very good source of lighting power, they are not very energy efficient, and their lighting power tends to weaken over time. Another reason why they are so quickly following the extinct dinosaurs is that the tungsten filament that is contained within the bulb is no longer manufactured in the US.
The humble incandescent light bulb may still be available on supermarket shelves, but more and more flashlights are being manufactured with the super smart and efficient LED bulb.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
So move over incandescent light bulbs, make way for the more superior Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The LED bulb is used in a wide variety of household appliances such as remotes, electrical products such as your television, indoor fireplaces, and even traffic lights.
LED bulbs may be smaller than their widely used predecessor the incandescent light bulb. However, they do not use as much energy, they do not have a filament that can burn out, and they do not get overly hot. Their key selling point, which makes the LED the ideal bulb for a flashlight, is because they are long-lasting and can give you super strong lighting for thousands of hours.
Some more powerful LED lights in 3-celled flashlights are called CREE XML T6, and they can provide up to 900 lumens of power. Their strong lighting capability means that they are ideal for security purposes or other outdoor activities.
10 Tips to Help You Find the Perfect Lighting Buddy
1. Lightweight and Long-lasting
The best type of flashlight is the one that is made from a strong durable material that can resist any damage, while also being lightweight. How it feels in your hand is important, especially if you are going to be carrying it around or using it for lighting in tight spots.
These days aluminum is the material of choice and many manufacturers use superior aircraft grade alloy material that has an anti-abrasive and reflective coating, which means the flashlight can take a lot of wear and tear.
Looking for a flashlight that is made from tough material also means your flashlight can withstand harsh weather conditions.
2. Lighting Power
The lighting power of a flashlight is measured in lumens, which relates to the intensity of the light beam that comes out of the flashlight. The light output (like the brightness and distance of the beam) can range from a modest 14-20 lumens (which is ideal for reading a book) up to 900 lumens, which is ideal for finding your way in the dark while you are camping.
3. Batteries and Battery Life
Some flashlights use stand AA or AAA batteries while others use rechargeable lithium batteries that can give your flashlight extended battery life. However, even though these batteries can give you superior battery life, their durability still depends on how often you use the flashlight and if you are using it on the full or high power setting for long periods.
You can tell when the batteries need to be replaced or recharged as the light output may gradually decrease over time, or remain constant and then suddenly flicker out.
4. Waterproof versus Water Resistant
A flashlight that is water-resistant or waterproof is especially important if you are going to be using the flashlight in the rain or the great outdoors, while you are fishing or when your children decide to play with the flashlight in the pool.
To test a flashlight’s resistance to water, it has to undergo a water immersion test. Once the flashlight has undergone the immersion test, it is given an IPX rating, which gives you an indication of how water-resistant or waterproof the flashlight will be.
For example, IPX1 indicates that a flashlight can withstand rain for a short amount of time. While IPX4 means the flashlight can handle water splashes from any angle. Higher up on the scale, IPX7 means that the flashlight can safely withstand temporary immersion up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Aside from the feel and construction of the flashlight and its lighting capabilities, there are some other additional features or functions to consider.
5. Settings and Special Modes
Many flashlight manufacturers design their flashlights with additional settings that can be adjusted according to your lighting needs.
– Flood Light
A flood (or fixed light) is a single beam that gives you strong light, which can give you the necessary illumination for when you setting up your tent on a camping ground.
– Spotlight
The spotlight is a focused single beam that is used for lighting purposes that require illumination over long distances. This mode is ideal for law enforcement tasks and other outdoor activities.
– Strobe and SOS Light
A strobe light is good for security purposes and the SOS light is a much-needed feature when you are out in the wilderness.
– Red Light Laser Pointer
As well as giving you a white light for general illumination, some flashlights have a red light laser pointer, which is ideal for when you are out camping, fishing, or even as a source of amusement for your cat.
– Adjustable Beam
Some flashlights allow you to adjust the beam’s settings or the direction of the beam and have an advanced focus system, which allows you to adjust the focus of the beam from a spot to a floodlight with just a quarter-turn of the flashlight’s head.
– Adjustable Brightness
Many flashlights also come with a choice of 2 or 3 settings that allow you to change the brightness or intensity of the beam, from low, medium, to high.
You might need a lower setting if you are using the flashlight at home or you might want to use the higher setting when you are out in the woods or for security reasons.
6 Handy Tips for Using Your Flashlight
1. Get Acquainted With The Manufacturer’s Instructions
Although the flashlight is not as complex as a Ride-on Mower, reading the instructions can help you to operate the flashlight correctly. Also, it tells you what type of settings it has or what its lighting capabilities are. Reading the instructions can make all the difference between a positive and a negative operating experience.
2. Flashlight Longevity
Even though most flashlights come with a choice of brightness settings, you will get a better performance out of your lighting buddy if you do not use the high beam or high-intensity brightness setting for too long. An “eco setting” is especially ideal for conserving lamp and battery life. A good tip for lighting conservation is not to use your flashlight on high power for long periods. Instead, switch it on to eco-mode.
3. Water-resistant or Waterproof
It probably goes without saying, but water-resistant does not mean waterproof. Some models are waterproof down to 1 meter. However, it is a good idea to check the small print before you use the torch, especially if you are going to use it where there are lakes or rivers.
4. Hot LED and Incandescent Bulbs
Even though super-smart LEDs are designed not to heat as much as incandescent bulbs, they can still get quite hot when they are of the stronger variety. So be careful that you always switch the flashlight off after use.
5. Keeping Your Flashlight Extra Watertight
Many flashlights are designed with a water-resistant or waterproof coating or material. However, a good tip to further protect your flashlight is to lightly grease the O-rings or seals with Vaseline or petroleum jelly.
6. Safety Tip For Using the Red Light Laser Pointer
A red light laser pointer can also be used to amuse your cat or as an exercise tool for your dog. However, if you use the laser pointer with your pets, make sure that the red light is not shone directly into their eyes.
6 Best Flashlights – Reviews
1. Amuoc LED Tactical Flashlight
This sturdy Amuoc LED Tactical Flashlight is made from a high-grade aerospace aluminum alloy material with an anti-abrasive, anti-slip, and anti-skid design. Its powerful lens can provide you with 1000 lumens of super light up to 1000-feet.
The flashlight has a lot of handy features that make it the ideal security companion for when you are out walking at night, and for camping trips. You can adjust the beam to a focused spotlight or zoom out for a broader beam of light.
Amuoc offers you lots of illumination versatility as the flashlight has 5 lighting modes to choose from: high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS. The flashlight is very slim and compact and will fit into your purse, pocket, or in the glove compartment of your car.
The solid end of the flashlight gives you a secure grip, so it can even double as a weapon, and you can even use it to break a window. Although this flashlight has an IPX6 waterproof rating which means it can still be used on rainy days, it cannot be submerged in water.
The Amuoc flashlight requires 1 rechargeable lithium (18650) battery or 3 AAA batteries. However, to get the best battery life, it is recommended that you use rechargeable batteries.
Amuoc offers a 1-year warranty on the flashlight, so if you experience any problems with the flashlight, you can contact them for a replacement.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good quality
- Durable design
- Compact
- Super bright light
- Adjustable light settings
- Zoom in and out capabilities
- Very good water resistance
Cons
- Lighting cycling button on the end of the flashlight is awkward to use
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
2. Streamlight 88040 ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight
The Streamlight 88040 ProTac Professional Handheld Flashlight is a compact and strong illuminating tool that is favored by many security professionals. It is compact and slimline and is made from tough aluminum construction and the rubber sleeve gives you a firm grip. The flashlight’s beam uses innovative C4 LED technology that enables it to light up a large area with a strong 750-lumen beam of light up to 270 meters.
It is the ideal choice if you are patrolling a car park or doing some DIY work around your home. It has TEN-TAP® Programming, where you can reprogram the light with just a few quick taps of the switch. There is a choice of 3 light output levels: low, medium (strobe light), and high. And you adjust the beam for close-up, long-distance, and wide beam illumination.
The LED solid-state power regulation provides you with maximum lighting power and prolonged battery life of up to 1.25 hours of single-use and up to 50,000 hours over its lifetime.
The anti-roll head stops the flashlight from rolling away from you when you place it on the table or ground. There is a pocket clip so you can always keep it safely on your belt for when you need it. The flashlight is rated with an IPX7 rating, so it is waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes and impact resistant for 1 meter.
The Streamlight flashlight also comes with two 3V CR123A lithium batteries and a nylon holster. To maintain good battery life, it is recommended that you do not use the light on high power for too long. The flashlight is also available in blue.
Pros
- Very bright light
- Excellent mid-range beam
- Compact
- Three lighting modes
- Handy pocket clip and holster
- Waterproof
- Anti-roll capabilities
Cons
- Expensive
- Batteries drain quickly on full power
- Rubber sleeve hard to attach
- TEN-TAP® Programming switch takes time to get used to.
3. outlite A100 Tactical Flashlight
If you are looking for a compact light that can be used for any lighting purpose around your home, or a handy source of illumination in your car, then the outlite A100 Tactical Flashlight is a great choice.
The flashlight’s housing is made from durable aluminum alloy with a black anodized finish that is IP5 weatherproof, anti-slip, and shock-resistant. However, as it is very lightweight, it will feel super comfortable in your hand.
Its upgraded 2000 lumens CREE XM-L T6 LED bulb and convex lens provide super bright lighting power that can easily light up an entire 100-square-meter room or focus on objects up to 1000-feet away.
The flashlight has 5 illumining modes to choose from: high, medium, low, strobe (intermittent flashing); and SOS (emergency signal). You can use the zoom-in function as an intense spotlight or zoom out to light up a wider area.
The flashlight comes with 3 AAA batteries, a wrist strap, and two bonus o-rings. The 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion battery is not included.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Lightweight and compact
- Super bright light
- Very good zooming capabilities
- Provides good lighting coverage
- Five illumination modes
- Three AAA batteries, a wrist strap
Cons
- Switching between modes is hard to do with one hand
- No memory mode function
4. Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight
The all-American Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight is one of the most recognizable names in flashlights. Since 1979 MagLite has been making high-quality and reliable flashlights for security and law enforcement agencies.
Whether you choose to use this slimline, durable flashlight for work or camping, you are guaranteed to get a high level of lighting performance as the 3-cell capability ensures long-lasting battery life. The flashlight is made from a superior “Diamond Knurl” design, with a tough anodized black matte aluminum body with a “Stealth Matte Finish” and water-resistant seals.
The flashlight is easy to use with just a press of a button, and the slimline design provides a very comfortable fit in the palm of your hand. The advanced focus system allows you to adjust the beam from a spot to a floodlight with just a ¼ turn of the head. The light is very bright up to 611 lumens and the beam gives you a good range of 339 meters.
There are 3 levels of power: full power, low power, and eco mode, which is a super power-saving mode. You also have a choice of 4 brightness settings:
- General: Full, Low, and Eco
- Outdoor: Full, Low, and Strobe
- Law Enforcement: Momentary, Full power, Eco
- Tactical: Momentary, Full Power, and Strobe.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- High-quality design
- American made
- Easy-grip
- Adjustable beam
- Super bright
- Four settings
Cons
- No anti-roll feature
5. SAMLITE LED Tactical Flashlight
The SAMLITE LED Tactical Flashlight is made from a durable anti-corrosive anodized black aluminum alloy with a water-resistant and windproof coating.
Its magnetic base means the flashlight will stay put when you place it on any metal surface and you can use it hands-free. The compact design and textured non-slip surface give the flashlight a comfortable and secure feeling while you are using it.
This multifunctional flashlight is the ideal choice for extra lighting when you are working on your car or for general use around your home, and if you have pets, they might find the red laser pointer especially appealing.
You can choose from 5 modes to suit a variety of needs. At just the click of a button, the bright white 75 lumens light lasts up to 4.5 hours. The 12 lumens green light lasts up to 16 hours, the UV black light lasts up to 18 hours, the powerful red laser pointer lasts up to 48 hours and reaches up to 412 meters, and the 12 lumens green flash lasts up to 16 hours.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very good lighting capability
- Sturdy and durable
- Compact
- Powerful red light laser pointer
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
6. Maglite Mini Incandescent Flashlight
It might be small, but the Maglite Mini Incandescent Flashlight can deliver a very good lighting performance. Its compact size means you can carry it in your pocket or your purse. It is easy to hold and maneuver and it is perfect for close-up work when you need some extra illumination while you are fixing a computer, or trying to find your keys that are lost in the depths of your handbag.
Once more MagLite had designed a solid flashlight from the high-strength anodized aluminum casing that is corrosion, impact-resistant, and weather-resistant, which can protect it even in the toughest of conditions. Whether you use it in the rain or if you drop it while you are hiking in the outdoors, it will continue to deliver bright warm-toned light.
You can even adjust the flashlight to “candle” mode and then stand it up on a table or hang it by its loophole for a handy lighting source when you are out camping. It has a high-density focusing beam that is powered by a 14-lumen incandescent bulb, and the beam can be adjusted from a spotlight to a floodlight.
The mini Maglite also comes with 2 AA batteries, a handy holster for greater portability, and there are a range of colors to choose from: blue, purple, red, pink, gray, silver, black, camo (camouflage), and the American flag. There is also an extra spare lamp located in the tail cap of the flashlight. You can also purchase the Maglite that comes with a presentation case.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Lightweight
- Very good light source for its size
- Easy to hold
- Durable
- Multi-functional
- Replacement bulb is hidden in the tail cap
Cons
- Short battery life if used for long periods
Our Top Pick for the Best Flashlight
Our top pick for the best flashlight is the Maglite ML50LX LED Flashlight. It is easy to see why this flashlight is a favorite source of illumination with many security professionals.
An American-made flashlight, it boasts a superior sturdy slimline design, a super bright light, a range of lighting choices such as the handy eco-mode to conserve its battery and lamp life. Whether you are working at home or holidaying in the wilderness, the Maglite will provide you with all the lighting you need.
Check the price on Amazon
