How To choose a Rechargeable flashlight

A flashlight can be very useful in any situation, but above all you have to target the use you want to make of it. Among the many models that exist, it is sometimes difficult to navigate.

Type of lamp: headlamps are mainly used for activities requiring both hands free, such as running, cycling or caving. Tactical lights work with a tactical switch and are useful in civil or military, not only for their power but also for the strobe mode which allows to neutralize an attacker. The “standard” lamps are more basic and their use is summarized in an on/off button with possibly some intensity settings.

Size: for everyday use, prefer a pocket model that measures maximum 7 cm long. For outdoor activities, a light power approaching 1000 lumens is ideal and this is generally found on lamps with a length of about 12 cm. For professionals (hunting, emergency services, etc.), the lamps producing more than 1,500 lumens and measuring more than 20 cm are the most efficient.

Maneuverability: handling it must be as easy as possible. Ideally, it should be light and easy to use. However, be careful: the more powerful the lamp, the more likely it is to be a little heavy. It will then be necessary to look rather at the level of the design of the handle of the flashlight, if it is non-slip, if it facilitates the holding of the flashlight etc.

Power: This is measured in lumens. The higher the value, the more powerful the lamp and the more it will light around it. Some flashlights offer different power levels to adapt the brightness to your immediate needs and, if necessary, to save a bit of autonomy.

The range: this data is more important than it may seem because it determines how far your light beam can go to illuminate in front of you. It is, of course, better to have a greater range to be able to see as far as possible, unless you have the sole purpose of using this lamp for repairs.

The power mode: some lamps, rather rare, also work with an AC power supply. Some can be recharged via the cigarette lighter in your car or by a dynamo. But generally, they use batteries, preferably rechargeable. Alkaline batteries are dangerous in that they may suffer from leakage and damage the lamp.

Autonomy: this simply determines the duration during which you can operate it. Models with greater autonomy are generally more expensive. This is a criterion that should not really be overlooked, especially in case you find yourself in an emergency

The strobe function: most of these devices offer a strobe mode as well as an additional SOS function. The strobe is useful in many different situations, such as a roadside emergency, when running at night or, and it is its most well-known use, to defend yourself by blinding someone. You can also switch to different intensity modes.

Heat: some lamps heat more than others. Others have a system to avoid any risk of overheating. Take care that your lamp does not heat up to the point of being hot and in general, stay on the least powerful lighting modes as much as possible to avoid any inconvenience.

The design: the quality of the components determines the impact, scratch and waterproof resistance. This last characteristic is defined on the basis of an IP index which is composed of two figures, one indicating the level of protection against solid particles such as sand and dust (from 0 to 6) and the other communicating the resistance with water (from 0 to 9). Often, we find an aeronautical aluminum alloy with an anodized and anti-abrasive finish.