Flashlights are one of the few basic items that you should always have around you – in the house, in your purse, in the glove box of your car, in your baggage when going camping, hunting or on a tactical operation. But the flashlights used for all these different purposes need to be different as well – a keychain flashlight you keep in your pocket or purse will be of no use on a hunting expedition.

To determine the kind of flashlight you need to buy the first, and the most important, question that you need to ask is what application you intend it for. This will determine the kind of flashlight that you need, the size and shape and the type of performance that you require.

Flashlight performance is not measured by any one aspect, rather it is measured in different ways and different applications require different aspects to be on the high side.

Light Output

The light output of a flashlight is measured in two different ways – lumen and candlepower. The candlepower measures the brightest point in the beam without taking into account the focus of the beam. Lumen measured all the visible light that the flashlight gives. Each measurement measures something different and each measurement has its own connotations on application of the flashlight. If you are looking for an energy-efficient flashlight to illuminate a large area, opt for a flashlight with a higher lumen. If you want a flashlight that gives an intense beam, go for higher candlepower.

Beam Distance

Beam distance is measured at the point where light output diminishes to the equivalent of light cast by a full moon on a clear night. Lumens have a big effect on beam distance because the beam can’t travel a long distance if it isn’t powerful at the source. Reflectors also affect the beam distance by giving the light a more focused direction. High lumen rating, good reflectors and the right choice of beam type are essential to getting good beam distance – which can make all the difference when hunting and in tactical operations.

Run Time

Run time is measured in hours and defines the time in which the light output of the flashlight drops to 10% of the rated output on new batteries. Run time is commonly given for each light setting of your flashlight and is a huge aspect to consider when buying a flashlight. You can’t have your flashlight dying on you during a hunting expedition.

Impact Resistance

To test this aspect, flashlights are dropped onto concrete at rated distances to ensure the flashlight remains functional even after accidental drops.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is important if you intend to use your flashlight in the rain or around water. Three different ratings are used:

• IPX4: splash resistant from all angles
• IPX7: temporary immersion – up to 30 minutes at 1m depth
• IPX8: submersion – up to 4 hours at rated depth