There are so many options out there that when you decide to go out and buy a flashlight it is easy to get bogged down by the variety – especially if you are unfamiliar with some of the key terms used to describe the various specifications. Once you understand what lumen, candlepower, run time, power source options mean, you’ll be better able to decide what kind of flashlight you want to buy.

Apart from the above mentioned terms, some of the more visible difference in the variety of flashlights available in the market are the different sizes, functionalities, and prices. With all the different models available in the market, it is easy to get confused especially if it is your first time buying a flashlight. But to keep confusion at bay, it is important to understand what exactly sets each flashlight apart from the rest – the key functionalities, which are light output, size or weight of the flashlight, and the type of battery used.

If you have a specific application in mind, it is easier to determine what functionality will suit your best. If you intent to use the flashlight around the house, a battery operated one that is medium sized will be a good choice, whereas a penlight is more suitable for keeping in the glovebox of your car. If you intend to take the flashlight along on a hunting expedition or a camping trip, a lightweight rechargeable flashlight with a strong beam would be the wise choice.

Having determined the right functionality for your intended application, it is time to choose the flashlight model that you’ll be taking home. But keep in mind that the best flashlights are the ones that offer additional features like efficient light bulb, efficient battery, switch options, adjustable beam, etc.

Efficient Light Bulb

The most efficient light bulb is a durable, impact resistant one that provides optimal brightness without draining the battery. An LED bulb has all fulfills all these requirements – with most LEDs having a runtime of 100,000 light years.

Efficient Battery

As with an efficient light bulb, an efficient battery should give long lasting optimal brightness. You need to find a battery which will guarantee at least one hour of continuous illumination.

Adjustable Beam

An adjustable beam means that you get to control the beam as per your liking. You can set it to give a wide and bright beam or a narrow and bright beam. A good flashlight will provide you with multiple beam options so that the flashlight works efficiently in a variety of scenarios.

Switch Options

The best flashlight is the one with the most user friendly placement of the switch – the instrument used to turn the flashlight on and off. There are three options – the tail click button which is optimal for one hand use, the side button which can be operated by a thumb and is also for single handed use, and the twist option which requires the tail and head of the flashlight to be twisted in opposite directions and is intended for two hand use. The best flashlight is the one that is best suited for your use and the one you are most comfortable using.

Having all these guides at hand, choosing the right flashlight for you should no longer be confusing.