Things You'll Need:
- Flashlights to browse through
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Step 1
Decide on the power source of your flashlight. There are flashlights which require the standard AAA, AA, C, or D batteries, and then there are flashlights that are rechargeable. There are a large variety of standard flashlights available, and they're usually less expensive than rechargeable flashlights. Rechargeable, on the other hand, save you the effort of constantly buying and replacing old batteries. If you happen to hate batteries, or you just don't want a battery-powered flashlight--you're in luck. With the shake flashlight, you just shake it, and you're ready to go.
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Step 2
Choose the light bulb you want your flashlight to have. The most common light bulbs are incandescent and LED. Flashlights that use incandescent bulbs produce less light output per watt, so they need a larger bulb to produce the same amount of light as an LED. Flashlights that use LED bulbs produce more light output per watt, resulting in a great savings of battery power, and a longer-lasting flashlight. The best way to compare the brightness of an incandescent and LED is to look at the lumen rating of the flashlight, which is the measure of how bright the flashlight is. A more uncommon bulb is the HID. Compared to an incandescent bulb, the HID is brighter, lasts longer, and is more shock resistant at the cost of being bulkier and more expensive.
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Step 3
Consider what kind of environment you'll be using your flashlight in. Do you want a large, bulky flashlight, or will a small one be sufficient? Does your flashlight need to be waterproof? Determine how long you'll be carrying the flashlight in your hand, and whether or not a comfortable grip is important. Do you need an ultra-sturdy flashlight, or will a cheaper one work just as well? Some flashlights build extra bulbs into the flashlight. Decide if you want an extra bulb handy, or maybe even a flashlight that uses multiple bulbs. Is color or style important? Cross off any flashlights that don't meet your criteria for the perfect flashlight.
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Step 4
Find the best deals on flashlights. Search the internet using phrases like "buy flashlight," "best flashlights," or simply "flashlight," and browse through the results. Also search for some of the popular varieties of flashlights, including Maglite, Dorcy, Streamlight, Garrity, Surefire, and Pelican flashlights. Never give up until you've found the perfect flashlight.
Comments
lisafox said
on 6/23/2009 Good article. I don't use any of my incandescent lights anymore. Compared to the latest LED lights they are rubbish.
flashaholic said
on 2/28/2009 If you want to buy a decent flashlight. Some specs are important. 1- Real Lumens reading. It's also called "torch lumens". If you find a "900lumens flashlight", you should ask the seller is it the torch lumens or emitter lumens. Only torch lumens is what you get. For example, a Neofab Legion II has 742 torch lumens, and a Jetbeam M1X has 450 torch lumens, but M1X is advertised as "700 Lumens". Now, you see the difference.2- Runtime. Some lights have a "regulated" output. It means the output won't fall until it shutdown. But many other lights don't have the ability, the output will be lower and lower. You should ask for the real runtime curve before order one.
zam1 said
on 1/21/2009 Shake Flashlights or you may call them crank flashlight,are very good for those who dont want to keep extra batteries.Once you crank the flashlight the power gets generated and flashlight works.This technology is also being used in Crank powered Radios AM/FM.Very powerful tool if you are got stucked in strom or lost in a wilderness.One crank can light the flashlight for 8-10 mins.So no batteries are required,just crank it & it will work.Happy survival!!!!
zam
pocken_hut@yahoo.com
paint-it said
on 12/31/2008 Very thorough and clear help! Thanks! 5*
lydiabily said
on 12/30/2008 I've never heard of a shake flashlight. I'm going to check it out! Thanks for the great information. I've never put much thought into choosing a flashlight before. Now I will.