A smartphone is a fantastic technological achievement. You can interact with people from miles away, play games, and use it as a flashlight. However, its light is no match for an LED flashlight. This portable electric light is another feat of technology, giving you the optimal light you need.
Picking the Perfect LED Flashlights
It’s very challenging to pick the right LED flashlights. If you’re in the dark, here are some features that will tell you what separates a good LED flashlight from the rest:
Battery Type
LED flashlights run on two types of batteries:
- Rechargeable – some LED flashlights have a built-in lithium-polymer battery, a lithium-ion battery pack, or just run on a lithium-ion battery. You can typically charge the battery by connecting it to a computer or a power outlet unless they require a proprietary cable. There are other flashlights that you can recharge through a solar panel or a hand crank.
- Disposable – these are the most common and popular batteries for LED flashlights. Think AA batteries. They’re not as powerful as lithium-ion batteries, but they’re less expensive and easier to come by.
Light Output
A flashlight’s light intensity is measured in lumens. Some flashlights have different light output levels that range in lumens. LED flashlights can come in a range of lumens, from a simple 20 to a scorching hot 3500. You want to have an LED flashlight that has the right amount of lumens for whatever task you need it for. For example, a household light probably doesn’t need more than 1000 lumens, but a camping light might be worth getting over 1000 lumens. It depends on what you’re using it for and your preference. Also, check out the intensity and beam distance as this can determine if a flashlight is good for your needs.
Bulb
Sometimes you may want to check the LED flashlight’s bulb. Some of the things you need to look at are its luminous intensity, wattage, bulb voltage, and color. For more advanced features, you can check the bulb’s iris aperture if it’s in a steady circle.
Size and Weight
Maybe you want a small light or maybe you want a big one or maybe you don’t know. Either way, it’s important to take a look at the size and shape of LED flashlights you’re interested in.
Purpose
You can buy an LED flashlight for different purposes. There are flashlights fit for hunting or camping. Flashlights can also come in handy for everyday use or work. Think about what you’re buying the light for and what features you need or want.
Internal and External Structure
There are other internal and external structural features you can check before buying an LED flashlight. For one, you may want to have a waterproof flashlight for rainy days or storms. You can also check if the flashlight comes with accessories like a belt clip or a lanyard.
Check Out Our Selection of Best LED Flashlights
There are countless brands for LED flashlights in every hardware store, supermarket, and even online. If you’re looking for the best brand, I highly suggest Fenix. You can visit the Fenix Store and browse through their selection. To help you select the best Fenix light, I’ve come up with a list of excellent Fenix LED flashlights.
Fenix E12 V2.0
The Fenix E12 V2.0 is a small light that can easily be stored or carried in your pocket. It delivers 160 lumens and features three brightness levels. It can also run for up to 70 hours on its lowest brightness level. The beam on the E12 V2.0 can reach from 39 to 223 feet.
This LED flashlight is powered by a single AA battery and is IP68 waterproof. It also has a body made from A6061-T6 aluminum. Fenix LED lights like this one come with a lanyard so you can hang it around your wrist to prevent it from falling. It also comes with a pocket clip.
Fenix FD41
The Fenix FD41 has four settings: low, medium, high, and turbo. The highest setting has 900 lumens with an hour and 40 minute run time and a beam distance of 340 meters. It also has a strobe setting with 900 lumens. This LED flashlight is made from aircraft-grade aluminum with a stainless-steel side switch. It has IPX6 dustproof and IPX8 waterproof rating and can be submerged up to 2 meters.
The Fenix LED lights have an optical lens with a total reflective coating. It gives the Fenix FD41 a clear and better light quality. What’s more impressive about this flashlight is it has intelligent overheat protection. It also has a 360-degree rotary focus function, giving you an easy way of changing from spotlight to floodlight.
Fenix LD05 V2.0
If you want an LED flashlight that’s compact and portable, you can put this one on top of your list. It’s also straightforward to use and has four different outputs: high, mid, low, and UV. For its standard settings, it has a range of 5 to 100 lumens. It runs on two AAA batteries, and you can also put two different kinds in it: alkaline and Ni-MH.
For alkaline batteries, the LED flashlight can run up to 70 hours in its lowest setting. As for the Ni-MH, it can stay alight for 36 hours at its lowest output. Lastly, you can submerge the flashlight up to 2 meters for 30 minutes as it has an IP68 waterproof rating.
Fenix LD22
If you’re a fan of hiking, the Fenix LD22 is the one for you. This LED flashlight is the upgraded version of Fenix’s best-selling model.
There are two modes: outdoor and tactical. “Outdoor mode” gives you six settings: turbo, high, mid, low, strobe, and SOS. It has 300 lumens maximum and runs up to 85 minutes under Ni-MH batteries or 40 minutes with alkaline batteries. As for the tactical mode, it only has three settings: turbo, mid, and strobe. Moreover, this Fenix LED light has a maximum beam distance of 120 meters.
Fenix TK35 Ultimate Edition
Two words come to mind when you see the rechargeable Fenix TK35 Ultimate Edition - powerful and compact. This LED flashlight packs a punch with a maximum of 3200 lumens. It’s not dubbed the ultimate edition for nothing. It’s made from durable and oxidation-resistant aluminum and has a compact form.
Fenix LED lights also boast their two-mode system like this one. The TK35 Ultimate Edition has outdoor and tactical modes. It has eco, strobe, and SOS settings. Lastly, it's equipped with an instant off and lockout function that prevents any accidental activation.
Final Words
Whether you need it for a camping trip or finding your way in the dark, there’s an LED flashlight for you. These flashlights, especially from Fenix, produce the top lights with reasonable value without compromising on quality. Make sure you don’t forget to check out the flashlights I listed.
