Magnetic flashlights are indispensable in both complex environments and the performance of everyday tasks. These specialty units provide hands-free lighting in situations where versatile, reliable light is necessary.
Attachable to most metal surfaces, stable light is right at your fingertips with one of the best magnetic flashlights. Learn which features to consider when shopping and understand what makes magnetic flashlights an essential part of your toolbox.
Key Takeaways
- The most durable magnetic flashlights are waterproof, dustproof, impact resistant and made from high-quality materials
- Determine your ideal battery type by identifying the nature, frequency and location of tasks you’ll need to perform
- Access to different light settings allows you to maximize battery life and signal with strobe mode in the event of an emergency
The best magnetic flashlights are versatile and long-lasting due to their high output, quality battery type, durable body and access to multiple light settings.
What Is A Magnetic Flashlight?
Magnetic flashlights are handheld lighting units with a magnetic tail cap or a magnetic attachment point on a different part of the light. Their magnetic ability provides incredibly versatile lighting and makes for one of the most efficient options for hands-free light.
Magnetic units offer great value when working in areas with metal surfaces and can be easily attached to most:
- Toolboxes
- Handlebars
- Trunk lids
- Door frames
- Ceiling joists
These units allow for effortless adjustment and re-positioning of light due to their magnetic bases. Magnetic flashlights allow you to work efficiently with stable, hands-free light and can be detached swiftly in the event of an emergency.
Although magnetic flashlights are most commonly used in automotive settings, they can be beneficial to anyone’s daily routine. These units also shine in home repair scenarios when you need to complete a task that requires both hands, making them a great addition to everyone’s toolkit.
What To Consider
Flashlights have several features that heighten their utility and performance. Here’s what to look for when shopping for the best magnetic flashlight.
High Light Output
A flashlight’s output is measured in lumens and determines the brightness of light achieved when fully charged and set on the highest light mode. Typically, the more lumens your unit has, the brighter it will appear. Although, a unit’s beam intensity and distance can also have an impact on brightness.
Magnetic flashlights are offered in a wide variety of outputs, usually ranging anywhere from 20 to 3500 lumens. The chart below depicts how many lumens on average are typically needed for a specific activity.
To choose an ideal lumen count, determine the amount of light needed for the tasks you intend to perform and shop for units that align with your needs. In most cases, it’s better to have more lumens than necessary as opposed to not enough, as long as your unit offers several light settings.
Battery Type
Rechargeable batteries are an ideal power source for magnetic flashlights because they are cost-efficient and long-lasting. Although rechargeable units can cost more up front, the need to repeatedly purchase disposable batteries will be eliminated.
Rechargeable magnetic flashlights, such as Fenix’s WT16R, often have built-in USB Type-C ports for faster, more convenient replenishment of power. These types of magnetic units minimize the chances of interrupting your task with a dead battery.
Although, units powered by disposable batteries, such as Fenix’s WF11E, have benefits as well. Not only are disposable batteries fairly inexpensive to replace, but they also allow you to swap in a fully-charged battery in a matter of seconds. Disposable batteries are also easily accessible, making them an ideal option while working away from your charging station. If you want the best of both worlds, simply get an extra set of rechargeable batteries if your unit uses removable batteries like 18650s or 21700s. You’ll get the cost effective choice with the rechargeable battery but also have the ability to swap out to new ones on the fly if you run low on power.
Ultimately, the best way to determine your ideal battery type is by identifying the nature, frequency and location of tasks you’ll need to perform.
Durability
As a police officer, construction worker, or any other hands-on professional, you need a tough flashlight that keeps up with your high-impact routine. The most durable magnetic flashlights are:
- Water and dust-proof
- Impact resistant
- Made from high quality materials
A flashlight’s resistance to water and dust is determined by its Ingress Protection, or IP, rating. Each unit has a two-digit rating, indicating its level of protection against solid particles and moisture. The chart below provides a full explanation of different levels of protection.
For example, Fenix’s WF11E has an Ingress Protection rating of IP67, indicating that it is fully protected against the ingress of dust and submersion in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet.
The WF11E magnetic flashlight is also explosion proof and made from antistatic plastic polycarbonate, further demonstrating the importance of high-quality materials in a unit with high impact resistance and durability.
Multiple Light Settings
Magnetic flashlights with multiple light settings allow for versatility when alternating between tasks that require different light outputs. Instead of switching between units according to activity, units with several light settings allow for convenient adjustment to environments, tasks and conditions with one push of a button.
Also, units with multiple light settings, such as Fenix’s WT25R, often feature strobe modes in addition to constant beams of light. This is ideal for emergency situations or settings where alerting others via light pattern is helpful.
Lastly, having access to different light settings allows you to make the most of your battery and can require less charging time. Using a higher output than necessary drains your battery quickly, whereas minimizing the amount of light used will prolong your power.
Remember, most of the time a unit with more lumens than necessary is best, especially when it has several light settings. This way, you’ll have access to a high output when you need it but have the option to use lower light modes the majority of the time.
Reputable Brand
When choosing the best magnetic flashlight for you, it's best to choose a brand with a highly esteemed reputation. Reliable, durable units are offered by flashlight brands that prioritize and value their customers' experience.
Fenix is a leading flashlight manufacturer that specializes in high-quality equipment for professional and recreational activities, such as camping, hunting and fishing. Whether it's tactical or EDC, you’re guaranteed access to long-lasting, dependable light with a magnetic flashlight from a trustworthy brand.
Visit Fenix Today
Magnetic flashlights offer hands-free, versatile lighting in both everyday and professional settings. Adding a quality, magnetic unit to your toolbox grants you access to light that can be adjusted to your tasks’ specific needs in a matter of seconds.
To learn more about convenient lighting options, visit us at fenix-store.com today. Shop with Fenix for reliable, efficient units that provide long-lasting light in every situation.
