Hello, I'm the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
Here's your outdoor tip on choosing a flashlight.
A flashlight can be your best friend not only when you are outdoors at night, but also any time you need to see in a dark space during the day. In the early days of the dry cell battery, the battery had a very limited amount of power. To save it from discharging quickly, the “flashlight” was operated intermittently—just long enough to send a quick light out to check the environment. Improved technologies have made flashlights better than they have ever been, but at the same time the vast selection and prices of portable lights have made the selection process more complex than ever.
Prices for flashlights can range from a few dollars to several hundreds of dollars yet they can be the same size. Brightness, weight, east of control, and power supply are some of the main alternatives for you to consider. The list of variables is a long one:
- Name brands will be more reliable
- Brightest is not always the best
- Climate is important outdoors
- Will it be durable enough to handle rough treatment?
- Does it have a good warranty?
- What are your lighting needs?
- What are the best reflectors
- Is cost a big factor?
- What color do you want the light?
- Is there assembly of the flashlight required?
- Ease of replacement
- How available is the flashlight?
In2009, standards were introduced for flashlights to be sure they were rated in the same way. Compliance is voluntary, but most major brands will include these performance ratings on their packaging.
Light output is measured in lumens or the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight on the highest brightness setting.
Measured in lumens. This is a measure of the intensity of the light coming out of the flashlight, on the highest, brightness setting powered by new batteries. Light output can range from 20 luments to a powerful 3500 lumens.
Beam distance is measured in meters. This is how far the light will travel before the brightness is the equivalent of the full moon. Full moon illumination is considered safe for travel outdoors and the distance varies by brightness.
Run-time is measured in hours. How long does it take for output to drop to 10% of the rated output and rounded to the nearest quarter hour. Output may gradually decrease over time or seem fairly constant then suddenly decrease
Impact resistance is measured in meters. They are dropped six times on concrete at the rated distance.
Water resistance has several ratings including splash resistance from all angles, submersion, and length of time of submersion for different times and depths.
The list of additional features and functions go on including:
1. Bulb type-LED and others
2. Beam type-flood, fixed, or adjustable
3. Output regulated
4. Battery type-disposable, rechargeable, renewable
5. Modes
6. Controls-types and locks
7. Materials
8. Shapes
9. Accessories included
The choice is yours to make. Remember when you need to put light on any object, your flashlight will be your best friend.
This is the OUTDOOR PROFESSOR from DiscoveringTheOutdoors.com/
Additional outdoor tips can be received by subscribing to the Outdoor Professor Tips on iTunes or Stitcher. If you enjoy outdoor tips, you’ll also find an e-book at Amazon.com with a collection of the Outdoor Professor Tips.
References-Additional Reading
Best Flashlight
http://www.ryantbriggs.com/
Flashlight: How to Choose
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/flashlight.html
Gear Review: High-Powered Flashlights
http://www.backpacker.com/gear/essentials/lighting/gear-review-high-powered-flashlights/#bp=0/img1
Nature Quotient.
eBook @Amazon.com
Outdoor Professor’s Tips: Exploring the Wonders of Nature
eBook @Amazon.com
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