{"id":2298,"date":"2019-01-15T09:38:20","date_gmt":"2019-01-15T15:38:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/?p=2298"},"modified":"2020-07-27T16:01:04","modified_gmt":"2020-07-27T21:01:04","slug":"what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-flashlight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/2019\/01\/15\/what-should-i-look-for-when-buying-a-flashlight\/","title":{"rendered":"What Should I Look For When Buying a Flashlight"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Flashlights may seem like one of life\u2019s most mundane purchases, but did you know there\u2019s more to just their light that you have to consider before buying one? In this article, Imprint.com enumerates the top 11 factors that come into selecting the <a href=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/custom-flashlights\"><strong>best flashlight for you<\/strong><\/a> and yours. Read on!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>1. Light output<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2302\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Light-Output-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Light output flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Light-Output-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Light-Output.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>This is the intensity of the light that comes out of your flashlight, mainly the highest setting and while running on fresh batteries. Measured in lumens, you can check the packaging of your flashlight to see just how much the output is. This can affect the effectiveness of your flashlight, especially when your purpose varies (ex: camping). The modest setting of 20 lumens can serve as your starting point\u2014you can look for something higher from there.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>2. Battery Type<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2303\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Battery-Type-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Battery Type flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Battery-Type-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Battery-Type.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>There are three types of flashlight batteries: disposable (AAA or AA batteries), rechargeable batteries (lithium-ion batteries that can be plugged in to charge), and renewable (flashlights with a hand crank or solar panel for manual charging). Get a high performance flashlight with a battery that suits your needs. If you\u2019re packing an emergency kit, best go with a renewable battery flashlight. Use a rechargeable battery if you want to minimize waste. If you\u2019re going on an outdoor trip, a flashlight with disposable batteries would do the trick!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>3. Run Time<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2304\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Run-time-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Run Time flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Run-time-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Run-time.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>A flashlight\u2019s run time will also affect how useful it is. Usually, with standard flashlights, the run time of its light output drops by 10% after continued use for a quarter of an hour. Pricier flashlights with stronger batteries are bound to have a longer time to run than the ones with weaker battery types. Size can also affect run this, so don\u2019t expect a pen light to run for longer than thirty minutes!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>4. Size<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2305\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Size-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Size flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Size-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Size.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Size varies the light output and time the flashlight will run. A larger unit like a beacon flashlight may feature a longer run time due to its bigger battery, whereas a palm flashlight can hold a candle to it (excuse the pun!). But this does not necessarily mean that larger units are more powerful\u2014small flashlights can also hold some lasting power, and have the advantage of being more accessible in times of a pickle. Choose wisely and accordingly!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>5. Weight<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2306\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Weight-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Weight flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Weight-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Weight.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Heavier flashlights mean that they are more durable and have sturdier material. This can also mean that their battery is long lasting and has more staying power than lighter units, and that might make them more expensive\u2014but more of an investment! The weight of a flashlight can also affect how often it\u2019ll be used. You wouldn\u2019t want to have to lug around a heavy light source to a campsite, would you?<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>6. Bulb Type<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2307\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Bulb-Type-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Bulb Type flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Bulb-Type-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Bulb-Type.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>For maximum light output while being energy-efficient, go with an LED flashlight that features an LED light bulb. LED bulbs, while being energy-efficient, have a high impact resistance, meaning it can withstand being dropped from a high distance! It also has a longer time to run than incandescent bulbs like krypton bulbs. If you\u2019re going to buy a bulb for your flashlight (or any kind of light bulb really!), go with LED. If you have an LED flashlight, make sure to use an LED bulb.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>7. Beam Type<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2308\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Beam-Type-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Beam Type flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Beam-Type-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Beam-Type.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The kind of beam from your flashlight is determined by the lens reflectors around the bulb. There are three kinds of beams: flood or fixed (having one single beam width), spot or focused (a single beam focused into a spotlight), and adjustable (beam width can be switched from flood to spot depending on the need). The most common flashlight beam type is the flood beam, which can be seen in standard flashlights everywhere.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>8. Modes<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2309\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Modes-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Modes flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Modes-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Modes.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Some flashlights only have one mode or setting or their light output. If you\u2019re looking for extra modes, look into newer brands made with extra downloadable software, or emergency strobe features like an SOS signal. With the way modern technology works nowadays, one can simply install newer modes via a USB cable and their very own laptop or desktop computer!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>9. Controls<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2310\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Controls-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Controls flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Controls-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Controls.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>The controls of a flashlight will determine just how accessible it is to the person using it. The typical on\/off push button is still the easier one to manoeuvre, but a clicking button control will also work just fine. A more complex yet secure control is a rotating bezel, which, for some brands of flashlights, can also control the amount of light it gives off. Some units have a silent, non-clicking instant beam function that only requires a small press!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>10. Material<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2311\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Material-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Material flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Material-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Material.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Some flashlights are made with plastic, or aluminium alloy, to ensure lightness and easy maintenance. When you\u2019re working with plastic, you can be sure that the body of your flashlight won\u2019t need as much fussing over. There are also some that are made of heavier metals to resist stronger impacts (for example: police flashlights) and ensure durability. Whichever flashlight you get, make sure to purchase one that works for you and your family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>11. Accessories<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-2312\" src=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Accessories-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Accessories flashlight consideration\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Accessories-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/imprint.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Accessories.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/>Flashlight units nowadays don\u2019t just come as is! They now feature extra add-ons like lanyards, carabiners, holsters, or even belt clips. Accessories can also sweeten the deal and make your flashlight work way better. With accessories, your unit can pull double duty and their performance can be maximized to its full potential!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/\"><strong>Imprint.com<\/strong><\/a>, we make sure that our customers know what they\u2019re getting into before making a purchase. Whether it\u2019s a <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/imprint.com\/custom-flashlights\">pen light, a palm flashlight, or a customized beacon flashlight<\/a><\/strong>, we dish out the information! And with customization, look no further. Imprint.com offers top-notch printing services for your customized goods! We print logos, brand names, and anything else under the sun, all for an affordable price. We craft with care, so come on down to Imprint.com!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Flashlights may seem like one of life\u2019s most mundane purchases, but did you know there\u2019s more to just their light that you have to consider<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":2299,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[93],"tags":[94],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2298"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2298"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2298\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2377,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2298\/revisions\/2377"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2299"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/23.253.236.205\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}