Thanks to the LED technology, the world of flashlights has significantly improved over the years. Unlike previous decades, when people struggled carrying heavy and bulky torches, things are more on the compact side now.
Still, this isn’t to say the reduction in size and weight is at the expense of quality – there are various models of practical compact LED torch with handy features you can benefit from, no matter your needs and requirements. From being the perfect light sources for different outdoor adventures, to serving as the ideal survival tools in emergency situations – you’ve truly got a lot to pick from.
This includes famous brands like Olight, and their vast array of pocket designs consisting of versatile models differing in sizes as well as shapes. While you’ve got the chance to choose from the beneficial light pen, the Olight Baton Pro, the Seeker Pro, the Baldr Mini, the Odin and the Obulb, you may be somewhat confused as to the decision taking all of their advantages into account. The following are some of the aspects you can consider to simplify the shopping process.
The Construction
When buying a new flashlight, it’s important to have the durability in mind based on the construction. If you plan on using it for your outdoor adventures, more than for home use, then you require something sturdy that won’t break the minute it accidentally slips from your hands.
This calls for choosing a model that’s made from top quality materials, like weapon-grade aluminium. You’d also benefit by getting a compact LED torch with an ergonomic design which makes it easy to hold with a firm grip and is important if you ever get to use it as a tactical weapon in situations of self-defence.
The Brightness
The reason LED bulbs are the main option nowadays has to do with the fact they offer more brightness than, say, the incandescent bulbs. You’ve got the chance to pick from a wide range of brightness, as there are LED flashlights with an output from 20 lumens, and above, up to 2000 which is a nice pick for most outdoor use. In case you’re looking for something even brighter, perhaps you could do with an output of 3200 lumens, like that provided from the Olight Seeker 2 Pro, also famous for its long beam distance of 250 metres.
The Beam Distance
Not less important than the brightness, this aspect is crucial when shopping for the ideal flashlight as it indicates how far you’d get brightness coverage offered from this light source. Measured in metres from the flashlight to an object, the beam distance is also called “flood” and “throw”. Though compact, the small and lightweight models of torches aren’t to be underestimated when it comes to this aspect too. For home use you won’t need too high of a beam distance, which isn’t to say about the outdoors.
The Run Time
Measured in hours, this indicates how long your pocket torch can run on a same set of batteries. Most of the models can run for many hours, more than you even imagine, so long as you use the low output modes. If you don’t plan on using the torch outdoors, and you want it for home use, you don’t need to invest in a model with high run time, as opposed to cases with outdoor adventures in the likes of backpacking.
The Size
There are all sorts of compact LED torch, and they won’t all be the right fit for you regarding the size. As some are more compact than others, and lighter, it’s necessary that you consider what it is that you want in a model. If you intend to use it every day, perhaps you could do with a design smaller in length and width, that’s also more lightweight, whereas with outdoor tactical use you might require something sturdier and heavier to withstand the more challenging tasks.
The Battery
This one comes down to whether you want the advanced rechargeable batteries or the good old disposable alternative. There’s more in favour of the rechargeable when you consider it’s a more economical solution in the long term, however, there’s the matter of charging and that can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t have power to charge it when you’re backpacking in the middle of nowhere.
The Features
You can’t overlook this crucial aspect either, especially having in mind it can set one model apart from the other depending on your specific needs. For instance, you want to carry your flashlight outdoors, but you also want to have it at hand anytime you like without having to reach for the pocket – in such an instance, a pocket clip could do the job.
Those who want to have more control of the brightness and battery could make good use of a display indicator. If you’re up for using the flashlight as a signalling tool too in cases of emergency, then you require various light modes, or a flashing red light mode that’s perfect for breakdowns.
