Are you searching for the best flashlight brands? We will share some of the brands we tested to help you make an informed purchase.
A flashlight is an ultra-portable electric lamp. An ordinary flashlight has a source of light mounted in a reflector, a see-through cover that is at times coupled with a lens to shield the light source and reflector, a battery, and a switch all bound in a case.
Modern flashlights generally utilize light-producing crystal rectifiers and operate on one-use or rechargeable batteries. Some work by turning a crank, shaking the lamp, or squeezing it. Some have solar panels for battery recharging.
Flashlights are used outdoors as a light source, in places that lack indelibly installed lighting, when there are power blackouts, or when a transportable light source is required.
There are also head or helmet-mounted flashlights made for miners and campers, which let them use them hands-free. Some of the units are also used underwater or in flammable atmospheres.
Types of Flashlights
Incandescent bulb flashlights
These are the most popular type of flashlights found in people’s homes. They have existed for many years and operate on D batteries. Thanks to their affordability, they are the most convenient. They are used for camping and fishing trips because of they are easy to use. They can endure some punishment and are powerful enough to give light when required. In addition, they come in a diverse range of colors as well.
LED Flashlights
LED flashlights have presently become more popular. These flashlights produce no heat and last for a long time. They are also durable and withstand some punishment. The flashlights are perfect for camping as they are long-lasting.
A good LED flashlight is inexpensive.
Pressurized Gas Flashlights
Some incandescent bulbs in flashlights include pressurized gases to lengthen the bulb’s lifespan. Gases, including halogen, krypton, and xenon, can help brighten the light while burning out more slowly. Flashlights are usually used in emergencies. They come in handy when you require quick access to light.
Solar-powered flashlights
People are nowadays environment-conscious even in their buying of tools. Flashlights have not been left behind, and there are solar-powered choices for such people. Such flashlights are very convenient and powerful enough for multiple uses. Most solar-powered flashlights are significantly feebler compared to other choices.
High-intensity discharge flashlights
High-intensity discharge flashlights are typically abbreviated to HID flashlights. They can generate a very bright light. They are what you need if you are looking for an exceptionally bright portable flashlight. The flashlights operate by having an electrical current run via a ball of ionized gas. This makes them different from other types. However, they are less common as they are more expensive.
Lanterns
LED lanterns are much more common presently. They work the same way as LED flashlights, except you only have to place them near your location instead of pointing them where you want to go.
Shake Flashlights
What makes Shake flashlights stand out from the crowd is the fact that they don’t operate on batteries. They are powered by magnets placed inside the units. Once the flashlight is shaken, it leads to a reaction that gives you the light needed. This means that the flashlight has to be shaken to work. This gives you convenience as you don’t have to fret about purchasing batteries.
Headlamp Flashlights
Headlamp flashlights are convenient as they provide light with your hands-free or engaging in other activities. They can fasten right on your head and will seamlessly illuminate your way. Wearing the flashlight on your head allows you to do other things with your hands.
USB-Charging Flashlights
Flashlight technology has evolved over the years. It is now possible to purchase in-built batteries and recharge like smartphones. You plug the flashlight into a USB port and let it charge up. The flashlight can be extremely bright. However, it is a bit expensive.
Qualities of a Flashlight
Power
A good flashlight should have a battery that provides enough power for your needs.
Lighting distance and beam angle
It should have a beam distance and lighting angle that meets your needs.
Good construction
A flashlight with a good build is necessary to serve you for a long time. Having one that is water-resistant or waterproof is a plus.
Easy to use
A flashlight should have unsophisticated features that make turning on and off, adjusting the beam light, and making other changes seamless.
Best Flashlight Brands
1) OLIGHT flashlight
Olight is a brand established in 2006 and is based in China. It manufactures flashlights for outdoor activities, including hunting, and has military and law enforcement tier lights. Olight keeps developing and reengineering its products to remain a leader in the industry. This is evident in their flashlights. One attribute of their products is efficiency. They have a diverse selection of power choices for their units, all of which are engineered to deliver incredible results with efficient power usage. Other positive attributes include portability, compactness, and great value for money. Reliability is another fantastic attribute.
2) VASTFIRE flashlight
VASTFIRE is a producer of the most affordable flashlights. The flashlights are designed for multiple applications. They are made with durable materials making them a great choice. They also have easy-to-use features. The flashlights deliver high performance.
3) Fenix flashlight
Fenix is a top brand when it comes to flashlights. The brand is based in China and was established in 2004. From its design to production, this brand maintains only the highest standards. This leads to a top-quality line of flashlights manufactured with materials that will last long, including aircraft-grade aluminum that is highly robust. The flashlights are also very versatile, reliable, and robust. They are loved by law enforcement officers, military and outdoor enthusiasts.
4) Nitecore flashlights
Nitecore was established in 2007 and is located in Singapore. The brand produces flashlights with a careful design. Every flashlight is meticulously suited to meet just about any need. They are robust and effective and ideal for any industrial or recreation job. It covers outdoor activities such as sports, tactical lighting, industrial lighting, law enforcement, and many more. Their flashlights come in different sizes, power, and performance levels. They are innovative, making them one of the best brands there is.
5) Pelican flashlights
Pelican was established in 1976 and is based in California, USA. The brand is the epitome of durability. Besides flashlights, the brand also produces protective cases, temperature-controlled packaging, all of which have resulted in technological innovations that apply to their lighting designs.
Many experts trust Pelican products, including law enforcers and firefighters, in challenging conditions. You can trust their products to get the job done every time.
6) Police force flashlights
Police Force flashlights are usually waterproof, rechargeable and come with a robust build. since good lighting is instrumental for successful performance of the police force, the flashlights usually produce enough brightness. They come in various designs, shapes and sizes so that you get the one that suits you best.
7) Streamlight flashlights
Streamlight is a flashlight brand established in 1973 and is based in the USA. The brand is focused on inventions like lighting equipment that can be used safely around explosive gas. The brand is open about wanting to hear customer dissatisfaction as that allows them to improve the existing products and satisfy needs they were unaware existed. All their salespeople are well-trained in the nuances of all the products, so you are guaranteed a helpful experience without any hassles.
8) Maglite flashlight
Based in California, USA, Maglite is a flashlight brand established in 1979. Maglite flashlights were the first portable lights that were robust enough for professional use. They were also widely available. The brand came up with some of the first heavy-duty flashlights that became famous in no time with firefighters, law enforcement, and trade experts. This has remained with their modern lineup. The flashlights are still constructed from hard-anodized aluminum. Ruggedness and reliability are still a characteristic of the lights.
9) IMALENT flashlights
IMALENT is a flashlight brand established in 2010. It is based in China. Imalent manufactures very bright tactical and EDC flashlights. They have a wide range of unmatched high-powered products. They are the producers of the MA18, which is the brightest handheld flashlight in the world as it emits a brightness of 100,000 lumens.
It is a top choice for people involved in challenging activities. They produce the best hardy and reliable flashlights for any requirement from extreme sports to the military.
10) Klarus flashlight
This is another best brand when it comes to flashlights. It was established in 2011 and is based in China. This is the brand that initially developed dual-switches on flashlights, delivering more adaptability on flashlight use, unlike before. The company invests heavily in research and development to propel its technology forward and give customers better products. They are ambitious in ensuring they produce premium quality flashlights. Their primary goal is to manufacture products you can rely on.
11) ThruNite flashlights
The ThruNite brand was established in 2009. It is based in China. The name ThruNite was invented by the brand’s owner to help people through complex situations. The primary goal of this brand is quality. Therefore, they are continually outputting and retrofitting novice flashlight models. They have new products coming out after about two months. Their products are also backed by warranty coverage. You can thus be sure that the flashlights are of excellent quality.
12) Energizer flashlight
Innovation and technology should come to mind when the Energizer brand is mentioned. The company makes excellent flashlights that will suffice even in extreme weather conditions. The flashlights are reliable as well. Besides, they are portable and bright and can be carried anywhere. You will even love the fact that flashlights from this company are attractive.
13) SureFire flashlights
SureFire was established in 1779. It is based in Fountain Valley, California. The origin of this brand is fascinating. The founder was the man who developed the first laser-sight for firearms. From there, he led the company to push forward always. When they turned to flashlights, the same approach followed. Their flashlights are suitable for use by the military, tactical users, and law enforcement officers. They make their products with intense users in mind. Thanks to their long history of innovation and their forward-thinking approach, SureFire has remained a company known for giving the best when it comes to flashlights.
14) JETBeam flashlights
JETBeam is based in North Carolina, USA, and was established in 2004. The brand has a reputation for being a trend-setting flashlight company. This is due to their high-quality construction and innovative design. The flashlights from JETBeam are made to meet your needs whether you are a law enforcement officer, outdoor enthusiast, or marine or aviation engineer.
The company was the first brand in China to utilize magnetic sensor switches, which are very reliable. This was an incredible invention in producing flashlights that could endure impacts and set the bar for the industry. The company continues to endeavor to build smaller, brighter, more practical flashlights with extended battery life.
15) Feyachi flashlight
Feyachi is based in China. It is a brand that manufactures stunning flashlights of high quality. They are very bright and are affordable. They come with unique features to meet your needs. The flashlights are made from high-end materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum for optimal durability.
16) Rothco flashlight
Rothco flashlights are suitable for various tasks. They are incredibly versatile, which makes them ideal for many applications. They are user-friendly and have easy-to-use features. In addition, they are lightweight.
Rothco flashlights are also made from high-quality materials for maximum durability. This means they will provide many years of use.
17) Vont flashlight
Vont flashlight is crafted from military-grade materials, meaning it is will remain solid even when used in challenging conditions. It comes with various modes to choose from and easily adjusts the beam. Made with a compact design, the flashlight easily fits in a pocket for easy carrying. The manufacturer goes out of their way to ensure that the flashlight will not let you down.
18) Monstrum flashlight
Monstrum is a brand that manufactures flashlights for all sorts of applications. The flashlight usually has a lightweight and compact design. Based on your budget, use, and preference, there are diverse models to choose from. They come with impressive features that you will love.
19) Elzetta flashlight
Elzetta provides a unique take that meets the demands of flashlight fanatics. Each unit is made from a list of modular components. You just pick the parts you want in your flashlight to match your needs, and Elzetta will build it to its high-quality standards. All designs undergo rigorous testing to produce only the most reliable and rugged flashlights. They offer numerous options for a custom-made flashlight.
20) HDS Systems flashlight
HDS Systems continually strives to incorporate new ideas to produce the best flashlights. They are a small company that manufactures small batches of their units at a time to try novice designs and advance older models to keep them effective and cost-efficient. Despite being a small company, they produce premium-quality flashlights that can contend with those constructed by big names.
Flashlights from HDS are pretty inexpensive. They are extremely rugged and have a wide range of options.
21) Malkoff flashlight
Malkoff is a brand established in 2008. It is based in Alabama, USA. The company is known to produce flashlights that will not let you down. Their primary goal is to make reliable flashlights. Because of that, they are much loved by the military, law enforcement, emergency personnel, hunters, and sportsmen. Their flashlights are made with high-quality parts. They also come with a lifetime warranty. This means that you can be confident that you will be sorted out in case of any defects.
22) EAGTAC/ EagleTac Flashlight
This is a flashlight brand based in Washington, USA. It was established in 2009. The company understands too well what customers want in flashlights. For that reason, they have products that will get any job done. EAGTAC, has you covered whether you want ruggedness, brightness, battery life from your device. The flashlights are made to work at full capacity even in challenging conditions. The designs are efficient and deliver high performance. They are nonetheless pocket-friendly. The company produces a wide selection of flashlights, including some rare, specialized models that you will not find in other brands.
23) Okluma flashlight
Okluma is a brand that is found in Oklahoma City, USA. It is owned and operated by a machinist who manufactures flashlights in his garage with the help of one other employee. Each flashlight is exclusively created, so the design is perfect. Every release of a new flashlight by Okluma means they know it will satisfy a need their customers have. A primary goal at Okluma is quality, right next to customer experience. Their flashlights are incredibly robust. If yours break, you don’t have to worry as repairs and replacements are free.
24) Muyshondt flashlight
For many years, Muyshondt has been manufacturing flashlights. It continues to improve its range of products to deliver high-quality standards. The flashlights are reliable, timeless, perform exceptionally, look good, and last long. The brand has so far produced four models, each customized to different applications. They all come in varying sizes and meet diverse power needs to provide a solution to whatever task you come across. The models are the Maus, Beagle, Aeon and Flieger.
FAQs 0n the Best Flashlight Brands
1) What flashlights do the military use?
Most members of the military use red flashlights and red lamps. The red color is supposed to be less severe on the eyes and enhance night vision. Red light also doesn’t lead to blinding light spots, resulting in damage of time lags. Red flashlights are also used because they reduce a person’s life profile. With a red light, you will less likely be noticed by your enemy. Red doesn’t travel as far as other colors, so it is more complicated to see it from a distance, especially where there is dim light.
2) What does lumen mean?
A lumen is the basic unit of measurement for how bright a light is. A flashlight that produces more lumens is brighter than one with less lumens.
3) What is the importance of flashlights?
Flashlights are an essential part of any kit as they can produce light when no other source is available. They do so in a much safer way than exposed candles. They come in handy during camping trips, hunting, military operations, and many other activities.
Conclusion
Selecting the best flashlight brand is not just about finding the brightest or the most durable flashlight on the market. It’s also about finding a brand that meets your specific needs, whether you’re a camper, a hunter, a mechanic, or a homeowner.
The best flashlight brands combine quality craftsmanship, reliability, and innovation to offer products that exceed your expectations.
Ultimately, investing in a high-quality flashlight from a reputable brand can help you stay safe, prepared, and confident in any situation.