I think I have a flashlight fetish but I'm not sure. I've been looking for that one (or two) good flashlight that I can have for a long time and just replace the batteries. In the past I didn't want to spend a lot of money, greater than $10, but I've decided that if it is a quality light that will last me through the years then it might just be worth it for a few dollars more.
So, I purchased this one flashlight (no pic) from Target, I think, that cost me something like $30. Yes, I know. I can't believe I paid that much either. I told you, if it was worth it I would do it. I think this flashlight brand was Nova. It's got a metal housing, about 4-5 inches long, and a single, powerful LED. It is a pretty bright light which was way cool. After prolonged same-session use, the housing does get warm...almost hot...to the touch. I used this light, and still have it, but I found that the powerful light drains the batteries a little quicker than I would like. Couple that with the fact that the battery type used is a lithium 'camera' battery (6-volt, I think). This particular battery costs something like $15 for a two-pack or $9 for a single. Not the costs and reusability I was looking for. So, I kept the light but I used it very sparingly.
So, my flashlight fetish had to look for cheaper alternatives.
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a couple of flashlights to "test" from Home Depot. The two flashlights pictured below. I don't remember the exact price at this time but I think my receipt total was like $40. As you can see, I didn't cut huge holes in the packaging nor did I removed the batteries that came with the flashlights just in case they became 'returnable.'
First of all, I am pretty stoked that they take AAA batteries. These are a dime a dozen and are way more economical than the camera batteries.
The Coast brand flashlight has five white LEDs in a circular pattern around one red LED. It's a silver aluminum housing that is supposed to be waterproof and shock resistant. It's got two switches: one for the white LEDs and one for the red LEDs. The packaging says the lighting is the power of 100 lumens. I'm assuming that's the white LEDs. I'm not exactly sure what the 100 lumens power level is but I did use the light in dark closet during the day and night as well as taking it outside at night. I was not disappointed. It wasn't super bright but I really wasn't expecting it to be so since it's such a small form factor. I was able to get a good read on objects in the dark closet without issue. Outside at night, I was able to see things very well within 10-20 feet and pretty good for 20-30 feet. It did light up things beyond that but some things may not have been completely distinguishable depending on size. I did take it at night with me while walking my dog and the light did reflect off a stop sign about 100 yards or so -- the red and white lights. I believe this is part of the selling point of this flashlight as it could be seen from long distance, up to something like two miles I think. Anyway, I carry it with me in my backpack at work, school, and just with me at other times because you never know when you might need a flashlight.
The Husky brand flashlight is a 3-watt LED (1). It's got a metal housing as well. It's slightly thicker and longer than the Coast light. The packaging says up to 145 lumens. I've kind of tested this light in the same manner as the Coast light. It definitely is brighter and has a narrower beam than the Coast light. To shorten my review, you can add about 10-20 feet to each of the break downs I used for the Coast light. I didn't measure exactly but the distance is greater as it's a more condensed, narrower beam. It has the same selling point of being able to be seen from a long distance, which it does. I found it a little more rugged and sturdy, which to me meant it could be used as a protective item to whack someone on the head with.
All in all, I am pleased with my purchases so far. I don't know what will happen when or if I need to change the LED because they aren't exactly like regular bulbs. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it for a long while. The packages say 100,000 hours which roughly translates into 4,166 days or 11 years.
I guess that's a wrap on the review of these 2-3 flashlights. I still have my trusty 12-inch Maglite but the light quality is way different and definitely not as bright. The 12" Maglite does a great job at doubling as a club, if needed.
Updated: The first light I mentioned was the X03 model of the INOVA brand.
So, I purchased this one flashlight (no pic) from Target, I think, that cost me something like $30. Yes, I know. I can't believe I paid that much either. I told you, if it was worth it I would do it. I think this flashlight brand was Nova. It's got a metal housing, about 4-5 inches long, and a single, powerful LED. It is a pretty bright light which was way cool. After prolonged same-session use, the housing does get warm...almost hot...to the touch. I used this light, and still have it, but I found that the powerful light drains the batteries a little quicker than I would like. Couple that with the fact that the battery type used is a lithium 'camera' battery (6-volt, I think). This particular battery costs something like $15 for a two-pack or $9 for a single. Not the costs and reusability I was looking for. So, I kept the light but I used it very sparingly.
So, my flashlight fetish had to look for cheaper alternatives.
A couple of weeks ago I purchased a couple of flashlights to "test" from Home Depot. The two flashlights pictured below. I don't remember the exact price at this time but I think my receipt total was like $40. As you can see, I didn't cut huge holes in the packaging nor did I removed the batteries that came with the flashlights just in case they became 'returnable.'
First of all, I am pretty stoked that they take AAA batteries. These are a dime a dozen and are way more economical than the camera batteries.
The Coast brand flashlight has five white LEDs in a circular pattern around one red LED. It's a silver aluminum housing that is supposed to be waterproof and shock resistant. It's got two switches: one for the white LEDs and one for the red LEDs. The packaging says the lighting is the power of 100 lumens. I'm assuming that's the white LEDs. I'm not exactly sure what the 100 lumens power level is but I did use the light in dark closet during the day and night as well as taking it outside at night. I was not disappointed. It wasn't super bright but I really wasn't expecting it to be so since it's such a small form factor. I was able to get a good read on objects in the dark closet without issue. Outside at night, I was able to see things very well within 10-20 feet and pretty good for 20-30 feet. It did light up things beyond that but some things may not have been completely distinguishable depending on size. I did take it at night with me while walking my dog and the light did reflect off a stop sign about 100 yards or so -- the red and white lights. I believe this is part of the selling point of this flashlight as it could be seen from long distance, up to something like two miles I think. Anyway, I carry it with me in my backpack at work, school, and just with me at other times because you never know when you might need a flashlight.
The Husky brand flashlight is a 3-watt LED (1). It's got a metal housing as well. It's slightly thicker and longer than the Coast light. The packaging says up to 145 lumens. I've kind of tested this light in the same manner as the Coast light. It definitely is brighter and has a narrower beam than the Coast light. To shorten my review, you can add about 10-20 feet to each of the break downs I used for the Coast light. I didn't measure exactly but the distance is greater as it's a more condensed, narrower beam. It has the same selling point of being able to be seen from a long distance, which it does. I found it a little more rugged and sturdy, which to me meant it could be used as a protective item to whack someone on the head with.
All in all, I am pleased with my purchases so far. I don't know what will happen when or if I need to change the LED because they aren't exactly like regular bulbs. Hopefully I won't have to worry about it for a long while. The packages say 100,000 hours which roughly translates into 4,166 days or 11 years.
I guess that's a wrap on the review of these 2-3 flashlights. I still have my trusty 12-inch Maglite but the light quality is way different and definitely not as bright. The 12" Maglite does a great job at doubling as a club, if needed.
Updated: The first light I mentioned was the X03 model of the INOVA brand.
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