How to Choose a Flashlight: What You Should Know

A flashlight offers a convenient source of illumination. As you may know, they are battery-powered tools that serve as electric lamps. You can use a flashlight to create a beam of light, thus illuminating otherwise dark spaces. While all flashlights are capable of producing light, though, they are available in a variety of styles. Here's how to choose the perfect flashlight for your needs.

High Lumens

When shopping for a flashlight, check the lumen rating. High-lumen flashlights are more powerful than low-lumen flashlights. Lumens is a measurement of brightness. More specifically, it's a measurement of luminous flux. Flashlights with a high lumen rating are brighter than their counterparts.

Common Battery Type

You should choose a flashlight that uses a common battery type. Nearly all flashlights are powered by batteries. The specific type of batteries they use, however, may vary. As long as a flashlight uses a common battery type, you'll be able to easily replace the batteries in it. Some of the most common battery types for flashlights include AA, AAA and D, all of which are excellent choices.

Long Beam Distance

Something else to consider when shopping for a flashlight is the beam distance. As the name suggests, the beam distance refers to the maximum distance the beam of light will reach. Flashlights work by creating a beam of light. But the length of this beam may vary. If you're planning to use it outdoors, you should choose a flashlight with a long beam distance. Some flashlights have a beam distance of 120 meters, meaning their beam of light will extend up to 120 meters.

Fresnel Lens

You can't go wrong with a flashlight that features a Fresnel lens. What is a Fresnel lens exactly, and how does it affect the performance of a flashlight? Fresnel lenses consist of multiple ring-like layers. Each ring-like layer is slightly smaller than the adjacent layer. This design allows for a narrower, more focused beam of light.

Comfortable Grip

Don't underestimate the importance of a comfortable grip. All flashlights are handheld tools. You'll have to hold a flashlight while pointing it in the direction that you want to illuminate. Some flashlights feature a more comfortable grip than others. You can find flashlights with a grooved, ergonomic grip. With a comfortable grip style such as this, they are easy to use -- even for long periods. You won't strain your hands or wrists while holding them.