10 Best Rechargeable Flashlights In 2019

How To Choose A Rechargeable Flashlight – Buying Guide

Bulb And Lumens (Brightness)

The best rechargeable LED flashlights come with different modes of brightness; denoted in lumens. The standard ones being – high, medium, low, strobe and SOS. This helps you to choose the amount of brightness that works best for your circumstances. Additionally, some even come with zoomable functions allowing them to work as flashlights or spotlights – from narrow to wide for more functionality and versatility.

The best rechargeable flashlight will have a high operating lumen of 600 to 1000 whilst the lowest will be at around 50. The majority of rechargeable flashlights utilize LED bulbs. These bulbs use one or more light emitting diodes. They are favored because they have a longer working life compared to regular incandescent bulbs. Typically, an LED Bulb will work up to 50,000 hours before dying.

Additionally, even LED bulbs deliver impeccable lighting abilities and a long life span, they also use consume less power compared to regular bulbs – only 10% of what incandescent bulbs use. Additionally, LED bulbs come fitted with chips that enhance their effectiveness in high lumen delivery thus, making then better lighting options than regular bulbs.

Beam 

Beam distance is described as the maximum range at which the most intense portion of the beam reaches. The best rechargeable flashlights boast a beam distance of at least 200 meters. Some rechargeable flashlights boast a beam distance of up to 500 meters on high lumens.

Flashlights can also boast several types of beams. Typically, flashlights with zoomable abilities tend to deliver different kinds of beams from narrow to wide. Floodlight view provides a wide area illumination whereas spotlights provide a narrow illumination – ideal for more focus or searching.

Output

Go for rechargeable flashlights that offer adjustability to the brightness they deliver. A good rechargeable flashlight is versatile and thus, should come in handy in different circumstances. A high and medium lighting output is ideal for normal lighting; a low output works great in instances such as nigh hiking where it is good to adapt to low lights. Strobe and SOS lighting functions also come in very handy especially in emergencies such as mid-highway car breakdown or even in natural disasters.

Power Source

Rechargeable flashlights come fitted with lithium ion batteries which can be recharged and used over and over again – before needing replacement. Because of this, unlike conventional use and discard batteries such as AAA batteries, lithium ion batteries will work for several hours and require recharging to continue usage.

AAA batteries on the other end will work longer without recharging until they are drained. Thus, to supplement lithium-ion batteries especially if used in the outdoors or during emergencies such as power outages where there is limited access – AAA batteries are used. The best rechargeable led flashlights come with AAA batteries power source option to help keep them operational at all times.

There are different types of rechargeable batteries including nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ion polymer, and lithium ion. Lithium-ion is the most favored and used battery type for rechargeable flashlights. Lithium-ion batteries tend to supply more power for highly draining electronics such as flashlights, speakers and even watches. They also boast a larger energy capacity which makes the more enduring and helps them to survive longer.

Charging Mechanism

Some rechargeable flashlights feature traditional charging mechanisms requiring you to plug the cable into the power outlet or extension for charging. This means that they are charged using the regular 240v AC power.

However, to enhance their versatility, ease the charging process and make them more adaptable for use in the outdoors – many manufacturers make rechargeable flashlights that feature a USB charger. Thus, you can use the regular wall or outlet charging or simply charge using the provided USB cable – either by plugging it into your laptop or even power bank. 

Modes 

The best rechargeable flashlights come fabricated with at least three to five powering modes. This simply means the level/intensity of the brightness they deliver. Within the odes, innovate manufacturers try to design them to be as useful and versatile as possible.

The best rechargeable led flashlights come with modes ranging from high, medium, low, strobe to SOS. Typically, a high mode will deliver at least 600 to 1000 lumens whilst the lowest will anywhere between 50 and 100. The strobe and SOS modes are designed for use in the outdoors, whether during a car break on the highway or when calling for help in the wilderness. 

Within the modes, some flashlights feature a zoomable function which puts in more character to deliver flashlight or spotlight brightness according to the selected mode. Manufacturers also design mode operating controls that easy to press or move to allow for one hand operation thus, giving you the ability to perform other tasks at the same time. 

Controls 

Controls go hand in hand with the design. You want controls that are easy to operate and don’t hinder other activities. Sliding controls work better at picking your modes or even during the flashlight on and off.  Round controls may not be as efficient and easy to operate.

Battery Life

Battery life for rechargeable flashlights varies with the mode used. Typically, on high mode, a rechargeable flashlight will work for an average of 1.5 to 2 hours whilst on low, they will work up to between 6 and 12 hours.  This length of battery life is relatively good because you don’t expect to operate the flashlight on high or low throughout. Thus, this means that usage is balanced and so is time – balanced enough that the length of battery life is reasonable.

Additionally, rechargeable flashlights that come with AAA batteries as supplementary power sources go a long way to prolong battery life. In case, the prime rechargeable battery dies off, the AAA batteries jump in to supplement. AAA batteries will operate to up to 3 to 6 months.

Design

You want to invest in a good quality rechargeable flashlight thus when thinking of design – the construction and material are important. The best LED rechargeable flashlights feature a rugged and yet lightweight design for easy carry and operation. A versatile flashlight should feature a strong enough construction to allow for tactical advantages.

Furthermore, a long, sleek and thin construction allows for proper carrying and fitting for easy accessibility of control.  Also, put your focus on the outer finish, you want the outer finish especially where your hands grab to be slip resistant to allow for a tight grip even in wet conditions.

Furthermore,  a water-resistant finish is important. Water resistance helps with the use of these flashlights even on rainy days without risking damage – the intensity to which they can be used depends on their rating. An IP65 rating, for example, allows you to use the flashlight even in heavy rain. An IPX8 rating on the other end allows you to use the flashlight underwater up to 2 meters deep for at least 30 minutes.

Because the flashlight is used in different conditions- you also want extra adaptable features such as impact-resistance and shockproof qualities. Some of the best led rechargeable flashlights boast an impact resistance of up to 1 meter. And of course, it always trails back to battery life and power. 

Other functional features include low temperature resistance. Some of the best rechargeable led flashlights are designed to work in extreme temperatures (to a certain point) –whether warm or cold. This allows you to use the flashlight during all the four seasons without worrying about damaging it. Rechargeable flashlights constructed with a USB port can easily be charged remotely on any electrical power source – thus, making it very easy for you to recharge them.

The option of materials incorporated in the design also helps. The use of LED bulbs with an upgraded LED chip and dedicated integrated circuit, for example, enhances brightness quality, durability and reduces the risk of short circuits. Non-removable batteries also reduce the number of “bits” and “pieces” that may be lost and cumbersome for you when replacing the battery or recharging it. However, this may also have its cons – once the battery dies completely, the flashlight is virtually useless.

Material

The majority of rechargeable flashlights are constructed with tough anodized aluminum alloy. Anodized aluminum comes with extra benefits – it’s like coating very strong material with an extra strong layer on top. This is done by adding a protective layer of aluminum oxide to the aluminum surface. The thicker the layer, the more durable the material.

The anodizing process of aluminum naturally delivers its adhesive and grippy texture thus, making it easy to securely grab as flashlight material. Additionally, anodized aluminum boasts wear and corrosion resistant properties thus making it very durable even when used in an extremely harsh environment.

The anti-flake and anti-chip anodized aluminum is also known to be lighter than other metals and alloys such as iron or stainless steel, thus, making it a more ideal option for portable flashlights. And when it comes to design and presentation, the material does not degrade or lose color. 

Size And Weight

Size and weight work interchangeably and dependant on the other when it comes to rechargeable flashlights You intend to use them in many different occasion- navigating, backpacking, camping, checking for water in your car or changing a light bulb in your garage – thus, you don’t want a large and heavy lump of weight doing so.

Typically, in the outdoors and when you are constantly on the move, you want a flashlight that is short enough to fit into your pant pockets or small bag– sort of like a Smartphone. Additionally, the weight should also be balanced. You don’t want something weighing more than 6 oz as you walk. 

Size and weight, however, may not be very crucial if you intend to use the flashlight at home or in one designated place. Considering size and weight still, some flashlights come with unique features such as magnetic bases which allow you to mount them for hands free usage. Such designs come in handy in instances such as those involving doing some work on your vehicle.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

The rechargeable flashlight reviews highlight the versatility they boast thus, making them ideal for use anywhere. Although they carry a common lighting function – each model bears unique features and functions that make it stand out.

The buying guide on the other end outlines and provides clear guidance on how to pick the best option whilst considering your personal needs. The list of the 10 best rechargeable flashlights above provides a pretty competitive start. So what’s left is for you to pick out what appeals most to you!

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Sources

1. Streamlight Stylus Pro Rechargeable Flashlight, Streamlight.com
2. Anker LC90 Rechargeable Flashlight, ankler.com