LED Flashlights

Some people think that LED technology is new, but it, in fact, has been around since the 1960`s However, the light was of very low intensity and was not really useful for illumination. With the advancement of technology, this has changed and now LED lighting has many uses. One of these is in LED flashlights. With flashlights, LED qualities such as durability and low power consumption are especially attractive.

Traditional incandescent bulbs are very inefficient. In fact, they typically waste over 90% of the energy they consume and turn less than 10% into useful light. LEDs, and the other hand, are far more efficient. Apart from being good for the environment, LEDs save a lot of time and expense with flashlights since one does not have to waste time and money buying so many batteries.

Furthermore, there is no need to buy bulbs. Incandescent bulbs are relatively fragile. The filament can break and even a small crack in the bulb can allow the internal gas to leak and thus make it burn out. LEDs are a solid state technology and not truly bulbs in the sense of what people are used to. Generally, they can last as long as the flashlight.

With flashlights, the power source must be carried around in the form of batteries. Therefore, a flashlight that consumes more power will also weigh more since it will require more battery power. LED flashlights thus lighten the load.

LEDs can potentially save lives. In emergencies, a working flashlight might make the difference between life and death. With their durable LED technology and low power consumption, LED flashlights can be counted on to come out shinning in emergencies. For this reason, tactical LED flashlights have become popular in many circles. A look at the gear of emergency workers, the police, military and serious outdoor adventures will usually turn up a tactical LED flashlight.

While there is a price premium for LED technology and flashlights, it has shrunk considerably from what it used to be. When one considers what they save in battery and bulb replacement, this premium can easily be recovered in most normal uses.

Deciding how bright a flashlight to get can be difficult at times. Of course, everyone wants to have something that will be bright enough for every situation they might face. However, it is not a good idea to go for maximum brightness since one will be paying more for light they may not really need. Furthermore, a flashlight that is too bright is counterproductive in some uses. Brighter flashlights will also be bigger and heavier and use up more batteries.

The best ratings for flashlights are in lumens.

• 10 lumens are not very bright but are enough for many uses.
• 30 lumens are an approximate average brightness for flashlights that is sufficient for what most people need.
• 90 lumens are found in very bright flashlights used only for special purposes.

With the way they sip power and unique designs, LED flashlights can be used in ways flashlights typically were not in the past. For example, their ruggedness and low power requirements make it possible to put small flashlights on key chains and other places where they were not very practical before. Their greater efficiency means some can be practically powered by solar panels and hand cranks.

Other advantages of LEDs are their power regulation systems that keep a constant light as long as there is still power in the batteries, and their ability to produce naturally colored light. Moreover, the more focused beam they produce, while a drawback when used in home lighting, is an advantage in flashlights.

However, LEDs still do not produce as much light or throw it as far as incandescent bulbs and have a price premium. While not for everyone, they are likely to remain an increasingly popular choice as the technology continues to improve.