Affordable flashlight quality / longevity

[Hickory n steel]

Flashlights are getting brighter smaller and less expensive every year, and it's becoming hard to know what's truly good or not.
It seems like everything EDC oriented is gonna be pretty bright and stuff, but how do you know it's not just intended to last till the latest model comes out like every electronic device these days ?

I'm not currently looking to buy, but would like a little knowledge to help guide future purchases because I've had a number of lights that eventually started to ficker.

Were talking under $40 here for the ones that failed, I thought they were good because the output was decent and they had good clear beams, but longevity wasn't really there.




I don't understand all the fancy technical jargon, but is there something to look for in a light that makes it more likely to last ?
For a simple light without all the fancy programmable features...ect is there a minimum price point one should expect to pay for a light that will last ?

I understand sticking with known reputable manufacturers, but theres too many brands to keep track of.

 

[A.L.]

I’m no expert but I would stick with some proven and popular companies with models that are less ”experimental”. Olight seems to be popular but I have liked all my Fenixes I’ve had over the years. I got one from more than five but less than ten years and one from few years ago. Both are tailcliclers without any fancy led screens. Both are still working great. Older one that is bigger has 750 lumens max and the newer smaller one has 500 some lumens and they still are perfectly fine for autumn and winter use here.

 

[Pomsbz]

$40 should buy you a good quality light these days. Surefire is supposed to be bullet proof but they're pricy to match.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Is it really just as simple as sticking with the major reputable brands ?
I only have experience with olight and streamlight for reputable makes of the modern stuff, and mere awareness of a few others.
My fear is that one day none of them will offer something basic that also doesn't look like a lightsaber handle.

 

[Planterz]

It's hard to predict what "will be" when it comes to flashlights. Technology advances quickly, of course, and that applies as much to batteries as it does to LEDs these days. The bleeding edge might not be the place to look for something you expect to last forever, as some companies only care about giving their customers the newest and brightest toys that'll hopefully last long enough until they buy whatever comes afterwards. Some brands though definitely put more emphasis on durability and longevity. You can usually tell which is which by their advertising. For example, I like my extremely bright and feature-filled Lumintop FW3A, but if I were recommending a flashlight for a cop, fireman, or soldier, I'd go with a Surefire, Fenix, Olight, or the like.

 

[Hickory n steel]

It's hard to predict what "will be" when it comes to flashlights. Technology advances quickly, of course, and that applies as much to batteries as it does to LEDs these days. The bleeding edge might not be the place to look for something you expect to last forever, as some companies only care about giving their customers the newest and brightest toys that'll hopefully last long enough until they buy whatever comes afterwards. Some brands though definitely put more emphasis on durability and longevity. You can usually tell which is which by their advertising. For example, I like my extremely bright and feature-filled Lumintop FW3A, but if I were recommending a flashlight for a cop, fireman, or soldier, I'd go with a Surefire, Fenix, Olight, or the like.

That's my problem I suppose.

It's not just a tool to provide light anymore, Now it's gotta be impressive but only till technology says it's not then who cares if it still works.


I guess I'm just remembering back a few years ago right before every cheapo flashlight at was tactical with zoom and stuff.
Lots of budget lights were hot in the gear community because they had good output and things, but they were still cheap lights and I started to realize it was getting harder for me to tell.

 

[Dadpool]

Convoy is a fantastic budget brand. They make a wide range of simple, durable lights that don't skimp on specs. The only downside is the long shipping from China.

From what I've seen Sofirn also makes solid budget lights. I have less experience with them.

 

[Wasty]

Well, that's at least a science much like knives...

For an EDC light, I want something that lights up things at night, and is just working when I need it.
No features or issues that will confuse me when I'm stressed or drunk.

So my Streamlight microstream with a single AAA battery (I use a energizer lithium) has not let me down yet after two years of nearly daily use. It is a simple ON/OFF UI

For being out at night however my dedicated brighter light is a Fenix PD32 also a couple of years old. Lights up a forest road quite well and the UI works without needing a PHD
It takes a 18650 battery or two cr123 I use it with a rechargeable 18650 but having primaries as backup is always good

Hope that helps

 

[Lesknife]

For the last twelve years I’ve been using a Streamlight Microstream. Small and lots of light. First the AAA for about 5 years before the tail switch broke and ordered another one for about $ 8. It’s still going good but about 4 years ago I got two of the rechargeable usb models and they are very bright, hi and low with long run times. They have been outstanding in all kinds of weather and haven’t given any trouble. I use them at work, on the ranch and out camping, hunting and fishing.

I have some of the larger ones and some cob style but my primary light is the Microstream usb. I’ve accidentally ran them though the washing machine a few times and they weren’t effected at all. I lost my first one over winter out in the yard mowing and found it the next spring and it still came on bright. I’ve never had a more dependable flashlight and it gives me plenty of light for a long time.

 

[Insipid Moniker]

I've carried a Drop Vega AA light for a couple years now. It's not the brightest or most tactical, but it's simple, reliable and has some nice options, like the ability to switch between a tail cap switch and a magnetic tail cap and operate as a twisty. It's light, compact, relatively inexpensive and bright enough for everything I've wanted to do with it.

 

[Pomsbz]

I just found out about the Prometheus Beta Magnetic. I'm rather tempted. So little to go wrong, so simple and robust a concept. It's unfortunate just how over priced it is. It should be half the price.

 

[Hickory n steel]

For the last twelve years I’ve been using a Streamlight Microstream. Small and lots of light. First the AAA for about 5 years before the tail switch broke and ordered another one for about $ 8. It’s still going good but about 4 years ago I got two of the rechargeable usb models and they are very bright, hi and low with long run times. They have been outstanding in all kinds of weather and haven’t given any trouble. I use them at work, on the ranch and out camping, hunting and fishing.

I have some of the larger ones and some cob style but my primary light is the Microstream usb. I’ve accidentally ran them though the washing machine a few times and they weren’t effected at all. I lost my first one over winter out in the yard mowing and found it the next spring and it still came on bright. I’ve never had a more dependable flashlight and it gives me plenty of light for a long time.

Got me a microstream USB 2 months ago and have been very happy.
Brightness, runtime, size, simplicity...ect.

The fact that you can replace the tail switch boot tells me it's intended to last.
They also don't seem to be one of those companies who has to replace everything with a new model every year.
They stay relevant and I'm sure they release new products, but they seem to still think of their lights as a tool.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I just found out about the Prometheus Beta Magnetic. I'm rather tempted. So little to go wrong, so simple and robust a concept. It's unfortunate just how over priced it is. It should be half the price.

I kind of like that one as well.
The problem is I've gotten so used to rechargeable lights you don't have to remove the battery from to charge.

 

[Lesknife]

Got me a microstream USB 2 months ago and have been very happy.
Brightness, runtime, size, simplicity...ect.

The fact that you can replace the tail switch boot tells me it's intended to last.
They also don't seem to be one of those companies who has to replace everything with a new model every year.
They stay relevant and I'm sure they release new products, but they seem to still think of their lights as a tool.

yes sir ! They are very durable!
A few years ago the gas compression company I work for switched to the Streamlight Dualy for the hazardous location work. We had been using the Pelican haz-lo . The dualy is far better. I can use my Microstream outside away from hazardous areas and it sure is handy.

 

[Scott321]

Flashlights are getting brighter smaller and less expensive every year, and it's becoming hard to know what's truly good or not.
It seems like everything EDC oriented is gonna be pretty bright and stuff, but how do you know it's not just intended to last till the latest model comes out like every electronic device these days ?

I'm not currently looking to buy, but would like a little knowledge to help guide future purchases because I've had a number of lights that eventually started to ficker.

Were talking under $40 here for the ones that failed, I thought they were good because the output was decent and they had good clear beams, but longevity wasn't really there.




I don't understand all the fancy technical jargon, but is there something to look for in a light that makes it more likely to last ?
For a simple light without all the fancy programmable features...ect is there a minimum price point one should expect to pay for a light that will last ?

I understand sticking with known reputable manufacturers, but theres too many brands to keep track of.

The older flashlights were basically a gas filled bulb and a button that completed the circuit. Most quality LED flashlights have advanced circuitry and software. There are more paths for failure. Even the older incandescent flashlights required bulb replacement, not to mention potential damage from leaking alkaline batteries (where applicable). Additionally using in downpours or under water brought other maintenance issues.

IMO, spend a little extra to get a flashlight model with a good reputation, from a dealer with a good CS reputation, and a manufacturer with a good CS reputation. Although not the cutting edge, this is one of the reasons why I lean towards Streamlight and Surefire... both of which are available locally from shops I frequent.

If you are good with a soldering iron on small electronics, you can replace all of the innards from many, quality, popular hosts if something goes bad (one of the reasons why the Convoy S2 and similar are popular amongst modders). This also means you are a small project away from upgrading your light, and UI to whatever you need for a relatively low cost. UI options do add a level of complexity to the use of the light, but there are many options from simple to complex.

If you mention your requirements, i.e. working under the hood of your vehicle, searching for animals across an open field, hiking light, jogging light, etc. I'm sure many could give you suggestions that might help give you a direction to look into.

In the end, sometimes you just make due with what you have, and many serious and dangerous jobs were done with the old style lights decades ago that just put out 25 or so lumens and had one mode.

 

[Notaflashyguybyanymeans]

Convoy is a fantastic budget brand. They make a wide range of simple, durable lights that don't skimp on specs. The only downside is the long shipping from China.

From what I've seen Sofirn also makes solid budget lights. I have less experience with them.

I second these two. Great budget brands.

I would also recommend Armytek and Skilhunt.

I've had an Armytek Wizard Pro with a warm Nichia emitter flashlight as my EDC for years. I've dropped it, kicked it, dropped it some more, dunked it in water, and generally not cared about abusing it...and so far the only issue I've had is I need to replace the pocket clip. It's going to cost me a couple of bucks, I just haven't gotten around to it. It , simple UI (or maybe it is more complicated than I think it is, and I'm not using it to the fullest extent.), and can charge without removing the battery, Don't let the 80 dollar sticker price fool you, they routinely go on sale for much less than that. They also come with a head strap so it can double as a head light and I think the new ones come with a bike mount (don't quote me on that though). They also have a wide variety of other form factors and battery sizes, I just don't have personal experience with those. One thing I will say is Armytek customer service (from what I hear, I've never had to contact them my light is a tank) can be useless at times, so I'd only buy from certain places where the reseller has a history of taking care of customers.

And last year I picked up a few Skilhunt lights. Four of them actually, and I have been incredibly impressed. I really like the high-cri emitter and so far they seem every bit as durable as my Armytek. I picked up some for me and some for my fiancée. I love her to pieces, but she simply doesn't care about things like flashlights and knives the same way I do. That's why I went with the Skilhunts. We each got a H04F RC (18650) and a M150 V2 (14500/AA). Durable, great runtimes, recharge without removing the battery (all of them use the same charging cable) and choice of UIs (one programable and one pretty standard). They're easy to use, easy to keep charged and generally low maintenance. Neither of us has broken one yet. They also come with a head strap.

If you're looking for something smaller, I really like the Manker E0II with neutral white emitter. It is AAA/10440. Though you do have to remove the battery to charge it.

 

[Venice]

When it comes time to look for a flashlight, you kinda need to set at least some parameters that you are looking for.
Mainly what is the intended purpose. Is it just for the pocket in case you need light? Walking the dog at night. Checking the north 40 for varmints etc.
If you just need a pocket light for general purposes then a AA or AAA light is fine. If you can move up $10 or so, the Peak Eiger in aluminum is my choice in that price range. They are probably the most rugged lights I have ever seen and made to order in the US. Many options are available. Here are some.

 

[Hickory n steel]

All I'm really looking for here is a way to know what is more likely to last, with that information I could find something for myself if I ever go looking.

I like a light thats simple in function and in aesthetic

If I buy another it'll be a compact AA or AAA body size range pocket light with clip, not for any specific task but I use my pocket flashlight too many times to count every single day at home or at work.
I currently favor something with at least 150 lumins with at least 1hr runtime minimum so I can use it for inspection type use at work, and I have grown to appreciate have a low mode as well but definitely no more than that.
Just like prefer my pocket knives to also have a smaller secondary blade.
Absolutely no strobe or programming features or any of that stuff.


I have very high hopes for the longevity of my microstream USB, and if it lasts I may not need to replace it for years to come unless I lose it and they're discontinued.

 

[Scott321]

All I'm really looking for here is a way to know what is more likely to last, with that information I could find something for myself if I ever go looking.

I like a light thats simple in function and in aesthetic

If I buy another it'll be a compact AA or AAA body size range pocket light with clip, not for any specific task but I use my pocket flashlight too many times to count every single day at home or at work.
I currently favor something with at least 150 lumins with at least 1hr runtime minimum so I can use it for inspection type use at work, and I have grown to appreciate have a low mode as well but definitely no more than that.
Just like prefer my pocket knives to also have a smaller secondary blade.
Absolutely no strobe or programming features or any of that stuff.


I have very high hopes for the longevity of my microstream USB, and if it lasts I may not need to replace it for years to come unless I lose it and they're discontinued.

I use a Macrostream USB for supplementing my work lights and love it. I have fancier lights but the Macrostream is a workhorse for me.

I have a friend that would buy a new Microstream every year (for many years) because he swore that the brightness slightly dimmed over that time. He uses it to work on semi's, large trucks, and his race cars to supplement his work lights. I gifted him the Coyote version of the Microstream USB (the only color that comes on high first - 250 lumens hi, 50 lumens low). He likes it so much he never lets it leave his work area, unlike his 2xAAA Microstreams... and the Mac Tools guy is a little annoyed since he doesn't have a better competitive offering and gets big business from my friend.

The only down side, is that the li-ion rechargeable batteries are a proprietary format for the charging to work. They work with generic Li-ion rechargeables with their corresponding sizes, but you will lose the MicroUSB charging ability. Additionally, they won't work with AA's or AAA's. I might try to get replacement batteries from Streamlight every 3-5 years to maintain decent runtimes and keep the charging ability.

If you like NiMH or Alkaline/Litium single AA's, the Streamlight 1L-1AA takes a single CR123 to reach 350 lumens, but will also take a single AA for 150 lumens. The size is similar to some of the single CR123 flashlights. I used to carry the Eagletac D3A and its older generation Ti versions for EDC with a 14500 rechargeable (also works with AA's). Very bright and small, but I was afraid to get it too dirty or scratched because of some work responsibilities, so I ended up switching to the Macrostream USB. I never picked up the less expensive aluminum version because I've grown accustomed to the reversible pocket clip on the Macrostream for mounting on my baseball cap when I don't have my headlamp with me.

 

[GB940Rookie]

I’ve had great luck with Fenix flashlights.
Ranging from a couple of months old to at least 12yrs on two of them. Never had a problem.

Eagtac 1xAA titanium is a superb small edc. ( Eagtac DA3 j