LED Flashlights

[TOMLESCOEQUIP]

Anyone have any experiences with the newest trend in flashlights ? Are they easier on batteries? (since mine are always dead because the kids left them on) Are they as bright or brighter than std flashlights ? What about the crank-up LED models........does the charge last or are they a waste of good $$ ? They seem like a good idea because I wouldn't have to buy batteries every time I need to use a flashlight............Inquiring Dad wants to know......................Tom

 

[JerryG]

I have a four LED, 3 D cell that I like. It isn't as bright as a regular light, but the batteries have lasted about 2 years. I do use it quite a bit. I also have a RavOvac head light. I use it all the time, almost everyday. It has good light, better than the other brand that I had. I don't remember the other brand but it was a small round thing that also had a clip. The battery life for it is very good, but after 20 hours or so, it will get dimmer. I just swap the rechargeables and go on.

 

[Ozarker]

I have one. Yes, it is easy on batteries. How easy? I really don't know yet. I use it regularly, have had it for a little over a year and haven't had to replace the batteries yet.

Mine is not as bright as similar incandescent flashlights but I bought a cheapie. I think some of the more expensive models with more LED's are brighter.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

There are LED flashlights and then there are GOOD LED flashlights. I have the former/cheaper kind. I think it was about $25. Has 8 LEDs in it and is very bright, very easy on the batteries, but does not throw a long beam or a focused beam. The better LED flashlights have 1 Watt (or more) LEDs. They produce a better light, throw it farther and seem to throw it in a semi focused pattern.

I like them, but they are different. If you want to see what moved in the tree line 50' away, you will be disappointed with most of the LEDs, especially the lower priced ones. If you want to light up something you are working on with a bright white light and don't want the bulb to go dim because the flashlight is running for 20 minutes straight while you try to finish, then they work great.

 

[getut]

I can say they are VERY bright, but the light is "different".

Up close they are much brighter than a regular flashlight, but the light does not seem to carry nearly as far. Even the more expensive ones that focus the beam very tightly still don't seem to emit the same cone of light as a standard flashlight, thus to me I seem to see less farther off than with a regular flashlight.

 

[GeneD14]

I bought one for about $50 and it is extremely bright. Law enforcement officers will shine them in a suspects eyes at night to temporarily blind them. They recommend the same for home protection from an intruder. The officer that taught our hand gun class said to get the one with the on/off button on the end so you can hold your pistol in one hand. Rest it on the hand holding the flashlight, using the thumb to turn the light on or off quickly as needed. I hope I explained that well enough.

 

[shvl73]

I have a 7 LED light that I bought about 4 years ago. It works well and the batteries last quite awhile, but it does not have a focused beam. It takes 4 AA batteries, it's plastic/rubber and is made by Streamlight. I thought it was pretty good until I bought a pair of aluminum single LED lights that Sams Club has for about $25 for the pair, including batteries (3 AAA). There is quite a difference in the output. The newer ones have a more focused beam that will focus much futher out. They're supposed to last about 5 hours on batteries. When the batteries die, I'll get some NiMH ones from WalMart.

 

[MicroPilot]

Something else about LED lights is that they allow better color recognition. This is useful when working with wiring, etc.

 

[woodlot]

Gene, I think your thinking of the xenon lights. They are super-super intense and bright. Yes, law enforcement has caught on to these flashlights, they cost a lot $100 is about the cheepest and I've seen them go over $200. The poster was asking about LED lights. LED = Light emitting diode = long "bulb" life = low battery drain = mild intensity.

 

[GaryM]

I agree with Bob_Skurka regarding the "quality" of LED lights available. By quality I mean the quality of the light, not the quality of manufacture, although that varies quite a bit too.

Most LED lights are not made in such a way that the beam can be directed very well. Most of the light is directed out the front of the LED. So a reflector behind, or around, the LED does not capture much extra light.

You might use these as area lights similar to where you'd use a florescent tube light. Good for working in your electrical panel, or searching the trunk of the car for that 5/8" socket you dropped.

The LED lights that can throw a fair beam are those with the Luxon LED modules. Most of these are rated at 1 Watt or better. And that's darn bright for an LED. COAST makes some nice lights. Here's one: http://www.quality-items-flashlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=143 only $195. But it sure ought to be bright! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

This one: http://www.quality-items-flashlights.com/product_info.php?products_id=185 is very nice and a lot more affordable.

Check out CandlePower Forums for all you'd ever want to know. Those folks are as enthusiastic about flashlights are we are about tractors! http://www.candlepowerforums.com/