A technology we take for granted has changed dramatically over the past few years. The purpose of a flashlight is to shed light into your life - that has remained constant and seems to be an everlasting theme.
Today's lights have incorporated very unique bulbs.
Modern LED and CREE flashlights range in price and brightness, we'd like to share some information about what's the difference between LED flashlights and halogen or incandescent bulb flashlights.
Lets start with some definitions:
Light Output
The total projected light output reported in Lumens using new and unused batteries that are packed with your flashlight (or the batteries that were intended to be used in your flashlight, some lights batteries are not included).
Run Time
The continuous time lapsed from the initial light output to when the light output is at 10% of the initial. This metric is reported in hours and minutes; an avid flashlight user generally would change their batteries before the light had dimmed to 10% of initial light output.
Beam Distance
This is the distance the light from your Princess Auto flashlight will project to 0.25 LUX. This metric is reported in meters. Can you imagine the beam distance of a transporter from star trek? (insert geeky laugh here).
Protection Against Water Rating
Your flashlight is tested to meet either one of 3 levels of protection:
1. Water resistant
2. Water proof
3. Submersible
We've assumed that water resistant means 'don't get it wet', water proof means 'it's ok to spill almost anything on it or grab it quickly if it falls in the lake', and submersible means 'take er deep!'
Impact Resistance
This metric measures the strength of the casing and the ability to function after impact. Drop tested onto concrete, this metric is measured in meters. A high impact resistance does not mean you should go around hitting others with your awesome flashlight.
Next: Batteries, Construction and a few examples!
