Everyone knows what is Lantern . This device does not need a presentation. But here's how to choose a flashlight, not everyone knows. Even those who use it on a constant basis. It is this issue that we will try to pay attention.
Types of flashlights by use goals
The most popular device is considered to be a universal flashlight . Alternative names - urban, everyday. It has a compact size intended for use during walks in the dark. It is also purchased in case of shutdown of light in the house, apartment, which is very relevant in the era of fan shutters of electricity. The universal flashlight may provide one or more modes of operation. The brightness of most models rarely exceeds 30-40 lumen.
tourist flashlights are little different from the analogues for everyday use, except in size. They are completed with more capacious power sources, so they are able to function offline for a long time. Models for tourism, hunting and fishing provide a wide selection of functions and settings, containing a sealed body that prevents dust and moisture from entering. They are also usually brighter.
tactical lanterns designed for use with weapons. They have a narrow focus of beam and high brightness - from 250 lumen. The body is often made of anodized aluminum. The material has high strength, minimal weight, no corrosion is formed on the surface of moisture.
diving lanterns have full water resistance. The models differ in brightness, the maximum depth of immersion.All devices suggest a streamlined shape and compact dimensions.
A separate category of portable lighting is inspection lanterns . They are used in workshops for inspection of equipment. A distinctive feature is mechanical strength, the presence of several lamps for lighting at different angles. Some models provide a flexible body.
Lanteriki design features
The second aspect of how to choose a good flashlight is a design. Devices can have different shapes of the body, differ in dimensions and types of mounting.
hand models are widespread. They are small in size, placed in one hand. The housing has the shape of a tube, which is often placed a loop to wear a flashlight on the wrist. More powerful and overall devices are rectangular, provided with a hard handle. Manual lanterns are tactical, tourist, universal.
You cannot consider how to choose the right flashlight without mentioning the brands. Here, as in other industries, everything is obvious. The likelihood of buying a good device from a well -known company is much higher than a new brand.
There are manufacturers that specialize in individual types of flashlights.Other brands cover almost all categories with their range. But this feature is highly dependent on the reputation of any brand, whether it is highly specialized or not.
Company " LightForce " specializes in hunters. The manufacturer's lighting fixtures are perfectly balanced, do not tire hands during prolonged use, have great brightness.
Brand " m-tech " develops inspection flashlights. Recently, the company has released Pro line, which included 3 reliable lamps with professional lamps:
- ilpro104 . It has a flexible luminous part with the possibility of maneuvering 350 degrees. The flashlight is able to illuminate even very inaccessible places. The model is equipped with a dimer for regulation of brightness, indicator of charge level.
- IlPro109. It is considered one of the most powerful inspection lamps on the market. The maximum brightness of the main light source is 1100 lumen, an additional one is 200. The built -in 5000 MAG battery provides continuous operation for 8 hours. The model is equipped with 2 magnets for placing on metal surfaces.
- ilpro103 . It is one of the most powerful pocket lanterns when comparing the dimensions and power of light. The maximum brightness is 600 lumen. Built -in magnet and clip for the belt expand the possibilities of fastening.
All M-Tech Inspectorates have a strength class IK08 , are not afraid of dust and moisture.
Key technical characteristics of flashlights?
One of the main characteristics is the luminous flux. It indicates how much light the lamp gives. The more, the brighter.
How to choose a lantern for lumens :
- The device for 10-20 lumens will illuminate steps, the road under your feet;
- For household use, a flashlight up to 100-200 lumen is enough;
- More powerful devices are recommended for professional use.
important : If the LED is poor, it will shine more weaker than an analogue of less power but an honest manufacturer.
a brighter flashlight, the more energy it needs . Accordingly, such models are completed with more capacious batteries. For stationary models, this is not a problem that you can not say about hand, tie models.
The second parameter is glow temperature . Cheap models emit cold light with a blue tint. It distorts perception, unpleasant eye. Lanterns with a glow temperature from 2500 to 5000 Kelvin are considered optimal.
Third Characteristics - Power Source . The flashlights are with built -in and variable batteries. The second option is more convenient in that the batteries can be changed like batteries. There are also flashlights that feed exclusively from batteries. They do not require recharge, but have a limited resource and have less power. Producers and versatile options that can work and batteries and rechargeable batteries are offered.
Battery capacity and brightness affect the time of operation, so these two parameters should be considered in the kit. You should also consider the full charging time . It is unlikely that anyone will like to charge the flashlight for 8-10 hours to work only 2-3.
Other characteristics :
- adjustment modes . Simple suggest one mode - incl/off. More advanced and expensive ones offer modes such as scattered light, stroboscope.
- Corps material . If the flashlight is used at home, there is enough plastic model. Metal products, rubber are intended for use in the field.
- stabilization . It is complete and incomplete. In the first case, the flashlight shines brightly even at low charge, in the second - the fall of brightness occurs smoothly.
- heat sink . During work, the LEDs are heated, which can affect their service life.They also contribute to the heating of the housing. In some cases, the flashlight may not be kept. This indicates the poor quality of the device. In good flashlights, effective heat removal is thought out.
Let's summarize . How to choose a LED flashlight? It is necessary to consider the purpose of use, the desired brightness and duration of work, the speed of charging. All other characteristics are optional.
the more functions, the higher the price . If they are not needed, then you should not overpay. You can find the right model of the flashlight in the SUV catalog. If you have a question about a particular model, selection in general-consult an online store.