In the past 20 years, flashlights have seen significant improvements. Thanks to the advent of LED, brighter and more portable lights have supplanted the large, cumbersome flashlights from ancient times. What was originally thought of as a gadget only for trekking and camping or keeping around the house in case the lights went out has evolved into a useful item to carry daily.
What exactly are the advantages of carrying a flashlight, then? This article will discuss some good justifications for carrying a flashlight and your options for locating the best light.
Why would I need a flashlight with me?
A flashlight can be useful in a variety of circumstances. A flashlight is useful since you can take it wherever you go. It’s not a big deal if your flashlight drops out of your backpack or pocket in a crowded place. You can see the advantage if you compare that to a knife or a rifle. Additional advantages to taking into account are:
- To Recognize Potential Threats
Modern flashlights are brighter and have farther beams. They can aid you in spotting potential threats while still being far enough away to give you an advantage when going down a dark street or to your car at night.
- To defend Oneself
A flashlight will help you momentarily blind an assailant, giving you more time to escape. Only 60–100 lumens are required to impair vision temporarily. Some flashlights even feature a strobe mode, like the one in the OLight Arkfeld LED Flashlight, intended to confuse an offender by rapidly flashing a highly bright light. Additionally, the flashlight can be used as a non-lethal weapon thanks to its sturdy metal construction.
- Emergency Situations
Light is essential in an emergency where the power has been cut. You need a technique to notify your whereabouts in a survival or rescue scenario where being found is of utmost importance. Certain flashlights have specific modes like SOS and beacon for this emergency.
- Save Phone Battery
In several situations, having a dead phone battery might be a serious issue. A flashlight is used in place of draining your phone’s limited battery life to give illumination. Then, your phone is accessible when you need to use it.
If you agree that having a flashlight with you is a good idea and think it would be the best option, the next step is being acquainted with its essential characteristics. Choosing the best light will be possible if you know your options.
Basic Qualities
These days, flashlights come with a wide range of capabilities and possibilities. It would be best to analyze the fundamental characteristics offered while deciding whether to use a flashlight as a daily carry (EDC). After deciding on the essential elements, look at the other possibilities. The essential elements to take into account are:
- Luminosity and Beam
Since LED bulbs are brighter and more efficient than incandescent bulbs, they are used in most flashlights today. Lumens are the standard unit to measure light output; lamps can have between 20 and more than 2000 lumens. The distance a flashlight beam travels from an object or a moonlit area is measured in meters.
The OLight Arkfeld flashlight includes a twin light source, five brightness settings, a maximum output of 1,000 lumens, and a green beam with a 331-ft beam distance.
- Run time
Hours are used to express run-time. Some flashlights can operate in low output mode for up to 100 hours. You should pick a light with a higher lumen output for an EDC. Between 500 and 1000 lumens, roughly.
- Construction
Flashlights must be resilient and survive harsh environments when used as an EDC. Keep an eye out for lights made of superior military or weapon-grade aluminum. Furthermore, a textured grip makes retaining the light in your hand easier, which is crucial if you need to use it for self-defense.
- Size
A light must be pleasant to use to qualify as an EDC. It should be compact and lightweight to carry, fit in your pocket or backpack, or be attached to a belt hook.
- Unique Light Modes
Today’s flashlights come in many light levels (high, medium, and low), and some even have extra unique modes. For self-defense, a strobe delivers a bright, quickly blinking light.
- Portable Chargers
Knowing your alternatives is critical because the batteries you select could impact how well your flashlight works.
Long-term financial savings and performance advantages like better lumen output and longer run times are provided by rechargeable batteries.
Conclusion
Compact flashlights are useful in various circumstances, including emergencies, nighttime illumination, and calling for assistance. The OLight Arkfeld LRD flashlight is a bright light source with a long battery life. It is also small, compact, waterproof, and has multiple light modes.
