Best Flashlight – Features and Reasons Why I Chose It

I originally posted this during 2014, what I believed to be the best flashlight for my needs at the time. Granted, there’s a flashlight design for just about every application imaginable. So there’s really not one size fits all, for every need. However,

Here’s what I bought at the time. I chose the Fenix LD22, for the reasons and feature must-have’s, listed below.

I still have this flashlight today, many years later. I love it. And they still make it.

best-flashlight-2014

Fenix LD22
(amzn)

While there really is no best flashlight (because it’s subjective), we all have varying criteria.

This one was based on my own personal opinion of must-have features, all bundled in a quality product that I can depend on.

Here’s a list of flashlight features which together add up to determine what might go into ‘the best’.

The Best Flashlight Must Have Features

(at least, for me).

 
AA batteries. The AA battery is the world’s most common battery and will be the easiest to acquire in a pinch. A good preparedness battery choice.

Ability to fit Rechargeable AA batteries. Surprisingly, not every flashlight designed for AA batteries will physically ‘fit’ a NiMH rechargeable battery.

LED. The light source must be LED (most are these days), which offers the best and efficient use of battery power.

At least two brightness (lumens) settings. A flashlight with at least a high and low lumen output will provide needed flexibility for various uses.

A brightness setting in the approximate range of 100 lumens. Through experience, I have found that a flashlight with 100 lumens of ‘brightness’ is very adequate for trekking (or tracking) through the dark – and this setting will provide a MUCH longer battery life than the higher settings. It’s a good ‘best’ balance of light output vs. battery life if I know I will be using it for a long period of time.

A brightness setting in the approximate range of 300 lumens. Similarly through experience, 300 lumens is very bright for most flashlight applications. While the battery life will be shorter, 300 lumens will not drain the AA batteries too quickly compared with much higher lumen ratings. Again, it seems to be a best balance and trade-off.

At least ~ 8 hours run time at about 100 lumens. If I am out most of the night, it is reassuring to know that I have enough battery life to power the flashlight for the duration. This is an important consideration.

Tactical push-button tail switch. Used for on/off including momentary.

Separate switch control for brightness ‘modes’. I find it very annoying to have to cycle the push-button of a flashlight to select the various brightness modes. Instead I find it best to have a separate (side) switch to change brightness modes, especially since I’m usually only using one mode for a given period of time. I prefer the flashlight tactical button to simply turn on and off.

Waterproof. As opposed to water resistant, it’s best if the flashlight is waterproof for at least several minutes or more (if dropped into a puddle, etc.)

Lanyard loop and/or clip. It’s important to have multiple means of carrying or fastening the flashlight.

Anti-roll design. When I put the flashlight on a flat uneven surface, I don’t want it to roll away.

Must have good overall reviews. A proven track record of quality, reliability, and positive customer reviews (at least 4 of 5 stars).

Fenix LD22

The Fenix LD22 flashlight meets all the criteria mentioned above, plus more.
Here are the extra advantages:

(UPDATED)
The flashlight has four levels of brightness as listed below with their associated run times.

300 Lumens / 1.5 Hours
100 Lumens / 7 Hours
30 Lumens / 25 Hours
5 Lumens / 100 Hours

The 5 lumen output is an important bonus, as it provides a very low light to read a map, etc., without being highly noticed or ruining your night vision.

Operating at 30 lumens is also adequate for seeing your way through at night. Although not super bright at this setting, the run time is incredible at 25 hours.

Another bonus feature is it’s ability to accept various color filters.

It also has two strobe modes (controlled via a side switch, along with the brightness levels – independent of the tactical push button).

The customer reviews are outstanding, and Fenix has a long standing reputation of producing a quality flashlight (many models).

It’s not a cheap flashlight. However you do get what you pay for.

There are lots of great brands out there, and I have many of them (suited for various purposes). There are flashlights whereby you could spend hundreds of dollars, or even just one dollar. But this one fits my needs nicely and is a good value for the money, IMO.

26 Comments

  1. Have the Fenix TK35. Love the lumens for checking the back yard at night for coyotes and prefer the 18650 battery for long life and rugged use.

    1. That’s a very impressive flashlight (the TK35) – and the turbo setting (1800 lumens) is incredibly bright! Impressive battery life too, and the fact that it uses Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries is convenient.

      >Low: 25 Lumens (150 hours)
      >Mid: 250 Lumens (13 hours 30 min.)
      >High: 750 Lumens (4 hours)
      >Turbo: 1800 Lumens (1 hour 30 min.)
      >Strobe: 1800 Lumens
      >SOS: 250 Lumens

  2. What timing. I’ve spent the past three weeks trying to determine the best flashlight to replace one that just broke. We have older model flashlights currently but I wanted to upgrade to an LED model because of the longer battery life.

  3. It’s gotten to where we use our headlamp flashlights more than anything else. It’s so nice to have both hands available to do things like set up a tent in the dark. Obviously, there are times where people would want something different, but these are wonderful investments.

    1. We have four of those, they are great. I even carry one with me in my everyday bag. So small and light I forget I have it sometimes. Very bright for the size as well.

  4. I like the Rayovac “Indestructible” line of flashlights and camp lanterns

    tough as nails
    and reasonably priced

  5. I have been carying the Fenix LD12 as my EDC light for some time now. It offers 3, 15, 60, & 115 lumens. It runs on one AA. I carry extra batteries in my laptop pack. When I need a smaller light I carry the Fenix E05 which is 27 lumens and runs on a AAA.

    1. I picked up a few EO5’s. decent light for the size and price. I wish more fenix lights had click on tail caps and not twist on and off in a certain time caps to adjust brightness setting. But sure hard to beat the prices for light to moderate duty lights.

  6. Love the Fenix “penlight”, fits into my shirt pockets, works well, hides in plain sight and is “light enough” to search (and I’ve searched) a few buildings with it while in foot pursuits with suspects, during daylight hours. Can’t say enough good things either about the SureFire line, work like a charm all the time. And, even the “old” Maglites have their uses and they are reliable and legal to “carry” in all 50 states and in D.C. Use them wisely on knee and elbow joints, they work extremely well in that role, extremely well.

  7. im a mechanic and i use a terraLUX aaa penlight has a mouthgrip i use it constantly and i use rechargeable batteries its featured in this months PTEN profesional tool and equipment news if had mine for a couple of years by far the handiest light ive ever owned its not the brightest but its a cree light which produces natural light witch is great for seeing wire colors also i just recently acquired a tactical led light with all the above bells and whistles plus a taser

  8. Great articles! I am very attached to my Surefire Minimus however, I too have a fond respect for what I can get out a single “AA” battery. Check the specs on the Fenix HL-50 headlight. It satisfies all the requisites, plus it can be used as an EDC keychain light!

  9. Just picked up a Fenix LD 41 (4x aa batteries), hard to beat this flashlight! Over 600 lumens, also the random strobe really messes someone up. It carries on your belt and in your hand weighs heavy enough to smash someone if needed, hope it never happens though!. Get one if you get the chance it’s awesome.

  10. I really like the features you listed for this flashlight, but it seems a bit too long. I’ve been looking at Fenix LD12 and Coast PX45 but can’t really decide on which of the two to get. Have you guys ever had experience with either of these two?

  11. ZEBRALIGHT SC52.. single aa awesomeness.

    If your willing to find out for yourself just what this light is capable of then to you shall greatness be revealed! !

    Nuff said.

  12. Thanks for all the info. Have been needing a good flashlight for so long and didn’t know what to try.

  13. AA lights are probably the best bet for emergencies and survival type situations. The cells are abundant and virtually everywhere. With that said, I’d argue that Fenix is one of the best companies out there based on: 1) durability 2) longevity 3) price point and 4) general customer satisfaction.

    So if you looking for a reliable, modern AA LED flashlight Fenix is a solid choice and have several good offerings such as:

    E12 – The quintessential pocket flashlight. Intuitive tail switch, 120 lumen max and a nice tight beam that has enough kick for a variety of tasks with a single AA.

    E21/E25 – 2 AA light with a traditional thin barrel, flared head. The E21 has a tail switch; the E25 has a side switch. Nice wide beam, prominent hot spot and good throw.

    E41 – “Soda can” style design; wide, short and stubby. 4 AA that kicks out 1000 lumens, reaches almost 1000 feet and has a wide search light style beam.

    LD41 – Same wide, bright light as the E41 with a more traditional shape and tactical feel with a tail switch.

    and…

    If you want a AA monster I believe some of the old TK series lights were 8x AA and extremely bright. Most recently, the TK41c makes 1000 lumens, throws a beam over 1500 feet…all with 8 AAs.

    1. @Chevy,
      WOW, that flashlight is immensely popular! I’m going to have to re-evaluate today’s choices and update this article!

      1. Chevy & Ken;
        I bough a cpl of these back in June of 2015, cheap at $15, and tough, I toss em in the glove box and forget about them till needed.
        Still have original batteries and work perfect.

        1. I’ll bet there’s a lot of stuff in that glovebox of yours that would be interesting to us all.

        2. chevy;
          Funny that the exact same thing the last Sheriff said when I went through a standard check point for drunks…..
          And I quote Quinton (yes the guys name is really Quinton)
          “Hey do you still have all those fun little boom booms in there” ? I just smiled and he waved me through laughing like crazy…..
          Sometimes it’s good to know the local LEO’s

  14. I have a 3D cell Maglite. Works EVERY time and very economical. I have owned several fancy so called modern led flashlights but not one has been as reliable as my 30 yr old Maglite. I have installed an LED lamp in it for economy reasons. It sure is big and heavy but it has NEVER failed me and it has been abused although not intentionally.

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