Anyone who has spent time researching the features of different flashlight models and reading various tactical flashlight reviews has probably noticed that many tactical flashlights are quite expensive. Fortunately you can get a flashlight with many of the same features for less than 50 dollars.
Remember, knowing your intended activities and use for the flashlight can make it easier for you to prioritize what features our most important you while staying within your budget. Potential buyers should also be avoid the temptation to pick one of those cheap lights from the bargain bin—as more often than not “cheap” also describes the quality of the flashlight itself. And low quality lights often either quickly break or are relegated to the bottom of the drawer or dusty shelf never to be used again.
LEDs vs. Other bulb types
Many flashlights use a wide variety of different bulb types including LEDs halogen, and incandescent bulbs to provide illumination. Each type has is its advantages and disadvantages, and incandescent bulbs and halogen bulbs have been the established technologies is for many years. However recently, LEDs, a relatively new lighting technology that has been making strides in the last few years, has been becoming more common and cheaper in many new tactical flashlight models today. LEDs have several advantages over halogen or incandescent bulbs, including their small size, high energy efficiency, and along operational lifespan—which can easily reach more than 50,000 hours of use. As the technology matures, LEDs are rapidly becoming cheaper and more attractive alternatives to other bulb types.
Metal casings
The outer shell of most flashlights is commonly made of one of two material types; metals and polymers. Most reasonably priced tactical flashlights have aluminum casings; aluminum is well suited for the task because of its lightweight and good durability. Most manufacturers add some type of anodized coating to improve the durability and ward off corrosion. There are three types of anodized finishes that can be applied to the flashlight casing. Type 1 also known as a “powder coat” is typically the cheapest and weakest coating as it’s only bonded to the aluminum using heat. Type 2 coatings often add a little more protection and harder to scrape off as it has been applied using a electrochemical process. Type 3 coatings are similar to type two finishes, as it goes through the same electrochemical process. The main difference is that type 3 coatings are much thicker and will last much longer than any type 2.
Plastics
Plastics which is a another common material used in flashlights provides a few advantages as well. As with other features, the more expensive the flashlight the better quality the polymer or plastic is. For starters unlike aluminum and other metals, plastic is not corrosive and thus does not need to be coated or anodized. Plastic also tends to be slightly more flexible and resilient allowing the flashlight to escape light drops or impacts without any dents or other visible damage.
