Update: See our newer post The Best Flashlights Of 2009
What are the most efficient flashlights available today? We think LED-based flashlights are the only ones worthy of consideration. LEDs will shine longer than other bulbs, and can withstand shocks and temperature extremes. The best LED flashlights incorporate bright, high-quality LEDs with regulatory circuits that insure a consistent, long-lasting light.
Here are some of the top rated flashlights, based on the reviews at the comprehensive (but complicated) Flashlight Reviews site, and reviews by Amazon buyers.
If you want to run your flashlight on rechargeable batteries, check out our review of the Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2008.
Fenix L2D-CE Flashlight
FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $53-59
Website: Fenix Light
Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, bright, easy battery change, lightweight, stands up, multiple output modes.
Fenix makes great, versatile flashlights. The L2D-CE incorporates the Cree XR-E high output, high efficiency LED (about double the efficiency of earlier Luxeon LEDs) as a light source. It’s powered with easy-to-find AA batteries including rechargeable cells, or high output L91 Lithium AA cells. These flashlights are small and lightweight and have a type III anodize hard coat finish. The circuitry adjusts to the use of either one or two AA cells which can be either alkaline, NiMH or lithium.
Fenix has now released the Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED)
Available from Amazon: L2D-CE Fenix and Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED)
Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax Flashlight
FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $156
Website: Surefire
Summary: The L4 Lumamax boasts superb design and LED brightness. It has a bulb that should never fail, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.
This high-end flashlight is made by Surefire. It is one of the first production lights to utilize the new Luxeon V LED. This amazing LED is capable of output better than traditional high pressure xenon incandescent bulbs without the worry of the bulb blowing. Inside the head is a regulator circuit that will drive the 5W LED for 1 hour at full brightness with diminishing output thereafter. Output is much whiter than that of a standard incandescent bulb and the beam does not turn yellow as it dims like normal incandescent bulbs. The L4 Lumamax uses two 123a lithium batteries for power.
The Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax LED is available from Amazon.
FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $33
Website: Inova
Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, good brightness, easy battery change.
The Inova X5 LED Flashlight has been advertised as being an “LED floodlight for extreme conditions”. Based upon the durability and general overall quality of the light, I would have to agree. It is a great light that should last for many years even under harsh conditions.
Available from Amazon: Inova X5 LED Flashlight ($33)
ARC AAA Premium Flashlight
FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $40-50
Website: Arc
Summary: Regulator circuit, near-constant brightness, brighter than normal LED, extremely hard protective anodize, easy-to-grip bezel and body, watertight, uses inexpensive batteries, recessed (protected) LED, good beam, great manufacturer support
This keychain-sized flashlight is the ARC AAA Premium from ARC. These lights use the new brighter Nichia CS white 5mm LEDs. The head includes a patented Arc step-up inverter as well as a voltage regulator allowing the ARC to run on a single AAA battery at near full brightness for about 5 hours before switching to a low light level known as “moon mode”. The body includes a split ring attachment point at the end and a small split ring allowing the ARC to be attached to a keychain or lanyard. The head is sealed with an O-ring, creating a watertight seal. The electronics in the head are embedded in epoxy and are not susceptible to water damage. The inside of the head of the light includes a foam ring to minimize battery rattle when off. The light is turned on by twisting the head until the inside of the head contacts the battery.
Available from: Arc ($40-50)
Mag Instruments Mini Maglite
FlashLightReviews Rating: None
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 4/5 Stars
Price: $27
Mag Instruments have made great quality flashlights for decades, and I am happy to see they are now incorporating LEDs into their designs. The Mini Maglite seen here has a 3 Watt LED and runs on 2 AA batteries. The light output from this flashlight is clean, focusable, artifact free, has good color and is about 5 times brighter than the non-LED version. The light still supports “candle mode” too. The flashlight is about 1″ larger than the non-LED version. Light output is fairly consistent and strong for a over 3 hours.
The AA Mini LED Maglite available from Amazon.
Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Flashlight
FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $37
Website: Streamlight
The Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon series is proving to be a really fantastic set of lights. The Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight uses the luxeon star LED to produce a long range brilliance and smooth uniform light pattern.
The bezel/head area consists of a black plastic shroud, a polycarbonate lens with scratch resistant coating, and a lamp assembly with a deep, smooth reflector. The lamp assembly contains the reflector, the Luxeon I LED and a regulator circuit that does a very good job of driving the LED at constant brightness for several hours. The lamp assembly is made mostly of metal to absorb waste heat from the LED. The assembly also contains two catalyst pellets to remove waste hydrogen which may form inside the battery compartment.
The Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Division 1 light case is “O” ring sealed and water proof. Powered by three C alkaline batteries, not included, it runs up to four hours.
Available from Amazon: Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight ($37)
Read more! Related stories:
- Review: The Best LED Reading Lamps
- The Best Flashlights For 2009
- Energy Efficient Black Lights: Ultraviolet LEDs
- Dynamo 3-LED Flashlight
- LED Headlamps Review
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I don’t know how efficient this is, but it sure is supposedly bright:
15 Million Candlepower Flashlight:
http://www.thegreenhead.com/cool-stuff/2005/10/15-million-candlepower.php
It is quite amazing that a flashlight like this only runs for $40.
Oh, you’re right…the guy who runs FlashlightReviews.com does do an incredible job of staying on top of things (especially considering it’s something he does on the side).
Best regards!
Going completely the other direction, I bought two of these:
http://www.sz-wholesale.com/P/Headlamp/LED-Head-Lamp-17992.html
from Harbor Freight for about $5 each. They’re tiny, bright, long lasting, and have survived trips to China, India, and Turkey. They are now serving duty as dog collars when I go jogging early in the morning (dogs wear the flashlights so I don’t have to).
No MAGLITE-LED? I’m disappointed.
I got one for about $25 when I was in the States last year, and six months later I’m still using the same two AA batteries I got with it.
I couldn’t be happier with it, and would recommend one to anyone looking for a new flashlight (or “torch” as we call them on this side of the Atlantic).
Not sure how you could leave off the Surefire L7, which is the best flashlight on the planet. LED and comes with two rechargeable batteries, about 1.3 hours run time per battery, recharges quickly. Yes, $200 is a lot for a flashlight, but where I live (jungle) it can be the difference between life and death. Snake bites hurt and kill. The L7 is a light saber compared to the Inova X5 (even the Inova T4 which you also fail to list; perhaps because of it’s sometimes balky charge connector?). I wouldn’t consider the Inova X5 waterproof either, and it doesn’t hold up. Neither has my Streamlight, or any maglite I’ve ever owned. Haven’t tried the ARC or the Fenix, but I will…
I agree with you that a surefire is a awsome flashlight but the battery life really sucks on the surefire. I had that flashight in Afghanistan and yes the thing could blind people from over 500ft but the batteries just would last. So they gave us the X5 and I only had to change the batteries twice on it while I was out there and that was within a 6 month period. It has taken a beating from Afghanistan and Iraq then the Texas heat in my truck and has survived two hurricanes (Rita and Ike) which has surprised me. Now I am not saying a Surefire couldn’t do that either I would bet that it could take that and more too. But for $35.00 and over 6 years of service in extreme conditions and its still working like a champ I would have to say I would take the X5 over the surefire.
I have owned several of the Fenix brand , and I have to say it is the finest flashlight I have ever owned.For a few extra bucks , get the Q5 upgrade. It is amazing! It will literally light up my Entire yard clearly. All with 2 AA’s? The Inova X5 mentioned is not good as it is multiple LED’s (out of date technology, due to improved single LED’s) and spreads light far to thinly and unfocused to be considered a flood.Inova makes some great altenatives.The Surefire is WAY overpriced, and the Arc ’s fit and finish is weak..Streamlight makes a decent cheap LED, but you’ll never find a better LED light for the money than Fenix.Take it from a plumber, and we need light!
Wha the FUCK… U say Best Flashlights…. where is Maglite LED?
How could you leave off the 167 lumen T7 LED Lenser? It shines as bright as the afternoon sun W/4 AAA batteries. All for $85. How come you don’t compare lights using claimed Lumens?
Maglite sucks balls. Fenix is probably the best brand for the money… Surefire is little too expensive for what they sell, you’re paying for the name. Also have to have the money to drop on CR123a batteries, which is not exactly good for the world or wallet. I love JetBeam IBS liglhts with 14500 or 18650 recharable lions. 5 to ~225 lumens and 3 user set levels for ~$60.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com
Much better site than flashlight reviews— getting kinda dated. Luxon1 lights are quite old.
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I had the pleasure to test and use the new flashlight from Smith & Wesson the Luxeon Rebel 5 Watt Tactical Flashlight. this impressive flashlight gives you about two hour run time at 100 lumens using 2 AAA battery.
Not only the light is strong but with a sale price of about $40 its affordable and allows you to have more than just one at home, but an other one in your car in case of emergency.
You can find this great light and other great product in our web store.
I love the Fenix light and buy one or two, every chance I get. I am the Traing Chief at a fire academy in Texas and everyone I show my new lights, they are ready to buy thier own. Keep up the gtreat work!
Thanks, John Reed Operation Chief at TD
If you’re going to include lights like the Surefire LumaMax ($156) why don’t you include the LED Lenser lights like the P7 (167 lumens, $100) and the 7736D (100 lumens, $45)? LED Lenser is used by US Military and is officially endorsed by Riegel and Associates (premier consulting firm working in the defense industry worldwide). Since LED lenser have better run times, higher power output efficiency (using their patented Power Transformation Technology) and lifetime guarantees, I can’t believe none of their products were even mentioned here.
With Surefire you get what you pay for. they have a spectacular lifetime warranty and they will still work years after the Fenix , Mag, and Lenser give up the ghost. I eventually realized their worth for work and always have one around.
Inova & Streamlight are more cost effective quality alternatives. Also Look for Peak LED solutions.
I use my Fenix for non-critical uses and when I need a tiny pocket light, but there is a reason militaries use Surefire and Inova.
Rechargeable CR123 can be found too, but make sure you read how to use them. CR123 are much cheaper on the internet in quantity.
Reviews: “Light-reviews.com” – more up to date.
LED Lenser claims are a joke. Their patents are nothing unique. They are not ISSUED by the military except maybe for German desk clerks. I’ve seen old dim incan MiniMags used by marines, so anything can be claimed as “used by the military” even when it is not “issued” by the military. Some of LED Lenser’s NEW 08 lights are better, but still overpriced and do not live up to crazy claimed lumens & runtime.
See Light-reviews.com and possibly Candlepowerforums.com for impartial reviews.
Hi. My husband is a flashlight junkie – nothing fancy but looks cool gadgets and technology. Obviously that makes him difficult to buy for. I’d rather hand him cash and tell him to have fun shopping. But I’d like to give him something for Christmas to open … trying to make sense over these choices. I’m thinking I like the Fenix but please, which model is best (or is there a better brand) for roughly $60-$75?
Thanks for any help you can give.
Still loving my L7(s). Dropped one the other day 4 feet onto concrete, cracked the lens but it’s still shining bright. My streamlight ultra stinger? Not working at all, after a battery and bulb change. Inovas are a joke. Interested in the Fenix, but at this point, I’d rather spend 2x for a L7, have interchangeable batteries and know that it’s spent 3 years in the harsh jungle climate and keeps working like it should.
Also, my Streamlight Propolymer crapped out after 3 weeks in humidity. Not so good for a “waterproof” flashlight that never went directly into the water.
Not one of you mentioned a Pelican Super Sabrelight. They have about 10k candlepower with 3 c-cells, and are MSHA approved (explosion proof for explosive environments). So they make great lights for anyone working in a mine, diving or working around inflammable vapors.