The Best Flashlights of 2010
Once again, we have scoured the internet to find the highest rated flashlights. The lights we feature here received the most praise from the forums and review sites we assessed. These sites included:Backpacking Light, Light Reviews, and the Candle Power Forums.
The most notable technical developments in the flashlight world were next-generation LEDs such as the Cree XR-E and the Seoul Zpower P4 LED. The best flashlights incorporate these bright, high-quality LEDs, and combine them with regulatory circuits to insure a consistent, long-lasting light.
Only interested in flashlights that use AA or AAA batteries? See the keyring-sized Fenix LD01 or the Streamlight. See also our guide to the best rechargeable batteries.
Here are our picks for 2010′s outstanding flashlights:
Fenix TK10 and TK11 LED Flashlights
Pros: Very bright, durable, quality components, waterproof, inexpensive.
Cons: Uses specialized batteries (not AA or AAA)
Price: $73
Once again, a Fenix light heads up our list of top rated flashlights. The Fenix TK10 impressed reviewers with its build quality and light quality. The TK10 uses of two Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 LEDs, producing very bright beam of light (225 lumens in turbo mode). Most reviewers say that Fenix now rivals Surefire in terms of build quality, and because Fenix lights use Cree LEDs, their flashlights are brighter and more affordable than Surefire lights.
The Fenix Tk10 is part of the Tactical range of flashlights from Fenix Light. The Fenix TK10 is actually an enhanced version of Fenix T1 Tactical. The TK10 uses two CR123 batteries and operates on two digitally regulated light level (you can get rechargeable CR123A batteries). You switch between light levels by turning the flashlight’s head: turbo mode is 225 lumens, and general mode is 60 lumens.
What is a RCR123? It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery equivalent to the size of a CR123 battery with a 3.0V working voltage.
Fenix TK10 Flashlight
The body of the TK10 is built of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, and it has a very solid construction. The flashlight is coated inside out with olive color type III hard coat anodizing that not only provides excellent surface look and feel finish but also protects body against bruises scratches.
Amazon reviewers gave it 4.5 stars (out of 5).
It’s available from Amazon for $73.
Fenix has just released the Fenix TK11, which is very similar tot he TK10, but it can be used with rechargeable 18650 batteries! Adrian Alan at the Fenix Store says:
With a rechargeable 18650, my TK11 ran strong at or near its full output (225 lumens) for what I’ guessing is a total run time of over 2 hours, and according to Fenix it will give out 12 hours of 60 lumen output for hours after that. The 225 lumens can be a little bright bouncing off the walls inside a building, but you can crank it down to 60 instantly by twisting the bezek.
One important difference between the TK10 and the more recent TK11 is the reflector: the TK10 uses a textured reflector, the TK11 a smooth one. The beam from a textured reflector is more even, with a more gradual transition between the hot spot (the center of the beam) and the spill (the periphery of the beam), whereas the smooth reflector provides a more concentrated beam, and therefore a better throw (range).
What’s a 18650? It’s a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a 3.7V working voltage. Currently available in protected and unprotected versions. The number 18650 actually refers to the size of the battery which is 18mm wide and 65mm long.
You can find rechargeable 18650 batteries and the chargers at Amazon.
If you plan to use the TK11 with CR123 non-rechargeable cells, then buy the TK10 instead. The TK11 will accept CR123s but it is designed to accommodate the wider rechargeable 18650, meaning that the CR123s will rattle inside the battery tube. A single 18650 rechargeable cell in the TK11 will give you a better battery life than 2 CR123s or 2 rechargeable RCR123s in the TK10.
The Fenix TK11 is available from Amazon for $75.
Home Page: Fenix Light
Fenix LD01 LED Flashlight
Pros: Very bright, uses single AAA battery, rugged, waterproof, affordable.
Cons: Finish has some minor scratches.
Price: $41
Reviewers are virtually unanimous in recommending the Fenix LD01 as the best keychain-sized flashlight. The only flashlight that can challenge it in this category is the AAA Arc GS LED.
The Fenix LD01 flashlight runs on a single AAA-sized battery, yet it can produce 80 lumens of light on its highest setting. It uses a Cree Q5 LED as its light source, and the lens is made of toughened, anti-reflective glass (as with all Fenix lights). It has three output modes: 10 lumens, 27 lumens, and 80 lumens.
The Fenix LD01 is also “IPX-8 water proof” which means it is suitable for continuous submersion.
The Fenix LD01 is available from Amazon for $41.
Home Page: Fenix Light
Nitecore Extreme Flashlight
Pros: Very bright, uses single CR123 battery, excellent runtime
Cons: Somewhat expensive.
Price: $92
The NiteCore Extreme is flashlight design for Law Enforcement and for self-defense. Reviewers say the output and runtime of the flashlight are top-notch (see this extensive review for details). TheNiteCore Extreme runs on a single CR123 battery, and they body is built of military-grade aluminum alloy. It has two light operating levels both of which are are configurable through light programming and are memorized.
The NiteCore Extreme uses Cree 7090 XR-E Premium Q5 binned WC tint LED. The reflector is built from solid aluminum with a Light Orange Peel reflector finish. It uses digitally regulated electronic drive circuit along with micro controller based programming unit. Brightness levels are controlled by turning the head.
The Nitecore Exteme flashlight is available from Amazon.
Home Page: Nitecore
Streamlight 4AA LED Flashlight
Pros: Inexpensive, extremely rugged, good beam shape.
Cons: Best for household or car use
Price: $24
Reviews say the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Flashlight is the best flashlight for general household use. There are lighter and brighter flashlights out there, they can’t beat the Streamlight’s price at $24. The flashlight uses 7 LEDs that produce a flood beam with a hotspot in the middle. Reviewers at Amazon give this flashlight 4 or 5 stars, and rave about its ability to fill a room with light.
Home Page: Streamlight 4AA Product Page
Surefire G2 Flashlight
The Surefire G2 was the flashlight that other high-end flashlights were compared to. Overall, it’s an excellent flashlight, but it suffers from lack of updating, and thus it lags behind in terms of brightness. But if you want a flashlight with history of dependability and durability, this is it.
The G2 is made by Surefire as a low cost alternative to their other personal lighting products. It has all the features of the standard 6P, but is made of a special plastic called “Nitrolon”, a very tough plastic compound exclusive to Surefire. The body tube has a waffle pattern molded into it for grip. Inside the body tube is a metal sleeve for conducting electricity and completing the circuit when in use. The bezel has ridges around its base, again for grip, and also to serve as an anti-roll device.
It’s available from Amazon for $65.
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{ 116 comments… read them below or add one }
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The BEST flashlight has not even been mentioned. How about a hand torch bright enough to be seen 2 miles away, read a book by, carry in your pocket-no worries AND on low power the battery will last ONE YEAR, yes I said ONE YEAR. They used to be called Nite Palm but now they are Safe Light made in the US and at £11.99 P+P Free you are on to a winner. We use ours as a nite light in the loo as it is windowless and when we go away I always throw it in the bag. My torch has also seen combat in Iraq and is still going strong. Go on-Beat that.
may I know what light that is you are talking about bro?
Have you guys lost your mind??? Check out the Pelican 7060 LED lights. That light will blow all of these lights way. The also have the 2360 that it right there with it.
Link: http://cli.gs/RtUq6L
The Pelican 7060 is only 130 lumens dude, not even close to these lights.
Hello My name is Mr Mike and will like to know if you have pressure cooker and also with Aluminum body with Weight valve..And will like to know the total price for 50pcs and what form of payment do you accept..Hope to hear from you soon..
I own the fenix tk 11 and it is handy, but I like my Pelican 7060 LED more, its sturdy and has an incredible throw. It’ll light up the far wall of a warehouse (300 feet). The Streamlight Supertack has a tight beam too, 135 lumens but keeeps the beam together a little better than the pelican.
Link: http://cli.gs/RtUq6L
Fenix lights do not last and some do not work properly. Buy American made! There are better LED flashlights made by American companies.
JA
Mr. Anderson,.. is GREAT that SOMEBODY mention “AMERICAN-MADE” or made by American Companies!!!.. but you stop short, by NOT mentioning some American Company’s names,.. ( You said)-There are better LED flashlights made by American companies… and I hapen to AGREE with You Sr.
GOOD Day.
NELO.
The first one is in a hot sale this year.The factory price is US$14.5.The light source is CREE Q3,160LM.
Battery is 18650NiMh.
We’re in the rubber industry and we try all kinds of flashlites…. somebody is always bragging …. but we found a lite at Advance Auto Parts that was the sure winner…. brite LED with all the best features…. 2 C cell and more…. not the absolute brightest… but the beam blushed just a tad so it had good coverage when looking in electrical panels. The mechanics loved them and the beam was narrow enough that pipefitters could use them to trace pipes up 3 stories in the air.
Now Advanced Auto has gotten rid of them… saying they went out of business…. they may have cause the machining on the lights for $23 was fantastic…. ANYBODY KNOW ANYTHING ON HOW TO GET MORE OF THESE? MUCH APPRECIATED …….. Ron
The lights are now produced by safe-light. Check out http://cli.gs/yhbQUJ or http://www.safe-light.com
They used to be called nite palm but they seem to be the same light. Will remain on for 1 year on low light or if necessary can be seen up to 2 miles away. All for the miserly sum of £12 .74 which includes FREE postage and Packaging from the States. I have one that’s been to Iraq 3 times and Kosovo and just keeps going. Check out the website.
I like the Inova X1MT-WB , I use it every night to go to and from my truck it’s my keychain light, super bright nice focused beam and under 20 dollars , also I have the X- 5 and a two T-3s . The x5 is in my truck box with 5 led’s it has a soft flood beam still good up to 50 feet , and the t3 one on the shot gun and one on my belt with a 3hr. run time and 200 ft. clear site at 300 ft. you see’um , just a nice small powerful light.about 60 dollars for the t3 and 30 for the x5 .
Ok so I know you all love your lights, but you have to check out 511 tactical, thay have a flashlite that peaks at 270 lumens 90 reg and strobe, 90 lumens last for over 2hrs,and the kicker is they charge in 90 seconds….no bull.
im planning to get myself a fenix tk 11 r5….
ive never owned a flashlight before….
i want a flashlight which has a good throw and its brightness level is very efficient…
can anyone guide me if im going in for the right one…..
I just bought a Led Lenser MT7…have not used it at work yet. I do Pest control for a living, so a flashlight is my right arm! ANy comments on this light would be helpful
You can’t beat an XRE with a smooth reflector for throw and you might want to snatch one up before they’re all gone; yet the XPG has taken its place in most flashlights by the end of 2010.
…its all in the reflector.
I have to disagree. Fenix does make quality lights, but there are far superior lights–larger and smaller–available. Extreme Beam tactical flashlights (and several other brands) crush any and every light made by Fenix.
Buddy, a sucker is born everyday. Extreme Beam use the very same LED’s as fenix. And you’ll pay more than twice the price for the Extreme. Notice how Extreme doesn’t tell you what bulb ther using , you wanna know ?? Because they don’t want to alert suckers to ther over priced flashlight that is no different than a Fenix LOL. Open yours up and look to see the truth then sit back and think i could have had 4 Fenix for the price of this one light. But But its got such a cool name and they have them mounted on cool rifles, sucker
I use the Pelican 7060 for my main departmental issued flashlight..I like it compared to the streamlights we have in our patrol car, but my secondary light is the condor c11..160 lumens, which imo..enough light, and it won’t drain the batteries. Not to mention it came with the end cap for my rifle..and it mounts perfectly, and for the 70.00 its not bad. I’ve had multiple surefire lights,stream lights, and pelicans, working in rough conditions in the military and night shift police work…all I’m saying is that any of those do the job.. but they won’t save your life if you don’t have them either charged..or a good back up. Do your own research..and have a back up..the last thing you want is to enter a room and say “Sh~@ my light died”.
i gotta say ive got the fenix tk21 and i use it as my everyday toolbox light coz i dont care if i lose it, simply because the switch is very unreliable sometimes taking 4-5 clicks to get it stay on, gladius night ops is good but not that bright anymore, but i now only use my olight infinitum i25 as backup(dimmable and uses 2xaa batts charged off a solar panel using usb aa cells) and my best one now is my cheap little led lenser t7, cheap common aaa batteries (also charged off solar panel roll ) excellent output and throw, flood to spot focussing and massive run time, i keep one in my backpack and one on me at all times, best ive had so far
I purchased a Nebo 5557 led flashlight 220 lumens, 3 brightness settings, strobe and SOS mode, alum housing and it’s waterproof. Nice led Light
$24.47 on Amazon.com includes free shipping. Nice looking light.
Wow… not one mention of 4sevens?
Coast LED Lenser Flashlights. I have one, they are very good. i can’t say I’ve compared to these other “High quality” LED lights but mine beat the snot out of every light under $30 but it has been durable. dropped many times on concrete over 5 years and still works. It has lasted a very long time on decent to better batteries. the light produces is extremely smooth, bright, and long reaching. Not too expensive either.
Link: Coast LED Flashlight
Have any of you tried the Led Lenser torches? How about the M7? These are good enough to light up matters here in darkest Afica (pun intended).
I’ve just bought an M7 as well. haven’t put it to rough use yet but it’s probably the best torch in it’s price range.
Like Stuart, bought Led Lenser M7 and this outshines all my Maglites and cheapies. Extremely satisfied. Where has the M7 been my past 55 years? For the first time I have a torch that works as a torch.
I guess y’all haven’t heard of Peak Beam? Hand-held Searchlight, 12,000,000 candlepower, ~$5,000.00. You can hold it in your hand, so it’s a flashlight also. Made in Wharton, Pa
im a biologist,and i really nedd a powerful flashlight with long-range light,yellow light,rechargable batteries and low cost,please help me,I will appreciate thanks guys!!
I haven’t heard anyone mentioning 4Sevens or Eagle Tac. I have read alot of goods things about these two companies. I’m looking for a AA2 light that is very bright. The reasom I want AA batteries is price and you can buy them just about anywhere. Any suggestions?
RAYOVAC Sportsman Xtreme™ 4W LED 3C Flashlight (Model SE4W3C) for $25 is the absolute best bang for the buck. Brighter than my 5D cell maglite with the upgraded luxeon buld modification. Sure you can spend over $100 and get better but come on now, were talking about a flashlight. Don’t waste your time looking any further, trust me get yourself the Sportsman Xtreme™ 4W LED 3C Flashlight made by RAYOVAC.
Hello Hello,
I have a killer L.E.D flash light that is as good as the day I got it. It may not be available today but I did a hell of alot of looking before I bought it. The brand is by Fenix and is called L2D (Premium Q5 lense).
It takes AA battery, has two light settings, strobe, and S.O.S.
I have dropped it onto just about anything that would take out most flashlights. I carry it every where I go along with my Buck knife.
I feel lost with out them. (sort of like a security blanket)
I use it every day to find things in not so well lighted areas and every night on my walks. I like to use the low setting for normal use but turn it to high to blind anybody or anything that is coming at me at night. (dogs,cars,etc.)
Also the battery last and last and last because of only one L.E.D.
Like I said at the time I bought it years ago (it was the brightest one of its size). It turns on and off with one hand (a pushbutton on the end)
I am 63 years old and have collected many flashlights. Some that was in the above article. But you are not going to take my Fenix L2D away from me and that you can take it to the bank.
I do understand that today it might not be the brightest but for the size that I wanted and what I got is hand to beat. I am open for any brand that is the same size and use the same AA battery. (only besause if I lose it or it gets dropped into the something like a lake or sewer).
SEE YA
LLOYD
LLOYD,
You can get a Fenix LD20 if you lost your L2D. It takes 2 AA batteries and is as good as yours.
Kim
what about this flashlight, I just google it. Smallest flashlight with single battery
XTAR WK20 Cree XP-G R4
Power by 1 x 3.0V CR123A battery
High 265 lumens
Low 75 lumens
strobe
Why is it the Olight m20s series is not reviewed as one of the best? I have been Doing some research and they seem to be as good if not better then some of these lights, with 340 lumens on high/strobe and an easy access side switch to cycle through modes. These are running about $75 any ideas or information about Olight m20s XP-G S2???
hello guys,
i bought fenix tk 35 and it’s sure is the best led flashlight. it has 820lumens output great for hiking, caving and search and rescue. try this one… tnx..
I’ve gotta agree with the LED Lenser by Coast (any model), I’ve owned one for almost three years now. Picked it up at Home Depot for about $30, runs off 3 AAA’s. it’s extremely bright for a while, i don’t have any measurements, but it stays pretty damn bright seeing regular use (probably 3-4hrs) every night over the course of a month and sufficiently bright for at least 6 months (i swap batteries when I can’t remember the last time I did it, never ran the light dead). It’s a pretty robust light. I’m in the military and it’s seen jp-8, hydraulic fluid, sandstorms, -20F, 140F, falling from 20ft or so onto concrete, use as an improvised hammer, etc. I wouldn’t say it’s waterproof, but it’s very water resistant. I’ve been in some downpours and around alot of saltwater, never had any issues with it, but I’m not 100% confident that the inside was bone dry. For the record, it doesn’t float. It does get a little warm on a fresh set of batteries. The beam scatter isn’t very good at all. The lense is like a projector lense on a car, it’s very focused and thats ideal for me.
I’ve had four SureFires, different models, I don’t see the hype. They’re fairly sturdy. The waterproof buttons rip pretty easy, they’re WAY overpriced, the batteries are sometimes hard to get (even in the military), and you have to replace the batteries every couple hours in the middle of whatever you’re doing.
The Pelican 7060′s are nice. We’ve got some at our unit, the rechargable ones. The chargers kinda suck, but the lights are pretty sturdy, they take beatings that used to very literally DESTROY Maglights and seem to keep on functioning pretty well. Gas, oil, hot, cold, dirt, water (10ft and stayed lit so it was easy to find), whatever is in howitzer bore cleaner, high drops, use as a hammer or baton, they stand up to everything. They’ve got a good amount of light and they last through at least 10hrs on duty, the majority of which they’re on. Can’t say if they will work for long after or not cuz they get thrown back on their chargers.
Sorry for running on, but hope it helped.somebody
Olight M20 is a great light, the new ones run almost 500 lumens, only downside is the tail switch is not recessed, only an issue if you carry in a pocket, it may turn itself on. Great battery life and super bright.
Lithium ion batteries vs alkalines. Having a flashlight that excepts aa or AAA is great… but not the best in the long run. The ACTUAL shelf life (not in use at all) for alkaline batteries (aa, AAA, d, c cells) is only TWO YEARS. Lithium ion batteries (CR123, RCR123 or simply 3 volt) have an ACTUAL SHELF LIFE OF *10 YEARS*. This right here folks is the primary reason why military and law enforcement use this battery source because it is one of survivability and tactical performance. Another reason why lithium ion batteries work astoundedly better is that the longevity and brightness of a light does not drop off or fade as does prolonged use and drainage on alkaline batteries. And one for the record… those of you who are LEOs ie tac drivers.. I got my buddy IN THE DEA switched over from using surefire tac lights to olights. If any of you are looking for the end all flashlight of all uses and needs… check out light and their products they sell. Fyi theyre reputible in the military and on the civilian side as well. My favorite is the OLight M20X. Runs about $90 but its worth every penny you paid for it.
I have to appoligize. That little surefire Titan is not $229.99 It is actually listed on their site for $239.99. If you buy that light I have some land in Hollywood for fifty bucks an acre for you.
My mistake.
Daniel
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