Lighting Science Group 40 Watt Equivalent LED Light

LED light bulbs have long had incandescent and CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs beat in terms of energy efficiency, yet they’ve taken a back seat to the CFLs due to the much higher price tag of an LED bulb. That is until now. As incandescent bulbs are being phased out, lighting companies are scrambling to get their LED bulbs on the shelves and in the homes of America. Which means prices are dropping.

Lighting Science Group recently announced its’ new 40 watt equivalent LED bulb for sale on Amazon for $21.98, quite a bit cheaper than the competition, such as the $38 GE LED bulb. The A19 type bulb lasts 23 years and contains no mercury, unlike the CFL bulbs that have recently received a lot of press due to a study about potential cancer causing chemicals. Lighting Science Group plans to release a variety of LEDs for sale on Amazon including the more popular 60 watt equivalent bulb. Home Depot also carries a line of LED bulbs from Lighting Science Group, called the Ecosmart LED bulbs.

Switch LED Bulb

Vying for a slice of the LED pie, is Switch lighting who have developed 60 watt and 75 watt equivalent LED bulbs. With plans to begin production in the U.S. later this year, the Switch LED bulbs are expected to cost less than $15.

Metaefficient is also a fan of the Pharox 300 LED bulb which, at $27, is slightly more expensive than these new LEDs about to hit the market, but it does offer dimming capability, while the Lighting Science Group bulb is non-dimmable. For more on the Pharox 300 LED bulb see here. Though it’s been a long time coming, we may be finally able to see the LED light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to replacing the beloved incandescent with affordable, uber-efficient, non-toxic lighting.

For more on LEDs see our recent articles on light bulb efficiency guidelines and LED bulbs for the home.

VU1 ESL Light Bulb

Retailers are gearing up to meet deadlines for the incandescent light bulb ban. Ikea has already stopped selling the inefficient bulbs. And California has pulled the plug and is letting current supplies run down. Many incandescent lovers are shedding tears and hating on the mercury-containing CFLs and the more expensive (though infinitely more efficient) LEDs. So here come the ESLs. The VU1 Corporation has developed a light bulb using Electron Stimulated Luminescence that the company claims to be more efficient than incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs.

Though using this patented technology in lighting is new, the science itself is by no means cutting edge. It works in the same way that a cathode ray television works- electrons stimulate phosphors inside the bulb to make them glow. The VU1 Corporation is marketing their bulbs as having the same light quality as an incandescent, yet up to 70% more efficient. They’re taking on the LEDs with a cheaper sticker price. And by not containing any mercury, they are a safer option over the CFLs.  They also have dimming capability and come on instantly, fit into a standard socket and have a similar shape to the Edison bulbs. Here is a comparison photo from the VU1 website:

VU1 Light Quality

Energy efficiency compared to an LED though is still in question. The VU1 bulb produces 30 lumens per watt, the equivalent of a 65 watt incandescent. LED technology continues to advance rapidly with some LEDs producing 3 times that many lumens per watt. And the LED holds the top spot when it comes to longevity. The VU1 bulb lasts 10,000 hours, while LEDs average 40,000-60,000 hours. Check out our guide to LEDs here.

Nevertheless, the ESL is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting option and VU1 could find a nice slice of the light bulb market, especially as the incandescent bulbs leave the building. As stated in this report on Bloomberg, VU1 is in talks with two major retailers in the U.S. to begin selling the ESL bulbs. The bulb, which received UL certification in October, currently sells on the company’s website for $19.95.

[Via: Technology Review]

Best LED Christmas Lights

LED Christmas lights have come a long way since they first hit the market. Now you can get just about any shape, size, and color to please the most die hard of holiday decorators. Most agree they are even more brilliant than the traditional incandescent Christmas lights, but perhaps the greatest benefit is that they are up to 90% more efficient. Making the switch will reduce your utility bill and your carbon footprint.

Though the price has come down over the years, they are still more costly than their incandescent counterparts. However, LED Christmas lights can be a better investment in the long run with many providing a long lifespan of up to 100,000 hours and the fact that they are encased in a durable plastic, which offers less chance of breakage than with glass bulbs. And say goodbye to the frustration of having the whole string of lights go out when one bulb dies. That doesn’t happen with LEDs. These Christmas lights are safer as well, especially if you have little kids running around, because they don’t get hot.

Don’t just throw your old lights away. If they’re still working, donate them to a local charity. Your broken ones can be recycled. Christmas Light Source is an online LED company that will take your old lights and recycle them for you, then donate the proceeds to buy books for Toys for Tots. So go ahead and be a Griswold instead of a Grinch this holiday season. Here’s our list of the best LED lights for your Christmas display.

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting 50-Light FlexChange LED Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting 50-Light FlexChange LED Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, a company who have long provided commercial light displays including lighting State Street in Chicago for Christmas, offers high quality LEDs to the consumer. Their patent-pending FlexChange are sealed with non-corrosive components for indoor or outdoor use. This 50 light set features 5 mm wide angle replaceable LED bulbs that are 6 inches apart. These sets can be connected and are Energy Star certified. Amazon reviewers give the FlexChange LED light set an average 4 star rating with most commenting on the high quality. Also available in single colors: blue, green, red, purple, and white.

Sells on Amazon for $25.86.

100 LED Energy Smart Mini Holiday Christmas Lights by GE

100 LED Mini Holiday Christmas Lights by GE

These miniature LED Christmas lights by GE measure 33 feet in length, but you can make them even longer by connecting up to 25 sets together for indoor or outdoor use. The lights are 4 inches apart. All the other lights will still work even if one LED is burned out or loose. They are replaceable, break resistant, and cool to the touch. Keep these glowing even after Christmas as accent lighting. It should be noted that some Amazon reviewers point out that since LED lights are so energy efficient, they are not strong enough to power the motion ornaments. This set uses 8 watts of power.

The Energy Smart GE Mini Christmas Lights are sold on Amazon for $23.00.

GKI/Bethlehem C9 LED 25 Multi-Color Christmas Light Set

GKI/Bethlehem C9 LED 25 Multi-Color Christmas Light Set

Hard to believe these LED lights as they look like a throwback to the traditional lighting of Christmas past. Another selection from GKI/Bethlehem Lighting, who boast the brightest and truest color of LED Christmas lights, this set of multi-colored candle-shaped bulbs is Energy Star certified with 6 inch spacing between bulbs that are UV protected to prevent fading. The C-9 size is perfect for outdoor use, but would also bring some Christmas nostalgia inside. Comes with a 3 year warranty.

Sells for $39.99  on Amazon.

Good Tidings Holiday Christmas Light Set

Good Tidings Indoor/Outdoor Holiday Christmas Light Set

If you’re looking for something a little smaller than the C-9s without skimping on brightness, this set from Good Tidings features 70 multi-colored flame shaped LED bulbs that are 4 inches apart. The green cord measures 23 feet long and can be connected with up to 20 other sets. If one bulb goes out, the others stay lit. Using less than 10 watts of power for the whole set, they are cool to the touch. Authorized for both indoor and outdoor use.

The Good Tidings Christmas Light Set is sold on Amazon for $17.99.

Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String

Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String

These LED multi-color icicle lights by Gemmy provide a multi-function light pattern to create your own holiday light show. The glass-like appearance delivers a cleaner look when the lights aren’t in use, compared to the traditional icicle lights. Each string is 24.5 feet long with 24 icicle bulbs that are 12 inches apart. They can be connected to other light show sets for display inside or outside.

The Gemmy LED Color Changing Icicle Light String can be purchased at Lowe’s for around $40.00. There is a smaller set available on Amazon.

Color Selectable Rope Lights

Color Selectable Rope Lights

Orange Tree Trade, an American company, designs LED rope lights that render a low maintenance alternative to bulbs. This 10 foot version contains 60 blue LEDs and 60 white LEDs with 1 inch spacing between them. Using the controller, you can select blue only or white only or a mix of the 2 colors. The rope is 1/2 inch diameter and has an average life of 100,000 hours. Safe for indoor or outdoor use, LED rope lights do not heat up and this one uses about 6 watts of energy for this 10 foot rope. Comes with 10 mounting clips. You can connect with other rope lights up to 100 feet.

The 10 foot color selectable rope light sells on Amazon for $40.60.

Lawn Lights

Lawn Lights

These LED lights for your lawn have become so popular over the past couple years, the company has struggled to keep up with demand. If you’re not one for getting up on a ladder and stringing lights across your house, these lights will still give you a beautiful Christmas display without the hassle. According to their website, you can set them up in about 15 minutes. You can read more about Lawn Lights here. Each set covers 2500 to 3600 square feet. Amazon reviewers have given Lawn Lights an average 4 star rating. One reviewer said the lights still glowed through the extensive snow cover on her lawn which made for a cool effect.

You can get Lawn Lights on Amazon for $59.88.

Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Solar Powered Christmas Lights

Want to completely eliminate your energy cost for Christmas lighting? Try out these solar powered Christmas lights by GudCraft. The 100 LED lights are solar charged during the day to come on automatically at night for approximately 8 hours. Each string is 35 feet in length. What’s great about these is you can decorate anywhere without the use of extension cords or worrying about where you’re going to plug in. Comes in a choice of white or blue. The blue lights have a flash setting as well.

Sold on Amazon in white or blue for around $30.00.

GKI/Bethlehem Christmas Tree Topper with Morphing LED

GKI/Bethlehem Christmas Tree Topper with Morphing LED

Add some energy efficient lighting to the top of the Christmas tree with this color changing star by GKI/Bethlehem Lighting. The LED lighted star flows through a variety of holiday colors. It has a crystal-like appearance when not lit up and attaches to either a real or artificial tree with the 24 inch flexible mounting arm. Energy Star certified, the Bethlehem Star tree topper has received a 5 star rating by Amazon users.

Sells for $50.88 on Amazon.

Energy Efficient Gadget Gifts

Energy efficient isn’t a term often associated with gadgets, especially for those who aren’t technologically savvy. With each holiday season, review sites across the web make their annual picks for the coolest gadget gifts. Generally these gadgets turn out to be novelty items that are tossed aside when the holidays are over.  As energy prices rise, consumers are looking for more energy efficient products while still having fun with the latest gadget. We’ve picked 10 gadgets for your holiday gift list that are energy efficient time savers to delight both the techie and the tech-impaired. You may also want to check out our Green Gift Guide.

NIX Hu-Motion X10A Energy Efficient Digital Picture Frame

NIX Hu-Motion X10A Energy Efficient Digital Picture Frame

Nix Digital is a top selling manufacturer of digital picture frames who have created what they boast as the world’s first energy efficient digital frame. It contains a motion sensor that automatically turns itself on when someone walks into the room. It shuts itself off after not detecting motion for a period of time set by the user. Or you can turn off the motion detection and use the remote control. The Nix X10A was selected by Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry for their Smart Green Home exhibition in 2010. This model contains an internal 512 mb memory which plays JPEG  photos, MP4 videos and MP3 music so you can play specific music to go along with specific photos to create your own slideshow. I like that one Amazon reviewer used it to play back recorded video messages to their kids when they came in too late. You can read other reviews here. Included is a USB cable to connect to your PC or Mac. The screen is a high resolution 10 inch LCD which features a split screen option to display up to 4 photos at once and automatically converts to portrait size if you turn the frame. A much sought-after gadget gift for a parent or grandparent.

The Nix Hu-Motion X10A Digital Picture Frame is sold on Amazon for $109.99.

Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote

Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote

Perhaps the ultimate gadget gift of all, the universal remote has the obvious benefit of eliminating all those pesky remotes cluttering the living room. The Harmony One Universal Remote by Logitech adds the benefit of an energy efficient rechargeable lithium battery with a recharging stand. The downside is the price, being more expensive than other universal remotes, but it is the most highly rated. Features a color LCD touch screen which enables the user to choose up to 15 components with one touch. Set-up is easy with guided online instructions and live customer support. The Harmony One is ergonomically designed  and lights up for use in the dark. Amazon offers this with it’s frustration-free packaging, a recyclable alternative to all the annoying plastic casings and wires found in most electronics’ packaging. Gift this to the entertainment lover on your list.

Sells on Amazon for $160.99.

Belkin Conserve Socket Energy-Saving Outlet

Belkin Conserve Socket Energy-Saving Outlet

A practical gadget gift, the Belkin Conserve Socket is not only energy efficient, but reduces your utility bill by shutting off power with a timer that can be set to 30 minutes, 3 hours, or 6 hours. The green LED illuminates when the power is on. This is perfect for charging cell phones, shutting off space heaters after a certain time, or eliminating wasted power to appliances such as toasters or coffee makers. It can be plugged into a standard outlet without covering up the bottom socket. Ships in frustration-free packaging.

Sells on Amazon for $9.99.

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Book Light

Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Book Light

This book light by Mighty Bright uses 2 high intensity energy efficient LED bulbs that last 100,000 hours. Push the button to use one or both of the bulbs which are bright enough to illuminate both pages of a book. It’s compact enough to carry in your bag or in your car for emergencies and can clip on something or use freestanding. Includes 3 AAA batteries or can be powered by an ac adapter which is not included. This is the highest rated book light on Amazon with 56 reviewers giving it a 5 star. I use mine all the time and have tossed my other non-LED book lights. Give this gadget gift to a book lover or Kindle owner.

You can get the Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 book light on Amazon for $16.99. You can also get it with the adapter for $24.99.

Sanyo Eneloop 2-AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries with USB Charger

Sanyo Eneloop 2-AA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries with USB Charger

The Sanyo Eneloops are one of our picks for the best rechargeable batteries of 2010. This package comes with 2 pre-charged batteries and a USB charger to charge 2 AA batteries in 4 hours or 4 AAA batteries in 2 hours. This would make a great gadget gift for a parent who is constantly having to replace batteries in the kids’ toys or the digital camera. Also great for travel with your laptop. Made in Japan, Sanyo Eneloops last longer than other rechargeable batteries and have received over a thousand 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Sells for $9.84 on Amazon.

USB + AA Solar Panel Charger by PowerFilm

USB + AA Solar Panel Charger by PowerFilm

A sweet gadget gift for the outdoorsy type, this solar charger from PowerFilm Solar charges 2 AA batteries or a device with a USB port such as a cell phone or iPod. Utilizing earth’s most fundamental energy efficient resource, the Solar Panel Charger by PowerFilm recharges in 4 hours in full sun and the USB charge can work in the dark by using the included rechargeable batteries that store the solar energy. Many cyclists and hikers use this charger as it is lightweight and folds for portability, while still offering a large solar panel. The six grommets featured on the bottom of the charger secure the unit to a backpack, the ground, or your car dashboard. This charger has received an average 4 star rating on Amazon. You can read the reviews here.

You can get it on Amazon for $79.99.

Zipbuds By DGA

Zipbuds By DGA

Zipbuds are the latest innovation developed by Digital Audio Group, a California company who make high quality portable audio products. DGA describes these cool looking earphones as “bold, not bulky”. The zipper integrated cable is lightweight, flexible, and best of all, never tangles. Uses a patented centralized acoustic ventilation system and noise isolating eartips for quality sound. Cables are made of Dupont Kevlar. Also includes 3 eartip sizes for a custom fit as well as a sports clip. These would make a terrific stocking stuffer for anyone who enjoys the latest gadget gift. Comes in a variety of colors.

You can get Zipbuds on Amazon for $39.99.

Multi-Color E27 LED Light bulb w/ Remote

Multi-Color E27 LED Light bulb w/ Remote

This LED bulb creates mood lighting with a variety of colors to choose from. Use the remote to select from 16 colors or flow through all the colors with four different transition effects: flash, strobe, fade or smooth. You can also select the from 4 brightness levels. Fits into a standard light socket. You can purchase extra bulbs to go with the remote. These energy efficient multi-color LED bulbs have an average life of 10,000 hours. This would make a cool gadget gift for a teen’s room. Amazon reviewers have given it an average 4 star rating with the biggest complaint being that it is dimmer than expected. Most other reviewers say it’s great for accent lighting.

Sells on Amazon for $32.99.

Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Nighthawk Stainless Steel Watch

Citizen Men's Eco-Drive Nighthawk Stainless Steel Watch

Replacing watch batteries is not only one of those aggravating errands, but the batteries contain harmful substances that you then have to worry about recycling. Citizen has developed their energy efficient Eco-Drive line of watches that run on natural and artificial light. These watches use a solar panel to convert light energy into electrical energy which is then stored in a storage cell. The process works so efficiently that many other features are available to the gadget lover besides just telling time. The Citizen Nighthawk features a pilot slide-rule that performs many functions including calculating gas mileage, metric conversion, and pilot and nautical applications. Other features include the stainless steel band, non-reflective scratch-resistant crystal, low-charge indicator, power save function, and water resistant up to 660 feet. Makes for a classy gadget gift for that special man.

The Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Nighthawk Watch sells on Amazon for $237.00.

HP Wireless Eco-Comfort Mobile Mouse

HP Wireless Eco-Comfort Mobile Mouse

This wireless mouse from Hewlett-Packard is for use with a desktop or laptop computer. The eco-friendly features are that it is made of 30% recycled plastic, contains a single AA battery that will last up to 7 months, uses an automatic power saving mode, and packaging is made of 76% recycled materials that can again be recycled. Gadget gift lovers will appreciate the high-tech portability of the laser for use without a pad, as well as the 2 additional programmable buttons that allow you to pull up your favorite applications and websites, control volume, and navigate forward and backward. Amazon reviewers have given the HP Wireless Eco-Comfort Mobile Mouse a 4 out of 5 stars.

Sells for $17.45 on Amazon.

LED desk lamps have a lot going for them. Besides being energy efficient, LED lamps run much cooler than conventional desk lamps, and you can expect the LEDs to last for 10-15 years. Watch out for poorly made LED lamps though — I have an Adesso Lamp that lost 7 of its 20 LEDs in the first year. I see many other Amazon buyers had the same problem with this lamp.

Here is our round-up of the best led desk lamps:

The Softech DL-90 Multi-FunctionLED Desk Lamp

This lamp was just released this year by Softech, and it has a lot going for it. The lamp incorporates 27 high-power daylight LEDs. The Color Rendering Index of the LEDs is rated at 90+ (excellent).

The lamp has four distinct lighting modes and 40 brightness levels in total. The first two modes are for desk work: a reading mode with mid-range colors (4300K-5300K) that are easy on the eyes, and a study mode which has a high range color temperature (6000K-7000K). The lamp can also be switched to a relaxation mode and a sleep mode — these have softer, warm color temperatures.

This lamp uses 10 watts or less of power to provide light equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent bulb. It is said to last about 40,000 hours or 20 years of normal use.

A handy feature of this lamp is “auto off timer”. The timer will turn the lamp off after one hour, saving your power if you forget to turn it off. It has has a USB charging port.

The Softech DL-90 lamp is available from Amazon for $139.99

The Z-Bar High Power LED Desk Lamp

The minimalist Z-Bar High Power LED Desk Lamp is an attractive lamp that features the latest LEDs.

It has six daylight white LEDs that use only about 9 watts of electricity at full brightness (the LEDs generate about 240 lumens of light).

The Z-Bar has a built-in 4-step dimming function that will take the light down to save even more on electricity or it can be used to create softer lighting for the task at hand. The adjustable joints can be placed in almost any position without tightening or loosening knobs or screws, simply move the light to where you need it and the lamp will hold to form.

The Z-Bar received an I.D. Magazine “best of category” award a few years ago.

The Z-Bar LED Desk Lamp is available from Amazon for around $170. It comes in three colors: red, silver and black.

The Finelight LED Desk Lamp

This minimalist aluminum lamp is has nice attention of detail. It has a heavy cast iron base, and the LED casts a pleasant light that emulates the warm white of incandescent bulb. The LEDs consume just 9 watts, and is said to be the equivalent of a 100 watt bulb.

This lamp won the Lighting for Tomorrow competition award in 2007 for quality in solid-state lighting.

It’s available from Amazon for $268.

LED Panel Desk Lamp

This lamp, known only as the “LED Panel Lamp” by EarthTech Products has a unique feature — it uses an electronic ballast to stop power drain when you turn off the lamp. Some LED desk lamps use 8 watts when turned off, this one uses 0.40 watts. The power adapter can also handle 120V or 240V, and it can switch between 50Hz or 60Hz.

The LEDs generate a coolish white light at 5,000° Kelvin.

It comes with all the important certifications: UL, CE and RoHS.

The LED Panel Lamp is available from Amazon for about $115.

Freeform Black LED Desk Lamp

This lamp, the Freeform LED Desk Lamp makes full use of the potential for minimalist LED-based design. It includes eighteen 1/2 watt LED lights, for a total of 9 watts. No word on the actual lumens generated though. This lamp is selling for $150.

The Freeform LED Desk Lamp is available from Lamps Plus.

Tri-L LED Work Light

Tri-L Rechargeable LED Work Light

Tri-L LED Light by Altus Lumen is another portable LED that works well as a desk light. The lamp has a metal housing  made out of 85% recycled magnesium (lighter than aluminum). When folded up, the light acts as a flashlight, and measures just 110×60x20mm, so it fits nicely in a pocket. When unfolded, the light becomes its own 360 degree tripod stand, and can be used as a serious worklight or booklight.

The Tri-L’s hinges are also impressive – they are made with fraction joins instead of screws. The light can be fixed precisely in any orientation you set. The Tri-L has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which can be recharged using a USB cable (included). The runtime is about 1.8 hours for the flashlight, and around 8 hours for  he worklight once the battery is fully charged. The runtime can be extended with an optional extended battery pack.

The Tri-L will also warn you when it’s about to run out of power. It flashes for 30 seconds when its about to  shut off — you have 30 seconds before the spotlight turns off, or 10 minutes before the flashlight runs out.

The manufacturer Altus Lumen, states that 75% of the Tri-L is recyclable, and is built for easy disassembly. It is made with non-toxic components, and is LOHAS compliant.

The Tri-L sells for about $100 and is available from Amazon.

EcoLight LED Table Lamp

The EcoLight LED Table Lamp receives great reviews from owners (see the comments on this post and on Amazon). Made by IMG Lighting, this lamp has a unique feature: a touchpad that allows you to adjust the brightness and warmth of the light. This is possible because the lamp has both yellow and white LEDs. The lamp uses just 12.9 watts of power at maximum brightness, and produces 600 lumens.

The EcoLight is available from Amazon for around $129.

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.

Motion-sensing LED lights — these lights are perhaps the most efficient lighting devices available today. They switch on whenever their infra-red sensors detect movement in a room — such as when someone begins to walk down a dark hallway. I’ve been testing them in my own home, and I’ve found them to be effective and non-obtrusive. At night, I’m able to go down two floors to the basement, without turning on any lights. The motion-sensing LEDs in the ceilings switch on as I move about the house.

Philips SpotOn LED Motion Sensing Light

They illuminate with a soft, bluish light – it’s enough light to easily see where you are going. After 20 seconds they turn off automatically. The lights I have in the ceilings are Philips SpotOn LED Lights. They run on three AAA batteries, you can use rechargeable batteries of course (I recommend using hybrid rechargeables because they keep their charge for many months). They cost around $17 each from Amazon.

I installed them using the adhesive tape that comes with the light. The battery cover is held by four small magnets. Once you attached it to the wall or ceiling, you do not have to unscrew anything to replace batteries. You can just gently lift the top and easily put it back. Magnets are strong enough to hold the unit in place.

I also use some similar lights called PIR 6 LED Motion Sensors, they are very similar to the Philips SpotOns. You can set these lights to turn off at 30,60 or 90 seconds, according to your preference.

In my bathroom I have a Maxxima Occupancy Sensor Light. I like this light because it has frosted window, and it gives off a nice diffuse glow. These $17 lights have built-in motion sensors like the Philips lights. They run on three AA batteries. You can stand them on top of cabinets or put them on countertops. They are intelligent enough to only turn on at night (and only when they sense motion in the room). They turn off automatically after 30 seconds. They can also be set to turn on at night only, be left on at all times, or be shut off completely

These lights also be plugged into AC or DC power. Because they are portable, you can take them with you when you go camping.

Maxxima 5 LED Motion Sensor Light

This Maxxima 5 LED Sensor Light is similar to the one I described above, but it is brighter and it does not have a frosted window, so the light more intense. These ones are good for placing in garages or basements.

Maxxima 18 LED Occupancy Sensor Light

This large motion-sensing LED light from Maxxima, is the brightest I’ve tested. It has 18 LEDs that produce 69 lumens, but it runs on just four AA batteries. It’s also weather-resistant so it can be used outside. The stand is magnetic, and also has 4 screw holes for wall mounting. The stand itself is a swivel stand so you can position the light wherever you wish. It’s available from Amazon for around $40.

LED Christmas lights are efficient — they use 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs. They are also brighter, less prone to breaking, and cool to the touch.

Less optimal is the fact that almost all Christmas lights are made in China using questionable labor practices, and then transported half way around the world.

LED Christmas Lights

You can find LED Christmas lights at Amazon. You can also find some snowflake-shaped and color-changing Christmas LEDs from Environmental Bulbs.