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). This model is exactly like the L2D-CE with the same battery runtime, but it runs brighter in all modes.

Available from Amazon: L2D-CE Fenix and Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED) ($53-59).

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.

Inova X5 LED Flashlight

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)