Need a flashlight and don't want to read twenty product pages? Run through these five quick checks and you'll land on a great choice in minutes.
Check 1: Where will you use it?
- At home: long runtime and an easy switch for power cuts.
- In the car: compact, with a focused beam and good standby time.
- Outdoors: high output and a weather-resistant body.
Check 2: How many brightness modes?
Look for at least two or three. A low mode saves battery, a high mode lights up distance, and you'll use both more than you expect. Lumens tell you the total light output.
Check 3: How does it charge?
Check 4: Is it tough enough?
An aluminum body handles drops better than thin plastic. An IPX4 rating or higher means rain won't be a problem.
Check 5: Which extras do you need?
Zoom, strobe and SOS modes are handy for outdoor use and emergencies. If you just need a reliable house light, simpler is better.
Quick win: keep one light in the kitchen drawer and one in the car, and charge both whenever you change your smoke alarm batteries.
Follow the manufacturer's charging guidance and don't point bright beams at anyone's eyes.
