Guide to Choosing the Right Flashlight

Guide to Choosing the Right Flashlight

Streamlight builds professional lighting tools for people who take light seriously. Every environment demands something different—and no single flashlight can do it all. The right choice always comes down to how you plan to use it

To make that decision easier, we created an interactive online beam demonstration that shows you beam patterns in action. Curious about how different beams behave? Explore our beam pattern guide as well. Pair that insight with the considerations below, and you’ll be equipped to choose a light that performs the way you need and stands up to long-term use

 

Lumens, Candela and Lux

Lumens

  • Measures total light output of the flashlight not considering beam focus.
  • Almost entirely a function of the bulb or LED(s)
  • Does not take into account the focusing efficiency of the reflector, or the quality of other components.

Candela

  • Measurement of the brightest spot in the focused beam
  • Function of both the output of the lamp and efficiency of reflector
  • “Candela (peak beam intensity)” or “candela” is derived from “candle” and was based historically on an actual candle of specified dimensions and constructions output

Lux

  • Measurement of the amount of light that actually reaches a specific surface. One lx is equal to one lumen distributed over an area of one square meter.
  • Lux is measured with a device called a lux meter. This device measures the amount of light illuminating on a surface.

Think of LUX as Lumens actually on the target.

 

 

Bulb Type

Flashlight technology has evolved dramatically. While older models relied on xenon or halogen lamps, today’s lighting tools use LEDs.

 

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes)

LEDs are solid‑state, high‑intensity light sources that can last up to 100,000 hours without replacement. They use very little power, run cool, and are available in multiple colors, including ultraviolet and IR. Streamlight pairs these LEDs with engineered reflectors and optical technology to maximize brightness and deliver tight, powerful beams that pierce the darkness.

 

COB (Chip On Board) LED

Multiple LED chips (typically nine or more) that are packaged together as one lighting module. The LED chip diode is built directly on the circuit board. When it is lit up, it looks more like a lighting panel than multiple individual lights.

 

Battery Type

Your power source shapes everything—from brightness and runtime to long-term cost. Start by thinking about how often you’ll use your light and what your budget can support.

 

Disposable Batteries

Alkaline and lithium batteries offer excellent shelf life—about seven years for alkaline and up to ten for lithium. They generally deliver longer runtimes for a given output, cost less upfront, and make it easy to keep spares on hand. Their downside is operating cost: over time, they’re far more expensive than rechargeables, and they rarely match the brightness of high‑performance rechargeable systems. Lithium batteries pack more energy but come at a higher price over alkaline batteries.

 

Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable flashlights powered by NiMH or lithium‑ion batteries excel in high‑use environments. They keep operating costs low, recharge quickly, and often dock in charger bases for easy, grab‑and‑go access. Although they cost more upfront, their long lifespan and battery savings deliver significant value over time.

 

Multi-Fuel Battery Technology 

Users who want rechargeable convenience with a disposable battery backup can rely on the SL‑B26 or SL‑B9 battery packs for that flexibility.

These battery packs feature an integrated USB charging port and onboard safety circuitry, and they work in Streamlight Multi-Fuel products. Multi‑Fuel capability ensures you always have a power source ready when it counts. As with any rechargeable solution, the upfront cost is higher, but the long‑term savings are significant.


Cost Savings Analysis Streamlight ProTac® 2-LX: SL-B26® Battery vs CR123A Lithium Batteries
ProductProTac® 2L-X with SL-B26® ProTac® 2L-X with CR123As
Purchase Price of Light$132.14$112.32
Cost of Replacement Batteries$26.34$8.49
Lumen Output500500
Candlepower6,8006,800
Weight4.4 oz3.9 oz
Maximum Available Run Time Per Battery Charge in Hours3.252.75
Cost Comparison
Cost of Batteries and Flashlight During First 300 Hours6,8006,800
Cost of Replaceable Batteries Over the Life of One Rechargeable SL-B26 Battery Pack4.4 oz3.9 oz
Total Cost of Ownership for Life of One Rechargeable SL-B26 Battery Pack3.252.75
Cost Savings Calculation Over the Life of Rechargeable SL-B26® Battery Pack
Cost Savings with Rechargeable SL-B26® Battery Pack$4,842.63 

 

Take a look at the total cost of ownership chart (below):


* The life of one rechargeable battery is based on 500 charge cycles of the lithium battery. Cost savings estimates do NOT include battery recycling costs nearly eliminated from battery consumption Streamlight products are covered by a  limited lifetime warranty.


    New Product Videos