Flashlight Designs: What Makes Each Flashlight Unique

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The modern day flashlight is a relatively new innovation that followed on the heels of candles, lamps and lanterns. Conrad Hubert received the first patent for a flashlight in 1902. Hubert’s design was a similar canister type light with an on-off switch that was held in one hand. That basic format has not changed much over the last 100 years. What has changed is the internal technology – the light bulb, the power source and the extra features modern scientists have added to it.

Flashlights designs today are now typically named or categorized by the type of bulb they use or how they are typically used. Below is a sample of the types of flashlights available on the market and what makes them unique.

Incandescent.
This is generally the least expensive type of flashlight and has proven reliable in everyday use scenarios – searching home closets, looking under beds, home projects, etc. Incandescent bulbs are bright enough for basic use but not nearly as bright as some of the other bulb options. Because these flashlights typically require a lot of battery power that needs to be replaced often, and because brighter lights exist, they are no longer recommended for emergency use.

LED.
LED flashlights are now more highly recommended for emergency use – fire and rescue situations, car emergency kits, home disaster preparation kits, outdoor survival kits, etc. The color of traditional LED light is blue, but white LED lights are now more prevalent. These bulbs are very durable, need far less power to run and have a shelf life of about 10,000 hours. The technology in these lights also lends itself to all sorts of additional features like dimming, color changing and scope changes.

Hand-Crank Flashlights.
One great innovation in flashlights is the no-battery models now available for disaster preparation kits. These lights are charged up by either cranking or shaking the unit. Some models can operate for up to an hour for every minute of cranking that is added. Others can even be used to recharge smaller electronics like a cell phone or iPod. Typically, these lights use one or several LED bulbs.

Compact Flashlights.
Many major flashlight manufacturers have seen the need for reducing the size of their lights to something more convenient. Small, pocket-sized flashlights are very popular for keeping in the nightstand, a purse or on a keychain. These lights are typically easy to use (simple on/off button) and put out just the right amount of bright light for quick and easy use.

The flashlight has a history now over 100 years long. There have been significant advancements in the past 10 years that allow flashlights to remain a close and portable companion. The styles and designs even allow these flashlights to retain some of the same personality and character of their users. Take the time to get to know your options and determine what flashlight design will suit your needs best.

~Ben Nystrom, 2009

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