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Are you in need of a reliable flashlight for outdoor adventures or emergency situations? One important factor to consider when purchasing a flashlight is the number of lumens it emits. Lumens measure the amount of visible light produced by a source. But how many lumens do you really need in a flashlight?
What is a Lumen?
When it comes to choosing a flashlight, one of the most important factors to consider is the lumen rating. But what exactly does this rating mean?
A lumen is a unit of measurement for the amount of light that is produced by a given source. To put it simply, a flashlight with 100 lumens would produce the same amount of light as 100 candles. So, the higher the lumen rating, the brighter the light will be.
Higher Lumen Rating Doesn’t Always Mean Better
However, it’s important to note that a higher lumen rating doesn’t always mean that a flashlight is better. The intended use of the flashlight should also be taken into consideration. For example, if you’re looking for a flashlight to use in your home, you won’t need one with a very high lumen rating. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use it outdoors at night, a higher lumen rating will be necessary for better visibility.
How Many Lumens is a Good Flashlight?
The appropriate lumen rating for a flashlight depends on the intended use of the flashlight. For close-up tasks, a flashlight with a lumen rating of 1-20 lumens is suitable.
For general use around the home and outdoor activities, a flashlight with a lumen rating of 20-100 lumens is ideal. For camping, hiking, or other outdoor activities, a lumen rating of 100-199 lumens is a good choice.
For more intense tasks such as automotive repairs or tactical outdoor activities, a lumen rating of 200-399 lumens is recommended. It’s important to keep in mind that a higher lumen rating doesn’t always mean a better flashlight, the intended use should also be considered.
Lumen Rating Range
Lumen ratings for flashlights can range from around 20 lumens to over 3000 lumens.
Flashlight with 1-20 Lumens
The lower end of the spectrum is typically found in small, pocket-sized flashlights that are convenient to carry around and are suitable for close-up tasks. These flashlights usually have a brightness level of 1-20 lumens and can light up an area within a radius of 5 feet. They are also budget-friendly.
Flashlight with 20-100 Lumens
A flashlight with a brightness level of 20-100 lumens is ideal for use in and around the home, as well as outdoor activities. This is the most common lumen rating and has become the standard for good all-around general use.
These flashlights often referred to as EDC (Everyday Carry) flashlights, are small enough to fit in your pocket and have a throw distance of 20-30 feet with an average runtime of 5-10 hours on two AA batteries.
Flashlight with 100-199 Lumens
A flashlight within a 100-199 lumen range is also a good choice for general use. It has a good amount of light output, making it effective and efficient. It is still affordable and usually small enough to fit in your pocket, handbag, or purse.
This type of flashlight is ideal for activities like camping or hiking, but if you plan on using one often or need it for a job, you may want to consider a more powerful model.
Flashlight with 200-399 Lumens
A flashlight within a 200-399 lumen range is bright and very useful and excellent for camping, fishing, trekking, and tactical outdoor tasks. It can also be used at home, in your garage, for automotive repairs, or for any other task that requires a bright light.
Final Words
Learn about the importance of lumen ratings when choosing a flashlight and discover the ideal lumen range for your specific needs. From close-up tasks to outdoor adventures, find out how many lumens are necessary for a good flashlight that fits your purpose.