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Frequently Asked Questions — Choosing the Right Flashlight
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) were prepared to help answer any
questions you may have about selecting a flashlight for your applications.
Q: What are high lumen (HL) flashlights?
A: A flashlight is considered high lumen when it has an LED that emits an output of at
least 500 lumens. Streamlight has flashlights in its HL series that range from 500 lumens
to 1,100 lumens. We also have a lantern, the E-Flood® Litebox® HL™, that is 3,600
lumens.
Q: What makes Streamlight’s high lumen flashlights different from others on the
market?
A: While Streamlight’s HL lights do feature lumens of at least 500, we continue to pursue
an optimum beam, with the quality and capability our customers have grown to expect.
In designing these lights, we also take into consideration run time, consistency/durability,
and cost.
Q: Have high lumen LED flashlights been around for a while?
A: While high lumen LEDs have been on the market for some time, Streamlight didn’t
feel they met our standards for flashlights with the quality and capability that our
customers expect. It was only recently that this technology progressed to the point that
we felt we could give our users a light with higher lumens that still had a good, focused
beam. It was also important to us that we designed these HL lights to still have a good
regulated run time and a reasonable cost.
Q: How has the LED technology changed over the years?
A: LED technology has been shifting to a point where companies can provide higher
lumens in their flashlights. Earlier flashlights with high lumens had issues with shorter
run times, and the lights also created a lot of heat, which made it hard to hold on to
them.
Q: Why is candela important? Don’t I want the most lumens possible?
A: It’s all about balance. Lumens is the measurement of the entire light output,
regardless of beam focus. Candela (peak beam intensity) is the measurement of the
brightest spot in the focused beam, and takes into account both the output of the lamp
(lumens) and the efficiency of the reflector.
Depending on how you will use the light, the highest lumens possible may not be the
best fit. If you often find yourself needing light down-range, such as in search and rescue
operations, checking utility lines, or even rifle shooting, you may prefer one of our high
performance (HP) lights for long-range lighting, with a more focused beam for greater
distances.
Q: Are there ever times you wouldn’t want a high lumen flashlight?
A: It depends on how you plan to use the light. A high lumen flashlight is good for
providing maximum illumination, such as lighting up an entire room or vehicle, or using it
to help light a scene. However, if you’re looking for a light that can be used on an
everyday basis, either as a standard duty light or to use in general contracting, or a light
that can help with identification at a distance, you may find that you prefer a light with a
lower lumen rating and a more focused beam.