When you are purchasing a new LED flashlight, you are most likely aiming your attention towards the lumen output, the spot beam pattern, and other handy flashlight specs, not the battery problems you could potentially run into. Batteries are often not thought about until you are faced with battery complications. Truth is, you rely on batteries more often than you think and flashlight experts encourage you to do some research on battery options for LED flashlights when you are in the market for a new flashlight.
As batteries have a great impact on how you use your flashlight over its lifetime, it's important for you to know certain information regarding batteries that may be required for LED flashlights.
RECHARGEABLE VS. BATTERY POWERED
Some flashlights don't require their batteries to be changed - instead, you can just plug them into an electrical outlet and let the battery recharge. Eventually, the battery will need to be replaced though, so when you are choosing a rechargeable LED flashlight, be sure that you can actually replace the battery. Some models don't have that option, and you therefore may need to purchase a brand new flashlight once the battery in your LED flashlight dies.
Rechargeable flashlights are great to have on hand for home emergency situations, and can serve time after time - as long as you are able to recharge it. If you're stuck in a storm, earthquake, or other emergency, your rechargeable flashlight can serve as a torch, guiding everyone through the darkness.
There are a couple of negative components to rechargeable LED flashlights. One is that, unless you have a solar charger, they cannot charge without an electrical source. So, for your outdoor adventures, or even for a home emergency that last more than a couple of hours, this kind of flashlight is just not practical. Another negative component is that rechargeable LED flashlights don't have as long a run time as traditional non-rechargeable flashlights.
For professional purposes and sporting enthusiasts, battery-powered flashlights are chosen more frequently. They not only have a higher run time than rechargeable models, but they also have more capabilities, are more versatile, and have a stronger, more focused light.
DISPOSABLE VS. RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
If you are someone who runs through tons of batteries over a short period of time, you may want to consider investing in rechargeable batteries for your flashlight. Rechargeable batteries can be substituted in flashlights that call for triple A through D batteries. This option is more cost effective and you won't notice a huge downgrade in performance for your LED flashlight.
Rechargeable options for batteries are becoming more available as major brands are offering them. For instance, Energizer not only sells the rechargeable batteries, but also the battery rechargers. Upfront, rechargeable batteries and their chargers may seem more expensive, but ultimately it is a more cost-effective and sustainable option.
A downside to rechargeable batteries is that their charge doesn't last as long as the charge for disposable batteries. So, if you are an avid outdoor adventure enthusiast, or just prefer to have a LED flashlight that has reliable, powerful, long-lasting light, perhaps the disposable battery option is right for you.
ALKALINE BATTERIES
The most common type of battery used in the world is the alkaline battery. This means that you can find batteries for your LED flashlights anywhere you go as most grocery and supply stores, or gas stations, carry them. The downside to getting this type of battery for your flashlight is that they cannot be reused and the battery themselves can be dangerous for the environment if they are not discarded properly.
LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES
The higher cost does not outweigh the great positive elements of the lithium battery. Lithium batteries perform better than other batteries in colder climates, and are therefore a popular option for ice fishermen and wintertime hunters. Also, when you are looking for long-lasting batteries for you LED flashlights, lithium batteries are the way to go. You could store them for as long as ten years, and they shouldn't lose their power.
HOW BULB TYPE IMPACTS BATTERY USE
An important note to keep in mind is that whatever type of flashlight you purchase will have an impact on what kind of batteries you will choose. When it comes to LED flashlights, you can minimize your battery use as that flashlight is more efficient than flashlights with incandescent bulbs.
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