10 Tips for Choosing the Best High Intensity Discharge Flashlight

What is a high intensity discharge flashlight, you ask? Well, it’s a type of flashlight that uses a gas-filled arc tube to produce a very bright and intense light, much brighter than a typical LED or incandescent bulb flashlight. HID flashlights are often used for professional or industrial purposes, such as search and rescue, security, or night vision. They can also be used for outdoor or recreational activities, such as camping, hiking, or hunting.

However, not all HID flashlights are created equal. There are many factors to consider when buying one, such as brightness, beam type, battery type, durability, water resistance, and more. To help you make an informed decision, I’ve compiled a list of 10 tips for choosing the best HID flashlight for your needs. Let’s get started!

Tip #1: Choose the right brightness level

The brightness of a flashlight is measured in lumens, which is the amount of light emitted by the flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the flashlight is. However, brightness is not everything. You also have to consider how far and wide you want to see with your flashlight.

For example, if you need a flashlight for long-distance illumination and signaling, you may want to choose a flashlight with a high lumen output and a spot beam type, which is narrow and focused. On the other hand, if you need a flashlight for close-range illumination and peripheral vision, you may want to choose a flashlight with a lower lumen output and a flood beam type, which is wide and diffuse.

Some HID flashlights have adjustable beam types, which allow you to switch between spot and flood modes depending on your needs. For example, the Acebeam K70 has a maximum output of 2600 lumens and an adjustable beam type that can reach up to 1300 meters of distance.

Tip #2: Choose the right battery type

The battery type determines how long your flashlight can run on a single charge or set of batteries. There are two main types of batteries: rechargeable and disposable. Rechargeable batteries are more eco-friendly and cost-effective in the long run, but they also require access to a power source to recharge them. Disposable batteries are more convenient and readily available, but they also generate more waste and cost more in the long run.

Some HID flashlights can use both types of batteries interchangeably, while others can only use one type exclusively. You should choose the battery type that suits your preferences and availability. For example, the Pflexpro can use either rechargeable 18650 batteries or disposable CR123A batteries.

Tip #3: Choose the right water resistance rating

The water resistance rating tells you how well the flashlight can resist water ingress and damage. The most common rating system is the IPX scale, which ranges from 0 to 8. The higher the number, the more water-resistant the flashlight is. For example, IPX0 means no protection at all, while IPX8 means the flashlight can be submerged in water deeper than 1 meter for more than 30 minutes.

Ideally, you should look for a flashlight with at least IPX4 rating, which means it can withstand splashing water from any direction. However, if you plan to use your flashlight in wet or rainy conditions frequently, or if you want to be able to submerge it in water without worrying about damage, you should go for a higher rating, such as IPX7 or IPX8.

For example, the Emisar D4 has an IPX8 rating and can be submerged in water up to 2 meters deep.

Tip #4: Choose the right durability level

The durability level tells you how well the flashlight can resist physical impact and damage. The most common rating system is the ANSI/NEMA FL-1 standard, which measures the impact resistance of flashlights in meters. The higher the number, the more durable the flashlight is. For example, 0 meters means no protection at all, while 5 meters means the flashlight can survive a drop from 5 meters height without breaking.

Ideally, you should look for a flashlight with at least 1 meter of impact resistance, which means it can withstand normal wear and tear. However, if you plan to use your flashlight in rough or rugged conditions frequently, or if you want to be able to drop it without worrying about damage, you should go for a higher rating, such as 2 meters or more.

For example, the Garrity Flashlight has an impact resistance of 2 meters and can survive moderate drops and bumps.

Tip #5: Choose the right size and weight

The size and weight of your flashlight affect how easy it is to carry and use. You don’t want a flashlight that is too big or heavy for your hand or pocket, nor do you want a flashlight that is too small or light for your needs.

The size and weight of your flashlight depend on the type and number of batteries it uses, as well as the design and material of the flashlight body. Generally speaking, HID flashlights tend to be larger and heavier than LED or incandescent bulb flashlights, because they require more power and have a bigger arc tube.

However, there are still some HID flashlights that are relatively compact and lightweight, such as the HaloXT Tactical Flashlight, which weighs only 150 grams and measures 15.5 cm in length.

You should choose the size and weight of your flashlight that match your preferences and comfort level.

Tip #6: Choose the right additional features

Besides the features mentioned above, there are some other features that can make your HID flashlight more user-friendly and functional. For example:

• A tail switch or a side switch that allows you to turn on/off your flashlight easily and adjust the brightness levels quickly.
• A memory mode that remembers your last used brightness level and restores it when you turn on your flashlight again.
• A lockout function that prevents accidental activation of your flashlight when not in use.
• A low battery indicator that warns you when your battery is running low and needs replacement or recharging.
• A clip or a holster that allows you to attach your flashlight to your belt, backpack, or clothing for easy access and portability.
• A lanyard or a wrist strap that allows you to secure your flashlight to your hand or wrist for extra safety and convenience.

You should look for a flashlight that has the additional features that suit your needs and preferences.

For example, the Magpul Flashlight has a tail switch, a memory mode, a lockout function, a low battery indicator, a clip, and a lanyard.

Tip #7: Choose the right color temperature

The color temperature of your flashlight affects how natural and comfortable the light looks to your eyes. The color temperature is measured in kelvins (K), which is a unit of temperature. The higher the kelvins, the cooler and bluer the light is. The lower the kelvins, the warmer and yellower the light is.

For example, daylight has a color temperature of about 6500 K, which is cool and blue. Candlelight has a color temperature of about 1800 K, which is warm and yellow.

The color temperature of HID flashlights varies depending on the type of gas and metal used in the arc tube. Some HID flashlights have a color temperature of around 4000 K, which is neutral white. Some have a color temperature of around 6000 K, which is cool white. Some have a color temperature of around 3000 K, which is warm white.

You should choose the color temperature of your flashlight that matches your preferences and purposes. For example, if you want a flashlight that mimics natural daylight, you may want to choose a cool white flashlight. If you want a flashlight that creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere, you may want to choose a warm white flashlight.

Tip #8: Choose the right color rendering index

The color rendering index (CRI) of your flashlight affects how accurately and vividly the light reveals the colors of objects. The CRI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100, where 100 means perfect color rendering. The higher the CRI, the better the color rendering is. The lower the CRI, the worse the color rendering is.

For example, sunlight has a CRI of 100, which means it shows colors as they really are. A low-pressure sodium lamp has a CRI of 0, which means it shows colors as monochromatic yellow.

The CRI of HID flashlights varies depending on the type of gas and metal used in the arc tube. Some HID flashlights have a CRI of around 80, which means they show colors fairly well. Some have a CRI of around 60, which means they show colors poorly. Some have a CRI of around 40, which means they show colors very poorly.

You should choose the CRI of your flashlight that matches your preferences and purposes. For example, if you want a flashlight that shows colors as they really are, you may want to choose a high CRI flashlight. If you don’t care about colors much, you may want to choose a low CRI flashlight.

Tip #9: Choose the right price range

The price range of HID flashlights depends on many factors, such as the quality, performance, features, brand, and availability of the flashlights. Generally speaking, HID flashlights tend to be more expensive than LED or incandescent bulb flashlights, because they use more advanced technology and materials.

However, there are still some HID flashlights that are relatively affordable, such as the [P70 LED Flashlights], which cost around $50, which is a bargain for a HID flashlight.

You should choose the price range of your flashlight that matches your budget and expectations. For example, if you want a flashlight that has the best quality, performance, and features, you may want to choose a high-end flashlight. If you want a flashlight that has decent quality, performance, and features, you may want to choose a mid-range flashlight. If you want a flashlight that has basic quality, performance, and features, you may want to choose a low-end flashlight.

Tip #10: Choose the right brand and model

The brand and model of your flashlight affect the reputation, reliability, and customer service of the flashlight. There are many brands and models of HID flashlights on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some brands and models are more popular and trusted than others, while some are more obscure and unknown.

You should choose the brand and model of your flashlight that matches your preferences and trust level. For example, if you want a flashlight that has a good reputation and customer service, you may want to choose a well-known brand and model. If you want a flashlight that has a unique or innovative feature, you may want to choose a new or niche brand and model.

Some of the best brands and models of HID flashlights are:

• Fenix: Fenix is one of the leading brands of flashlights in the world. They produce high-quality, durable, and versatile flashlights for various purposes. Their HID flashlights are powerful, efficient, and reliable. Some of their best HID flashlights are Fenix TK75 and Fenix TK61.
• Nitecore: Nitecore is another leading brand of flashlights in the world. They produce innovative, intelligent, and user-friendly flashlights for various purposes. Their HID flashlights are bright, smart, and functional. Some of their best HID flashlights are Nitecore TM38 and Nitecore TM26.
• Olight: Olight is a relatively new but fast-growing brand of flashlights in the world. They produce elegant, compact, and stylish flashlights for various purposes. Their HID flashlights are sleek, simple, and elegant. Some of their best HID flashlights are Olight SR95 and Olight SR90.

Conclusion

There you have it: 10 tips for choosing the best HID flashlight for your needs. I hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below or contact me via email or social media. I’d love to hear from you.

And if you’re looking for more articles about lights and lighting devices and products in various forms, don’t forget to check out our blog at Glowylights. We have tons of content on topics such as Flashlight Reviews, Headlamp Flashlights, Lanterns, Solar Powered Flashlights, USB Charging Flashlights, and more.

Thanks for reading and happy lighting!