The Right Flashlight
by Bob Anderson, PhD, CMSgt(Ret)
As with most of my "required equipment" lists, you can't have enough flashlights; you need one for each vehicle. You need one in at least half of the rooms in your house and you need one that you can have on you out in public.
The biggest problem with flashlights is batteries - they wear out and it seems that when you really need a light; the batteries are dead. Batteries are also expensive!
Here are some options:
Each has it's own positives and negatives. Cost and size of the flashlight are often two of the negatives. Small clip on lights are handy for small area illumination but they are limited in power.
I prefer the small one hand "Police" type with an end (or tail) switch. I prefer those that are machine aluminum or heavy duty polymer cases. I prefer a larger one for emergency home use and technology is certainly offering options we've never had before.
Take the plunge and invest in good batteries with long life expectancy. For a long time Outlast scenario remember to have several different methods to replace or recharge batteries.
Solid but inexpensive flashlights with long life batteries don't take up much room in the glove box, just remember to periodically check them. Vibration can break the filament in the bulb and never go on a trip without checking those flashlights.
The old military "L" shaped D battery models are solid work horses and at least water resistant if not water proof. Plus they come with several different color lens covers that really do serve good purposes.
Lithium batteries are recognized to have a long life with bright light capability.
Some flashlights come standard with stands, clips, magnets (to hold them in place, different modes, different colors and different materials. Take the time to hunt around before you settle on the inexpensive models that just won't last very long.
Gentlemen, make sure your Lady never leaves home without one. What would happen if the movie or restaurant loses electricity and you have to navigate in the dark?
That very thing happened to me one time in Costa Rica. We were staying in a brand new five-star hotel and restaurant on the Pacific Coast. Right in the middle of the meal, LIGHTS OUT!
We were the only ones not got in the dark.
Luckily I had some extras in our room because no one else had thought to bring a flashlight on the trip and the hotel didn't have any.
Particularly on trips outside of this country - carry a flashlight! There's a wonderful selection of keychain flashlights perfect for hooking onto a purse or backpack.
Don't forget a flashlight in the college dorm room; and take one to the hospital if you're staying overnight.
There are even models that can be affixed to firearms. These attach and detach with no harm to the weapon and come in several sizes for use with pistols as well as "long guns".
The larger Mag-lights even come in handy as a self-defense tool. They are rugged and with their solid metal construction can adjust an attitude if need be.
Suffice it to say, "Let there be light..."
