How to Determine If a Light is New or Outdated

With the advancement of technology, the portable light industry has made significant strides in enhancing its lighting sources and power supply. Primarily, the industry has prioritized the advancement of LED chips, batteries, and chargers. For a flashlight manufacturer, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technology is paramount to ensure that products cater to customer demands. Nonetheless, it can prove challenging for importers to distinguish between a product that reflects the latest trend and one that’s outdated.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating a flashlight:

High-powered LED chip

A quality portable light such as a flashlight or headlamp should use a high-powered LED chip that provides bright, long-lasting illumination. Popular LED brands in the flashlight industry include Cree, Osram, and Luminus. While other brands may be good, it’s wise to choose popular, reliable brands if targeting developed countries’ markets.

Rechargeable battery

A rechargeable battery is more convenient and environmentally friendly than disposable batteries. The flashlight should also come with a charger or be able to charge via USB. Nowadays, lights powered by disposable batteries are only for promotional or giveaway uses.

The flashlight industry currently uses a variety of rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries. Li-ion batteries are commonly used in high-performance flashlights due to their high energy density and long lifespan, while LiPo batteries are typically used in smaller, more compact flashlights due to their small size and high discharge rates. The choice of battery type often depends on the specific needs of the flashlight, such as size, weight, performance, and cost.

USB Type-C charging port

USB-C is a 24-pin USB connector system with a rotationally symmetrical connector. It has several advantages over micro-USB, such as a reversible connector, faster data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, the power delivery of up to 100W, versatility, and a smaller form factor. Five years ago, the market was dominated by micro-USB charging ports, but now it’s an outdated style. If a flashlight has a micro-USB charging port, it’s at least three years old.

Fast charging charger

Fast charging is desirable because it allows a device to be charged quickly and efficiently, which is especially important for devices like flashlights that are used in emergency situations. The charging speed of a flashlight is determined by several factors, including the capacity of the battery, the charging rate of the charger, and the condition of the charging port and battery contacts. The quality and condition of the charging cable can also affect the charging speed. However, the most critical factor determining the charging speed is the power of the charger, with 20W, 50W, and even 120W being popular power options.

Impact-resistant

It’s important for flashlights to be able to withstand impact and shock, particularly for outdoor activities where they may be dropped or hit against surfaces. The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) has set a standard for drop resistance, which states that a flashlight should be able to survive a drop from a height of one meter without sustaining significant damage.

Based on our more than 20 years of experience in light manufacturing, the impact is the primary cause of damage to lights. Flashlight manufacturers should strive to meet or exceed this standard to ensure that their products can withstand the rigours of everyday use.

Water-resistant and durable

In our years of providing after-sales maintenance, water has been identified as the second leading cause of damage to lights.

The flashlight should be able to withstand harsh conditions, such as rain or accidental drops, and keep functioning. Waterproofing is essential for a portable light, such as a flashlight, as it allows the device to be used in wet or damp conditions without the risk of damage to the internal components. A waterproof flashlight can be used in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, or boating without worrying about damage due to rain or water exposure. It also ensures that the device can be used in emergency situations such as floods, storms, or accidents where water is present. Therefore, a waterproof portable light is an essential feature for anyone who needs a reliable and durable source of light in various conditions.

Over-charged and Over-discharged protection function

Batteries and flashlights can be affected by overcharging and over-discharging, which can have negative effects on their performance. Overcharging can damage the battery’s chemical structure, shortening its lifespan and reducing its performance. Over-discharging can also shorten the lifespan of the battery and may prevent the device from working properly.

To avoid these negative effects, batteries and flashlights should have protection circuits to prevent overcharging and over-discharging.

The above are the must-have features of a durable flashlight. Regardless of the type or style of portable light, I believe these are the basic requirements. Of course, a flashlight is not just for illumination, it is a useful tool. Below are some additional features. They are important but not necessary, and they make the flashlight more versatile and functional.

Multiple brightness modes

The flashlight should have multiple brightness modes to suit different needs, from low-power modes for preserving battery life to high-power modes for maximum brightness.

Compact and lightweight

A modern flashlight should be lightweight and easy to carry, especially for outdoor activities or emergencies.

Adjustable focus

 The flashlight should have an adjustable focus to change the beam’s width and distance, from a wide flood beam to a narrow spotlight.

Power indicator

A power indicator is helpful to know how much battery life is left and when it needs recharging.

Low battery warning

A low battery warning alerts you when the battery is running low and needs recharging, preventing unexpected battery drain.

Red light mode

Some flashlights come with a red light mode that is useful for preserving night vision or signaling without attracting attention.

Magnetic base

A flashlight with a magnetic base can attach to metal surfaces, making it hands-free and convenient.

Lantern mode

Some flashlights have a lantern mode that diffuses the light in all directions, useful for camping or power outages.

Tactical features

Some flashlights have tactical features such as a strobe mode for self-defense, a strike bezel, or a holster.

Memory function

The flashlight should have a memory function that remembers the last mode used, so you don’t have to cycle through all the modes again.

SOS function

An SOS function is a useful feature in case of emergencies, allowing you to signal for help with flashing light.

Glow-in-the-dark feature

A flashlight with a glow-in-the-dark feature is useful to find it in the dark and prevent loss.

Power bank function

Some flashlights may also feature a built-in power bank capable of charging other devices such as smartphones or tablets. This can be a useful feature for those who frequently need to charge their devices while on the go, or for emergency situations where access to power sources may be limited. Some flashlights even come equipped with multiple charging ports or wireless charging capabilities, further enhancing their versatility and usefulness as a portable power source.

Magnetic charging system

A magnetic charging system flashlight is a type of flashlight that uses a magnetic connection to charge the battery instead of a traditional charging port. The magnetic charger is typically attached to the flashlight and can be plugged into a USB port or wall adapter to recharge the battery. This type of charging system is convenient because it eliminates the need for wires and connectors, making it easier to charge the flashlight on the go. Additionally, magnetic charging systems are often more durable than traditional charging ports, as they are less prone to damage from dust, dirt, and moisture.

In conclusion

After reading the above, you can easily determine whether a product is the latest model. And when you have a limited budget, it is crucial to know how to select the most cost-effective and useful features. Read this post to learn how to get the most out of your money.