Buying an LED Flashlight: Why Power Switches Matter - By: Tom C. Huntington

When buying an LED flashlight, most people focus on features such as brightness, the intensity of the beam, battery run time, and the flashlight's ability to resist getting wet or being dropped. What frequently gets overlooked is the power switch, which is an important consideration when shopping for LED flashlights. The power switch's location and design will ultimately control how you interact with your flashlight.

Here is a list of pros and cons of various power switches for LED flashlights:

LED Flashlight Power Switch Types

Bezel twist switch. This is a common type of switch for LED flashlight models. Twisting the bezel, or the front piece that holds the torch's lens, will turn the flashlight on.

Pro: Bezel twist switch LED flashlights are usually more waterproof than other torches.

Con: Both hands are needed to operate this type of switch.

Side click switch. This comes in the form of a button on the body of the LED flashlight. You can turn the light on and off by pressing down on the button until you hear a click.

Pro: Only one hand is needed to operate this switch.

Con: Without a rubber seal around the button, LED flashlights with this switch type are not usually waterproof.

Tailcap click switch. This switch is similar to the slide-click switch, except it's located on the LED flashlight's end, or tailcap.

Pro: The button's position is great for holding the LED flashlight with an inverted grip at eye level.

Con: This switch may be more difficult for those with smaller hands to operate.

Tailcap twist switch. This switch operates similarly to the bezel twist switch, but it's located on the end of the LED flashlight.

Pro: Due to the location of the switch, you won't accidentally open the battery compartment of your torch.

Con: This is another switch that requires the use of both hands to operate.

Membrane press switch. This switch comes in the form of a button that is covered by a plastic membrane. Press down on the button to turn the LED flashlight on or off.

Pro: This switch prevents you from turning the torch on by accident.

Con: The covering will most likely crack with time and use due to being made of cheaper materials.

Side slide switch. This is a traditional form of switch that is located on the side of the LED flashlight. Sliding it turns the light on or off.

Pro: It's easy to operate with one hand.

Con: LED flashlights with side slide switches are usually not waterproof.

Magnetic reed switch. These LED flashlights have a sliding switch with a magnet attached on the outside of the torch. There is a reed enclosed by glass in the body. To operate, shake the flashlight and slide the switch to move the magnet. The magnet will attract the reed and close the circuit.

Pro: This is a fully waterproof LED flashlight, as it is entirely sealed and has no openings.

Con: In order to charge the capacitor, you need to shake the LED flashlight for at least 30 seconds. The battery life also allows for only 20 minutes of usable light.

Choosing the Right LED Flashlight

As there are many features to consider when figuring out what kind of LED flashlight to purchase, make sure you focus on what will matter the most to you. The more features it has, the larger the LED flashlight will probably be.

Quality and value are two components to prioritize when searching for LED flashlights. Also, it's a good idea to test the LED flashlight to make sure you find a power switch that works best for you in whatever situation you need it for.

About the Author

Want to know more about LED flashlight terms and features? Visit the website of COAST Products at http://www.CoastPortland.com to learn more about LED flashlights and to view their selection of high quality LED light products.

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