/r/flashlight

Photograph via snooOG

We discuss flashlights of all types!

EDC, keychains, headlamps, lanterns, weapons, work, and many others.


We discuss flashlights of all types!

EDC, keychains, headlamps, lanterns, weapons, work, and many others. Don't be shy to post your NLD (New Light Day), too!

Check out all the latest flashlight news right here!


Topics like batteries, chargers, mounts, holsters, etc. are welcome.

Great deals you've found and personal reviews/pictures of your flashlights or related gear are always welcome.

Feel free to ask anything related to flashlights. There is no such thing as a dumb question here and everyone is more than happy to help.


Rules:

  • Rule 1: Be excellent to each other
  • Rule 2: Marketing must follow the marketer guidelines
  • Rule 3: Label affiliate links
  • Rule 4: Items for sale only in BST thread
  • Rule 5: No "shipping in progress" posts
  • Rule 6: No pocket dumps
  • Rule 7: No unopened boxes
  • Rule 8: Don't delete posts that have comments
  • Rule 9: Be human - don't post AI content or run bots without mod approval
  • Rule 10: No politics. No politics.

See here for more details.


Looking to buy a light? Get good recommendations!

Want to sell a light? Visit the monthly Buy, Sell, Trade (BST) thread! It's the only place for sales.


Marketer guidelines: for website representatives and owners.


Knowledge Center:


We're on IRC, too! Chat with enthusiasts live on ##flashlight on Libera.chat.
Feel free to come hang out with us and talk about flashlights. Sometimes it's quiet in there, so if no one responds, feel free to tag a mod so we get an alert. Quick questions are also welcomed but the form is much better for a recommendation.


If you submit a post and it doesn't come up right away - please message the moderators.


You might also enjoy:

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Sites

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/r/flashlight

233,473 Subscribers

0

What say you?

So I just received my Convoy L21B and shone it at my wall and thought huh.... I could see the center of the hotspot was offset from the rest of the hotspot, if that makes sense. Almost like an artifact in the hotspot. Had a look at the emitter and noticed it's offset a bit. Noticeable against the wall but outdoors it's not that bad, especially at distance.

My question: Do I accept this? It's not that expensive of a light. No clue if returning is an option and would most likely be more of a pain in the ass than the $50CAD is worth to me. Please let me know what you think 🙏🏻

0 Comments
2025/02/01
15:21 UTC

10

Sofirn sp31 v3- not impressed

• sst40 version

Just got off of work 7pm-7am (in the refineries if that matters lol) and worked my first night with my new SP31, grabbed it out the mailbox on my way in to work and charged it up on the way there. I gotta say, I was really excited to get to use it and it was a huge disappointment.

First I’ll start with the positives: Built quality is excellent, it just looks and feels really nice, and onboard charging is convenient albeit an extremely common feature now so not really anything worth note.. and that’s about where it ends.

The negatives: It doesn’t have a deep carry pocket clip which was my first time trying a pocket light without one, and while I knew it wouldn’t be the best going into it, I don’t think I realized how uncomfortable it would truly be.. but that one’s on me. Secondly it didn’t seem to meet the claimed 2000lm output, and battery life wasn’t all that great (not terrible just not that great either) after looking at zeroairs review I noticed his tested Lm output for it was like slightly less than 1400lms and it starts stepping down pretty rapidly, which matched my experience as I was talking to a coworker about how the turbo didn’t really seem that much brighter than the “high” mode, and on top of that the high mode on zeroairs review was iirc even less than 1000 lumens. I know the sst40 isn’t a very beloved emitter but I figured surely this light would have some sort of redeeming quality and it really just didn’t. Normally I don’t mind cooler emitters (at work specifically) because the light tends to reflect off the inside of flanges and metal surfaces better as well as showing imperfections in welds, etc. but yeah this thing just wasn’t it imo.

Honestly the sp31 v3 is basically a baton 4 when it comes to runtimes, emitter, beam pattern and lumen output but without the benefit of being tiny af and convenient (I do love my baton 4 for what it is)

Things I learned from this experience: Check zeroair reviews before purchasing a light, and when this sub hates on an emitter it’s probably for good reason lmao

Anyway there’s my low effort review, Idk why I’m bothering posting this but figured somebody might care lol.

13 Comments
2025/02/01
14:09 UTC

12

S2+ MAO w/ Short Tube

First Convoy and very impressed for the cost. Loving the MAO + Orange 🍊

2 Comments
2025/02/01
12:42 UTC

2

Battery management across flashlights

Just recently got into pocket throwers. Started with a couple nitecores, just ordered a few hank lights, now I already see a few convoys in my future.

Leads me to wonder, how do you handle batteries? One or more for each light, or do you have only a few and swap them between lights? And what’s your routine for charging them and of different types?

3 Comments
2025/02/01
12:40 UTC

3

Nero Batlight 1500 lumen

Went in looking for one of those big metal flashlights like the police used to use back in the day. Found this, 1500 lumens. Runs off 6 AA's.

Specifically wanted a big heavy metal flashlight to keep in my vehicle as a self-defense option mainly because it's not actually a weapon which makes me feel alot better about having it in my car concealed and all that jazz.

Filmed in pitch black room. Completely lights the room up like daytime when pointing up at the ceiling on the brightest setting,

Water resistant.

I really like the button placement being on the butt of the handle seeing as it's meant to be swung around, that way you aren't accidentally pressing the power button during a scuffle.

3 settings are Bright. Dim and what the box it came in referred to as Defensive Strobe.

When I first brought it home it was Daylight and I had my curtains open so it was pretty bright in my living room and I shined the strobe at myself using my mirror and it is absolutely blinding, even just for a moment in broad daylight, at night it would be completely disorienting.

The company that released this product has a demonstration video where a guy is using it to bust up some cinder blocks so it seems to be pretty resilient. Not going to test it out for myself.. hopefully mine will never be used for anything other than a flashlight.

50$ from Ace Hardware.

Very happy with it.

4 Comments
2025/02/01
12:19 UTC

8

Best Flashlights for Light Painting Photography 2025 has now been published.

3 Comments
2025/02/01
11:11 UTC

0

Edc29 for 70 bucks?

Is it a steal or did I get robbed 😭

4 Comments
2025/02/01
10:59 UTC

17

FENIXLIGHT LIMITED EDITION

The SILVGLOW in rainbow stainless steel body make any EDC configuration better don't you think?

2 Comments
2025/02/01
10:29 UTC

1

Yet another headlight recommendation

Hi all, I've got a few flashlights but now I'd like to get a decent headlamp for a good price. I've mostly got wurkkos flashlights and I was considering something from them.

I want something that'd have a good flood as I want to use it when working on a car or when doing some delicate work that needs a lot of light. Hopefully something decently waterproof, so I won't have to wore about using it in rain.

Had a look at hd12, hd50 and hd20 but I'm not really sure what would be good. Totally open to different brands too, but I've found wurkkos to be the best value so far, and I'd prefer to spend <50 gbp (~60usd)

Thanks!

5 Comments
2025/02/01
10:23 UTC

3

Color comparison Acebeam Pokelit AA 5000K and Lumintop Tool AA 3.0 (WB Daylight 5500K)

2 Comments
2025/02/01
10:15 UTC

2

Electrical work onboard a ship

I need Your recommendations for flashlight choice as I'm having a problem and cannot choose one. Would like something with UV light and strong Leads, if possible rotating one. Thanks in advance

1 Comment
2025/02/01
08:25 UTC

81

Typical r/flashlight activities

Don’t buy Convoy S12 UV

10 Comments
2025/02/01
05:43 UTC

13

Do any of your 18650 cells need rewrapped?

I bought a pack of 18650 Cell Wraps from Amazon because a staggering number of my cells needed new wraps.

18650s with damaged wraps are NO JOKE! Don't burn your house down; I don't need the quantity of rewraps I have, thus i will be giving the rest away.

Tell me how many you need, and I guess a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope (include a return stamp inside) should be sufficient. I will probably limit it to 10, but I can't guarantee any particular color[s].

1 Comment
2025/02/01
05:43 UTC

21

[BST] February 2025 Buy, Sell, Trade Thread.

Welcome to the monthly r/flashlight Buy, Sell, Trade thread, a r/flashlight tradition since 2015!

The Rules

Requirements

  1. Prove possession with a timestamp: a piece of paper placed under your sale item(s) with your Reddit username handwritten and the posting date (no more than 2 weeks old).
  2. Top-level comments must be WTS or WTB comments. Anything else will be removed. Begin your top-level comment with WTB (Want to Buy), WTS (Want to Sell), or WTT (Want to Trade). Remember, trade items require timestamps, too!
  3. A price is required.
  4. Take necessary precautions; trading over the Internet is risky. Moderators hold no control over deals, good or bad.
  5. Reposting WTS or WTB items from previous BSTs is fine. Do not repost within the same month!
  6. Mark items sold with a strikethrough of the entire sale item; e.g. $75 Use double tildes to accomplish this: ~~75~~ (This helps greatly with scanning the BST to find items for purchase!)

Suggestions

  • Your location
  • Emitter details
  • A bunch of photos of your items

Reminder: Buy the Seller

If an interaction seems sketchy to you, run away! Scams can and do happen through the BST! Some tips:

  • Timestamps. If the person you're dealing with isn't quick to provide timestamps on the images, or a photo of the flashlight in a shoe or whatever, don't deal with them.
  • Reverse image searching is a great way to catch scammers.
  • Excuses for not sending photos are a red flag.
  • Using a platform other than Reddit's private messages for communication is a red flag.
  • Don't use Reddit chats. Chats can be deleted!
  • Giving you a hard time about any hesitation you show is a red flag.
  • Check post history. Brand new accounts or accounts with long pauses in activity, etc., might not be trustworthy.
  • It's good practice to comment on this post before sending a PM; scammers often won't comment publicly (and banned users can't comment here.)

If you're dealing with someone who might be sketchy, take screenshots of your interactions and report them to the mods! We care about this thread's integrity and will ban those threatening it.

Do not let a scammer be more diligent than you!

More Tips

  • PirateShip is a great shipping option. https://ship.pirateship.com/ship/single
  • "Shipping included" items tend to sell more quickly.
  • USPS Priority Flat Rate at ~$8 is adequate packing for a light or two or ~$14 for many more. Weight is not a factor when you use the official Flat Rate packing, and the packaging is free through the USPS website.
  • There are a few options for trading outside of this current BST:

Previous BST threads

r/flashlight_swap

r/edcexchange

___

Sales Form Recommendation

Just copy the form below and edit it to suit your post! The form has two goals: First, it might simplify listing your items. Second, it should ease browsing and increase sales!

#WTS [A summary here is excellent!]

* These payments are accepted
* This is how I will ship
* Location(s) I can ship to 
* Bundle price (if applicable)
* Other general terms

--- 

#Price - Brand and model. 

* Timestamp for this item (required). 
* Condition. 

---

#Price - Brand and model.** 

* Timestamp for this item (required). 
* Condition. 

---

~~SOLD Price - Sale item number 3 Brand and model. Timestamp. Condition.~~

---
22 Comments
2025/02/01
05:00 UTC

2

Se callo mi olight i5t eos a menos de 95cm del piso y ya no prendio

1 Comment
2025/02/01
04:19 UTC

0

Recommendations

Which would be better for a light mainly for walking at night/self-defense?

• Acebeam TAC 2AA

• Sofirn SP31 V3.0

• Wurkkos FC11C

• Any others you would recommend

TIA

13 Comments
2025/02/01
03:42 UTC

1

Olight

My Olight magnetic charger is pushing away from each other. Anyway to fix this?

5 Comments
2025/02/01
02:24 UTC

1

Pioneman k90

Has anyone got any idea how this light compares to the convoy 3x21d? Because they look very similar. I also wonder if they have the same amount of throw because im thinking of getting the pioneman k90

0 Comments
2025/02/01
03:44 UTC

29

Flashlight Storage

Here is how I store the majority of my smaller flashlights. The top shelf was from IKEA I purchased years ago and at the bottom I added a small steel shelf. I’d love to see others set up!

18 Comments
2025/02/01
03:10 UTC

0

Really unhappy with flashlights!

I am a pseudo flashlight nerd. I own way more of them than I should or need. And I will say that I am unhappy with the flashlight market. As LEDs become more and more efficient, they continue to increase the lumens and the "throw". But for many applications, I don't want or need massive lumens, I just want a good all purpose flashlight with more battery life. While there are some flashlight applications that need lots of lumens, etc. there is a need for a general purpose/bug out light that need lots of battery life. I find that 1000 lumens is PLENTY of light for almost any general purpose need. But the Manufacturers keep increasing the lumens but do so at the expense of battery life. I guess, really, it is a problem with the Drivers. They deliver max lumens and then substantially drop the lumens to lower levels.

I would really like a "new" (efficient) LED that has a maximum of 1000 lumens. And has a Driver that has 750 lumens, 500 lumens, 250 lumens, 100 lumens, and finally about 10 lumens.

14 Comments
2025/02/01
02:21 UTC

0

Increasing cost of flashlights?

I'm not trying to start a political discussion on this sub. I think it's great that it stays out of politics and is just for our shared love of bright objects. However, do we think the price of flashlights made it China (Hank, FFL, convoy, along with many others) are going to increase with the proposed tariffs? I feel like it could make a potentially expensive hobby that much more expensive.

49 Comments
2025/02/01
02:08 UTC

3

[Help] Wurkkos HD10 suddenly dim

I used this headlamp on a hunt and after I got home and charged it, I noticed it wouldn’t go into turbo. It simply turns off using 2C, and doing 2C again turns it back to regular. Not only that, but all of the power levels are much more dim than with my other HD10 in a side by side test.

I did a factory reset with using 13H and now it will use turbo, but turbo is obviously much dimmer than it should be. It’s about equivalent to the medium setting on my other HD10. All of the settings are obviously much dimmer, like 1/3 of what they should be.

I thought maybe I fried the battery, but swapping batteries with the other light doesn’t help. Both report 4.2 volts. I switched everything around with the other head and it’s isolated to that one head.

Is there possibly an Anduril related reason this is happening? Or is this light toast :( I tested both lights when I bought them in December and at that time they both worked identically.

TIA!

Edit:

All three emitters light up and appear to be the same brightness

I did another factory reset and turbo is again no longer working. This thing might be cooked :(

5 Comments
2025/02/01
02:01 UTC

2

$100 range for Science demos

I’ve seen a few lists of lights but need one for demos in junior high science. It doesn’t need to hold a charge long. But I would like to light up eggs and my hand. Amazon had some with 5 million lumens but it didn’t sound right. On amazon works best since that’s what our school buys from.

2 Comments
2025/02/01
00:33 UTC

2

Suggestions on pocket-carry edc light

Anything better than the Sofirn SP31 V3.0 for $40? Needs to have the lumens/throw to disorient somebody.

0 Comments
2025/01/31
23:54 UTC

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