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Best Mid-size, Rechargeable Flashlight

When it comes to choosing a flashlight, size and reliability are crucial factors, especially for those who need a dependable light source for outdoor adventures, emergencies, or daily tasks. Among the myriad of options available, rechargeable flashlights stand out for their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, eliminating the constant need for disposable batteries.

In this Head-to-Head, we took a look at six, 4 to 6-inch rechargeable flashlights. We recognize that there are dozens of rechargeable flashlights available on the market, so we chose popular mid-sized, rechargeable lights in the sub $100 range.

In this article, we walk you through our testing process and explain how we selected the best rechargeable flashlight within this size and price range. We’ll highlight key features and discuss why it deserves a spot in your gear collection.

Flashlights Tested In This Evaluation

Braun 1800 Lumen Tactical Light

Model 59282
Max. Lumens 1800
IP Rating: IPX7
Material: Aluminum
Length 5.68 in.
Width .95 in.[head 1.26 in.]
Weight 0.35 lb.
Range 740 ft.
Price: $29.99

Fenix PD36R V2.0 Flashlight

Model PD 36R V2.0
Max. Lumens: 1700
IP Rating: IP68
Material: Aluminum
Length: 5.54”
Width: 1in. [Head 1.04 in.]
Weight: 5.89 oz.
Range: 1299 feet
Price: $99.95

Milwaukee USB 2,000L Slide Focus Flashlight 2162-21

Model: 2162-21
Lumens: 2,000
IP rating: IP6 Dustproof and Water Resistant
Material: Aluminum
Length: 6.6”
Width: 1.25 in. [Head 1.5 in.]
Weight: 0.57 lb
Range: 200 m
Price: $99.00

Nitecore MH12 Pro 3300 Lumen Flashlight

Model: MH12 Pro
Lumens: 3000
IP Rating: IP68
Material: Aluminum
Length: 5.45”
Width: 1 in [Head 1.2 in. ]
Weight: 2.89 oz
Range: 552 yd.
Price: $89.95

Olight Baton 3 Pro-Max Flashlight

Model: Baton 3
Lumens: 2500
IP rating: IPX8
Material: Aluminum
Length: 2.48”
Width: 1 in. [Head 1in.]
Weight: 1.87 oz
Range: 574 feet
Price: $89.99

Streamlight PROTAC HL-X USB FLASHLIGHT

Model: ProTac HL-X
Max. Lumens: 1,000
IP Rating: IP68
Material: Aluminum
Length: 5.43 inches
Width: 1 in. [Head 1.4 in.]
Weight: 5.7 ounces
Range: 330 meters
Price: $85.99

Best Rechargeable Flashlight Testing – Criteria

We performed three performance tests to evaluate these flashlights. Additional scoring categories included qualitative evaluations of ergonomics and features, size, and pricing. Lastly, we include a best-value category.

1. Submersion test.
2. Run-time test.
3. Peak Lumen test.
4. LUX Test.
5. Exterior housing temperatures – Some of these flashlights can get hot when on for periods of time.
6. Features | Ergonomics – Most of these flashlights are feature-rich. We identified, evaluated, and ranked 9 distinct categories for each flashlight.
7. Flashlight Beam Pattern – This is a subjective category where we share the characteristics of the flashlight’s beam. Because users prefer different beam patterns, we chose not to rank this.
8. Size and Weight – Size matters and weight can get cumbersome. We measured the dimensions and weight of each flashlight as tested (with Batteries).
9. Best Value – Oftentimes this category winner tends to resonate with most folks as it combines good performance and price.
10. Price – Price is always an important factor in determining which flashlight is best for you.

By following these comprehensive testing procedures, we can effectively compare and evaluate the performance, durability, and usability of each flashlight model, enabling informed decision-making for consumers and professionals alike.

Submersion Testing Procedure

Most flashlights are built to withstand heavy splashing and rain but should not be fully submerged. Waterproof flashlights, on the other hand, can resist water penetration completely for a certain period and depth.

When purchasing a rechargeable flashlight, pay attention to the IP or “Ingress Protection” rating. This rating is a two-digit code indicating the level of protection against solid objects (the first digit) and liquids (the second digit).

Solids are rated on a scale of 0 to 6, with 6 being the highest level of security, the first number corresponds to the size of particulate that is protected against. Liquids are rated on a scale of 0 to 8, with 8 being the highest. Products rated as impervious will have the highest number, but even these have limits. Manufacturers will list these limits so that consumers can make an informed decision.

We constructed a water submersion test rig consisting of a 10-foot 3-inch vertical PVC pipe that connects to a horizontal 2-1/2-inch clear PVC pipe. We placed the flashlights inside the clear pipe and slowly added water until the 10-foot pipe was full. The clear plexiglass allowed us to see the flashlight LED status. The valve on top of the clear plexiglass allows us to change out the test units without having to refill the tube.

All of the flashlights tested have some level of IP intrusion rating to prevent water and dust from harming the flashlight. The highest rating in the group was an IPX8 which certifies a 30 minute submersion at one meter (~3 feet). Our rig simulated a full ten feet of submersion which is significantly more pressure than the IPX8 level.

Water Test – WINNERS Tie: Braun, Olight and Streamlight

Among the 6 flashlights tested, Braun, Olight, and Streamlight emerged as the top performers, showing no signs of water intrusion after a rigorous 3-hour submersion test. These lights feature compressed o-rings that effectively protect their batteries and electronics.

Both the Olight and Streamlight lack external charging ports; Olight utilizes a magnetic charger, while accessing Streamlight’s battery charging port is located on the battery itself. Users are required to  unscrew the o-ring protected bezel and removing the battery. Braun’s design includes an o-ring sealed charging port accessible by partially unscrewing the bezel to expose the port.

In contrast, Fenix and Nitecore boast an IP68 rating but employ compressed o-rings and a rubber charging port cover, which likely led to water ingress. The Fenix failed after 32 minutes, and the Nitecore failed after 21 minutes in the submersion test.

Interestingly, all flashlights were inspected post-test, dried, and tested for functionality. The Fenix showed no signs of water damage and continued to operate flawlessly. However, the Nitecore exhibited water in all internal compartments and showed corrosion within a day.

The Milwaukee flashlight, with its IP66 rating and easily penetrated charging port, failed almost immediately in the submersion test. It senses when water gets into the port and shuts down. After a day or two, after drying out, it worked fine again.

Flashlight Run-time Output Procedure

A flashlight’s battery life indicates how long it can operate before requiring recharging. To assess this, we utilized the TKlamp TK2303 Light Meter to measure and document the runtime performance of each flashlight. While manufacturers provide run-time data, it’s often based on ideal conditions, which can create uncertainty about when a flashlight becomes impractical for use.

Our methodology involved not only measuring total run-time but also plotting the battery’s “ramp down” phase using the light meter. This approach allowed us to pinpoint the moment when each flashlight’s output dropped below 100 lumens, a threshold we deemed as signaling the need for recharging. During testing, all flashlights were operated at their highest continuous setting. We employed a time-lapse camera and digital clock to capture light meter readings every 10 minutes until the output dropped below 100 lumens.

The behavior of the flashlights varied during the run-time test.  Some flashlights throttled down significantly like the Milwaukee to just 136 Lumens within 10 minutes, while others remained at higher step down lumen levels.  To account for this disparity we calculated an approximate “area under the curve” or integral to find the Lumen-Hour  (lm-h) value output by the flashlight during the test.  You can think of this as an analogue to the amount of “Work” done by the flashlight.

Run-time Output Test Winner – Winner Olight

The Olight delivered a consistently strong performance, producing 3,326 lm-h maintaining over 450 lumens for 7 hours before dropping below 100 lumens. In second place, the Fenix with 2,827 lm-h maintained an average of 640 lumens for 4 hours. The Nitecore took third place with 2,537 lm-h and an average of 460 lumens over 5.5 hours.

Peak Lumen Testing – Winner Nitecore

Lumens is an SI-based measurement of luminous flux.  In simple terms its a measurement of of the total light output of the flashlight.  Specialized testing equipment is required to directly measure the lumens of a light source.

To test the lumens of the flashlights we used a TKlamp TK2303 Light meter.   This light meter has what is called an integrating sphere that works a light source diffuser to accurately measure the luminous flux regardless of differences in directional intensity.

Each flashlight was fully charged and placed into the aperture of the integrating sphere.  The lights were set to their highest output setting and the highest lumen reading after 1 second was recorded.  The results are in the table below.

LUX Procedure

What is a Lux?  A lux is a unit of measurement that measures the intensity of a light beam on a surface.  One lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.  In the previous tests, we directly measured the flashlight lumens with the integrating sphere in TKlamp light meter.

The lumens are the total amount of light that is being produced by the flashlight.  While Lux is the amount of light that is illuminating a surface a distance away from the light. Two flashlights with the same lumen rating may have vastly different Lux measurements depending on the focusing behavior of the lenses.  A broad diffuse beam will have a lower Lux reading than a narrow focused beam.

We used the candela sensor on our TKlamp TK2303 Light Meter to measure light intensity at a single point.   We can then use the candela reading across the beam-width and some math to determine the approximate Lux. When measuring the performance of a flashlight, it’s important to recognize that the light is not focused on a single 1-square-meter area, but is spread out.

Procedure

Record Maximum Foot-Candles:

1. Point the flashlight at the light meter and record the maximum reading in foot-candles (fc).
2. Rotate to Measure Beam Spread:
3. Rotate the Miter saw table until the sensor reads half of the maximum foot-candles (Max/2).
4. Record the angle at which this occurs (e.g., -10 degrees).
5. Continue rotating until the sensor again reads half of the maximum foot-candles on the opposite side and record the angle (e.g., +10 degrees)

Using these measurements, we calculated the beam width and the lumens. Knowing the beam width, we can calculate the area that the flashlight illuminates, to compare where the lens is spreading the lux.

LUX Test – Winner Nitecore

The winner of the Lux test was Nitecore with 1607.  This comes as no surprise given the very intense spotlight beam the Nitecore produces.  Second place went to the Fenix with 1066 and then the Streamlight with 754.

While its easy to generalize that more Lux is better, there is a nuance to the beam behavior that may be heavily influenced by user preference.  The bottom three performers in the Lux category all have very uniform beams with no intense center spotlight.  For users that prefer this kind of light [i.e. electricians, MRO and HVAC techs]  the Lux readings may have less of an impact.

Flashlight Temperature | Procedure

With the invention and ensuing widespread adoption of LED light bulbs, many homeowners have noticed the much cooler temperatures of equivalent lightbulbs.  LEDs are much more efficient at turning energy into light vs heat when compared to a traditional filament bulb.  However, this does not mean that LEDs are 100% efficient and when the power intensity is turned up enough, they can get extremely hot. We measured the external temperature of the flashlight on their highest setting and continually recorded their external housing temperatures using a Hilti thermal imager. The results are ranked with the coolest flashlights scoring top marks.

Temperature WINNER – Braun

A hot flashlight can be uncomfortable to use. The coolest-running flashlight tested was the Braun, reaching a peak temperature of 101.8 degrees Fahrenheit, followed by the Olight at 114.3°F. In third place was the Streamlight, with a temperature of 116.1 degrees Fahrenheit.
Most LEDs, components, and LED circuits are designed to withstand temperatures of 185°F (85°C) or higher without adversely affecting their lifespan or performance.

Features and Ergonomics – Winner Nitecore

Features are a critical factor in choosing a rechargeable flashlight, influencing its functionality, convenience, and versatility. Evaluating these attributes is pivotal in our assessments.

In our ranking, the Nitecore took the top spot with 13 points, closely followed by Fenix with 14 points, and Olight with 23 points. Nitecore impressed us with its intuitive design featuring a 2-button operation, 7 light modes, battery and brightness LED indicators, USB-C charging port, and tactical blip [on/off] switch. It stood out as the most feature-rich and user-friendly flashlight in our tests.

Fenix offered similar features with additional brightness levels but fell short due to the absence of battery and brightness LED indicators, which affected it’s score. Olight excelled with excellent brightness levels, a robust pocket clip, and rich feature set. However, its single-button operation and proprietary charging cord resulted in a lower ranking.

Summary of Flashlight Features

Most of these flashlights are feature-rich, below we summarized each lights features set.

BRAUN Flashlight

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