What hunters need to know about flashlights, headlamps & lanterns

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES

Tactical-style flashlights (above) offer a range of benefits, making them far superior to more traditional flashlights. They’re made from durable materials, usually metal, and won’t inconveniently break when you need them most. They’re also weather-, shock- and corrosion-resistant. Most offer a minimum of 200 lumens, providing excellent clarity, brightness and visibility out to 100 metres or more.

The improved lighting is in large measure due to the switch from incandescent bulbs to more efficient LEDs, which consume 80 per cent less power and last up to 25 times longer. And while incandescent bulbs lose much of their energy to heat, LEDs do not. The reflective material used in modern flashlights is markedly better, too, making a surprising difference in how far they can project light.

The move to lithium-ion batteries was another meaningful improvement. Compared to other batteries, lithium batteries are lighter and hold more energy, a significant benefit when weight and size are important considerations. While they’re more expensive, lithium-ion batteries have virtually no self-discharge, meaning they can be stored for months without losing their power. Many of today’s lights operate on rechargeable lithium batteries, disposable CR123 batteries or AAs.