Flashlights for the driver - a comparative test of 14 models

Bright Beam LH-500 ENOT

Next in our review is the headlamp Bright Beam LH-500 ENOT. This small flashlight is equipped with a magnet and a clip. The flashlight is designed in such a way that it can be used as an EDC, i.e. devices for every day.

The kit includes a special head mount, with which the flashlight is conveniently placed on the user’s head. A magnet built into the lid allows you to secure the flashlight body to a metal surface for ease of use.

This powerful headlamp can be purchased complete with a high-capacity Li-Ion 18650 battery based on Samsung, 3.6 V, 2600 mAh with built-in micro-USB charging included, or without a battery. The battery lasts for three hours.

Headlamps

Metabo 657003000

Metabo 657003000 has an adjustable strap, thanks to which it can be adjusted to any head size. Bright light is provided by LED. There is a tilt function. The model is adjustable for illumination in 3 modes.

Description:

Batteries – 3 pcs. AAA;
Luminous flux – 160lm;
Plastic body;
Maximum continuous operation time – 5 hours;
No protection against moisture ingress;
Illuminated distance – 150m;
Weight – 290g.

Price – 720 rub.

Convenient, reliable flashlight

Q-19 (HL-019 T6)

Main parameters:

LED lightening;
Voltage – 3.7V;
Possibility of zooming;
Operating modes – 3;
Weight – 240g;
Dimensions – 35x40x40mm;
The kit includes 2 sets of batteries, a charger from a 220V network, and a car cigarette lighter.

Price – 950 rub.

BRIGHT BEAM YLP “PANDA 3” CREE XP-L HI+XP-G3 max.1100lm, IPX8

Description:

The flashlight has 5 operating modes, brightness for one or two diodes;
Built-in LED elements;
Luminous flux – 1100lm;
Main light operating modes – 24;
The maximum mode quickly turns on;
Built-in indicator warning of low battery;
Overheat protection;
Equipped with a removable magnet that allows you to mount the flashlight on a metal surface;
Moisture protection;
Product weight – 62g (without mounting, batteries);
Dimensions – 79x32.5mm.

Price – 2925 rub.

Tesla LP-1800Li

Next up in our review is the Tesla LP-1800Li LED Rechargeable Camping Spotlight. This shockproof spotlight with a brightness of 1800 lumens, a built-in 6000 mAh power bank and an IP65 protection rating will be useful everywhere - from camping in the forest or mountains to working at a construction site. The spotlight can be placed on the ground and used to illuminate any objects.

Two LED lamps provide lighting. They are located inside a plastic case. The spotlight is installed on the floor using a special stand. Illumination range – 300 meters, luminous flux – 1800 lm. There are four modes of operation of the spotlight, you can adjust the degree of illumination, for example, set the low light mode, or adjust the red color.

Power comes from the built-in battery or from the mains. At the same time, the battery life is about 10 hours.

type – camping lantern-spotlight;
case material – plastic;
color – black, green;
light source - LEDs;
power supply – battery, network;
built-in Powerbank 6000 mAh;
luminous flux – 1800 lm;
operating time – 10 hours;
operating mode – 4;
size – 5.5x22x14 cm;
weight – 670 grams.

Boruit HL-720

Next in our review is the Boruit HL-720 flashlight. This is a bright, comfortable flashlight with a maximum brightness of 2200 lm. The device is equipped with a strobe and operates in three modes - the main mode, the mode of two or three diodes.

The three-light design is attached to a comfortable, adjustable strap. Due to this, the flashlight can be conveniently placed on the head and fixed tightly. The design is conveniently located and does not cause a feeling of discomfort.

The headlamp comes with two 18650 4000mAh batteries. The device can also be charged from a car or from a 220V network. When the battery is fully charged, the flashlight can operate for 14.5 hours. There are four operating modes. You can set directional and diffuse lighting.

The glow range reaches one kilometer. This headlamp is perfect for active tourism, for working at a construction site, at home or in a summer cottage.

The elements of the flashlight are reliably protected from water penetration into the body.

type – headlamp;
case material – plastic;
black color;
light source - LEDs;
power supply – charger from 220V network; — charger from the cigarette lighter; — two 18650 4000mAh 3.7V batteries. net;
luminous flux – 2200 lm;
operating time – 14.5 hours;
operating mode – 4;
light modes – low light, strobe;
size – 63.80x56x36 mm;
weight – 205 grams.

What to choose

Headlamps are convenient: they do not take up your hands, do not require additional attachments, and are easy to aim at the target. True, the motorist does not need some functions in such a lamp - for example, a low level of illumination or a flashing light. The headlamp should not be too heavy - with several AA batteries, it can fall off if you turn your head sharply, so its weight should not exceed 100 g. An additional strap running along the crown of the head improves the fixation of the device.

ERA Practitioner RA-801

Next in our review is the ERA Practitioner RA-801 camping lantern. This fairly compact flashlight can illuminate a tent or a clearing next to it. You can not only take it with you on a long hike, but also use it at home for household needs, in the country and for many other purposes.

The rectangular body of the flashlight is made of plastic. Its design is reinforced with rubber. The case is shockproof. The light source is LEDs. The flashlight has a large, convenient power button. The device runs on mains power or a 6000 mAh battery. When running on battery power, the flashlight can operate for eight hours.

Luminous flux power – 400 lm. The length of the light beam reaches forty meters.

There is a convenient hook on the body from which you can hang the flashlight, and there is a magnet for fastening. You can use a flashlight to charge your phone. For this purpose, a special connector is provided on the case. Power is provided by a built-in battery. Charging is via USB.

type – camping;
case material – plastic;
color – yellow, black;
light source - LEDs;
power supply – battery, network;
interface – USB;
luminous flux – 400 lm;
operating time – 8 hours;
operating mode – 3;
light modes – low light;
lighting range - 40 m;
size – 110×65×34 mm;
weight – 200 grams.

TOP 10 good inexpensive flashlights from Aliexpress for 2021

2 main achievements in 2021: a) truly bright light has become even more accessible, b) it seems that 21700 batteries will soon replace the usual 18650. c) SST LEDs have begun to be used en masse.

So, TOP 10 good inexpensive LED flashlights from aliexpress for 2021

Since virtually all inexpensive budget flashlights and headbands (read Sofirn and Convoy) have passed through my hands, I decided that it was appropriate to summarize all this in one general selection. Of course, interesting models from major brands came out in 2019, but here we are talking about something affordable. Of course, I do not include any squalor like shitfire \ police in its various manifestations in the selection.

Content

A minute of saving

Sofirn SP40 - the best budget headlamp

Convoy S11 - bright medium-range flashlight

Convoy M3 - a bright men's flashlight

Sofirn C8G - an excellent long-range flashlight

Sofirn sp32A v.2.0 - the ideal inexpensive pocket flashlight

Lumintop B01 bicycle headlight with 21700 power supply

Convoy S12 - a bright short-range flashlight with hiCRI light

Sofirn LT1

Convoy 4x18

A minute of saving

See the current updated list of coupons and promotional codes for Aliexpress for 2021 HERE

Also, I will not rank the selection from worst to best. All models are different and each of them is good for its own purposes. \

Sofirn SP40 - the best budget headlamp

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After the Sofirn SP40 headlamp came out in the summer, this model simply trampled convoy’s timid attempt to make its first headlamp. For a cheap price, the user gets a headlamp with convenient controls, practical selection of brightness levels, built-in charging, a complete capacious battery, a choice of colors and a strong magnet. The only downside is the lack of complete stabilization. But for such a price you can definitely forgive him for this. The Sofirn SP40 has a crazy amount of sales, I think it is the most popular headlamp on the market right now.

Convoy S11 - bright medium-range flashlight

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But Convoy, a long-term monopolist in the budget flashlight market, was not idle either. The Convoy S11 became a sort of S2+ on steroids and quickly earned a huge number of orders. The capacious 26650 power supply made it possible to work for a long time, while remaining within the limits of those sizes that still allow you to carry the flashlight not only in your pocket, but also use it as a bike light (yes, they do that too - I know for sure). The light, unlike the same S2+, is completely stabilized and does not sag as it discharges. And at its 30%, the Convoy S11 shines almost as well as the S2+ 4x7135 at maximum for 3 hours!

The maximum brightness completely covers all household needs. About 5 years ago, a model with similar brightness from well-known brands would have cost well over a hundred bucks. Now the price tag for this convoy is affordable for anyone.

Convoy M3 - a bright men's flashlight

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Soon after the release of the S11, its older brother was released, which is just as superior to the S11 as the S2+.

Convoy M3, in my opinion, was the first flashlight in which really bright light became affordable. Yes, it is more expensive than the s11, but the result is similarly greater. Well, big brands don’t offer anything at all for that price. The flashlight has the same 26650 power supply with fully stabilized brightness, which reaches a maximum of about 4000 lumens. As with other convoy models, you can choose the color temperature. Somehow this flashlight can fit in your pocket, it is still not bulky, but it is no longer an EDC model. But if you need a good amount of light, illuminating one and a half hundred meters in length and width at once, the Convoy M3 is just that.

And at 10%, which is enough as a regular bush light within a radius of about 15 meters, this model shines for 8 hours, actually the whole night.

A great gift for any fisherman, hunter, or anyone who needs bright light. Yes, the version with a smooth reflector only symbolically adds range, there is not much difference here. Again, the model earned a ton of orders and positive reviews.

Sofirn C8G - an excellent long-range flashlight

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For a long time, the standard for an inexpensive long-range flashlight was the Convoy C8 and then the Convoy C8+ (a comparison of these models is here). With the release of C8G, the situation, in my opinion, has changed. For comparable money, the buyer receives a flashlight of almost the same size with a long-lasting 21700 power supply and stabilized brightness, which is greater than what the convoy offers in the models indicated at the beginning. Due to the latter, it has a greater range in maximum mode and brighter side illumination at the same brightness levels as the convoy. Now the 5000k version has appeared in the Chinese warehouse, the model has lost virtually its only drawback - only cold light.

Sofirn sp32A v.2.0 - the ideal inexpensive pocket flashlight

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If we are talking about an ordinary pocket flashlight, then I consider the sofirn SP32A v 2.0 to be an exceptionally good model for the money, which in appearance and functionality reminded me of the radically more expensive fenix. At the same time, the control here is noticeably more convenient - in addition to the usual brightness levels, Sofirn SP32A v 2.0 has smooth, stepless brightness adjustment.

Again, for a modest price you get a complete kit that includes a high-capacity 18650 battery and charger. 1300 lumens of maximum brightness is enough for all household needs. Within a hundred meters you can definitely count on good light.

Lumintop B01 bicycle headlight with 21700 power supply

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For the sake of variety, I’ll add here the only model from a large and well-known brand. Lumintop B01 is an interesting and niche product. This is a bicycle headlight with 21700 power supply and built-in charging. Externally, these are the same lights, only the optics here are unique, specialized for cycling. The blinding oncoming stream of light is cut off and directed downwards. Due to the large battery capacity, the headlight shines for a long time. If desired, it can also be used as a hand-held flashlight, although without much convenience in terms of light distribution.

Convoy S12 - a bright short-range flashlight with hiCRI light

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If the convoy S11 became a classic mid-range model, then the S12 that came out after it is noticeably more convenient up close.

The case has become noticeably more compact due to the (similar in capacity!) 21700 power supply. But one XHP50.2 LED was replaced by a trio of SST20 or Nichia 219C. In fact, it is now the most affordable flashlight for those looking for good brightness and maximum color rendition. The flashlight is certainly less bright in comparison with the s11, but it is more convenient in terms of light at short distances. Well, Nichia 219C is the most popular choice among those who want the most eye-pleasing light. Due to the capacity of 4800mAh, you can count on a good operating time of almost 4 hours at a stabilized brightness, which is quite sufficient for everyday walking light.

The model is not the most popular due to its specificity. many will simply chase lumens and prefer the brighter S11 for the same price. But this does not cancel all the advantages of the S12.

S12 is in the center here

Sofirn LT1

powerful camping lamp with smooth adjustment of both brightness and color temperature.

4x18650 power supply gives a huge operating time, and type-c charging will allow you to quickly charge all these four.

amazing model with flexible controls, I sold the Fenix Cl30R and left this sofirn, I still have some money left. highly recommend.

Convoy 4x18

A real hefty and bright lantern for a man's paw. As above - 4 18650 batteries give a huge total capacity. And the dimensions allow you to effectively remove heat and shine at maximum brightness for sooo long and sooo far.

Again, so type-C charging!

75m to the roof!

It is worth noting the text HOW TO CHOOSE AN LED FLASHLIGHT, which is very useful when choosing a flashlight - here are all the nuances that affect how the flashlight will shine and how manufacturers deceive the buyer.

Well, a guide to choosing headbands will also be useful.

I hope the text was interesting. Subscribe to my channel on UTUBE and join my group in , where before I publish reviews, I post announcements of some materials from them, publish promotional codes and coupons for some interesting flashlights + talk about the release of new models.

Xiaomi Beebest Zoom Flashlight

Next in the review is the Xiaomi Beebest Zoom Flashlight. This powerful compact flashlight helps you cope with the darkness. Bright high beam and diffused low beam illuminate all hidden corners, thanks to a powerful luminous flux of one thousand lumens.

The flashlight is equipped with a stepless brightness adjustment function. It has six operating modes, simple switch, accessories for convenient use.

The lantern has a simple modern design. The body is made of aluminum alloy and protected by a mechanical damage-resistant anti-slip coating. The internal elements of the device are made of high-quality durable materials.

On the back of the flashlight there is a powerful magnet that holds its body to metal surfaces. The kit includes a special mount that allows you to place the flashlight, for example, on the handlebars of a bicycle or scooter.

The device is equipped with the latest LED lamp with a service life of more than 50,000 hours. The body is made of durable steel, which guarantees its durability.

The flashlight is powered by a built-in 2600 mAh battery. One charge is enough for 40 hours of battery life at temperatures of 20+. It can also be used as a Power Bank to recharge a smartphone.

The flashlight can last for 7 years, with active use for several hours a day.

type – hand-held flashlight;
light source - LEDs;
built-in 2600 mAh battery;
lighting range – 365 m;
luminous flux – 1000 lm;
high beam, low beam,
SOS mode, Boost mode,
strobe mode;
case material – aluminum;
water protection;
USB powered;
size – 120x25x25 mm;
150 g.