Like in other lighting applications, LED flashlights came to market somewhat unannounced and in some ways, without appreciation. Frankly, we didn’t give the LED-equipped flashlight a second thought until we used the bunch for this review, where we quickly recognized a handful of benefits compared to their nearly extinct incandescent predecessors.
For one, LED lamps have a long life expectancy. They won’t last forever, but they’ll surely outlast an incandescent lamp. Additionally, LED technology allows for multiple lamp colors to be incorporated in a single flashlight. As we discovered, models with integral red and white LED lighting are far more convenient than the plastic colored lenses we used to fit over yellow incandescent lamps. While red is arguably best for preserving night vision, many of the pilots who tried our samples preferred their white LED lighting. It’s nice to have an option at the push of a button.