These days, there are some mighty bright LED flashlights over there — ones that can rival car headlights in their shine. My personal favorite is the 800 lumen Fenix TK-41, which is the only one that runs on AA batteries (more details at bottom of article).
Let’s take at look at some of the brightest LED Flashlights:
Update March 2012: We’ve found a some bright LED flashlights on Amazon, claiming to be either 2000 or 38000 lumens (this one with a charger for $46.99, and this one for $52.95). Reviewers say the actual output is closer to 1000 lumens. Still, at this price level, these are probably a good deal, if you want a recreational flashlight. Note, though, you can get the 800 lumen Fenix TK-41 that runs on standard AA batteries for $111 (see below).
Olight SR90 Intimidator: 2200 Lumens
This is a bright one – Olight SR90 Intimidator shines with 2200 lumens in its highest mode! The Intimidator has a Luminus SST-90 LED running at 30 watts to achieve its extreme brightness. The exact specs are: 2200 lumen output in high mode (80 minutes runtime) and a 700-lumen output in low mode (9 hours runtime). The SR90 Intimidator also has a strobe function good for 160 minutes of continuous operation. Designed with maximum throw in mind, the SR90 Intimidator can project its cool-white beam up to 1,000 meters.
As you might expect, the SR90 Intimidator isn’t a lightweight. It is 13.23” long and has a bezel diameter of 3.94”. It weighs approximately 3.5 pounds. Accordingly, this flashlight comes with a strap as well as a charger and an extra O-ring. You can monitor the remaining juice of its six 18650 lithium-ion batteries via the four-light indicator on its tail. The SR90 Intimidator is water-resistant.
You can buy the Olight SR90 Intimidator for around $395 on Amazon.
EagleTac M3C4: 1000 Lumens
The EagleTac M3C4 is a fine flashlight with a 1000 lumen turbo mode. It has a Triple CREE XP-G Cool White R5 LED inside, and is powered by 4 CR123A lithium batteries or two 18650 lithium-ion batteries (button-top cells only). It is relatively light at 12 ounces (without batteries).
You can get the EagleTac M3C4 for $139 about at Amazon.
Here it is in action:
Fenix TK-35: 820 Lumens
The Fenix TK-35 is the highest rated of our very bright flashlights, getting an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 87+ reviewers on Amazon. The first flashlight to use a Cree XM- LED, the TK-35 shines at 820 lumens in turbo mode.
You can find the Fenix TK-35 on Amazon for about $111.
Here it is in action:
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Fenix TK-41: 800 Lumens
The Fenix TK-41, which shines at 800 lumens, is the brightest flashlight that runs on AA batteries. It uses eight AA batteries, and these can be rechargeable NiMH or alkaline AAs. The TK41 produces four brightness levels, the lowest (10 lumens) allows the flashlight to run for up to 240 hours.
The Fenix TK-41 is available from Amazon for about $111.
Here it is in action:
The Torch: 4100 Lumens
Just for fun: It’s not a LED light, but we should mention the highly impractical Torch, which can cook eggs with its 4100 lumens. Unfortunately the battery lasts only 15 minutes and it easily burn your hand!
