LED flashlights: 12 flashlights tested

Modern flashlights provide as much light today as only large professional lights used by the fire brigade and civil protection services a few years ago. The naming of the industry is correspondingly imaginative. She likes to talk about “tactical lamps”, which are suitable for self-defence, emergencies or expeditions thanks to their flashlight and SOS functions. For use on and in the car, however, light output and burn time are more important. In addition, a car flashlight should be easy to stow in the glove compartment or trunk floor. AUTO BILD tested twelve LED flashlights according to these specifications – from cheap hardware store bargains to high-tech lights.

Winner in the AUTO BILD flashlight test: Thrunite TC12 V2

Thrunite TC12 V2

• healthy and light
• harmonious illumination
• six light modes

Price €64.88

The test winner goes to the Thrunite TC12 V2, which is not only convincing in the total of six light modes, but also collects a lot of points with its harmonious illumination. With 158 out of a possible 200 points, she leaves the competition behind.

How AUTO BILD tested it

We carried out the test with lighting expert Stefan Boissier-Mohr from Gartow in Brandenburg. In his laboratory, the luminous flux of all lamps was measured in an integrating sphere, and the illumination was also assessed in field tests. In addition to the pure light output, which accounts for 50 percent of the overall rating, the test team also evaluated the lighting duration. The same applies to handling with the criteria of operation, feel, extras (e.g. lamp holder supplied), operating instructions and packaging (the latter should be as sustainable as possible).

The test results at a glance

Above all, we wanted to know whether the often high factory specifications for brightness are correct. Or is this exaggerated? Without exception, current models rely on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. LEDs provide high brightness with low power consumption. The quality of the LEDs and the optics built into the lamp are decisive for good light output. If both are of high quality, even small flashlights can achieve extreme brightness values.

The important measured value is called luminous flux. It is given in lumens. The AUTO BILD test impressively shows that distrust of manufacturer information is appropriate. That’s what Energizer calls its Vision HD Focus a luminous flux of 400 lumens in the highest brightness level, but only reaches 240 lumens when measured. With the cheap product Maxesla (price per unit: six euros), instead of the promised 2000 lumens, the light comes out about ten times less. Fortunately, there is another way: Fenix, WdtPro and Thrunite achieve very respectable values ​​in all brightness levels that are close to the factory specifications.

Conclusion on the flashlight comparison

Of course, the mobile phone also brings light into the darkness. But a really wide and bright radiance can only be provided by a good flashlight. She makes life easier. Especially in the dark winter. Therefore: The purchase of a compact and powerful lamp is a sensible investment.