Comparison Bailong Police BL-2188B vs Bailong Police BL-6633-T6

The number of LEDs (see "Lamp type") provided in the design of the lantern.

At first glance, the more LEDs, the more powerful this model. However, in fact, things are not so clear cut. Firstly, one high-end LED may well provide more light output than several inexpensive diodes. Secondly, modern luminaires can use both traditional LEDs and arrays of numerous miniature diodes on a common basis. Such arrays can be implemented using SMD technology or more advanced COB; the differences between these options are described in more detail in the Diode Model section, here we note that a solid SMD or COB plate is also considered to be 1 LED — despite the fact that in terms of luminosity it can exceed conventional LEDs by several times, or even orders of magnitude.

Thus, it is hardly worth directly evaluating the brightness and efficiency of the flashlight by this parameter. But what the number of diodes often directly affects is reliability: most “repeatedly charged” lamps are able to continue working even if some of the diodes fail. In addition, in some types of flashlights — in particular, tourist models and hand-held diffused lamps (see "Type") — each LED illuminates a separate sector, and together they cover a full 360 ° horizontally.

The maximum luminous flux provided by the lantern.

Luminous flux (denoted in lumens) can be described as the total amount of light produced by an LED or other light source and distributed in all directions where this source shines by itself (without lenses, reflectors, etc.). In fact, this means that the capabilities of the flashlight depend not only on the luminous flux, but also on the angle of illumination (see "Angle of illumination (light)"). For example, a relatively weak stream can be concentrated into a narrow beam, providing good range; and a large number of lumens will inevitably be needed to effectively cover a wide area.

Note that the coverage angle is not always specified in the characteristics, and even with such data it is difficult to immediately assess the real capabilities of the flashlight. Therefore, for such an assessment, it is best to use information about the actual illumination range (see below), and also take into account the general type of device (see above). For example, for the same number of lumens, a handheld flashlight with a reflector to form a directional beam will give a noticeably greater range than a tourist lamp with 360 ° coverage.

It should also be borne in mind that the high brightness of the flashlight is far from always justified, and it is worth choosing according to this parameter, taking into account the actual conditions of use. S...o, when working at short ranges, bright light can become a hindrance: it tyres the eyes and can blind others. In addition, an increase in brightness usually requires more powerful sources of both light and power, and the weight and dimensions of the lantern increase accordingly.

The maximum range at which the flashlight provides any effective illumination of objects. Different manufacturers have different criteria for this efficiency when measuring ranges, and therefore it is only possible to unequivocally compare among themselves in range only models of one manufacturer. At the same time, this parameter allows us to compare models from different manufacturers with some certainty: for example, flashlights with a lighting range of 15 m and 100 m will clearly belong to different range classes, regardless of manufacturers.

Note that the range of illumination depends not only on the maximum luminous flux provided by the lantern (see above), but also on the features of its design: the narrower the beam is provided by the reflector of the lantern, the greater the range will be, and vice versa — scattered light does not spread far. Some models allow you to adjust the beam width depending on the requirements of the situation (for more details, see "Adjusting the focus").

It is also worth bearing in mind that models with the same claimed lighting range can cover different spaces. For example, a hand lamp (see Type) with a reflector diameter of 20 cm will be able to provide a wider beam than a conventional hand lamp with a 5 cm reflector. And although in both cases the objects that fall into the light spot will be illuminated in the same way, however, in the first case, the size of the spot itself will be larger, and the actual efficien...cy of the flashlight will be correspondingly higher (in light of the fact that it is easier to "feel" individual objects with a wide beam, especially at a considerable distance).

The ability to adjust the angle and range of focus the beam of light provided by the flashlight.

With the same value of the light flux (see above), a narrow beam covers a small space, but allows you to shine far and illuminate objects more brightly (because more light enters per unit area). As the angle increases, the range and apparent brightness of the illumination decreases, but the flashlight provides simultaneous illumination for a larger area. Focus adjustment allows you to choose the necessary option from these two (or even some intermediate one), depending on the current situation.

The number of brightness levels provided in the flashlight design. Most modern models have one level of brightness, but there are models with the ability to adjust. Several levels of brightness allow you to choose the best option for a particular case: for example, to view a small room, you can reduce the brightness and save battery power, while in a large warehouse you may need full power of the flashlight. Accordingly, the more brightness levels are provided in the design of the flashlight, the wider your options for choosing the best option will be.

Also note that in addition to step-by-step brightness adjustment, with fixed levels, modern flashlights can also be used with smooth adjustment. It is detailed below; here we note that the stepped format is technically simpler, cheaper, and therefore is used much more often. And in individual lamps, these options are combined — for them, the characteristics indicate both the number of individual brightness levels and the presence of smooth adjustment. The specific way to implement such a combination may be different. For example, a brightness control ring can have several fixed levels with clear values, and the ability to set any intermediate position between these values; the main mode of operation with smooth adjustment can be supplemented with a fixed level of reduced or increased brightness; etc.

- Flashlight charger. A device for charging batteries directly in the flashlight. Note that models with both non-removable and removable batteries can be equipped with such a “charger”. In any case, such devices are extremely easy to use: you do not need to remove the batteries and put them in a separate device, just connect the flashlight to an outlet, auto outlet or USB port (memory devices can use different power sources, this should be specified separately). In addition, some flashlights with this function are able to work even while the battery is charging (in fact, from the mains). At the same time, chargers of this type are not as universal as "chargers" for individual batteries (see the corresponding paragraph).

- Car memory. The presence in the kit of a device for charging a flashlight from a car cigarette lighter (or a standard auto socket of the same size). Typically, such a device has the form of a simple plug with a cable; the cable can be made detachable. And in some models, a separate car charger is completely absent: to charge the battery, the flashlight itself is inserted into the cigarette lighter socket, and the body of the device plays the role of a plug. See "Power - Cigarette Lighter" for details.

- USB cable for charging. The presence in the kit is separately only a cable for charging, but without a...complete plug into an outlet. At the same time, you have the possibility to charge, for example, from Power-bank.

- Battery charger. A device for charging the batteries supplied with the flashlight. Only models with removable batteries are equipped with such a device - in fact, the battery must be removed to charge. This may create some inconvenience. On the other hand, batteries are usually made in a standard size, which gives many additional options. For example, you can buy a spare set of batteries and use it while the main one is charging, or even put disposable batteries instead of "native" batteries; The charger can be used not only for flashlight batteries, but also for other compatible batteries.

— Power element(s). A battery is included with the flashlight. This feature allows you to use the flashlight immediately after purchase, without buying additional batteries separately. Note that the presence or absence of a battery in the kit does not depend on the type of battery itself (see "Power"): for example, models for the original battery are not always equipped with such a battery. Therefore, if readiness for work “out of the box” is critical, you should choose a flashlight for which the battery is directly declared in the kit. At the same time, it does not hurt to clarify which element the product is equipped with - a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery.

- Light filters. Removable filters, commonly used to color the beam of a flashlight in one color or another - red, blue and / or green. See "Additional Modes" for more information on such colored lighting; Here we note two points. Firstly, the set of light filters can be different: for example, red light is common, but green and blue are much less common. At the same time, for some lamps, additional light filters are produced separately, they can be purchased in addition if necessary. Secondly, if a flashlight with colored light does not have filters in the kit, it means that this model uses separate colored diodes or, much less often, built-in filters. Both the one and the other option turns out to be more convenient from the point of view that to switch colors you do not need to mess around with interchangeable accessories (which you can forget somewhere or lose). On the other hand, additional equipment somewhat complicates and increases the cost of the design of the entire device.

— Clip for carrying. The presence in the design of the flashlight of a special clip (clips) - similar to that used in portable players, ballpoint pens, etc. This clip allows you to fix the flashlight on clothing, for example, on the edge of a pocket. This function is intended primarily for ease of wearing: a flashlight fixed with a clip will always be in one place, without getting lost or confused in your pocket.

- Bicycle mount. Fastening for installation of a lantern on a handlebar of a bicycle. Allows you to use the lighting device as a source of head light and indicates the presence of a cyclist on the road at night. As a rule, the holder is fixed on the steering wheel by means of a screw clamp, and the flashlight is held in it due to the elasticity of the mount.

- Strap. The presence in the design of the lantern strap for mount on the hand. It protects the device from falling: even if you accidentally open your fingers, the strap will hold the flashlight on your hand (or at least delay the fall so that you have time to react). And in diving models (see "Type"), such a device can, on the contrary, keep the flashlight from floating up. In large-sized hand-held lamps, the strap may be designed for ease of carrying on the shoulder, but such options are quite rare.

— Case. Existence in a set of delivery of a special cover for storage and transportation of a lamp. Such a case protects the device from excessive contamination and provides some degree of protection against damage. In addition, it can come in handy for protecting surrounding fragile items - for example, if you have to transport them along with a flashlight in a tightly packed bag or backpack.

- Underbarrel mount. Attachment for mounting an underbarrel flashlight (see "Type") on a weapon. Most often, such a mount is designed for a standard Picatinny / Weaver rail, but other options are possible; This point does not hurt to clarify before buying. In any case, this equipment is convenient because the mount does not need to be looked for separately; on the other hand, it may not be suitable for non-standard "seats".

- Without mount. The absence of a mount on a weapon in the delivery set of an underbarrel flashlight (see "Type"). Such models were originally intended for use for a different purpose - usually as hand-held compact ones (see ibid.), and the possibility of installation under the barrel is provided as an option. Also, you should pay attention to this option if the weapon has a non-standard way of installing flashlights - the mount for such an installation is easiest to buy separately from the flashlight.

— Plastic. Of the advantages of plastic flashlights, one can note their low weight and good suitability for low temperatures. In particular, this material does not "cool" the hand as much as metal, and has a lower thermal conductivity (which reduces the risk of battery hypothermia). On the other hand, plastic cases are significantly less durable. As a result, they are mainly used in cases where light weight is crucial — in particular, in headlamps and tourist lanterns (see "Type").

— Metal. The main advantage of metal flashlights is high strength. Metal weighs significantly more than plastic, but in some cases this can also be a positive feature: "heavy" devices are often more pleasant in the hand and are perceived as more solid and reliable than light flashlights. At the same time, such cases are colder than plastic cases to the touch, which can create some discomfort at low temperatures; Yes, and they cost a little more.
Note that the most popular type of metal in flashlights is aluminium alloy — light and at the same time strong, durable and corrosion resistant material. The reliability of this alloy is enough even for full-fledged batons (see below). So other types of metal are extremely rare. Cases made of titanium are a separate case — they are placed in a separate category, described below.

— Titan. Titanium alloys are distinguished by their lig...htness, low thermal conductivity (they do not “cool” the hand as much as other metals) and extremely high strength, however, they are very expensive. Titanium case, usually, is a sign of a very advanced flashlight, which is why this option is not included in the "metal" category, but is taken out separately.

— Metal / plastic. Cases that combine metal and plastic elements are a relatively rare option, found mainly in flashlights with the function of headrests (see "Type"). In such models, at least a part of the lantern is usually made of metal, including a lamp and optics, and often the entire “head”; other hard parts (platform for attaching to belts, buckles on belts, etc.) are made of plastic. This allows to provide sufficiently high reliability and at the same time to reduce the cost.
Other types of lanterns with this design are noticeably less common — hand-held "compacts" and lamps, tourist models, etc. They have the same general idea: the most critical parts that require high strength are made of metal, and the rest are made of plastic (to reduce weight and cost). At the same time, for a number of reasons, models in combined cases that are not related to “headbands” have not received distribution.