How to choose whether to buy a flashlight or a spotlight

Know the difference

When faced with making a choice between buying a spotlight or a flashlight, you’ll have to first understand the difference between the two as this can become a pricy decision. Start off by asking yourself if you wish to illuminate a large space, or if you would like to only lighten up a specific object. Thereafter, your decision will lie in the detail of the fine print.

Flashlights

Some flashlights can toggle between a spotlight beam or a floodlight beam. Flashlights are great at lighting up wider areas for up to 120 degrees, allowing you to see beyond what is in front of you and beyond your left and right peripherals. They are usually recognisable by their bigger, larger lenses. They are perfect for inside use, where your focus would be to lighten up an area or room, and not to focus on a specific object. Uses include camping and rescue missions.

Flashlights also come in different types, each perfect for their own use. Here are some of the most common ones to use:

  1. 1. LED Lights

Designed to use very little energy, this type of flashlight is perfect for long exhibitions at night because of its long battery life. You can choose whether you want a blueish or warmer colour in light to suite different occasions.

  1. 2. HID

Famous for its very bright light that cuts through darkness like a knife.

  1. 3. Shake Flashlights

Perfect for emergency situations, these flashlights generate energy by shaking the magnets inside the flashlights for about a minute. Thus, never running out of energy.

  1. 4. Headlamps

These lights are hands-free, making them perfect for when having a braai or taking part in any physical activities. They come with different bulbs, giving you the upper-hand in choosing the strength of your light.

  1. 5. Lanterns

Perfect for camping, this light brightens up a big area without blinding you or killing that subtle outdoor mood.

Spotlights

A spotlight is mainly used for its narrow, intense beam of light to light up one particular object. This gives them the advantage of covering a distance of up to 1000 meters + and an area of 45 degrees. Spotlights are easy to carry for outdoor use because of their smaller lenses. Great uses for spotlights include hunting, hiking, game viewing, bike riding, and fishing.

Spotlights are great when it comes to hunting at night. Here are a few tips on how to use spotlights for hunting:

  1. 1. Scan your area with a 180-degree angle to avoid scaring away any animals with sudden movements.
  2. 2. Not all animals will react the same way to all the different colours. Try to use the colour light that you intend to hunt with that night. Though, the difference in reaction is very little, so it will not make a huge difference.
  3. 3. Use the side of the beam to spot your targeted animal, due to less intensity in light this will decrease your chances of scaring the animal.
  4. 4. Keep your spotlight on the animal at all times to blind the animal in order for it to not spot you.

Now that you know what the difference is between a flashlight and a spotlight, the next step is for you to decide what you would like to use it for and get yourself the perfect lighting equipment.

If you have any questions about flashlights and spotlights, contact us or visit your nearest Safari Outdoor branch, or you can send a mail to [email protected]. Also, feel free to share them with us in the comments below.

Sources:

  1. The Effective Guide: Spotlight vs Flashlight – What is the main difference
  2. Fenix Light: Which do you need – Spotlight vs Floodlight
  3. Overstock: Guides – Types of Flashlights
  4. LED Watcher: What are spotlights and how to the differ from floodlights
  5. Online Barracks: Best Rechargeable spotlights for hunting
  6. Photo by Andreas Dress on Unsplash

 

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