Getting the Facts Straight about Cree Flashlights

When I was looking for a good flashlight to guide my way through the great Australian outdoors, the name Cree regularly came up in product names. Cree has become such a popular LED technology in the manufacturing of flashlights that many people mistake it for a brand of flashlights. However, they are actually the company that designs and manufactures some of the best LEDs in the world. Their products can be found in a great variety of applications such as warning systems, traffic signs, residential and commercial lighting and more.

It’s important to know that although companies might advertise their product as a Cree flashlight, this only refers to the LED inside. The presence of this state-of-the-art LED technology is a good indicator of the quality of the torch. All the top manufacturers of flashlights use Cree to boost the performance of their product and enhance its lifespan. Moreover, Cree manufactures have designed many different models of LEDs that range in lumens and feature shades of white such as warm, neutral, cool and the most popular flashlight choice – outdoor white.

Outdoor white overlaps between neutral and cool (4000-5300K) and LEDs with this kind of colour are known to guarantee clear visibility in vast shadowy areas. All the different tints of Cree classify under the ANSI white standard. However, not all Cree flashlights are made equal. There are some particular models that are currently pushing the limits of how a normal one should perform, like AceBeam and Fenix. When on the hunt for the perfect Cree flashlight for you, here’s what you will need to consider.

• Purpose – What purpose you need a flashlight for? Cree is a company that regularly comes up with specialised solutions for the different types of flashlights. For instance, if you need a diving search light, currently one of the best ones out there is the AceBeam D45 XHP70 4000 lumen. And out of the wide choice of long range LED torches, the one name that sets itself apart is Armytek Barracuda Pro V2 XP-L. Do an extensive search on this.
• Brightness – What degree of illumination do you need? Hunting flashlights should normally have a long range but a softer brightness, while cave ones should throw a beam that reaches distances up to 400 metres. Anyway, a high lumen output is advisable for any kind of outdoor use.
• Shape and weight – Although you might think this is not so important, carrying around a heavy torch will weigh and slow you down. Moreover, if it doesn’t have a good grip it could slip out of your hands and easily damage, leaving you in complete darkness. There are portable flashlights meant for camping, hiking and hunting, and then there is the heavy duty variety meant for mining or night time construction work. Pay attention to what you’re getting!
• Battery type – A high-quality, durable battery is an important requirement in a flashlight. 3 AAA batteries are most commonly found in flashlights with great power consumption, meaning they are the most reliable choice you can pick. Since they can come as a disposable or rechargeable alternative, you might also want to think about the conditions you’ll be using your flashlight in. If you are staying somewhere where you have a power outlet or a portable bank at your disposable, or are travelling in an RV with a power generator, then rechargeable batteries are a great choice.