Testing the Best Rated Flashlights on Amazon

Testing some of the Best, and Cheapest flashlights on Amazon. Some of these turned out to be surprisingly good flashlights, and others not so much. Also testing the Amazon Basics NIMH AA precharged rechargeable batteries.
My products on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/mattsmith
Nicron N7 AA: amzn.to/2OaTs1K (My #1 Pick)
Anker Bolder: amzn.to/2s7DGw5 (My #2 Pick)
BYBLight: amzn.to/2D9IEe6 (My #3 Pick)
J5 Tactical Zoomie: amzn.to/2XKezv5 (My 4th Pick)
Outlite A100: amzn.to/2QJpR13
amzn.to/349kGeO
Amazon Basics Rechargeable: amzn.to/2VdOhSb
The output chart: i.postimg.cc/9XvTQ2h4/outupt.png
Amazon Basics AA Test after Charged: i.postimg.cc/tgMJvdR1/Full-ch...
Amazon Basics AA Test NOT Charged: i.postimg.cc/8PRFkr43/Battery...
My Shop:lumencraft.com/
Facebook: search/top/?...
CandlePowerForums:www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/f...
LIGHTS I RECOMMEND
BRIGHTEST EDC (Lumintop FW3A) bit.ly/FW3Aeverydaycarry (Coupon Code: ASFW3A)
BRIGHTEST SMALL(Acebeam X80GT) amzn.to/36bCKWm
BRIGHTEST LARGE (Imalent MS18) : bit.ly/ImalentMS18 (Coupon Code: ASIMALENT)
BEST THROWER SMALL (GT MINI) bit.ly/LumintopGTminix
Best THROWER MEDIUM (NI40 SBT90.2) bit.ly/SBT90_2
BEST THROWER LARGE(BLF GT) bit.ly/BLFGTXHP35HI
BEST THROWER LARGE(BLF GT70) bit.ly/BLFGT70_2
BEST TACTICAL (Acebeam L16)amzn.to/2LSr3u5
BUDGET THROWER SMALL(Convoy C8)bit.ly/ASFC8Convoy
BUDGET THROWER MEDIUM (Wowtac A4) amzn.to/2SPVMeu
BUDGET BRIGHTEST (Astrolux MF01)bit.ly/astroluxmfo1
BUDGET EDC (to be determined)
OTHER
(Astrolux Mf04s) goo.gl/F3ZUim (Coupon: ef0b79)
Coupon Code for Neals Gadgest: ASF (for 8% off all flashlights)
#amazon

[@scotturner3178]

Didn't hear a wasted word. Thanks for respecting your users time.

[@PB0Y1834]

Scot Turner Relax.

[@cayero]

Users? WHF?

[@bettyschneider5268]

Scot Turner ... Thank God he didn't just talk all day like most! ... Lol 😆

[@cayero]

@El Matadores what in the fuck did you just say?

[@cayero]

@El Matadores "you heard"? I read your comment, not "heard". You Third World Country illiterate .

[@lonniebolick2610]

This was one of the best reviews I have seen. You gave tons of information that is was useful and not just trivial stuff that most do. Plus, as an Amazon shopper, I liked that you gave hands on meaning to the "star" reviews that get confusing as you go from item to item. Thanks.

[@wearandtear6692]

All of them are simple and capable lights superior to what would have been available on the market 10-15 years ago. Enough bang for the buck and no obvious rip-offs. It is good to see that reasonably good equipment is becoming more common as this means that more people are better prepared for many types of emergency situations.

[@lorenfok1097]

Agreed. I like to keep a flashlight handy in all areas. Can never have too many. Bedroom, garage, car, shed, work etc.

[@kaybee4426]

Great video. Very detailed and I love the real measurement test you did. Gave details of each flashlight and tested each one indoors and outdoors.

[@mannyacer2618]

Thank you for taking the time to review these items. This was very helpful.

[@RGV250FORSALE]

Thanks for the reviews sir - we live in the UK and just bought the Anker Bolder from Amazon this evening. We've got a horse to bring in from a huge field in the pitch black of winter - and this light looks like it'll help us find the little bugger when he's hiding in a corner of the field - lol. Thanks again :)

[@maddogtroy28]

Just wanna say thanks for these I've bought way more expensive lights with results not always this good . It means a lot to get to see some of these amazon products before buying.

[@drewwhittemore2414]

This is timeless. Still extremely relevant insight years later. Thanks

[@00SNIVY00]

I have the Bolder 90 2-Cell version and I love it so much. It has excellent power. and about double the battery life of the single cell version. It's slightly different; the batteries aren't removable, but the charging port is on the bottom of the flashlight alongside the button, which clicks once to cycle through the modes, rather than on and off and on and off. You have to hold it to turn it off and save the last state.

[@ahkillez64]

I appreciate your work and detail and down to earth flashlight buy list with a savvy review over every one of them at the introduction . Very helpful to watch and figure stuff out a little better. Thanks again. Thumbs up. Subscribed 👍⭐

[@Ryan_1997]

👍just the vid review I've been lookin for. I have so many flashlights, and been lookin for more for my collection. Thanks 🤘

[@gen-x-eleven8997]

Finally good reviews on Lights. Thank you.

[@justhere8149]

From one flashaholic to another you do a great job here with your reviews and I really appreciate your natural straight to the point approach. 👍

[@thiccboi6938]

Do u flashoholics flash yourself in public

[@AsapMilk]

@@thiccboi6938 I believe those are the Fleshaholics you are speaking of

[@jenerophinisee1697]

@@thiccboi6938 🤣🤣🤣

[@larrylucas5731]

Great info. Love the channel. Thanks for your time!

[@MD.ImNoScientician]

You always do such good reviews, thanks! I really like the idea of the Amazon Basics Nmh batteries too.

[@MrHomolka]

I've had the Anker 900 and 1300 for a couple years now. They definitely feel solid and have held up well especially for the price tag. They are kind of bulky though so good to keep in the house or a bag

[@somnia3321]

Really appreciate this video, just started working night shifts as a door supervisor, was looking for a torch to use both inside and outside of work but to no avail

[@Prometheus1111]

I love how positive, informative and high energy your videos always are

[@ShiningXwolf]

I've bought multiple Anker Bolder flashlights over the past few years. Not the big zoomable one but the smaller 400 lumen one. I carry one every day AND have one attached to a 12 gauge shotgun. Have put many rounds through it and the recoil/shock hasn't damaged the light at all. Not the most intuitive controls but very well built especially for the price. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend to anyone looking for a lightweight, rechargable relatively-high lumen flashlight

[@CasualInventor]

The Nicron N7 looks pretty awesome. Thanks for the great video Matt :)

[@1987FX16]

I'm about to go buy a Nicron N7 and a few 14500s. Thanks for the video and your time you put into them. Hope your doing well and having a good one!

[@KaleOrton]

Thanks man, i'm gonna get the N7 for my collection thanks to you. Great post!

[@mikecottrell7765]

Brilliant video. Straight into it, no messing about. 10/10

[@DaveBare]

Prompt, thorough and who doesn't love "blinky stuff?"

[@levonnevem7254]

Yes what is that

[@aaaatttt101]

Plenty hate the soppy flashing modes you never need but have to cycle through

[@booom2314]

Super thanks for testing!

[@Steve-Goff]

I love the Nicron N7. I’ve gifted many of them too. I did a video on it several months ago on how I thought it was the ultimate car/truck light

[@ehababdulburalfakhory801]

Professional comparison. Thank you

[@ZaarHai]

Thank you for doing this comparison! It's funny how awkward is the beam on most of them except Nicron N7. There are so much better lights for this ~$20 USD mark. Convoy S21A for example. But it's cool that many of them come with battery and USB charger - makes it self-sufficient if this is a the only light you have.

[@jgharts4949]

Very good info. Thanks, Matt.

[@82ivaylo]

Good room acoustic, your voice is so clear and natural.

[@geraldcrook9504]

Matt that was a well executed video presentation was spot on . you really put them through a good test .many thanks gerald UK

[@javaman2883]

That's really nice when the strobe and SOS flash are separate with the long press. I get frustrated by so many that cycle though or accidentally starts in that strobe mode.

[@1funcar]

I bought a J5 and liked it so much that I now have one in every car and a few in the home. It puts out a good amount of light on one AA battery. There may be brighter or less expensive lights, but this one works for me.

[@epistte]

I had a J5 and they are quite bright but the switch seems to fail after about 8-9 months.

[@stevekintz502]

im shocked u have good luck with the j5. i have 2 of them and the swithches re no good on both of them. it rrely goes full bright cuse of poor swith contacts

[@1funcar]

So far, so good. But I don’t think I’m using them a lot. Maybe I was just lucky.

[@stephenvanhorn3097]

Great review. Very helpful. What I needed. Thanks

[@tomchang1647]

Great, very informative reviews!! Three members of my family deer hunt so we need a good source for searching downed deer in the dark. I personally like Coleman flashlights. They are a little bit more expensive ($18-$24 / 350-400 lumens) but provide one thing I want for use in the field, a SIMPLE switch with ONLY on and off! If I were an emergency responder or hiked the Rockies on a regular basis I might want the flashing feature and 48 intensity modes but I hate clicking the switch 5x to turn off the light.

[@busman7228]

I agree

[@muckrak3r]

I picked up a handful of the J5 Tactical lights for $5 each from a Woot sale. They're solid lights, especially at that price point. Just wanted something reliable to toss in drawers and glove boxes. Wouldn't pay more than $15 for sure. But if you can get them on sale I highly recommend that light.

[@shanehayes6048]

Thanks Matt, another great video.

[@jacklynn4424]

Thanks for sharing this video, it's extremely informative. Just found your channel today and I am glad I did.

[@JeffDenny1]

thanks Matt i just purchased the nicron n7 i loved your presentation and i apreciate your video keep up the good work i will only by my flashlights thru you from now on peace j

[@mohamedgoldstein5565]

You do comparisons well. Thank you.

[@ronvalley1973]

i thought i was starting to be a flashlight collector but this guy has me beat. excellent video.....and a new subscriber here.....!!!

[@foreverdrift]

Awesome video! Thanks for all this great info

[@joekasperek1086]

Awesome Matt..... Thx for sharing

[@xaviorperez6096]

This channel is actually severely underrated. Good content and no wasting our time. Instant sub!

[@lupoed]

Outstanding review on point no bla bla!

[@KrissRoss.]

Thank you for doing this review. Blessing Man.

[@chrisk4357]

You are pretty straightforward. Thank you!

[@cometboston737]

Straight into the video love it

[@hirofortis]

I have the Boulder and it is one of the best I have ever purchased. Had it for over a year and it is so nice. I highly recommend this one.

[@carlosmatos9848]

The Wanker Bolders are nice if you just want a decent light without the frills. I have the LC40 and it's pretty awesome for $10. Takes 3xAAA, 1x18650 or 1x20650. High, Low, and Strobe, no frills. Pretty good balance of throw and spill too.

[@bookofb2098]

I have an LC90 from 2016. No wobble at all. I have used it regularly, but never really abused it, and it is still virtually brand new.

[@robert7984]

I bought the N7 based on your review. I'm very pleased! Great little flashlight.

[@bobbycole3968]

It is really amazing how many good flashlights are out there for cheap prices.

[@busman7228]

The quality is cheap too. You get what you pay for.

[@yotarocket]

I was #500 for the 'thumbs up' plus you got a new sub here. Also, I've owned the J5 Tactile V1 Pro for 3 years and it's been through hell- dropped numerous times from ladders, dropped while running and used regularly for EDC purposes. The anodized finish is worn and beat up looking but the light still works as good as new!

[@chrislumino2890]

thanks, i really needed this

[@JoshyDaMan08]

I brought a Gearlight S1200 but be careful don't unscrew on front of the lenses, it will falls out with 3 components, plastic lenses, rubber rings supposedly seated on lenses and as well as expose the leds. 3 "AA" batteries barrier is okay with alkaline but also accepted with Ni-MH rechargeable (however degrading lumens slightly). 26650 and 18650 LI-ion battery are the best but not great still. It looks pretty good. Great summary reviews, Matt.

[@ericpeterson2960]

I got the Nicron N7. Perfect for my use case. Even with the standard Duracell 1.5v AA battery. The rim of the lights head is Glow in the Dark. For a car flash light its perfect. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Helmsteroni]

I have the nicron n7 and carry it with me daily. It's incredibly bright and versatile for its size. I've been thoroughly impressed with it for the past 3 months I've had it. I mainly got it for work. I work at a hose supplier and some of the machines can be kinda dark to use. I also use a nickel metal hydride battery as its power. Highly recommend it! It also has sos mode and a strobe but not in the main switch use which I love. Most flashlights incorporate that feature towards the end at which point you have to cycle through it to turn it off. With this light you just hold down the power button a few seconds to enter that mode. Normal modes are high and low then off

[@mattcousins1707]

Can the nicron n7 fit protected 14500 cells? Or only unprotected cells?

[@Helmsteroni]

@@mattcousins1707 I'm not sure actually but what are the differences in size?

[@vrglcom]

Justin Helms usually 50 or so mm longer because of the protective chip

[@DinnerForkTongue]

I see overstated lumens across the board, some moderately, some absurdly.

[@martinaee]

Probably, but these are going to be more general consumer oriented lights anyway. Something like that Nicron could be an AWESOME single light for most non-flashaholic users. Small, 1 easy battery solution, multi-function/direction head, low/high without BS, etc.

[@rpbajb]

@@martinaee Agree. I just ordered one. Hope it makes it through the Black Friday craziness.

[@billybbob18]

Chinese watts is American watts divided by 3. Let's hope that Chinese lumens don't suffer the same fate.

[@trentonsatathite7715]

Wish be like 99999999999999999999999 lumens that’ll be $1.99

[@Corro_Dedd]

Yes, in my rating the BYB F18 would just fail so hard, as it claims more than double of it's real brightness. The Anker Bolder is the most honest one but with the most ugly beam I have seen in a while. And I'm not even a flashaholic ^^

[@andrewsteavpack9079]

Wow great video, I was expecting $50-$150 flashlights the you wouldn’t buy unless you worked on a ranch or were some type of light enthusiast. But that’s awesome price points and output number, with trustworthy 3rd party testing from you, appreciate the effort.

[@Jorge_Munoz]

I have the Anker Bolder for my on duty job. It really is a good flashlight.

[@FNUKSTER1366]

Great channel Matt 👍

[@s.t.entertainmentreviews7506]

Echoing what others have said every word from start to finish was good not a lot of wasted time thank you for the knowledge and time.

[@DobermannJeff]

👍🏻

[@charlestheos8954]

Sir... I appreciate you very much and your professional presentation. Have a very good day!

[@CasualInventor]

Hi Matt. Happy to say I bought an N7 on your recommendation and I'm very pleased with it. I'd say the build quality was on a par with a Convoy of the same price - e.g. pretty good. Mine came with a spare o-ring even! One thing that I noticed was a pretty harsh PWM effect on LOW mode. HIGH mode appears to have no PWM visible. I can't say this bothers me in the least, but I know some people really can't stand it. Bought a "Li-SOCL2" primary cell (first time I've ever used them) and they work a treat in this light. I've tried a side-by-side comparison with a gold-top AA and I can't tell the difference in performance, they seem equally bright, which is a bonus if all you can get is alkalines. Very nice light though, thanks for the recommendation. :)

[@Sami-rp7mf]

Excellent video. Smart. Will buy one

[@stillphil]

6:06 light snobs unite ! All kidding aside, thanks for the honesty. After years of buying, using, selling or loosing various flashlights - yours is the honest experienced view and video that is very appreciated. And the false lumen claims! - the opposite of honest from many manufacturers. You're not a mere snob you are an experienced light guy. Good Video Matt.

[@shadowbanned5164]

Thanks for the video bought 3 N7s because of it.

[@metaljew4456]

Matt, I absolutely LOVE your channel. You are so funny and entertaining! I am a hopeless flashlight junkie like you and at the present moment I own about 50 various LED flashlights. Some small, some coke can style, some large. Throwers, flooders, the works. 18650 LED lights are my flashlight of choice due to their power. Now get this: I recently ordered an Imalant M16 for $60.00 bucks from this company online with a big fancy website. They sent me information that they have received my order, a tracking # the works. It’s being shipped from Australia so I have no idea how long it’s going to take to get to NJ! We shall see! A $650.00 100K lumen light for $60.00 bucks. I took a flyer...I could not resist. If they don’t come thru with the product then I contest the charge on my card. Keep up the great reviews! I love the idea of reviewing all the LED lights on Amazon. There are so many fugazi brands to choose from.

[@HardwareG33k]

As always, if it's too good to be true... I admire your optimism though :)

[@metaljew4456]

@Castle Bravo: You are correct. It was a total scam. They sent me a two 18650 cell LED flashlight that is about 1000 lumens. It’s actually a nice thrower. Is it a $60.00 LED flashlight? Probably. BUT its not what I ordered.

[@michaelmelling9333]

Excellent review!

[@18564864]

Bolder I've been using for 4 years now as a full time mechanic and its like the same quality as the 180 dollars streamlight.

[@troycummings5083]

Thanks for a great review

[@heru-deshet359]

Great review!

[@jeremiahpatlan]

Well made video, thank you.

[@ImranChaudhry]

Thanks for the great video Matt. Today I bought a Diall GZT001 (sold by B&Q a hardware store in UK) but could not figure out how to install the battery. Turns out it is a re-badged J5 Tactical (but only 60lm). My answer was at 09:41 :)

[@mrdfoutz]

I've read a lot about that Bolder. I use the Anker Bolder LC30 as my pocket carry. Quite sufficient for my line of work (I.T.). It's always there when I need a basic light, and if more is needed, I break out the bigger boys. They all have merit for the price. The J5 looks like the old UltraFire, which, for the price, is a useful light. And indeed, the Outlite has many faces! I have one of the "versions", and it also is a decent light. My daughter bought it for me; she thought it really was what is was advertised as! But a plastic case, 18650 battery, and a charger - I keep it on a table in the LR, so it gets used a lot. Enjoyed hanging out with you Matt, as always!

[@CaioCezar2504]

😊

[@danodiumdanodium4579]

Great reviews and has helped me make a decision. 👍

[@burtmondocream4825]

I love this dudes reviews. Aside the fact that he reminds me of a genetic conglomerate of Eddie Arcadian (The last Dragon) and Dave Mirra (of late X-games fame) you couldn't ask for a more thorough breakdown of current flashlight technology. Thanks man.

[@fordsrule35]

Sho'nuff!!!

[@burtmondocream4825]

@@fordsrule35 LOL!!

[@robertthompsonii6657]

Great Review! Thank you!

[@hotflashfoto]

I have a ThruNite TC15. It's as small as the ones you tested and is really bright. It has 3 basic light levels, plus a very dim "candlelight" mode and a super-bright mode. It's rechargeable through a USB port built into it or the 18650 battery can be removed for external charging. It is not zoomable. UI after turning on is to hold the power button for the 3 standard modes.

[@ncdave4life]

My EDC is a tiny ThruNite Ti (60 lm) which I've kept on my keychain for years. It use one AAA (alkaline or NiMH). (Really AAA, not AA.) Since it is tiny enough to fit nicely on my key-ring, I always have it with me. It has only two settings: bright and dim. None of that blinky nonsense. I love it. The twist-switch mechanism seems to be reliable year after year, unlike click-switches. The tail-click lights I've had have all become flakey after a while. One idiosyncrasy of the ThruNite Ti is that it would only do dim mode with an Eneloop battery. I wrote to ThruNite and they told me it's because the Enelook AAA is very slightly shorter than Alkaline AAAs. So I dropped a tiny aluminum washer into the tube beneath the battery, and that solved the problem.

[@Childish_toast]

I was buying my bf a new flashlight for Christmas because he asked for one and this video helped me a lot thanks I went with the Nicron 😁👍🏻

[@AndyKow]

Excellent video. I bought 2 Nicron flashlights and they are awesome.

[@dosetti]

Bought the NICRON, thanks!

[@krapeevids6992]

You just had to show that Nikron....I NEED IT

[@matthewmillet3807]

Awesome video. Earned a like and subscribe!

[@KevinAndErica]

Great work 👏

[@bluetrue6062]

I concur! Micron and Anker rock! Have both.

[@TheBirdandEagle]

Great informative video. Thank you.

[@bwana440]

P

[@MrBikboi]

The reviews on Amazon are bad, most people have no idea about the products, competitors to the product/good value, and what's just a rebranded Chinese Aliexpress item slapped with a random brand name that you could purchase for 1/4th of the cost directly from Aliexpress, example is that Outlite one, random brand name, I bought the same light for 3.50 glad you touched on that. Good video though Matt, the most honest man on KZbin.

[@Red-Eagle]

Hey man. That was actually interesting. I'm a veteran so I was into the the good tactical flashlights for downrange. I like how you can adjust and focus the light. Great Video. Nikron one deff great for home defense.

[@edwo6648]

Stick with Surefire, they actually work when you need them to.

[@rikart1]

Great Job thankyou Couldnt decide until I caught your reviews, I have tons of china led's few still work!!

[@vominator]

Finally something useful in the reviews

[@vsDrunkenYoda]

Thanks for the vid👍 Your #1 pick I think I'm going to get👍

[@VictorGarciaR]

Could you repeat this but with UV flashlights?

[@tnbspotter5360]

I've had that very same Boulder light for a couple of years. It's good quality and makes for a good house light. I find the button difficult to press though. It's output put my old incandescent Maglite to shame.

[@2muscleman2]

Thank you for the videos. What manufacturer and/or seller has the most accurate light output ratings? If you could only use 2 flashlights for 6 months, what would you choose? Thanks.

[@stevesohn5436]

I have the Anker Bolder for my birthday this year. That thing is amazing!!! I can see Coyotes trying to kill my livestock 100+yards out. Super powerful. Fantastic flashlight.

[@Wutzmename]

I disagree. It's an okay light that isn't close to the advertised 900 lumens.

[@douglaswdb1335]

Best flashlight review I've seen! In my opinion any flashlight that cannot go down to 15 lumens or less cannot double as a "survival lamp." So I wish they would not pretend. Almost by definition "survival" means "unexpected," which means you'll only have the light you have on you unexpectedly. So expect that you will run out of power completely. Why not have a lamp that is also capable of 120 hours or more? Especially in the winter. In my mind, 120+ hours is far more useful than 120+ lumens when it comes to survival. When it comes to survival two things are critically important: maximum output and maximum hours. So in my mind; any lamp that does not have survival-LOW mode but does have blinking "survival" modes is hype, a freaking joke, tinsel for wannabees. Non-traveling, social, and close-up work require even less light. Very few reviews show the lumens or hours of lowest-mode. --Doug Bashford in Fresno

[@DaveSlamGSS]

Awesome review! Thumbs UP!

[@michaelkreitzer1369]

The nice thing about the J5 is that the focus adjustment can be easily handled with your pinky when holding it for single handed operation. When walking the doggo at night I only have the one free hand, and it's with a quick movement of my pinky I can throw enough light at something 200ft away to know if it's a threat then readjust back to short range. This way I don't need some monster light that will blind all the neighbors.

[@R0dan]

WOW I’m impressed with your research👍 Subscribed