A Brief History of Time… no, Flashlights.

Flashlights, the other White Meat. A brief history and overview of the world’s most popular portable illumination tool.

The flashlight is a pretty recent invention.  Before 1896 if you needed to visit the outhouse late at night or look for lost treasures in a dark closet you would most likely use a candle or a kerosene lamp.  Occasionally accidents and fires arose from using either of them.   This was a problem.

Into the picture comes Russian immigrant Akiba Horowitz, who changed his name to Conrad Hubert when he came to America.  He was a successful business man in the distillery business back in homeland.  When he came to America there wasn’t much opportunity for him to start again, so he decided to try his hand at a few different things including a cigar store, a restaurant, a boarding house, a jewelry store, a farm, a milk wagon route and finally a novelty shop.

At his novelty shop worked David Misell, an English inventor who on March 12, 1898 filed a patent under his employer for a “electric device” which was powered by “D” batteries which were invented in 1896.  On January 10, 1899, American Electrical Novelty and Manufacturing Company obtained U.S. Patent No. 617,592.

The first flashlights were crude at best, a couple of “D” batteries laid front to back in a paper tube with a bulb and reflector on the end.  These flashlights used zinc-carbon batteries which couldn’t sustain a constant flow of electricity and needed short periods of rest.  They also used inefficient carbon filament bulbs.  So you could use them in short bursts.  Hence, the term “flashlight” came about.
Throughout the years many improvements have been made to every aspect of the flashlight.

Today we have many different types of batteries to choose both single use and rechargeable batteries including alkaline, lithium, NiCd, NiMH just to name a few.  With the bulbs there are incandescent (xenon, halogen, krypton), fluorescent, LED (light emitting diode).  The body of a flashlight can be made from plastic, aluminum, stainless steel and titanium to name a few.

By Spencer Carbajal

Flashlight Companies that Brighten Our Lives

Here is some basic information and few links to some of our favorite and well regarded flashlight manufacturers! Our goal is to carry every product by every one of the manufacturers listed below (lofty, we know). Is there something you want to see us carry or review? Drop us a line!

AE Powerlight – AE Powerlight is regarded as in innovator of HID electronic ballasts (EB) and of high performance portable lightning (HPPL) solutions. Their EBs and HPPLs are used in extreme applications where overall build quality is the primary consideration. AE Powelight’s commitment to design, manufacturing quality, effectiveness and strength is evident. While their HID handheld searchlights were designed for search & rescue operations (for LEO and military applications), they are also well suited for recreational use.

4Sevens – Although 4sevens started out as a retail store about three years ago they began to manufacture their own flashlight brand. 4sevens flashlights are well regarded as high quality quality yet affordable. They incorporate the latest flashlight technology into their carefully designed models. It’s evident from using a 4sevens model that they are passionate about their research, the newest flashlight technology (i.e. LEDs, circuitry, materials) and innovation.

Black Diamond – Black Diamond is committed to the best gear. Making it, using it, selling it. Their products are geared toward climbers and skiers but the Black Diamond headlamps are perfect for backpackers and for your emergency preparedness kits.

Eagle Tac -Eagle Tac us based out of Arizona and produces tactical flashlights with an emphasis on precision. Their flashlights are used by law enforcement and rescue teams who demand the best. Eagle Tac flashlights include advances features like electronic output regulation as well as refined brightness controls.

FenixFenix flashlights are brand to keep an eye on! The name, Fenix, comes from a word in Chinese that means “perfect thing.” The phoenix is perfect and blessed in Chinese culture. Since their inception Fenix has tried to create the perfect flashlight. Fenix’s commitment to innovation is second to none. In fact Fenix was the first major manufacturer to bring a quality single AA battery LED to the market. Innovation and quality has allowed Fenix to become of the most well regarded LED flashlight manufacturers in the world.

Icon – Icon flashlights were conceived from simultaneous obsession with design and technology. Every part of an Icon flashlight must enchance the performance and the user’s experience. Using accomplished designers and world class engineers each flashlight turns out beautifully. Output, appearance are spectacular and the flashlights are within anyone’s reach.

Inova – Inova is a division of NiteIze. They specialize in high quality LED flashlight and are well known in the world of portable lighting. Inova flashlights are available in models suitable for recreations and professional (tacticsl) use.

JET Beam - JETBeam was founded in 2004 and they specializes in LED lighting solution. JETbeam flashlights showcase the most advanced LED light technology and the highest standard of materials and workmanship. JETBeam products boast amazing performance, beautiful design and superior quality.

Maglite – Maglite has been part of the Flashlight game since 1979 and is known worldwide. Used by policemen, firefighters, military and mechanics the Maglite is perfect and can generally be found in any environment. Maglite has always been committed to flashlight innovation & refinement as evidenced by their rechargeable flashlight system. Maglite flashlights remains a respected stndard in the flashlight industry.

NexTorch- Since their inception Nextorch’s only focus was creating superior portable lightning products. Advanced lightning technology creatures durability, longevity and lightweight ergonomic carry. Nextorch flashlights feature rugged aluminum bodies (6061-T6) with Mil-Spc Type III anodizing. In short, Nextorch offers “The Brilliant Solution” for portable lighting application.

Nova Tac - With a focus on every day carry (EDC) flashlights Nova Tac has emerged as a leading developer of practical and convenient flashlights. They spent time and energy to make their EDC flashlight lines military compliant. Many NovaTac flashlights as used by the United Sates Army. NovaTac is also the developer of a remote pressure switch allowing some of their flashlights to be operated remotely.

Olight -Olight specializes in LED lightning. Their driving paradigm is to make the best most advanced flashlights on earth yet still make them affordable without compromising quality. Olight flashlights fulfill a variety of needs and many models are available to suit specific tasks.

Pelican – Pelican started operating in 1974 making high performance dive lighting. Today they are a respected player in the advanced lightning manufacturer circle. Pelican is dedicated to always  improving their products and their service

Princeton Tec – Princeton Tec has been manufacturing and building lights for over thirty years. Their drive and focus is the human spirit- it pushes technology and design to new levels. At Princeton Tec it’s critical that the user has the best lighting solution and that the lighting technology is appropriate for the intended use. Princeton Tec headlamps are the perfect illumination gear for adventure and any emergency.

Streamlight -Steamlight learns by doing with the intend to develop products that their customers need. If you work at Streamlight then you use Streamlite products. You through firefighter training, take courses in low light shooting and are usually a hunter, fisherman or an outdoor enthusiast. This type of hands-on experience has led them to innovate and create products that set Surefire apart from the competition which is why many regard Streamlite flashlights as the best.

Surefire – Surefire was started back in 1969 with the intention to use lasers for industrial applications. In 1979 the Surefire team created and patented the first laser sight for a gun. This innovation quickly led to the creation of a gun / weapon mounted flashlight. Surefire then established themselves as on of the leading manufacturers of compact and tough illumination tools for all types of tactical applications. Surefire is now synonymous with flashlight and illumination tool excellence. Surefire flashlights are top tier and renowned worldwide.

Xeno - Xeno has been making flashlights cine 1999 and has been one of the leaders in flashlight innovation ever since. Xeno flashlights are tough lights with a price anyone can afford.

Do you Manufacture Flashlights and you’e not on our list! Drop us a line- we’d love to carry your products and feature you on our blog!