Tips for Choosing a Flashlight or Headlamp – See and Be Seen in the Dark

Darkness doesn't have to be a reason to skip outdoor activities. At Happy Angler, we want to help you find the perfect flashlight or headlamp to suit your needs, whether you're an avid angler, boater, or dog walker. Whether you're looking for a powerful, rechargeable, waterproof, or impact-resistant headlamp, a camping lantern, or a flashlight, you'll find them all in our online store.

In our selection, you'll also find Finnish magazine Tekniikan Maailma’s "Best Powerful Flashlight 2023" and the test winner from Finnish Vene and Kippari magazines (12/22), the NEBO Slyde King 2K flashlight, as well as the NEBO Luxtreme SL spotlight, whose bigger brother was awarded Finnish Vene magazine's (11/23) spotlight test winner with five stars!

What Makes a Powerful Light?

A powerful headlamp or flashlight should provide a beam that allows you to walk safely in a dark forest or see navigational markers when boating at night. The brightness, measured in lumens, indicates the total amount of light the lamp produces.

For forest dog walks, a light under 1,000 lumens is sufficient, while those who need to see farther in the dark should opt for a light with over 1,000 lumens. It's important to note that two lights with the same lumen value may project light differently depending on how the beam is distributed.

For fishing and boating, bright light and high luminosity are often necessary to see clearly in low light or darkness. Boaters usually require a searchlight with a long, narrow beam to easily spot markers in the dark.

Zander trolling enthusiasts often use a searchlight at night to detect planers or release clips, and sometimes need light for landing fish. A headlamp is also a must-have for night fishing—whether you're trolling for zander or catching tiny fish along rocky shores. A fisherman's headlamp should be easy to use and at least splash resistant.

"As for species fishing at night, the light should have enough brightness and adjustable modes. Some species fished at night dislike bright light, and by adjusting the brightness, these fish are less likely to be scared off by the approaching angler. A powerful light helps you spot small flatfish and other species on sandy shores," says Juha Salonen, SE record-holder in species fishing.

Key Features to Consider

When selecting a flashlight or headlamp, consider its size, attachment options, and light modes. Many lights offer brightness adjustment, and some even allow beam size adjustment through zooming. Additionally, some headlamps come with a red light that helps maintain night vision better than bright white light.

Do you need a strobe feature, or should the light be easy to attach while working? Some lights have a magnetic base, allowing attachment to metal surfaces without additional tools.

Use Your Flashlight or Headlamp in Any Weather

Most lights come with an IP rating (International Protection) to inform the user how well the product is protected against water and debris.

How to Read an IP Rating:

The IP rating consists of two numbers and optional letter codes. The first number indicates the device's protection against foreign objects and dust, while the second number indicates its protection against water and moisture. The higher the number, the better the protection.

Here's a summary of IP rating meanings:

First Number (Dust Protection):

• 0: No protection.
• 1-4: Protection against different sized objects (50mm, 12.5mm, 2.5mm, 1mm).
• 5: Dust-protected, not fully sealed.
• 6: Completely dust-tight protection.

Second Number (Water Protection):

• 0: No protection.
• 1-3: Protection against water from various angles (vertical, 15°, 60°).
• 4: Splash-resistant.
• 5: Withstands water jets.
• 6: Withstands high-pressure water jets.
• 7: Resistant to temporary submersion.
• 8: Resistant to continuous submersion.

**X**: Protection level not defined.

Common IP Ratings for Lights:

IPX7 Waterproof Lamp:

An IPX7 rating means the device can withstand temporary immersion in water. Specifically, IPX7-rated devices can be submerged up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes without water entering and causing damage.

IP67-66 Dust and Waterproof Lamp:

IP67-rated products are waterproof and offer better protection than IP65 and IP66, which are only water-resistant. IP67 prevents both solid objects and water from entering effectively.
IP67 withstands temporary submersion, while IP66 can only handle strong water jets from any direction.

IPX4 Water-Resistant Lamp:

IPX4-rated flashlights and headlamps can handle splashes from any direction but aren't fully waterproof. This rating provides enough protection for rainy or damp conditions but not for water submersion.

At Happy Angler, our flashlight and headlamp selection include water- and impact-resistant, rechargeable lights, easily delivered straight to your door.