I’m Tom.
When I was a kid, my father had a highly sophisticated flashlight - a tin box with an incandescent bulb, flat 4,5V battery (you could touch both poles with your tounge) :sunglasses: and red and green light filters. Later new kind of flashlights appeared - with D size cells, yes, they were heavy…
And now, when I want to buy a new flashlight, I’m a bit confused - they have batteries of different voltage, they have lumens, amperage, PWM (must be some ladies thing) and some people say - even small people with steering wheels inside them. I took some flashlights apart, and couldn’t see any inside, so, those drivers must be either microscopic or demonic in their nature.
First, let me welcome you to BLF! You seem to have a very good sense of humor which is great!
EDIT: Are you saying that your father built a flashlight in a tin box?
With time, exploration, and careful purchases, you may find your "flashlight self." That is to say, you will learn about feature and decide on the ones that are the most important to you.
Flashlight are technical, beautiful, and practical. Something for everyone.
