Why do people collect flashlights?

Just a general question really, but it'd be interesting to see what people think about why they or other people collect flashlights. Also, what's the general opinion - is flashlight collecting in the main a mature guy thing or is this type of collecting thing equally spread age groups and genders? So, why collect flashlights? Answers on a postcard.......

So that they can play snob with their high CRI/warm tint/monster lumens unreliable, warrantyless lights over the common ā€œmuggleā€ who just wants a simple reliable working light :wink:

i think its a man,s thing i dont smoke just drink in mo duration i love walking in the dark with my dog and with a great bright light :smiley: i think i have a torch fetish lol

Until a few years ago I was always walking my dog in the dark at night. Then I thought it would be a good idea to occasionally turn on my camera phone light, to warn other potential dog walkers about my presence. After that, I realised that it would be nice to be able to see in the dark, instead of just being seen. So I bought a crappy cheap zoomie from eBay, which I used for about a month until the switch was no longer working.

I bought another zoomie that cost about twice as much, with a ā€˜cool lookingā€™ metal host that reminded me of a lightsaber grip. Once again, the switch failed after a few weeks, and I decided to invest more money and buy a ā€˜realā€™ torch from Torch Direct (a large UK seller). My choice was the Olight SR52UT, which had a lot of throw but far less lumens than more recent purchases. While I was waiting for it, I checked all kinds of reviews, which brought me to CPF and BLF. Thatā€™s when I found out that there was a world of flashlights that I had never known about, and I soon became hooked.

Now throw distance has become a lot less important to me, as I appreciate having plenty of spill so I can see what is right in front of my feet when Iā€™m walking in in the dark. And with the recent NW/WW high-CRI offerings, those CW lights seem like theyā€™re a relic from a distant past. Compactness has also become a lot more important to me, as well as a good UI.

While it seems quite a male-dominated hobby, there are others such as my (nearly 47 year old) self who provide the exceptions. But Iā€™m only a collector / user and have no modding experience or the technical knowledge necessary for it, unlike a lot of very talented people on this forum.

We are scared of the dark :smiley:

No really i have no idea?

I like to be enlightened. :slight_smile:
And to ā€œmakeā€ light.

I donā€™t so much collect, as search for the perfect light - and I havenā€™t found it yet. Of course, no one light is the best for every situation, so I need a handful of different types. But then I donā€™t want to walk across the flat to grab one for looking in a drawer, so itā€™s best to have a few scattered. And so the not-a-collection growsā€¦

The thrill of seeing bright light flowing out a tube.

Virtually every light I buy has an intended use (although some of those purchases donā€™t measure up and never get used). The ā€œcollectionā€ part is an accidental consequence of upgrading my lights from time to time :slight_smile:

Same reason people collect Coins, Hot Wheels, early 1900ā€™s stainless dildos, Stamps, buttons, etc.

As a kid I quickly abandoned Hot Wheels for Electric Slot cars, (Aurora Thunderjets to be specific) because they did something on their own and you could work on them and soup them up. Taught me mechanics and electrical at the same time.
Later in life it taught me about collecting and how the original box can easily double the value of many items.
Also taught me how to look for and spot clones/fakes.

I now describe collecting flashlights to people by saying ā€œSome people collect coins, I collect Flashlights because coins canā€™t find the keys in the dark!ā€
Always gets a laugh and explains it quick.
Then they usually ask what kinds of lights etc and you get to educate and maybe help some folks.
Still leary of pushing Li battery powered lights to Muggles though.

Later,
Need to get to work now and collect some $

Because Iā€™m at the ā€ I Want ā€ stage of life ā€”ā€” it started around age 5 and still going strong at 57ā€”ā€” :smiley:

Why do people collect flashlights?

Because dogs don't have money!

Besides, only people (and mermaids) collect things.

Because itā€™s affordable, unlike classic carsā€¦

Why do people collect anything ?

I don't feel like i am collecting flashlights, not getting every model in every color but ā€¦ well ā€¦ to each task it's tool and one might have to test several tools to find the most appropriate for each task ;)

I donā€™t collect lights. They seem to gather around me. I get parcels in the mail and I wonder ā€œwhatā€™s this??ā€ only to find itā€™s (another) torch. Itā€™s like Iā€™m the Flashlight Fairyā€™s favourite person and she keeps gifting meā€¦. honestā€¦. true story :blush:

Something ready for any eventuality....panic buying for every new model at a cheaper price..

So far I am inventing justifications to buy more lights. One for work (night shift), one on the key chain to always be on me. I live outside the city so several in the house one for every area in the house to go outside with and for when the light goes out (relatively regular event). One big thrower to scan the are outside the house. Two lights in the car, one small with a magnet, one larger but compact thrower in case I am somewhere I need it to look around.

Yeah, if you find yourself using the term ā€œpanic buyingā€ for flashlights outside of a disaster or zombie movie, you might have a problem. ;0)

We have bears with cubs in my neighborhood. & big ass bucks, and does with Bambi in tow.
Foxes. Raccoons. Not to mention the hoppy bunnies.

So, when my dog Moose & me go out for that last call to nature before tucking in, I
Take a bright light with us. Used to carry a torch before joining BLF.

Now I collect lights. Go figure.

this is exactly itā€”not collecting per se, just acquiring things hoping they work or do what we want

i get something, it is close to what i want, i use it, then something better comes along

iā€™ve just about stopped though with FW3A and anduril UI

wle