As important as flashlights can be during emergencies, the fact remains that they are relatively simple tools. Just like any tool, however, the flashlight has undergone changes and advances that has made it more efficient and easier to use. Many people do not realize how many different types of flashlight bulbs there are. There are specialized flashlight bulbs used by hunters, by the military and by police and crime scene investigators. Flashlight bulb manufacturers have found ways to help the bulbs last longer and provide you with more power so you can save money in the long run.
One of the oldest forms of flashlight bulb is the incandescent bulb. Incandescent bulbs have a reputation for a short lifespan and for being fragile. Once the battery begins to lose power, the light emitting from an incandescent bulb tends to change from a white light to a dull yellow color. While this is a good visual indicator that the batteries need changing, it's not ideal for the flashlight user. Among the incandescent bulbs available are standard bulbs, krypton bulbs, halogen bulbs and xenon bulbs.
Flashlights can also use LED bulbs, which are known for their efficiency. Even as battery power drops in these types of flashlights, the light will dim but the overall color of the light will not change. LED bulbs have the capacity to run much longer than other kinds of bulbs (such as the incandescent bulb).
The flashlight bulb that is best for your needs will depend on your personal situation and what you plan to use the flashlight for. If you don't need a lot of power, a standard incandescent bulb might be a good choice. These are the least expensive of all of the bulbs on the market.
A krypton incandescent bulb is sufficient for most of a flashlight's common uses, such as functioning as a light source during outdoor camping trips and finding one's way around the house during a power outage. These bulbs are not very expensive.
Halogen incandescent bulbs are brighter than either of these incandescent bulbs and last longer, so they may be a good investment if you're looking for efficiency and brighter light.
A xenon incandescent bulb is an even brighter option.
If you'd rather not use incandescent bulbs, you can try LED bulbs, which last even longer than incandescent and also come in several different colors (such as red, green, or blue). In order to handle the flashlight bulbs safely, be sure to wait until the flashlight has been off for a while before replacing the bulb. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself. If the bulb is broken or cracked, you may simply consider getting another flashlight rather than try to pick through the pieces of the bulb and risk cutting yourself.