What are LED flooder and thrower flashlights?
Thrower flashlights are basically lamps that produce a narrow beam of light over a long range. Thrower flashlights are usually tactical flashlights that are used professionally by the military, police or search teams. Flooder flashlights stand in contrast to throwers. These lamps produce a wide and soft cone of light that illuminates the close range. Such flashlights are suitable for photographers or for fishing or camping, for example.
LED thrower flashlights for long light ranges
The main advantages of LED throwers are their enormous light range and focused light cone. A targeted beam of light is particularly advantageous for illuminating long distances.
For a flashlight to be categorized as a thrower, it should have a beam range of at least 300 metres and little to no spill. The spill is the less bright outer area of a light beam, while the center of a light beam or light cone is called the spot. The following applies: the sharper the edges of a spot, the less spill is produced and the more focused the light cone is. Thrower flashlights look like an oversized lightsaber from a distance and are used for search or hunting missions, for example.
Good to know: The enormous ranges of throwers are achieved using state-of-the-art lens technology. A special lens, usually a so-called TiR lens, focuses the light of the lamp more efficiently than conventional lenses.
LED flooder flashlights for good illumination at close range
Flooder flashlights are also known as floodlights in German-speaking countries. In contrast to throwers, flooders provide a wide and soft cone of light that does not have such a long range. The soft light is generated by a lot of spill, which means that the cone of light is not focused and has soft edges. Flooder flashlights can be used to easily illuminate larger areas at close range.
These lights also use a special lens technology that diffuses the LED light further than conventional lamps. Flooders are ideal for use when camping, taking photographs or hiking.
Advantages and disadvantages of flooders and throwers at a glance
Depending on the situations for which you want to use a flashlight, you can choose between a flooder or thrower flashlight. For example, if you need a flashlight for hunting, you should look for a thrower torch with a long range. For a camping trip, it is better to pack a flooder flashlight to illuminate the campsite, for example.
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How do throwers and flooders differ from conventional flashlights?
Compared to conventional flashlights, which are often used indoors, throwers and flooders have to meet similar requirements to outdoor torches in order to withstand all conditions in the great outdoors. Important properties of a thrower and flooder therefore include
- Robust construction: To remain steadfast in wind and weather, the flashlight should be both waterproof and shockproof.
- Efficient power supply: Compared to halogen flashlights, flashlights with built-in LED technology save around 90 % in energy with the same lumen output. If the flashlight has a built-in rechargeable battery, it can also be recharged using a power bank, for example.
- Long burn time: Whether for hunting, fishing or skiing - flashlights for outdoor use should ideally last for several hours or days, especially if there is no possibility of recharging the battery or changing batteries.
- Adequate illumination: Brightness and light range are a decisive factor for outdoor lamps. The more lumens, the brighter the LED flashlight. However, the number of lumens does not indicate how many meters a beam of light can illuminate an environment. Depending on whether you want to illuminate close-range or long-range areas, a flooder or thrower flashlight could therefore be an option.
Hybrid flashlights as a combination of flooders and throwers
You don't always need or want a special flashlight for close-range or long-range use. If you are looking for a flashlight but don't want to commit to a specific area of use, you have the option of buying a hybrid flashlight. Such flashlights have zoom functions, for example, which allow you to flexibly adjust the beam of light - from wide to focused.
Hybrid technology from Ledlenser
Many Ledlenser lights have a special lens technology, the Advanced Focus System. The Advanced Focus System (AFS) combines the advantages of lenses and reflectors to provide illumination at close range and a sharply focused beam of light at a distance.
By moving the optics, the beam can be adjusted as required and can switch continuously between close-range illumination and a distant focus. This allows you to flexibly adapt the lighting to the situation at hand.
- Close-range illumination: The light beam is scattered more widely when the optics are positioned close to the LED. This is useful for illuminating a larger area in the immediate vicinity, for example when camping or illuminating a tent.
- Illumination of the far range: If the optics are further away from the LED, the light beam is bundled and focused. This is ideal for illuminating objects in the distance, for example during hunting missions, search and rescue operations or other activities that require strong and focused lighting.
The best combination of Flooder and Thrower flashlights from Ledlenser
Special flooder or thrower flashlights are mostly used in a professional environment. For everyday or hobby use, it is therefore more worthwhile having an all-rounder flashlight.
Ledlenser offers a range of flashlights with an integrated zoom function so that you can react flexibly to any situation. Our hybrid models include, among others:
P7R Signature
The P7R Signature from Ledlenser is a real all-rounder. With an output of 2000 lumens in boost mode, it illuminates even the darkest night. It is also waterproof and has a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 90 hours.
The advantages of the P7R Signature from the P series for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking or hunting at a glance:
- Brightness of up to 2000 lumens
- Lighting range of around 330 meters
- Waterproof and dust protection of IP68
- Light duration of up to 90 hours
- Adjustable light beam and zoom function
P6R Core QC
The light cone of this model can also be infinitely adjusted so that you have optimum light both at close range and at a distance. The lamp also features an impressive strobe function. A strobe is an extremely bright flashing light that you can use to ward off danger, for example.
The advantages of the P6R Core QC from the P series for outdoor activities such as camping, military and hunting at a glance:
- Brightness of up to 270 lumens
- Lighting range of around 335 meters
- Waterproof and dust protection of IP54
- Light duration of up to 110 hours
- Adjustable light cone and zoom function
MT14
With a battery life of up to 192 hours, you can rely on the MT14. The outdoor flashlight can also produce a beam of light with a range of up to 300 meters.
The advantages of the MT14 from the Outdoor series for outdoor activities such as camping, military and hunting at a glance:
- Brightness of up to 1000 lumens
- Lighting range of around 320 meters
- Waterproof and dust protection of IP54
- Light duration of up to 192 hours
- Adjustable light beam and zoom function
Flooder and thrower flashlights - what you should know
Flooder flashlights are specially developed for use at close range. Flooders emit light in such a way that as much of your surroundings as possible are illuminated. This contrasts with thrower flashlights, which project a focused and targeted beam of light into the distance. As the lens of these special lights cannot be adjusted, they can only be used to illuminate the distance or surroundings.
If you are looking for an all-rounder flashlight that can illuminate both long-range and close-up areas, it is a good idea to choose a hybrid flashlight or a flashlight with a zoom function. The beam of these torches is freely adjustable, allowing you to use one flashlight in different situations.
To get the most out of your flashlight, we recommend a model with built-in LED technology. Take a look at our Smart Light Technology guide to find out more about what makes Ledlenser lamps unique.