High High Lumens or Low Low Lumens – What Do You Find More Important in a Light?

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Just curious as I always tend to read about people seeking big lumen numbers – sort of like the megapixel arms race with digital cameras.

I’m somewhat the opposite. Although I certainly don’t mind having a good high-end mode, I simply will not purchase a light without a good low low lumen mode – as in 0.2 -0.6 lumen range, with an additional low mode in the 1 – 4 lumen range.

For me, there’s 3 primary reasons:
– <1 lumen does not impair my night vision (eyes fully dilated).
– The option of being inconspicuous, or less disturbing to others – stealth camping, night flight, theater, passenger in a car, etc.
– Battery conservation and emergency run times – 1xAA – 2 weeks+, 2xAA – over a month.

I find I only tend to use the high end – say 80-200 lumens – for speed stuff like night-time street or mountain biking. Although I guess the high end would also be important for tactical, self-defense or hunting purposes.

How about you folks… what’s more important to you?

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