The Difference Between Flashlights and Spotlights
A typical flashlight consists of a small incandescent lightbulb with an associated parabolic reflector that is powered by removable batteries. Flashlights tend to be small and cheap, but not very powerful. Spotlights, however, take great leaps toward revamping the old fashioned flashlight of yesterday and redesigning it for the 21st Century. The light bulbs themselves are more robust and durable - typically quartz halogen or ultra-white blue bulbs and high-efficiency LEDs - and the beam of light is focused and directed to intensify the light and carry its maximum lighting power much further and over a wider range.

The brightness ratings of spotlight beams dwarf that of a typical flashlight, with candlepower ratings in the millions to tens of millions. Flashlights might be fine for finding your way around a familiar room during a black-out, but a powerful portable spotlight is ideal for illuminating roadside emergency scenes or campsites in the dead of night and are especially handy for the weekend mechanic who just can't seem to get out of the garage before nightfall.

Portable and Rechargeable
Most spotlights are both portable and rechargeable for the widest range of uses. For home or work applications, spotlights generally come complete with a lead-acid rechargeable battery and 120-volt recharger cord. For portability, most have 12-volt recharger cords or adaptors to keep the battery powered up using the standard cigarette lighter found in cars, RVs or boats. You'll never have to worry about replacing old C- and D-cell batteries again, and the spotlight will always be ready to use when you need it the most.

Rugged and Weather-Resistant
Most spotlights are fabricated with high-impact, weather resistant materials such as anodized aluminum or durable polycarbonates. Newer models also come with sturdy pistol grips that make them easy to grasp and hard to lose. Heavy duty rubber seating elements and solid construction make them ideal for use in emergencies, inclement weather conditions, or while boating, fishing or camping.

High Power / Long Lasting
Even the best of the old style flashlights delivered beams that were lacking in power, but today's spotlights use the most advanced quartz halogen and ultra-white blue bulbs available for maximum candlepower. Single and multiple beams can be combined and focused on the job at hand, with a full charge lasting from 20-30 minutes of continuous use to a full 90 minutes. Many also include ultrabright, energy efficient LED worklights that can last 10-15 hours on average or even as long as 100 hours on some models.

Excellent in Emergency and Work Situations
No tool kit, car trunk, garage or RV is complete without an emergency light source, so a long-lasting and durable spotlight is perfect for the most unexpected situations. Most spotlights feature locking trigger switches for continuous use and hands-free workstands that make them excellent tools for emergency roadside work. Keep one in the garage for automotive projects and one in the kitchen for unexpected black-outs. They are also the perfect accompaniment for any hike or camping trip and are well-suited for boating excursions thanks to their weather-resistant features.