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Just because you can’t see it with the naked eye doesn’t mean the danger isn’t there — and that applies whether you’re at home or in a filthy barracks somewhere. UV flashlights enhance your ability to observe and identify risks, especially bodily fluids. Since fluids like blood and urine are a biohazard, it’s important to know when they are around; under ultraviolet light, these fluids glow so you can spot them in an instant. While it can’t tell you if there is a specific pathogen in your environment, a UV light can tell you the risk is there.
When it comes to health and safety, it’s very important to ensure the quality of the tools you’re using, especially if you can’t rely on your basic senses for a full assessment. To help, we’ve tracked down the best UV flashlights around along with some details about making the right pick.
Glossday UV Flashlight
Amuoc UV Flashlight
Escolite Black Light UV Flashlight
Niuta UV Flashlight
Lighting Ever UV Flashlight
uvBeast UV Flashlight
Loftek UV Flashlight
Related: 7 magnificent multitools that belong in every toolbox
Why should you trust us
Backed by five years as a dedicated product reviewer, preceded by several years as a news correspondent, I offer honest reviews on important products. My main focus is on tactical supplies, outdoors gear, and survival products. You can find my recent work on Narcity Media, Car Bibles, and The Drive. I use my sciences education and personal experience to provide Task and Purpose readers with objective assessments on things like tactical gloves, hydration packs, bug-out backpacks.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
To pin down the best UV flashlights available, we started with the history of the tech — back to when UV radiation was discovered in 1801. Fast-forwarding to the 21st century, we looked into the uses of UV rays in forensics, security, and biology. We then tracked down products with all the features necessary to function in any of these roles. Considering the lighting technology, power source, and structure, we whittled down the results even further. We chose the products on this list due to their balance of budget and function, in addition to their overall versatility.
Types of UV flashlights
While all UV flashlights have a lot in common, there are a few different types from which to choose. It all comes down to how you plan to use the light. Professional applications rely on an intense beam that is powerful and reliable. Typically, preferred models for work have a large metal structure with a prominent handle. Generally, these will have closer to 100 individual LED bulbs. Conversely, UV flashlights for personal use tend to be more compact, often coming in a pocket-sized design. While both types rely on beams of the same wavelengths, those used personally tend to have far fewer individual LED bulbs.
UV flashlight key features
- Bulbs: Modern UV flashlights rely mainly on LED technology. These powerful bulbs, when used for blacklight applications, emit a wavelength of approximately 395 nanometers. This causes the searched-for fluids to fluoresce, making them visible to the naked eye.
- Batteries: Because of the portable nature of the devices, UV flashlights are battery-operated. In most cases, the lights require replaceable batteries which are usually double-A. Generally, the batteries are located in the handle. With a twist-off design, the power supply is easy to access, making it easy to change the batteries.
- Sturdiness: Another important feature of a UV flashlight is the strength of the design. High-quality UV flashlights may come in all sizes, but the material needs to be hardy regardless. The most common metal used is aluminum alloy, a naturally rust and corrosion-resistant material. Many are also waterproof thanks to the tight seal. These tend to be more durable than their non-waterproof counterparts.
- Controls: In order to activate the functions of the UV flashlight, it needs to have an on/off button. The placement and design of this control differ depending on the flashlight’s structure. Larger models tend to use a sliding switch located on the shaft of the flashlight. More compact, pocket-sized models usually have a button at the back of the handle, giving you single-handed controls.
Benefits of UV flashlights
There are a lot of reasons to keep a UV flashlight close at hand, whether for professional or personal applications. If you are using it for work, the light beam can provide forensic evidence and assess the validity of identification. Recreationally speaking, you can use a UV flashlight to investigate minerals in your surroundings since certain elements illuminate under this wavelength. Another key advantage is the ability to assess the health and safety of your environment. When you get a new hotel room, rent a car, or purchase a secondhand item, the UV light will apprise you of any biohazards on the material.
UV flashlight pricing
For its high utility value, you might be surprised to learn that you can find a quality UV flashlight for less than $15. Professional models with more LED bulbs and a stronger design will cost a little bit more, but usually not by much. Generally, if you are paying more, it is because the flashlight has additional features like waterproof abilities or longer-lasting battery life. Thankfully, there is a UV flashlight out there for any budget and for every activity. So, take a look at the options on this list and find the right fit for your needs, whether they be work-related or just for planning ahead.