[Sequential]

Originally Posted by Stealth

Unless you're buying a flashlight from a reputable company from the list below, don't bother trusting the published lumen output:
Surefire
Streamlight
Inforce
Elzetta
Olight

I customize my own flashlights, I don't buy from those specific brands as you can take a Chinese made flashlight and mod it to be even better or at your own spec. But that is if you are a handy guy at electronics. I buy certain BIN'd CREE emitters and custom made circuits boards to power my lights, upgraded the wiring to a thicker gauge. Small things that make a chinese flashlight run just as good as any other.

But indeed if you have no clue what you are doing, then sure that is a good list to begin with.

Add FENIX to that list.

Originally Posted by Danke

If it's too bright all you're going to do is blind yourself with the reflection from any wall etc.

Here's a video to watch. Haley Strategic Darkness Solutions - YouTube

Try to get a flashlight with many modes so you can set it up depending on what your engagement distance is. Like Danke said, too bright will kill your eyes in a too dark situation..