Originally Posted By: Brangdon
Originally Posted By: DFW
Why are LED flashlights so expensive?
I don't know, but I suspect research and development costs. The industry is moving very quickly, with LEDs getting twice as bright every year or two, so torches need to be redesigned to remain competitive.

Also the ones I consider tend to be at the high end, with tough metal bodies, electronics providing multiple modes and brightness levels. And they have a wow factor people will pay for.


Research and development cost would greatly inflated the price of any manufactured products.

The links given above (by another poster) are for known for cheap China lights.

Any $10 or less flashlight is very likely "designed in Paris and made in China". You do not need to be a rocket scientist to put together a LED flashlight. Just a LED bulb, a battery, some bits of wire and a casing, hastily assembled in some underground factory in China.

I think any flashlight that worth having will cost at least $40.



Edited by firefly99 (10/02/08 09:56 AM)