You may have already seen the buzz on TikTok around the world’s brightest flashlights and powerful zoomable ones that look like lightsabers. But now, here’s a flashlight that can start a fire. And yep, Amazon’s got it for $50.
This flashlight packs a powerful 10,000-lumen punch, and it’s said to light up a distance of 5,000 feet. The fire-starting feature comes from a special lens that focuses the light into a tiny, intense point—turning it into a mini lighter. Seriously, it’s perfect for camping or hiking adventures.
It probably won’t surprise you that almost every flashlight you can think of is made in China, including this fire starter flashlight and big brands like Olight, Fenix, and Nitecore. Most of these manufacturers are based in Shenzhen, Guangdong, not just because Zhongshan, known as “China’s Lighting Capital,” is nearby, but also because the batteries and all the electronic components needed for flashlights are produced in Guangdong.
Notably, China is home to a specialized “Flashlight Town” known as Xidian, which is about a 3-hour drive from us. It has over 900 flashlight companies and handles the entire supply chain. The annual output of flashlights from Xidian exceeds $1.14 billion USD, with products exported to over 50 countries across Europe, America, Southeast Asia, and beyond.
While smartphones today come with built-in lights, flashlights are still a must, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. Modern flashlights go way beyond basic lighting—offering features designed for camping, hiking, fishing, night running, cycling, and more. Some double as power banks or have mosquito-repelling features. For construction work or emergency rescue, waterproof magnetic searchlights are essential.
And then there’s the EDC (Everyday Carry) culture, which has opened up a lucrative market for flashlight sellers. EDC is all about carrying practical tools every day—things like pocket knives and cardholders. Take Olight, for example. They’ve turned regular flashlights into must-have EDC gear with their cutting-edge, compact designs that have EDC enthusiasts hooked. In 2023, their revenue hit $1.64 billion.
Olight gained massive exposure by posting promotional content tagged with “everyday carry” or “EDC” and partnering with influencers like the Best Damn EDC YouTuber. One of their videos, where the influencer reviewed seven of their compact flashlights, racked up over 450k views and 5k likes.
Another key to their success in the flashlight business is their active brand community. They regularly host events like flashlight giveaways and fan-designed product contests, which really boost engagement and brand loyalty. It’s amazing to see regular flashlights have become such a profitable niche business.
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