For over two decades, a classic Maglite flashlight held its place by my front door, but it has since been demoted to the basement after the arrival of the fantastic Infinity X1.
When I first encountered the Infinity X1 flashlight (priced at $40 on Amazon), I mistakenly thought it was a product from Comcast, associated with the Xfinity X1 cable box. That’s not the case at all. Infinity X1 specializes in portable lighting solutions, and their flagship flashlight has truly impressed me.
This LED powerhouse boasts a brightness of up to 5,000 lumens—comparable to a 400-watt incandescent bulb—and can beam its light up to 180 meters (or about 590.5 feet). Those specifications are already impressive, but what sets it apart is its versatility: I can use the included 4000mAh Lithium-ion battery or conventional dry-cell batteries to power it.
The Infinity X1 can be powered by the included 4000mAh Lithium-ion battery or with 9 AA dry-cell batteries.
Michael Brown/Foundry
However, there is a catch: using standard dry-cell batteries reduces the maximum brightness to 1,200 lumens and halves the beam distance.
With the Lithium-ion cartridge installed, I can also use its USB-C Out port to charge my smartphone, while a separate USB-C In port allows me to recharge the battery. I can charge the cartridge whether it’s inside or outside the flashlight. I’m thinking about purchasing an extra Li-ion battery for $25 to ensure I’m never caught without light.
Initially eager to test its performance after acquiring it in January 2024, I loaded the flashlight with 9 AA alkaline batteries, and it has been operating on those ever since.
The bottom end of the flashlight features two USB-C ports: one for charging the Lithium-ion cartridge and another for charging your smartphone or other small devices.
Michael Brown/Foundry
This flashlight is operated with a textured on/off button located beneath the lens, allowing for three brightness levels: the first press activates maximum brightness, the second sets it to medium, the third to low, and the fourth turns it off. I can also adjust the beam’s width by twisting the lens end of the barrel.
The 12-inch flashlight is made entirely of aluminum, featuring 5.25 inches of knurling around its center for a better grip. Weighing in at 1.65 pounds, it might be too heavy for mounting on firearms, which I don’t own, but its sturdy build makes it an effective self-defense tool in a pinch.
The deep grooves surrounding the lens provide a slip-resistant grip for any zombie-fighting scenarios, while the knurling helps channel away any potential mess. Plus, it has an IPX4 rating for water resistance, making cleanup a breeze.
Grab your Infinity X1 flashlight for just $40
