📖 About EDC Lumen Log

This page explains how we choose flashlights, how we score them, and why we don't take vendor money.

The problem we're solving

If you've ever tried to pick an EDC flashlight, you know the pain:

• YouTube "best of 2026" lists are 90% sponsored
• Spec sheets lie ("9800mAh 18650"? Impossible — chemistry caps at ~3500mAh)
• Reddit r/flashlight is great but search is hard, threads scatter
• 1Lumen and Liteshow reviews are detailed but English-only
• Japanese / Singaporean buyers have to mentally translate every spec

EDC Lumen Log condenses all that into one offline app, with honest verdicts and source URLs you can verify yourself.

Our methodology

1. Light selection (60-75 in v1.0)

The curated list is built from 4 source pools:

After deduplication, the v1.0 launch list has 60-75 unique lights. v1.1 will expand to 100+.

2. 4-Axis Rating

Each light gets four scores (1-5):

• Build — anodizing quality, knurling, threading, water resistance, drop resistance
• Runtime — sustained brightness vs claimed, battery capacity actually delivered, thermal regulation
• Pocketability — weight, length, clip design, in-pocket comfort during 8-hour carry
• Value — price vs comparable alternatives in the same category

3. Verdict voice ("Toyota Camry of flashlights")

Reviews are written in a deliberately honest voice. We:

• Compare specs to reality ("spec sheet vs reality")
• Disclose limitations even on "good" lights ("8 months daily carry — cool-white tint only, no high-CRI option")
• Flag drugstore-tier products clearly ("Replace with Sofirn SP10 Pro ASAP")
• Never use AI marketing-speak ("game-changer", "ultimate", "amazing breakdown" — banned phrases)

"Toyota Camry of EDC. 2000 lumens, anduril UI, USB-C, IPX8 for $35 — boring spec sheet, dependable carry. Tint is cool-white, knurling sharp." — Our verdict on the Sofirn SC31 Pro

4. Source citations

Every light has at least one source URL (manufacturer page, 1Lumen review, or Reddit thread). Every article has citations. You can verify any claim by tapping through to the source.

5. Updates

Specs and reviews are refreshed quarterly. The "Last verified" date is visible per light. If a date is older than 180 days, the app shows an "outdated" warning so you can re-check before buying.

What we don't do

• ❌ Take vendor money. No "sponsored" reviews.
• ❌ Display ads in v1.0. (Premium upgrade unlocks the 3rd compare slot — that's the only monetization beyond Amazon affiliate.)
• ❌ Collect personal data (see Privacy Policy)
• ❌ Use "best of 2026" or "top 10 of all time" clickbait. We use concrete use-case framings ("Best AAA keychain light", "Best 21700 EDC under $50").

What we DO do

• ✅ Earn small commission from Amazon when you buy via our links (typical 1-4% of purchase)
• ✅ Sell a one-time ¥370 / S$3 Premium upgrade that unlocks 3-light compare (vs free 2-light)
• ✅ Publish all reviews in English + Japanese
• ✅ Disclose AI-assisted writing (see Privacy Policy §9)

Why "Lumen Log"?

Because we log lumens, not hype. Every review tells you what the light actually outputs, what it actually costs, and what it actually feels like in the pocket after 8 hours.

Roadmap

• v1.0 (2026 Q3 Closed Testing → Q4 Public Launch): 60-75 lights, 30 articles, EN + JP, Amazon US/JP/SG affiliate
• v1.1 (2027 Q1): Expand to 100+ lights, add 20 more articles, iOS version
• v1.2 (2027 Q2): User reviews (moderated), comparison sharing
• v2.0 (TBD): Expand to other EDC categories (knives, pens) — separate apps to keep focused

Contact

Questions, feedback, or want to suggest a light to review?

• @edc_lumen_log on X / Twitter (DMs open)