Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight Review

We took a look at the Bolder LC40 flashlight from Anker, trying to determine what this flashlight is best for, how the construction and performance compare with other flashlights on the market, and seeing whether there is a place for it in our car, camping gear or even in our kitchen drawer.

Durability & Construction

The first thing we looked at is the durability and construction of the Anker Bolder LC40 flashlight. With the durable aluminum coating, it is capable of withstanding rough handling and even the occasional minor fall. The design also focuses on ensuring the product can handle dust without affecting performance or reliability.

The IPX-5 rating is a good middle-of-the-road waterproofing that while not as thorough as some other flashlights on the market, is certainly enough for most situations of use. An IPX-5 rated device, while not able to be submerged, is able to withstand heavy rain without any issues.

Anker also offers an 18-month warranty with this flashlight, showing that they are able to stand by their product, and protect you in case you receive a defective unit for any reason.

Design & Weight

When we look at the overall design, it comes in at just over 4-ounces and does not need any assembly on the part of the user. The design is ergonomic and easily fits inside your hand, while the anti-abrasive grip makes it easier for users to keep a solid grip, even during wet conditions.

The Bolder LC40 is a very compact flashlight too, with dimensions of 5.04 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches. This smaller form makes it easy to carry along with you when you’re out hiking, and with the low weight, you’re not going to be burned and feel like you’re carrying additional weight on you if you’re out camping either.

The design itself is somewhat familiar, in that it doesn’t vary much from the tried and tested designs that LED flashlights have been using for years now, but why fix what isn’t broken?

Batteries & Charging

The Anker Bolder LC40 features a rechargeable 3350mAh battery that comes included, which is something that we’ve always been a fan of. What is particularly impressive is that it can also be charged with either the provided Micro USB cable or with a 5v 1A power cable. We love the convenience of a USB chargeable flashlight, as with the presence of USB adapters in cars these days, it allows you to even charge your phone directly from your car when you’re out camping.

When it comes to battery life, you can expect to see up to 20 hours of battery life on the medium setting. This is substantially lower when using the flashlight on its highest power setting, but for most situations, you’re not going to be needing to use the highest function.

The LC40 is able to charge within a period of 6 hours.

Performance & Modes

Thanks to the use of Cree LED chips, the Anker Bolder LC40 is capable of producing up to 400 lumens, which may not sound like much when you compare it with some of the super bright flashlights on the market. However, there is certainly a place for the LC40, depending on your flashlight requirements.

If you’re in need of a very high-powered flashlight for things like tactical use, we would recommend you look at some stronger options. We have even compiled our own list of the best 1000 lumen flashlights, to make your purchasing choices easier.

With that said, for most flashlight users the 400-lumen output places it in an area where you’re most realistically going to be using your flashlight in most scenarios. We find that the LC40 is a good choice for a home flashlight that doesn’t require excessive light, but will be more than enough to ensure you’re always protected in cases of power outages or even automotive work you may need to be doing.

It is also worth mentioning that the LC40 has quite a condensed beam, so you can achieve more illumination on single targets than you could with some higher-powered flashlights that spread their output more on the periphery.

Another area in which the LC40 impressed us, was the various modes available. It has a combined total of five modes.

The SOS and Strobe modes are excellent additions for those looking for an affordable emergency flashlight. While there are certainly benefits to investing in a stronger emergency flashlight, the LC40 and its 400 lumens shouldn’t be ignored as a choice – especially if you tend not to hike or camp in areas far away from other traffic or persons.

What We Liked:

• Lightweight and compact construction
• Battery life is great
• Fast recharging on only 6-hours
• The SOS feature can save your life
• It is really affordable
• The durability also gives you some tactical support
• 18-month warranty

What We Didn’t Like:

• It does not have an eco-friendly mode
• The beam throw wasn’t as high as some competitors

Is It Worth Buying?

When we look at the value of a flashlight, it is important to compare it to many of the rival options and the value they can offer. The Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight stands out above much of the competition, particularly in relation to its features and pricing.

This isn’t a high-end flashlight, nor is it priced like one. Instead, the LC40 is a good middle-of-the-range product that would make a great addition to those on a budget, or those who aren’t looking to hit the highest lumen output possible.

If you don’t have a flashlight, or you might be looking for something smaller to carry in your pocket, the Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight is definitely one of the more advanced options that you can select. The price is on your side and you probably won’t have any complaints about it when it does accidentally tumble to the floor.

Wrap-Up

The Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight is one of the top compact flashlights we would recommend for those looking for an at-home or mid-range camping/hiking/emergency flashlight. It does not only have a multitude of features but they have been neatly packed into a compact shell that’s easy to carry.