The JW1548 model from mainland China's Shenzhen J.W. has three LEDs, and incorporates a dynamo for charging. It measures 104x79x131mm.

New products have LED, krypton or xenon bulbs. Many also boast multiple functions and offer alternative power.

The latest promotional flashlights from suppliers in mainland China and Taiwan incorporate components that improve lighting. Many models also have designs and accessories that supplement the core capability.

In the mainland, output of LED-equipped products is increasing. These bulbs have a 100,000-hour service life and give off light that is effective at long distances. Both characteristics are superior to those of incandescent versions.

Other features of new flashlights include compasses, radios and clocks. Some products can even be used to charge mobile phones.

Many of the latest promotional models from the mainland employ solar power, enabling suitability with camping and travel. Dynamo versions, which can last as long as eight minutes per charge, are being produced in greater numbers as well.

The majority of releases from Taiwan incorporate LEDs. One company also offers upscale promotional flashlights equipped with krypton and xenon bulbs, which have stronger output.

For expanded performance, products from the island have constructions that allow use as keychains, carabiners, pointers or safety lights.

The XLN-810B model from Shenzhen Xinlingnan Electronic Technology Co. Ltd, for example, incorporates several LEDs. It also has an FM radio and alarm, and is compatible with solar, dynamo and AC charging.

Made of ABS and PS, the flashlight measures 13.5x6.2x2.8cm. Two-tone prints may be used for logo application.

LEDs in low-end and midrange products are sourced locally, while components for high-end releases are procured in the US or Japan.

Previously, models used incandescent bulbs, which have a service life of 8,000 to 10,000 hours and can illuminate only short distances.

Various nonlighting functions are being included in promotional designs from makers such as Yuyao Meile Co. Ltd. Compasses, radios and digital clocks are among the most popular, with many products also capable of charging mobile phones.

Enabling suitability for a wider range of applications, solar- and motion-powered releases now account for a larger percentage of output at most companies.

Shenzhen J.W. Industries Co. Ltd’s JW1548 model features a built-in dynamo and FM radio functionality. It has three LEDs and measures 104x79x131mm.

To augment its capability, the YJ-DFL12(B2)-3W flashlight from Shenzhen Aglare Lighting Co. Ltd boasts a water-resistant design. The company also offers the YJ-FLJ(S)-21 model, which meets IP22 requirements.

Some of the latest products sport shapes that go beyond the cylinder type. These provide greater portability and have large areas for customers’ patterns.

Logo application for plastic and metal housings is done through silk-screening or transfer-printing. Laser engraving is also possible for metal versions, but this method is limited to simple patterns.

The most popular materials are plastic, stainless steel and rubber. ABS, in particular, is widely used because of its low cost, ease of logo application and range of colors.

Prices of promotional flashlights from the mainland are expected to increase by at least 15 percent in the next 12 months. This is due primarily to the revaluation of the yuan, and the rising cost of materials and labor. In fact, a recently passed law is expected to push up manpower costs by 10 percent. In response, some companies have shortened their price validity term from the previous half-year to three or even one month.

Mainland makers foresee the trend for expanded capability continuing in the next 12 months. In line with this, they are developing multifunction promotional products with light weight. These will be mostly in plastic and may incorporate Li-ion batteries.

More-attractive and ergonomic designs are also expected to continue growing in popularity.

In Taiwan, makers are concentrating output on LED-equipped promotional flashlights. Releases from Blueink Inc., for example, use these components exclusively.

The company’s CY-651 model is equipped with two LEDs, each with a brightness of 12,000 to 15,000mcd. This dynamo-powered flashlight uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery for energy storage.

Dynamo models from Blueink are mouse-shaped and available in different colors.

Similarly, releases from Yung Jen Co. Ltd incorporate LEDs that have a brightness of 12,000 to 15,000mcd. In addition, some new products allow use as light sticks, hazard indicators, lamps and bicycle lights.

Promotional flashlights make up 60 percent of output. Compact sewing machines, USB cables, earphones, reading lights and fans are available as well.

While the majority of releases from Chui Yung Enterprise Co. Ltd use LEDs, a number of high-end versions are equipped with krypton or xenon bulbs, which have stronger output. Some can also be employed to project up to 12 images during use.

Chui Yung’s flashlights come with rechargeable batteries and compact aluminum alloy housings, which may have copper plating. Select products can double as keychains.

The company’s CY-5W model utilizes a 5W LED and is powered by one Li-ion or two CR123 batteries. It has four selectable output levels and a maximum effective distance of 70m.

Most of Taiwan’s promotional flashlights use aluminum alloy or plastic as housing material. Yi Chang Ind. Co. Ltd, however, has developed versions in PVD-coated zinc alloy. Releases have high durability, and are shock- and water-resistant.

Models are equipped with 1W white LEDs purchased in the US. These bulbs give a tight focus, can illuminate up to 50m away, and are characterized by high output and low power consumption.

The majority of the company’s new promotional flashlights are designed for greater portability and ergonomics. Some feature nonslip grips, while others have dynamo power systems.

The latest releases from Haoshin International Enterprise Ltd are multifunction designs. The HL-6016 model, for example, allows use as a keychain and has three LEDs. Retractable versions are also available.