This is, ostensibly, a review of the LC-90, but I’m mostly comparing it to the LC-40. In a nutshell, the LC-90 has several advantages over non-Anker competitors and one or two discreet advantages over the LC-40, but I would recommend the LC-40 to the average user because of price, size, and utility. For now, though, I’ll focus on the Anker advantage over other 900 lumen competitors. here is how it comes shipped, a little weirdly with the rechargeable battery out of the light itself:
Recharge-ability
This is the main thing Anker does right on their flashlights (or “torches” for you across the pond 
) simple micro-usb inputs allow for these to be used over and over again even in fully off-grid applications, or in the event of an emergency.
I recommend pairing whichever one you get with the Powerport Solar so you can shine at night and recharge during the day. This is my standard setup.
The one thing that is weird about the LC-90 compared to the LC-40 is that you have to unscrew the cap on the back to get to the charging port. The LC-40 has a simpler gasket cap sort of thing, which I prefer:
Focus
The LC-90 has one particular advantage over the LC-40, and that’s the focus of the light. I have used the LC-40 to read a few times, and the inability to more evenly distribute the light is bothersome. reading with the LC-90 on diffuse focus is much more pleasant. On the right below is the LC-90 on diffuse focus, and the LC-40 on the left:
Now the LC-90 on sharp focus on the right compared to the LC-40 on the left:
The LC-90 is (obviously) much brighter than the LC-40, but for personal use I’ve found LC-40 plenty bright on many different occasions.
Size and Portability
Though much smaller than other 900 lumen competitors, the LC-90 is big compared to the LC-40. The front is really too big to put into a pocket, whereas the LC-40 is REALLY small for the punch it packs:
Still quite portable, the LC-90 also loses out with only a wrist strap rather than a clip. I REALLY like the clip on the LC-40.
Modes
Both the LC-40 and LC-90 have a high, mid, and low brightness mode (VERY handy) as well as flashing and SOS modes. I prefer the LC-40 because it allows you to turn off on one mode and back to the same mode on the next click. the LC-90 makes you cycle through all of the modes to get back to the one you like. This is irritating.
Cons
I think I’ve covered cons above, so I’ll reserve this area for my new crusade:
NEITHER OF THESE ARE A HEADLAMP!!!
I think the LC-40 is about as good as a flashlight gets, literally everybody should have one, but Anker needs to make a headlamp. Here’s what it needs:
400 lumens
high-mid-low birghtness, with the ability to remember and return to whichever one you use without cycling through the others.
Red option on front
Red indicator on back for cyclists
micro USB (or maybe PD ) rechargeable
6 hours minimum life on high mode.
All for $25
Hope I’m not too demanding!
Thanks for considering @AnkerOfficial !
What do others think? is that kind of headlamp desireable? What about the LC-90 vs 40? Am I missing some advantage?
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