A flashlight in accordance with an aspect of the invention includes an ID
module for generating an ID signal indicative of a power mode of the
flashlight. In an aspect, the flashlight mates with a removable battery
pack that regulates at least one of an output voltage and output current
in accordance with the ID signal. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a
printed circuit board (PCB) on which the ID module is mounted. In an
aspect, the flashlight includes a soft-start module and a bulb, wherein
the soft start module increases power to the bulb at a controlled rate
when the flashlight is turned on. In an aspect, the flashlight includes a
lamp housing having a lens retained by a bezel. The lens includes an
axially extending peripheral edge. In an aspect, the flashlight includes
a main housing having a lamp housing. A mounting mechanism and mating
features are adapted to selectively couple and decouple the main housing
and the lamp housing. In an aspect, a flexible conduit connects the main
housing and lamp housing. The flexible conduit can be formed in an arc
having an apex that lies directly above a center of gravity of the
flashlight when the main housing and the lamp housing are coupled,
thereby allowing the flashlight to be balanced when the flexible conduit
is used as a carrying handle.