10Best.Guide

Tactical Flashlights

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Compact size
  • Brightness
  • Long battery life
  • Magnetic charging cord
  • Auto-dimming feature
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Heavy
Bottom Line
The flashlight is bright, compact, and has a long battery life, but it is expensive, heavy, and can get hot quickly. The power button and side button are hard to find, and the charger can have issues. The auto-dimming feature and intuitive controls are nice, but the flashlight can be complicated to use.
Pros
  • Good construction
  • Multidirectional clip
  • Small and compact
  • Virtually indestructible
  • Brightness is plenty
Cons
  • Short battery life
  • Non-rechargeable battery included
Bottom Line
The Streamlight 88062 ProTac 2L-X 500 lm Professional Tactical Flashlight is a reliable and durable flashlight that is small enough for everyday carry. It has good construction, a multidirectional clip, and is virtually indestructible. However, it has a short battery life and comes with a non-rechargeable battery. It is a great alternative to larger flashlights and is perfect for everyday carry.
Pros
  • Versatile battery options (AA, AAA, CR123)
  • Good build quality
  • Great customer service
  • Compact and easy to carry
  • Long battery life
Cons
  • Flickers and shuts off with recoil or vibration when using CR123 batteries
  • May have issues with staying on constantly
Bottom Line
The Streamlight HL-X is a versatile and reliable flashlight that is great for outdoor activities and everyday use. However, it may have some issues with certain battery types and staying on constantly.
Pros
  • Comes with 2 end caps, one with a mountable switch.
  • Extremely durable.
  • Rechargeable batteries.
  • Bright and blinding.
  • Battery life is excellent.
Cons
  • Positive terminals on batteries crush down.
  • Tailswitch not working.
Bottom Line
The Feyachi FL11 flashlight is a durable and bright flashlight with rechargeable batteries and multiple switch options. However, it has some issues with the positive terminals on batteries, tailswitch, battery charger, and mount.
Pros
  • Brightness
  • Single mode
  • Adjustable focus
  • Comfortable to hold
  • Good for emergency use
Cons
  • Fragile
  • Yellowish LED
Bottom Line
These flashlights are a good value for the price, with decent brightness and a single mode. However, they are not as durable or high-quality as more expensive options.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Tactical Flashlights - Choose the Best LED Flashlight for Your Needs

Overview

A tactical flashlight is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, whether you're camping, hunting, or simply need a reliable light source in an emergency situation. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to choose the best tactical flashlight for your needs.

Types

There are several types of tactical flashlights to choose from, including:

1. Handheld Flashlights - These are the most common type of tactical flashlight and are designed to be held in your hand. They come in a variety of sizes and can range from compact to heavy-duty.

2. Headlamps - These are designed to be worn on your head, leaving your hands free for other tasks. They're great for activities like camping, hiking, and hunting.

3. Weapon-Mounted Flashlights - These are designed to be attached to firearms and are often used by law enforcement and military personnel.

Key Considerations

When choosing a tactical flashlight, there are several key considerations to keep in mind, including:

1. Lumens - This refers to the brightness of the flashlight. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light.

2. Beam Distance - This refers to how far the flashlight can illuminate an object. The farther the beam distance, the more useful the flashlight will be in certain situations.

3. Battery Life - This refers to how long the flashlight will last on a single charge or set of batteries.

4. Durability - Tactical flashlights need to be able to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use. Look for flashlights that are waterproof, shockproof, and made from high-quality materials.

5. Grip - A good grip is essential for a tactical flashlight. Look for flashlights with textured grips or knurling for a secure hold.

Features

There are several features that can make a tactical flashlight more useful, including:

1. Multiple Modes - Many tactical flashlights offer multiple modes, such as high, medium, and low settings, as well as strobe and SOS modes.

2. Zoom Function - Some flashlights offer a zoom function that allows you to adjust the beam from a wide floodlight to a narrow spotlight.

3. Pocket Clip - A pocket clip makes it easy to carry your flashlight with you wherever you go.

4. Holster - A holster is a great way to keep your flashlight secure and easily accessible.

Prices

Tactical flashlights can range in price from less than $20 to several hundred dollars. While it's not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a flashlight, investing in a high-quality one can be worth it in the long run.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you choose the best tactical flashlight for your needs:

1. Consider your intended use - Think about what you'll be using your flashlight for and choose one that's appropriate for those activities.

2. Look for a reputable brand - Stick with well-known brands that have a reputation for quality and reliability.

3. Read reviews - Check out reviews from other customers to see what they have to say about the flashlight you're considering.

FAQs

Q: What is a tactical flashlight?

A: A tactical flashlight is a high-quality flashlight that's designed to be used in a variety of situations, from camping and hunting to law enforcement and military operations.

Q: How many lumens do I need in a tactical flashlight?

A: The number of lumens you need will depend on your intended use. For general use, a flashlight with 100-300 lumens should be sufficient. For more specialized activities, such as hunting or law enforcement, you may want a flashlight with 500-1000 lumens or more.

Q: Are rechargeable flashlights better than ones that use batteries?

A: Rechargeable flashlights can be more convenient and cost-effective in the long run, but they may not be as reliable in certain situations. It's a good idea to have both types of flashlights on hand.

Q: What's the best way to care for my tactical flashlight?

A: To keep your flashlight in good condition, make sure to clean it regularly and store it in a dry, cool place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or harsh chemicals.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Small and compact
  • Very bright
  • Comes with rechargeable battery and holder for AAA batteries
  • Well-built for the price
  • Easy to charge
Cons
  • Weak included battery
  • Instructions on charging not clear enough
Bottom Line
The Goreit flashlight is a small, compact, and very bright flashlight that comes with a rechargeable battery and holder for AAA batteries. It is well-built for the price and easy to charge. However, the included battery is weak and the instructions on charging are not clear enough. Additionally, there are some issues with the battery power indicator lights and the rechargeable battery may stop working.
Pros
  • Small and easy to carry
  • Relatively bright
  • Adjustable focus
  • Solid feel
  • Good price
Cons
  • Battery life could be better
  • Some units have battery issues
Bottom Line
This twin pack of flashlights is a good value for the price. They are small, relatively bright, and have adjustable focus. However, some units have battery and quality control issues, and they are not the brightest flashlights on the market.
Pros
  • Provides bright illumination
  • Solid construction
  • Comes in a two-pack
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Defective battery holder
  • Not as bright as expected
Bottom Line
The GearLight LED Flashlight is an affordable and well-built option for those in need of a reliable flashlight for outdoor activities or power outages. However, there are some quality control issues to be aware of, and the brightness may not meet everyone's expectations.
Pros
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Good battery life
  • Comes with multiple charging methods
  • Compact and portable
  • Solid construction
Cons
  • Not as bright as advertised
  • Zoom feature creates a squared image
Bottom Line
This flashlight is a good buy for those who need a decent light output, a battery charger with rechargeable battery, and a solid built flashlight. However, it is not as bright as advertised, and the zoom feature creates a squared image. The medium and strobe settings are useless, and it weakens quickly as it loses charge. It is not designed for camping, and the lens is exposed without protection.
Pros
  • Small and lightweight
  • Very bright
  • Simple on/off function
  • Good for security or law enforcement
  • Comes with a holster
Cons
  • Battery dies quickly
  • Holster is not secure
Bottom Line
The Ultra Fire WF-501B flashlight is a good option for those who need a simple, bright, and compact flashlight for security or law enforcement purposes. However, the battery life is short, and the holster is not secure. The flashlight is well-built, but there have been some quality issues reported.
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