How to Choose the Best Tactical Flashlight for the Money
When looking for the best tactical flashlight online, you’ll surely come across many different options. As the name suggests, these flashlights are designed for tactical training and are used mainly by the police or military forces.
Of course, this flashlight can also be used by regular people and is especially useful during emergency situations. What’s great about tactical flashlights is that they come with excellent features that a normal flashlight doesn’t have.
Furthermore, most tactical flashlights are compact and can be easily carried from one place to another. But how do you choose the best tactical flashlight to buy?
Read on as we talk more about the tactical flashlight and recommend some of the best ones in the market.
The tactical flashlight is like an upgraded version of the standard flashlight. This is the type of flashlights that police forces, armed forces, and engineers use in their field of work. The flashlight is dependable and tough and capable of providing intense illumination on a particular target, whether it’s near or far.
Unlike the standard flashlight, these flashlights are water-resistant, which makes them ideal for outdoor use. They are made from aircraft-grade aluminum and are usually powered by Lithium batteries.
Although its main purpose is to provide illumination during the dark, a tactical flashlight can also be used as a form of self-defense since it has the ability to blind potential attackers. These flashlights produce a high-intensity strobe and you can just aim it at your attacker in order to escape the attack.
Things to Consider When Shopping for the Best Tactical Flashlight
When looking for the best tactical flashlights, you’ll come across a wide range of choices. But how do you determine which of them will work best for you?
Below are some of the most important things to consider when shopping for a tactical flashlight.
Lumens
The lumen is an important factor to consider when buying any type of flashlight. This measures the intensity of the light that the device produces. Higher lumens mean higher intensity.
But it’s worth noting that the higher lumen could also mean more heat will be generated. If you don’t really need to have the brightest flashlight, then you might as well go for those with a lower number of lumens.
Power Source
Tactical flashlights are powered by Lithium-ion batteries. When these batteries are drained, and you don’t have a way to recharge them, you can switch to alkaline batteries instead.
It’s always a good idea to carry enough alkaline batteries for backup in case you run out of battery and you’re in the middle of an emergency.
Zoom Feature
Some of the best tactical flashlights in the market can be zoomed in or out. In close range, the beam becomes a wide-angle and is focused more on long distances.
But this feature is not available to all tactical flashlights and those that have it are usually more expensive. If you believe that the zoom feature is not necessary, then you can just skip it.
Price
The cost of tactical flashlights will vary a lot depending on the features that the flashlight comes with. You can expect to spend from around $20 to as much as $99 for a flashlight. Before you start shopping, it is best to decide ahead how much you’ll be willing to spend.
Purpose of Use
How do you want to use the tactical flashlight? Do you need it for hunting in the woods? If so, you might as well opt for a water-resistant design. But if you only need to use it indoors or when working at your garage, then the waterproof feature is not necessary.
So before you start shopping, ask yourself how do you plan to use the flashlight so you can decide what features are necessary for your needs.
Water-Resistant vs. Waterproof
If a flashlight is water-resistant, it means that you can use it in the rain but only for a short time. But if you accidentally drop the flashlight in the water, you might have a problem, especially if it’s left in the water for a long time.
On the other hand, a waterproof flashlight can be left in the water for a long time and you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged.
Battery Life
Most of the tactical flashlights in the market are powered by Lithium batteries and they rely on alkaline batteries for backup. Thus, the energy consumption would differ from one flashlight to another. Remember that if a flashlight has a higher lumen, the battery consumption is higher as well.
Size
If you intend to carry the flashlight with you, then size is an important consideration. Most tactical flashlights have a compact design so carrying them shouldn’t be a problem. For this, a 5-inch long or less would be ideal. These flashlights can easily fit into a purse or fanny pack, allowing you to carry it with ease.
What About SOS Mode?
The SOS Mode is one of the most useful features in your tactical flashlight. Unfortunately, not many users are taking advantage of this feature.
So, what is SOS mode and how can you benefit from it?
The SOS Mode is very useful during emergency situations or when an assailant is about to attack. When you activate this feature, the flashlight will release strobe lights that will paralyze your attacker.
Here’s what would happen if you use the strobe lights to your attacker.
Our brainwaves are measured in hertz (Hz) and the waves jump between 1 and 20, depending on specific reasons. When the strobe is activated, the strobe lights force the brainwaves to reach the highest level of hertz.
This will only paralyze the person and will not lead to fatal consequences. Strobe lights can induce seizure on the attacker and will make them fall on their knees, giving you a chance to escape to safety.
Best Tactical Flashlights With Value for the Money
Here’s a list of tactical flashlights that we would strongly recommend. Take time to read these tactical flashlight reviews so you’ll know what to buy when it comes to the best tactical flashlight.
As mentioned above, Streamlight is one of those brands known for producing some of the best flashlights on the market, especially if you need a weapon light. It comes with 800 lumens and its LED light has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. This device uses the Scorpion CR123 batteries that could run up to 2 ½ hours straight.
Compared to other models, the TLR-1 is capable of producing maximum brightness for a long time. Its body is made from aluminum with a stylish black finish. To protect it from scratches, a heavy-duty coating has been applied on the flashlight.
This waterproof flashlight has been proven to survive 1 meter deep into the water when submerged for 30 minutes. You can be sure that this flashlight stays in good condition when used outdoors since it is impact and temperature resistant. With a weight of 4.18 ounces and a length of 3.26″, this compact flashlight is very portable.
Another great feature of the Streamlight TLR-1 is its use of the ambidextrous switch. Even if you’re left-handed or right-handed, you’ll be able to operate this weapon light with ease. It’s equipped with a programmable strobe that you can easily activate or deactivate.
Pros:
12,000 beam intensity
800 lumens
Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
Secure fit
TIP optic
Cons:
Customers complained that the rubber gasket is of low quality
2 – Outlite A100 Portable Bright Handheld LED Flashlight
Customers love the Outlite A100 flashlight for many reasons. First, its compact design makes it easy to bring the flashlight with you at all times. Secondly, the flashlight is very durable since it’s made from aircraft-grade aluminum that’s guaranteed to be scratchproof. Above all, the flashlight has black anodized finish so it’s not susceptible to scratching.
If you need a water-resistant flashlight that you can use during the rainy days, this would be a great product to check out. It has an excellent grip and a slender body so you’ll be able to easily grasp it even under the rain.
Furthermore, the light bulb of this flashlight is the Cree XM-L T6 LED that gives off 900 lumens of light with a lifespan of 100,000 hours. The Outlite A100 flashlight comes with great features, such as the zoom capability. Thus, it could light up an ample amount of space. This flashlight is very user-friendly and operates at the press of a button.
If you need a flashlight that’s both powerful and convenient, not to mention stylish, this might just be what you need. Its bulb could last almost a lifetime, and with an intensity level of 900 lumens, this is no doubt, the best tactical flashlight to buy.
Pros:
Adjustable focus
Can be set to 5 different modes
Long-range observation
Portable design
The Feyachi FL11-MB is highly recommended if you need the best tactical flashlight for the money. With 1,200 powerful lumens, this device is really worth it. Besides, this flashlight is loaded with great features such as the 2-function pressure pad that works extremely well.
This flashlight comes with a smart charger and two pieces of 18650 batteries. Its charger has a stylish design and comes with an indicator light that will inform you when it’s fully charged.
There’s also a lanyard attached on the flashlight, which makes carrying it so easy. What’s really nice about this product is that you’ll also get an Allen wrench, which is not included in other tactical flashlights.
The maker of this product is known for producing quality products and for their utmost attention to detail, which is clear to see in the FL11-MB flashlight. You’ll love that it produces a generous amount of light, which is exactly what you would expect from a powerful flashlight.
Furthermore, this flashlight’s field of view is excellent. It has a focused beam in the center and another larger beam that glows like a halo. Indeed, this product has everything you need for a tactical flashlight.
Pros:
Comes with a 5-year warranty
Durable performance
Has two different types of switches
1,200 lumens
Upon looking at the Anker Ultra Bright Tactical Flashlight, one would think of it as just any regular flashlight. Only when you start using it you will realize that it’s actually the best rechargeable tactical flashlight in the market.
The device itself is made from durable aluminum. Plus, it has a rugged metal frame that makes it heavier than the other tactical flashlights on the market. It also has 3 LED bulbs that make it even heavier. Nevertheless, this flashlight is very durable.
The Anker Ultra Bright Tactical Flashlight is one of the best-rated flashlights, especially in terms of durability. Some customers have tried dropping this flashlight from a 1-meter height and they were surprised that it didn’t get damaged. Furthermore, this flashlight is waterproof and can be left submerged 1 meter deep into the water with no issues.
This rechargeable flashlight is powered by batteries that can be charged using a USB cable. The device gets fully charged after only eight hours. There’s a light indicator that will change in red to indicate that it’s fully charged. This will certainly appeal to environmentally conscious customers.
Pros:
18-month warranty
Can be fully charged in 8 hours
1,300 lumens
Has a lifespan of 50,000 hours
Smart and innovative design
Cons:
Not the cheapest among the top 10 best tactical flashlights
Another product that we would highly recommend if you need the best rechargeable tactical flashlight is the Fenix PD36R flashlight. Delivering a powerful light intensity of 1600 lumens and a beam distance that can go as far as 283 meters, this flashlight is truly the best for tactical training and for emergency use.
This device has a smooth reflector that produces a nice beam pattern allowing you to clearly see all the things right in front of you. The Fenix PD36R flashlight makes use of the LUMINUS SST-40 LED, different from the CREE LEDs that you’ll usually find in most Fenix flashlights.
Furthermore, the flashlight is very compact and can be carried from one place to another with ease. In fact, this lightweight flashlight could fit in your pocket. It also comes with a 2-way clip that enhances its portability. Just like with the other high-quality flashlights on the market, you will find numerous outputs from the Fenix PD36R.
You’ll get a total of 6 outputs with this flashlight, excluding the strobe mode. You’ll be able to adjust the brightness level of this flashlight depending on what would work best for you. It has a brightness level of 30 to 1600 lumens.
Pros:
The brightness level can go up to 1,600 lumens
Easy to use
High-capacity battery of 5,000 mAh
USB charging
Cons:
Some customers complained that the flashlight doesn’t last long
Best Brands of Tactical Flashlights
When looking for the best flashlight for the money, focus your search on well-known brands that have built a good reputation for producing the best flashlights on the market.
Here are some of them.
Outlite
Outlite is a brand that’s known for producing some of the best flashlights in 2019. They are among the leading brands in the industry, thanks to their dedication to providing high-quality products while adhering to their commitment to producing affordable products.
Streamlight
The Streamlight brand is a great choice if you need a tactical flashlight for weaponry. This company manufactures a wide array of flashlights that are both functional and reliable, yet they don’t cost a lot of money.
J5
Based in Utah, United States, J5 has partnered with some of the most popular brands on the market to produce the best products. Thus, they are known for their high-quality tactical flashlights that come in varying finishes and design. Indeed, they are among those brands that are committed to providing highly innovative products, including tactical flashlights.
Another great product from Streamlight is this ProTac HL 750 Tactical Flashlight. This one is a great option for those who are looking for a reliable tactical flashlight that doesn’t cost a lot of money. In fact, it’s the best affordable tactical flashlight out there. The Streamlight ProTac HL 750 Tactical Flashlight features 750 lumens and comes with an on/off tail cap switch.
For those who would prefer something that can be set in different modes, this flashlight is not the best option for you. But if you prefer a simple and no-frills flashlight that’s powerful enough to provide bright illumination when needed, this flashlight is a good option to consider.
What’s great about this one-mode flashlight is that it’s not too complicated to operate. Weighing only 5.6 lbs., this 5-inch long tactical flashlight is definitely built to last. It’s waterproof and dustproof, and guaranteed heavy-duty, thanks to its rugged aluminum housing.
This ProTac Tactical Flashlight is highly recommended to all users, whether you need it for tactical training or something else. What’s more, you have the option to upgrade this model to a USB rechargeable one for a minimal cost.
Pros:
Comes with a removable clip
Easy to use
Features a C4 LED technology
Lightweight design
Perfect size
When looking for a small but durable tactical flashlight, the GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight is highly recommended. In fact, we believe that this is the best small tactical flashlight in the market. Made from military-grade aluminum, the GearLight Tactical Flashlight is guaranteed to last longer.
It has a water-resistance feature and can be submerged up to 10-feet deep of water without any problems. You also won’t have a hard time holding this flashlight, thanks to its anti-slip grip handle that’s made from aluminum.
Offering exceptional features at such an affordable price, this device is also the best affordable tactical flashlight to buy. It’s capable of illuminating objects as far as 1,000 feet, plus it features five different settings that you can customize according to your needs. This flashlight has a wide beam zoom, allowing you to illuminate your surroundings very easily.
For campers who need an affordable tactical flashlight that they can carry with them on their camping trip, the GearLight S1000 is a great product to check out. This flashlight is very affordable, yet it’s a perfect addition to your camping gear.
Since it comes at an affordable price, you can purchase several of these flashlights so you’ll have something in your garage, inside your home etc. You can also give this flashlight as a gift. Covered with a 1-year warranty and with friendly customer support that is more than willing to assist you in everything, this product is definitely worth every penny you spend.
Pros:
Affordable option
Can be set to 5 different modes
Compact and lightweight
Durable
The PowerTac M5 Tactical Flashlight features 6 different lighting modes and has a powerful range of lumens. With a length of fewer than 5 inches, you won’t have any problems carrying this flashlight from one place to another.
Furthermore, it has 1300 lumens and a lighting capacity of 2.6 hours. What’s great about this tactical flashlight is that it has a firefly mode. When used in this mode, the flashlight will produce low illumination, which can help to conserve the life of your battery.
This is very useful during emergency situations. In this mode, the lights can go up to 25 days so you’ll be guaranteed to have light during emergency situations. The PowerTac M5 Tactical Flashlight is loaded with great features and made from aircraft-grade aluminum.
It also has double-coated tempered glass that adds to its durability. Not only that, but this tactical flashlight comes with a rechargeable battery as well as a USB charging cord. There’s an LED light that will indicate if the device is already charging up. Outfitted with a pocket clip, this flashlight is convenient enough to carry around.
Pros:
1,300 lumens
Can be adjusted to 6 different settings
Comes with a USB magnetic charging cable
Covered under a lifetime warranty
Having a weight of only 3-½ oz., the Fenix PD35 Tactical Flashlight is certainly the best small tactical flashlight to buy. But don’t let the small size fool you. This flashlight is equipped with 1,000 lumens that can provide very bright illumination.
You can easily adjust the lighting of this flashlight according to your needs. For instance, if you need to look for a spare part that you’ve accidentally dropped off, you can perhaps tone the lighting a bit. With this tactical flashlight, you get to choose from five different modes of brightness. The lowest is the firefly mode, which is 8 lumens. When setting it in this mode, the flashlight can run for up to 140 hours.
If you need to use the light immediately, simply set it to the tactical mode or perhaps in a universal mode. When set under the tactical mode, there’s no longer a need to look for the brightest setting when using the flashlight. Simply choose the momentary mode that’s at the tail cap switch and you’ll be rewarded with a burst of light.
The Fenix PD35 has a nylon holster allowing for convenient access. Plus, it comes with two rechargeable lithium batteries for the most optimum operation. But unlike the other tactical flashlights on this list, you’ll have to buy the charger separately. Nevertheless, this flashlight is still a worthy purchase.
Pros:
Durable flashlight
Excellent runtime
Features a bright beam of light
Compact size
Finally, another product that we believe deserves to be on this list of the best tactical flashlights is this SKL Professional Police Flashlight. As the name suggests, this tactical flashlight is designed for use by police forces, although it can also be used by anyone who needs a reliable tactical flashlight in case of an emergency.
With a length of 6.5 inches and a diameter of more than 1.5 inches, this flashlight is still quite compact and can be carried with ease. As for its ability to deliver light, this flashlight is very impressive, thanks to its 4000 lumens of light intensity. You can easily carry this flashlight in your holster, although it’s also possible to clip it into your pocket since it comes with a removable clip.
If you take time to read the tactical flashlight reviews written for this flashlight, you’ll know that a lot of customers are quite satisfied with its overall look and feel. They love the fact that it’s quite comfortable to carry in your hand. The handle has a cross-hatching style texture, which prevents the device from falling off your hands.
When it comes to power, the SKL Professional Police Flashlight will not disappoint. Aside from having 4000 lumens, this flashlight has a wide beam reaching a maximum distance of around 316 meters.
Just like with the other tactical flashlights from Klarus, the SKL XT21X comes with a dual tail switch as well as a side switch design. While some customers find this to be a bit too much, others love this feature a lot. It’s because the tail switches work separately from its side switch making it possible to use the side switches interchangeably.
Pros:
Comes with 5,000mAh rechargeable battery
Has a powerful light intensity of 4,000 lumens
Triple switch control
Upgraded version
Cons:
Needs to be handled with the utmost care if you want it to last
How Does Water Resistance Work?
The water resistance feature is a bit complicated to understand. And if you need a tactical flashlight that’s water-resistant, it’s important that you educate yourself on this feature. When it comes to water resistance, the term that you’ll most likely encounter is the IPX rating.
Here’s what you need to know about it
IPX4
A flashlight with IPX4 is very useful during the rainy season. If you plan on using the flashlight outdoors and it’s drizzling, then this rating is what you should go for. This is very useful if there’s a blackout and it’s raining heavily but you need to go out to turn the generator on.
IPX7
If you need a flashlight that you can use underwater, the IPX7 would be great. In fact, even if you use it 3-4 feet below the water, you’ll still be able to use the flashlight with no issues. This flashlight is very useful if you get trapped in your car during a heavy flood and you still have to wait for the rescuers to come to pick you up.
IPX8
If you need a tactical flashlight that you can use underwater for several hours, the IPX8 is what you should get. In fact, it can be used beyond 4-feet deep. Although it’s not clearly indicated how deep you can go with this flashlight, it can be submerged safely in the water without any issues.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure what to choose from this list, go for the Outlite A100 Portable Bright Handheld LED Flashlight with adjustable focus. We believe this is the best tactical flashlight on the market because it comes with great features that you’ll not find on other tactical flashlights.
It has adjustable focus, long-range observation, and can be set to five different modes. Above all, it has a portable design so you can easily carry this flashlight with you.
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more…
What do you get from three nerds (Joe, Ray, and Paul) that decide to create a functioning tech gadget review site? The first is data-driven arguments lasting way into the night. You can read more...
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.
