Best Tactical Flashlight Reviews, Comparison and Buying Guide
The best tactical flashlight enables the holder to see any threat and/or to avoid attack. The best tactical flashlight can be a weapon for self-defense. You can use it to make it extremely difficult for your attacker to assault you. The light of best tactical flashlight can be so bright and intense that it can easily blind the attacker, at least momentarily, making it possible for you to escape from the hoodlum. If you need to fight the attack, you will also get an upper hand over him if you are able to blind him with the beam of the light.
Often times, this type of flashlight comes with serrated edges on the bevel which you can use as an improvised weapon if you decide to repel aggression. Though it can be used as a weapon of self-defense, there are no restrictions on its use in places where the use of other weapons are not permitted. Having one in your possession will not raise any suspicion like other weapons of self-defense will raise.
Another aspect of flashlight as a weapon of self-defense is that it does not require any training before using it. All you need is to press the ON button and the light will shine to brighten your way. Given the above, it can be said that such flashlights are very versatile and handy during emergency situations at night time.
Best Tactical Flashlight Quick Snapshot
Flashlight | Lumens | Weight | Length | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
SOLARAY PRO ZX-2 | 1200 | 6.2 oz | 5.2 in | 4.7 |
Surefire G2X Pro | 320 | 4.5 oz | 5.2 in | 4.8 |
EcoGear FX | 1200 | 5.0 oz | 6.2 in | 4.6 |
Surefire 6PX Pro | 320 | 5.3 oz | 5.2 in | 4.7 |
Fenix PD35 | 960 | 3.1 oz | 5.5 in | 4.6 |
Maglite XL200 | 173 | 3.7 oz | 8.0 in | 4.6 |
If you are looking for the best tactical flashlight, choose from the models of reliable brands to get a quality product. Here are top rated tactical flashlights that you should choose from.
SOLARAY PRO ZX-2
SOLARAY PRO ZX-2 is available in a compact and lightweight design which makes it highly flexible and suitable for use by any person. Despite its small size, it emits light with strong intensity and brightness capable of brightening any dark spot.
It comes with a water resistant grade aluminum body making it suitable to be used under any condition. The premium tail switch as well as the lens is strongly made to be used for years. It has appreciable battery runtime. It features premium SOLARAY 18650 3.7v 300mAH lithium-ion batteries which can be recharged up to 500 times. For durability, the battery is embedded with protected circuit board (PCB). It features 5 modes each operating at the click of a button: low, medium and high mode, SOS emergency signal mode and bright tactical intruder strobe.
This model of SOLARAY flashlight may be used for camping, walks, hiking, or fishing. It is a veritable companion during car breakdowns at nights and power failures. Virtually any person can use this light including security persons, people working in dark environments and families in their homes.
Surefire G2X Pro
The Surefire G2X Pro is a small size tactical flashlight strongly created to last for years thanks to its polymer-body. Unlike many models of flashlights, this model is immune to failure because it makes use of high-efficiency LED which does not come with any filament that will break or burn out with usage.
It offers two light output levels, namely, the15 lumen low output setting and 320 lumen beam required in a very dark place to brighten it. The low output setting makes for impressive longer battery output than the 320 lumen beam. You can choose between momentary and constant low.
If you return to off after pressing the button further for constant low, wait for seconds and press again to choose the high setting. The polymer body of this model is scratch-resistant, corrosion free and also smooth. It offers perfect secure grip. This model will deliver a wider beam with awesome peripheral light thanks to its polycarbonate micro-textured reflector.
EcoGear FX TK120
The product is designed to deliver a light distance of 300m (985 feet). The EcoGear FX TK120 has five different light modes each suitable for a particular situation. Its zoom function makes it suitable for tactical situations, perfect for patrolling, camping, hunting, hiking, walking and other outdoor situations. In other words, the product is useful for a number of people including security personnel, individuals and families, students and others.
Besides using the flashlight to dispel darkness, it is meant to be used for self-defense as it comes with a strong head which can also be used for emergency window-breaking and combat situations. It is equipped with a special reflector design which improves its light output intensity and beam distance. The body is available in aluminum alloy construction which makes it to be highly durable as it is scratch-resistant and damage free.
It is easy to operate because of its soft-touch on/off button. The package comes with 18650 3.7V 3000mAH lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.
Surefire 6PX Pro
This is black colored high intensity flashlight available in an aluminum body with aerospace strength for impressive durability. This model which is available in small size design looks like the Surefire 6PX in all aspects except that it features a click-type tailcoat switch press for momentary on as well as constant on when it is pressed further.
Secondly, it features a crenellated strike Bezel which is good in emergency situations. It comes with a micro-textured reflector that delivers a wide 320 lumen beam with enhanced peripheral illumination. The Sure Fire 6PX Pro’s high efficiency LED does not fail and thus, it delivers impressive performance always.
The aluminum body is well sculpted making it comfortable to securely hold even though it is very smooth.
Fenix PD35
Fenix PD35 TAC (2015 Tactical Edition) is created to fit into the pocket. But its size does not affect its performance featuring up to 1000 lumen output despite having a 5.51 inch dimension.
The beam of light of this pocket size flashlight can go as far as 656 feet. It offers 3 tactical modes and 6 output modes in its outdoor modes. The tactical models are turbo, low and strobe modes each offering unique lumens.
The outdoor mode includes the turbo, high, mid, low, eco and strobe modes. PD35 TAC is also very easy to operate and functions very fast in its tactical mode. This model comes with a Cree XP-L(V5) LED which has an impressive runtime of 50,000 hours.
Maglite XL200
At 173 lumens, the Maglite XL200 delivers a beam distance of 138 meters.
This will improve with time as the product is improved upon. Its body is highly durable thanks to its rugged machined aluminum construction anodized inside to make it incapable of corroding.
Both ends of this flashlight use high grade rubber O rings and lip seals which makes it impossible for water to enter inside it. The beam of light delivered by this product is adjustable as well.
What is a Tactical Flashlight?
Not all flashlights that are on the market today can claim to be “tactical”. So, what is a tactical flashlight? A tactical flashlight is an essential piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiast. These aren’t just any regular flashlights, these are specifically for outdoors or defensive use. This means that the users can use it for a strategic advantage during a potential dangerous situation.
A tactical flashlight will typically have a tail switch or button for operation. With this, the user will have an easy time activating the flashlight and start using it. You can also switch from one mode to another depending on the switch design and functions.
A Tactical flashlight should be of a strong material that can withstand a multitude of situations and conditions. For this reason, you might find these models have the best durability of any type of flashlight.
What is a Lumen?
That’s a good question. A lumen is simply the measure of how much light you can get from a bulb. Having more lumens always means that the light will be brighter and vice versa. To be more technical, one lumen is equal to the amount of light that will be received at a square foot area that is one foot away from the candle light.
Along with lumens, you want to take note the flashlight’s beam distance. Beam distance, as its name implies, is the length of the beam of light from the flashlight. So, be sure to take both of these into account before buying the best tactical flashlight for you.
So, the next time you are looking to buy a bulb or flashlight, check the lumens and and beam distance. Choose correctly and you will end up with the best flashlight for tactical purposes.
Tactical Flashlight Buying Guide
Build quality
It really all comes down to the type of material used for the base. For most tactical flashlights, you will find they have an aluminum construction. Such a material is lightweight and delivers on durability. Afterall, a flashlight is no good if it is broke. So, having the best build quality gives you the best chance to keep on enjoying flashlight.
Weight and ergonomics
The weight is an important factor. You have to carry this around all the time. So you have to get a model that works great and is fairly lightweight. Some build materials, battery types, and overall size can make it lightweight or heavy.
The ergonomic design on the other hand will affect how easy it is to use. You want a model that is easy to handle and fits comfortably in your hand.
Lumens
As we spoke above, the number of Lumens is great when it comes to choosing the best flashlight. Having more lumens means more brightness. Well, who would not love a bright flashlight?
For tactical flashlights, we recommend a model with a minimum start of 300 lumens. We ecommend to opt for higher lumens. Some models can reach up to 2000 to 10,000 lumens to give you that brightness that you need for any tactical situation.
Budget
Money doesn’t grow on tress right? Well, keep in mind that sometimes tactical flashlights can be a bit on the expensive side. This because they come packing a lot of performance features and we have reviewed a wide range of flashlights that are sure to hit in your budget range. So, it is very possible to get a high performance product at an economic price. Take your time to compare various models and we are sure you can find one within your budget.
Size
What’s that old saying…size doesn’t matter. If you had to carry around a large heavy flashlight all the time, you would bed to differ. Size might not always be a big issue, but having a compact design is always desirable. You want to get that model that is easy to carry around.
Light beam
As we spoke above, the light beam is a good thing to keep in mind. The beam has to be bright enough for visibility regardless of the mode that you get to choose. Don’t forget to check the beam distance. Most often, it will indicate as “flashlight throw” or “range”. Having one with a longer beam distance should meet most needs. Afterall, it is better if you can see it before it sees you so you can prepare yourself appropriately.
Waterproof
We don’t always have the best weather do we? So waterproofing in your tactical flashlight allows you to even use the flashlight in heavy rain or wet, damp conditions. Some even include special O rings that make them waterproof they go under water. So ask yourself, what kinds of wet conditions will I encounter to when using one.
Duration
The duration or runtime of the flashlight is going to depend on the battery size and brightness settings. Smaller batteries such as AAA’s will have a shorter runtime than say the 18650 battery. Look for a model that delivers the highest runtime. As a general rule, while one the highest brightness mode, you should get over about an hour of light. As well, we recommend rechargeable batteries Another beneficial feature is the ability to recharge via USB.
Conclusion
A tactical flashlight should be a must-have in every household. Owning one can save you and your family members a lot from injury during a power outage, by creating way to escape during an emergency situation like a firebreak or incapacitating an attacker by blinding them with the beam of light.