Tactical flashlights are not your typical household flashlight. These are specially designed for use by military and law enforcement personnel. What makes them different is their design which comprises of its ability to be mounted on weapons. They are also extremely brighte and a common trait of all best tactical flashlights is its extreme durability.
Even if you do not own a weapon it is actually advisable to have one of these tactical flashlights on hand. It has more uses than just a way to illuminate a darkened room. For example, it can be used as:
A Self Defense Tool
As stated earlier, the best tactical flashlight is more durable than your average flashlight. In this regard, it can be used a sort of baton that you can use to hit assailants with. It is also easy to bring and easy to use as a weapon.
Another technique you can implement a tactical flashlight with is by temporarily disorienting your attacker by use of its extremely bright light. Tactical flashlights are emits higher luminosity and by simply turning it on at close range in front of your assailant’s eyes you can effectively stun him for a counter attack or allow you enough time to escape.
Basics in Choosing the Best Tactical Flashlight
There are several factors you should consider when choosing a reliable tactical flashlight. These factors include:
Compact – You should be able to easily carry it around every day.
Pick one that has a 120 lumens rating – This is enough to stun a person temporarily.
Easy to Use – You must be able to turn it on in an instant.
High quality and durable – It should be able to withstand impacts.
Waterproof – Water is a common element so be sure your tactical light can handle getting wet.
Go with LED – LED are brighter, more resistant to shocks and lasts longer.
Those are the essential elements of a great tactical flashlight. We compiled the best of the best in all aspects below to help you create a shortlist for when you purchase one of your own.
The Best Tactical Flashlight – 5 Recommendations
Vizeri CREE T6 XML LED Tactical Flashlight
The Vizeri tactical flashlight is one of the most powerful in this category. It sports about 2000 lumens which are literally dangerous to the eyes so caution must be implemented when using this tactical light.
It features an easy to use programming mode wherein you can choose between strobe and dim light depending on what you need. It also comes with a focusing light to help you keep focus to a single concentrated beam. It is simple and easy to use, dependable and affordable. It is definitely one of the finest in the market today.
Buy Vizeri CREE T6 XML LED Tactical Flashlight here!
Solaray Pro ZX-1 Tactical Flashlight
Another top notch tactical flashlight, this one is equipped with 1,200 lumens, more than enough to disorient someone when flashed at close range. This is also waterproof with its aircraft grade aluminum chassis. It has 5 different modes which include strobe and SOS. However, the lack of ability to lock in the beam into a specific position is a bit disappointing but not a deal breaker. Think of this as an all around tactical flashlight but may not be ideal for self defense.
Buy Solaray Pro ZX-1 Tactical Flashlight here!
Streamlight 88040 Pro Tactical Flashlight
The Streamlight may not be equipped with a high lumen rating as it only gets up to 600 lumens, but it is still a solid and highly dependable tactical flashlight worthy of being included in this best tactical flashlight list. This also holds an exceptionally wider beam which is helpful when in tight spaces. It is waterproof and features 3 modes as well as a significantly longer battery life than most due to the LED solid state power regulator that is incorporated into this tactical flashlight.
Buy Streamlight 88040 Pro Tactical Flashlight here!
UltraFire 7W 300LM Mini CREE Tactical Flashlight
If you are looking for the best budget tactical flashlight, you have found it. The UltaFire may not have the same level of quality as other more expensive tactical lights but it makes up for it with its extremely cost effective price. This is a scratch resistant and water resistant tactical flashlight that comes in with a 300 lumens rating. It is simple and easy to use and is actually a great extra tactical torch for emergencies. The exceptionally low price does have its downsides, such as limited quality and features but if you think you will need an extra light then this compact and cheap tactical light fits the bill quite nicely.
Buy UltraFire 7W 300LM Mini CREE Tactical Flashlight here!
Refun 600 Lumen CREE XML T6 Tactical Flashlight
The Refun Tactical Flashlight utilizes 100% top grade aluminum alloy which gives it a high durability. It has a 100,000 hours lifespan and is water resistant to a certain degree. Basically, while the Refun is waterproof, it is not waterproof when submerged for certain duration of time. Think of it as rain proof instead. It has 5 settings which can be interchanged by pressing the “on/off” switch continuously until you get to your desired brightness. It was originally advertised as having 2,000 lumens but that was false as it actually has about 600 lumens max.
Buy Refun 600 Lumen CREE XML T6 Tactical Flashlight here!
Having a tactical flashlight has numerous benefits. It is a heavy duty flashlight with the brightness of spotlight. The best tactical flashlight will offer you with more than just illuminating your surroundings. It can be used to signal others from great distances and can also be used as a self defense tool with the right application.