The Best Tactical Flashlights on the Market
You never know when you’re going to need a flashlight. It might be due to a power outage, for camping, or even for navigating through the darkness for something you couldn’t have anticipated. Most people aren’t aware that there can be sizeable differences in flashlights, as there are a lot of factors to consider when you want to buy a new one. It’s a common misconception that any flashlight will do, which can’t be further from the truth. There are also plenty to choose from, which is why I’ve created this handy guide for your perusing pleasure.
Jetbeam TH20 Tactical Led
Jetbeam is a well-known and well-respected brand in the world of flashlights. You can expect Jetbeam flashlights to be of high quality, which is exactly the case with The TH20 Jetbeam tactical flashlight. It’s designed for rough use, as it’s meant to be used by people such as hunters and the police. Its LED has a lifespan of over 50,000 hours, which is definitely a lot, and it’s compatible with either one 18650 power battery or two CR123A batteries. This Jetbeam tactical flashlight is amazing and has a max output of 3150 lumens, which is significantly more than many other flashlights on the market. With a throw distance of 320 meters, it’s absolutely a beast of a flashlight, and you can expect to be using it for a very long time.
Olight Warrior X Pro
If you’re looking for an innovative and fresh-feeling flashlight, then look no further than Olight’s Warrior X Pro model. This is their flagship flashlight, which has seen a continuous evolution throughout the years with constant improvements along the way, such as a USB charging port. It has a 5000mAh 21700 lithium battery that has a maximum output of 2,250 lumens. Its throwing range is also very high throwing range at 580 meters, which coupled with the battery’s body that’s made out of premium materials, including a tactical grip ring that won’t allow the battery to slip out of your hands, all combines into an amazing flashlight in general.
ThruNite BSS V4
One of the few flashlights that focus on total water resistance, the ThruNite BSS V4 is a tactical flashlight that is extremely sturdy and capable. Its build is also very durable, as it’s very resistant against dents and scratches, and it has an aggressive strike bezel and a very powerful LED module that has a maximum output of over 2500 lumens. The flashlight’s battery is also quite good, as it features a 3100mAh 18650 battery that lasts a long time. In tune with water resistance, it has anti-slip knurling and an aluminium body that prevents it from slipping out of your hands even under the wettest conditions, as well as a switch on the body that allows you to switch between the flashlight’s six operating modes.
Nitecore P10i
Even though it has a smaller lumen output than some of the other flashlights on the list, don’t let that fool you into thinking the P10i is a lesser flashlight because of it. The focus of this flashlight is accessibility, as it wants to create an uncomplicated user experience that is often contrasted to other flashlights. It only has three different light output modes to choose from, each one very easy to switch to, as well as easy access to the disorienting strobe mode. While this flashlight’s lumens output is slightly smaller, it does come with a long-lasting 21700 battery that allows you to use the P10i for 90 minutes on the highest setting or nearly 40 hours on the lowest. This is an ideal flashlight for any type of use, especially since you most likely won’t need to use it on the highest setting all of the time, making it great for living off the grid.
Streamlight Stinger
If you’re looking for an ergonomic flashlight that’s intended to be used for extended periods of time, then look no further than Streamlight’s Stinger. Its design makes it easily useable everywhere because it has a good grip that prevents slipping, but also its shape is designed to prevent it from easily rolling off of most surfaces. The Stinger has a great maximum output at 2000 lumens and its controls are very intuitive, meaning you won’t have to study its manual in detail just to understand what the point of its controls is. Coupled with the fact that it’s very light to carry, its USB rechargeability, and a very good and intuitive user experience, you get a fantastic package that can be used in all situations.
Fenix TK16 V2.0
With a high output at 3100 lumens, as well as its durability against extreme temperatures, the Fenix TK16 V2.0 is the ideal flashlight for more extreme situations like survival trips. Part of its extreme temperature resistance is its great IP68 water resistance, which combined with its high capacity 5000mAh 21700 battery, you get a great package that’s ideal for any situation. It also has an operating turbo mode, which lasts two hours, but is incredibly bright, a mode that most batteries can only handle a few minutes at the most. The control switch can also be configured to be momentarily on and constantly on, allowing you to use it with ease, as well as a sturdy bezel that can even have defensive applications.
Acebeam L35
While larger than most standard flashlights, the L35 is incredibly powerful. With a max output of 4300 lumens and a throwing range of 480 meters, it’s a great model for outdoor use, even in more extreme situations. It’s powered by a single high capacity 217000 battery that’s capable of consistent usage, the L35 also has an amazing design with anti-slip knurling that can even withstand extreme wetness. The aerospace-grade aluminium body is quite sturdy and durable too, making it a flashlight that you can always rely on.
Flashlights are extremely useful, and it’s always great to a good one around whenever you need it. While there are plenty to choose from, you should first consider what you’re going to use it for, because you don’t want to be stuck with one that you’re not using to its full potential.