Choosing the Best Tactical Flashlight for Your Needs
There are numerous things you need to consider when deciding how to choose a tactical flashlight. You will want a multi-use tool that is not only brighter, tougher, and more reliable than standard flashlights, but also virtually indestructible.
Sometimes brand, budget, or how it feels in the hand can be deciding factors. You may also want to choose a tactical flashlight based on its size or how you intend to use it.
Whether you are military, law enforcement, search and rescue, or an outdoor enthusiast, utility is vitally important. Do you want a handheld flashlight, a keychain flashlight, an everyday carry that will fit in a pocket, or one to be mounted on a weapon or headlamp?
Tactical Flashlight Must-Haves
When choosing the best tactical flashlight for your needs, you should also consider what might be necessary from the following must-haves.
Tactical Flashlight Brightness
Measured in lumens, the brightness of tactical lights (the maximum number of lumens the flashlight is capable of outputting)can range from 120 lumens on the low end up to 10,000 lumens or more. Most fall within the range of 300 – 3000 lumens. Keep in mind also, the higher the candela output the brighter the light will be.
Beam Throw Distance
Deciding what beam throw (distance) you need will also help in choosing the best tactical flashlight for your needs. A flood light scatters the lumens more and is better for short distance illumination whereas a “thrower” will concentrate the light into a smaller, tighter beam (the hot spot) to illuminate objects at a greater distance. Some lights can switch between the two.
Regular vs Rechargeable Batteries
Long-life AA alkaline batteries are quite reliable, easily accessible, less expensive, and tend to last a decent amount of time. High-performance, rechargeable lithium-ION cell batteries used in LED tactical flashlights cost more, weigh less, and store more energy, which helps the light appear brighter.
Run Time
The run time can also vary between different tactical flashlights with some running up to 170 hours or more. Flashlights with a higher candela output will be brighter, using up more energy, which can shorten the flashlight’s run time.
Tough Construction
Higher end tactical flashlights are precision engineered to be lighter in weight yet more durable and more impact resistant. They are generally constructed of lightweight airplane grade aluminum with added protection to help make them weatherproof, waterproof, and shock and corrosion resistant. Though lightweight, many are still strong enough to be used for glass breaking, including car windows.
Flashlight Size
For most situations, small compact tactical flashlights are all that is needed as an everyday carry light. Though they may be compact, lightweight, easy to carry, and can fit inside a pocket, some models can still generate up to 400 lumens or more.
Programmable Options
When choosing a tactical flashlight, you now have a lot more options, including versatile programmable options. Some models include an easy-to-learn user interface allowing you to switch between as many as 6 different lighting modes, including strobe or a zoom-focus option.
Single vs Dual On/Off Switch
Single on/off switches are common on standard flashlights but for tactical purposes, give preference to independent side and tail dual switch control.
Tail Cap Switch:
Most tactical lights use a switch for activation on the tail-cap (butt-end) of the flashlight. This allows for a solid grip on the flashlight while using your thumb to activate and toggle through the switch settings.
Body Side Switch:
The body side switch is the oldest in types of switches found on flashlights. If you prefer to grip your flashlight having your thumb facing forward, this type of switch can be preferred. Because this type of switch can be difficult to waterproof, make sure to research what the brand has done to resolve this issue.
Summary
How to choose a tactical flashlight can feel a bit overwhelming since there are now so many different brands and models on the market. Hopefully, this guide will help in your decision. Ultimately, it’s important to also compare prices when looking at similar models of tactical flashlights.
Need Help Choosing a Tactical Flashlight?
If you still have questions about how to choose a tactical flashlight, contact our experts.
You can reach us by calling 1-604-705-0600 or send us an email.
We’ve recently relocated our brick-and-mortar store! If you are in the area, stop by and visit us anytime at Unit 103, 5725 Vedder Road in Chilliwack, BC Canada.
Joint Force Tactical is dedicated to providing tactical gear that will improve your safety and agility, whether you are military, law enforcement, search and rescue, or an outdoor enthusiast.
Tactical Flashlight
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tactical flashlight?
Designed for tactical use by law enforcement, military, and search and rescue personnel, tactical flashlights are generally smaller, lightweight, brighter, more durable, and more reliable than commercial flashlights.
What is the best tactical flashlight?
The best tactical flashlight is the one that best fits the needs of the user. When comparison shopping, look at price, size, weight, brightness, beam throw, run time, strength, and durability.
How many lumens is a good tactical flashlight?
Most experts agree that a good tactical flashlight should output at least 250 lumens. The brightest tactical flashlights can output up to 10,000 lumens or more.
Who makes the brightest tactical flashlight?
Prices can vary quite a lot and so can the brightest tactical flashlight for the money. Choose your price range and then comparison shop for lumens and beam throw.
How to buy a tactical flashlight?
To buy a tactical light for your needs, decide on a budget, the light’s purpose, and the must-have features such as size, weight, lumens output, beam throw, and run time.
How to use a tactical flashlight?
Tactical flashlights are designed to be multi-purpose tools. They are much brighter and more durable than normal flashlights and many have multiple lighting modes (floodlight, focus beam, strobe, etc.) They can also be used to signal for help or for self-defence purposes.
