If you’re a hardcore survivalist, you may believe you have no need for the best tactical flashlight money can buy.
In fact, you might believe you don’t need a flashlight at all. And maybe you don’t.
While that’s certainly your right, there’s something strangely comforting about having light when you’re out in the wilderness or in your hand while you’re searching your home for an intruder at 3 am.
Oh yeah. It’s that whole being able to see things in the dark thing.
So if you don’t want to be in the dark about how to choose the best tactical flashlight, you’ll want to read this.
There are a number of factors you’ll want to consider in your search for the best tactical flashlight.
Table of Contents
Features To Look For In The Best Tactical Flashlight
Light Output
Light output is measured in lumens and the best tactical flashlight needs plenty of lumen power to temporarily blind your attacker or to light the way safely on a dark rainy night.
When searching for the best tactical flashlight for your needs, you may see different lumen measurements based on different settings.
This highest number will be the measure of the light intensity coming out of the flashlight while on the highest brightness setting and powered by new batteries. This is the most important number.
Keep in mind that beam intensity, distance, and type will all influence the effectiveness of tactical flashlights in different applications.
Light output typically ranges from a book-reading 20 lumens, a tiny 200o lumen tactical flashlight, to a lighting-up-a-city-block 3500 lumens (that’s more than enough to blind the daylights out of any would-be attacker.
On a side note: I used to think that a smaller tactical LED flashlight could never outshine my trusty 4 D-cell krypton-bulb Maglite but man, was I wrong. I bought a couple of smaller ones a few years ago and they are insanely bright! In fact, my trusty old krypton maglites are now gathering dust in long-term “garage duty” storage.
Beam Distance
If you’ve ever found yourself out in the woods at night, far away from any lights and drenched in the light of a full moon, it’s pretty amazing how bright it is.
The beam distance for flashlights is the measure (in meters) of how far the light will shine before the brightness diminishes to the equivalent of the light from a full moon.
That’s because full moon illumination is considered adequate for safe and careful travel outdoors.
When searching for the best tactical flashlight, you should look for one with at least 250 lumens or more.
Run Time
The run time is determined by how long it takes for the light output to drop to 10% of the rated output when the flashlight has new batteries. This number is rounded to the nearest quarter hour.
It’s important to remember that depending on the flashlight, the output may gradually decrease over time, or it will remain largely constant and then suddenly decrease.
Run time is usually given for each light setting.
Impact Resistance
This measurement is represented in meters.
Flashlights are tested by dropping them 6 times onto concrete at the rated distance. Thus, the testing is for the purpose of ensuring that the light doesn’t fizzle out after occasional accidental drops.
It is not a measurement, however, of how well the flashlight will function after being run over, struck with an object, or used to strike other objects.
Water Resistance
What happens if you drop your flashlight in the water, or you need to use it in a downpour? Will it still work?
Water resistance is rated using the IPX system.
There are three ratings that are commonly used to measure just how waterproof even the best tactical flashlight will be.
- IPX4 rating means it’s splash resistant from all angles.
- IPX7 rating means it can handle temporary immersion of up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1m.
- IPX8 rating means submersion up to 4 hours at a specified depth.
Price and Feedback
Price is often in direct correlation with quality. But not always.
So don’t be fooled into thinking that the most expensive one will necessarily be the best tactical flashlight for you to own.
Best Tactical Flashlight Wrap-up
Do your research before you buy.
Check online reviews and consult with others who have actually used the flashlights. That way you can figure out the pros and cons for yourself.
Get the best price available for LED Tactical Flashlights on Amazon, or check them out on eBay.
Please keep in mind that this blog is supported by affiliate promotions and/or advertisements. So I may earn a commission if you order a tactical flashlight based on my recommendation.
If you have any other tips on how to choose the best tactical flashlight, drop us a comment below!
- 【Super Bright & Long-Lasting】UltraFire WF-501B tactical flashlight with high output of up 1000 Lumen, the maximum beam length is nearly 920ft (280 meters). Especially suitable for hiking, camping, fishing, running, power outages, emergency situations.
- 【One Mode Operation】Only single mode, no multiple different modes to cycle through to get to what you need, just ON and OFF!
- 【Durable & IPX-65 Water Resistant】Made of aerospace grade aluminum alloy, anti-pressure and anti-fall, wear-resistant anodizing. Mini flashlight is IPX-65 waterproof and can withstand most extreme weather such as storms and heavy rain.
- 【High Quality Flashlight Holster】UltraFire 402 flashlight holder is made of durable Nylon material. Lightweight and convenient to carry. Holster can fix the flashlight on your pocket and belt, truly liberating your hands.
- 【Hassle-free】just feel free contact us when you have problems! Providing the highest quality for all is our primary goal. Get your tactical flashlight with holster TODAY!
- BRIGHT – The S1000 effortlessly illuminates an entire room making it the perfect super bright flashlight for everyday use. This powerful flashlight has 5 modes and a zoomable beam making it the ideal camping flashlight for outdoor use.
- DURABLE – This tactical flashlight is virtually indestructible. Constructed from military-grade aluminum, it is water-resistant and strong enough to withstand a 10-foot drop. This is the perfect tactical light for any training exercise.
- COMPACT – This small flashlight easily fits in your pocket, backpack, or purse, ensuring convenient storage and quick access. Ideal for use around the house, while dog walking, or during camping trips making them the perfect handheld flashlights
- INCLUDED – This high-lumen flashlight package includes (2) S1000 LED Tactical Flashlights, (2) AAA Battery Holders, (2) Battery Tubes, (2) Hand Straps, (2) Holder Cases (Bonus Accessory), (1) Operation Guide, and (1) Warranty Card.
- SIZE – Measuring 6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches, these compact pocket flashlights are perfect packing light during camping and hiking trips. They also work great as flashlights for emergencies as they are battery powered and water resistant.
- Super Bright with 5 Modes – Powerful high Lumen LED generates a brilliant large area floodlight or a perfectly focused spotlight over a beam distance of 656ft/200m. Adjustable focus with 5 modes: (High, Medium, Low, Strobe, SOS/Emergency).
- Adjustable Focus – Adjustable focus for use in different situations (just rotate the flashlight head to adjust). The LED flashlight allows you to select focus between spot and flood beams.
- Waterproof & High Quality – The flashlight is waterproof and is made of aluminum alloy and rubber. Durable aluminum alloy crust, abrasion resistance.
- Widely Used – Easy to carry with you as a backup and is small enough to fit in your pocket, handbag, drawer, or car compartment. Takes 3 standard AAA or a single rechargeable. No Lithium Batteries are included.
- What You Will Get: 2 x LED Flashlights, 2 x Battery Tubes, 2 x AAA Battery Holders (Batteries are not Included), and 2 x Lanyards (Hand Straps).
- Perfect everyday carry light that accepts a single lithium or alkaline battery, with High/Low/Strobe modes
- Powered by one CR123A lithium battery, one AA alkaline or AA lithium batteries
- Ultra-bright white LED, impervious to shock, with a 50,000 hour lifetime
- Run Time: CR123 Lithium Battery – High 1 hour 30 minutes, Low 14 hours, Strobe 3 hours; AA Alkaline Battery – High 1 hour 20 minutes, Low 7 hours 30 minutes, Strobe 3.5 hours; AA Lithium Battery – High 4 hours 15 minutes, Low 14 hours, Strobe 8 hours
- Length: 8-1/2 -Inch
- 【Super Bright】300 Lumens (Max) output and 30% brighter than most ordinary small flashlights. Our mini LED torch can produce an intense beam of light up to 600 feet.
- 【Easy to Carry】only 3.6 inches length, this mini tactical flashlight fits in the palm of your hand, portable to carry with a metal clip. Our flashlights is convenient to slip into your pocket or clip on your belt or backpack. Perfect gift for kids, men…!
- 【High Quality】military grade aluminum alloy & steel with hard-anodized finish hurricane flashlight; anti-abrasive, drop-resistance and waterproof. Much more durable than ordinary mini flashlights.
- 【Intelligent 3 Modes】High / Low / Strobe Modes, best mini flashlight for hiking, fishing and other outdoor sports, focus adjustable, support zoom in and zoom out.
- 【Power Source】powered by 1xAA Battery (Battery Not Included). LIFETIME WARRANTY & MONEY BACK SERVICE. Risk Free Purchasing!
- FLASHLIGHTS HIGH LUMENS: IkeeRuic rechargeable flashlights are equipped with a super bright XHP70.2 LED chip, to produce up to 250,000 lumens brightness. With high powered flashlight, meeting your various illumination needs, lighting up to 1300ft² area or 1500ft distance, for emergencies, camping, hiking.
- LED FLASHLIGHT RECHARGEABLE: Equipped with an upgraded 5000mAh battery, tactical flashlights high lumens can work for 12hours after fully charged. There are fast-charging Type-C port to ensure high efficiency charging for led flashlight. And four power indicators assist you to know the battery level of the rechargeable flashlight.
- ZOOMABLE & 5MODE FLASH LIGHT: Super bright flashlight has zoomable function as floodlight for wider area when zoom in or spotlight for longer distance when zoom out by stretching the top of the tactical flashlight. Flashlights high lumens rechargeable have five lighting modes as high/medium/low/strobe/SOS for multifunctional use.
- WATERPROOF & MULTI-FUNCTION: Flashlight rechargeable is made of aviation grade aluminum alloy and sealed design, achieving IP67 waterproof and shatter-resistant. With multi-functional design: (1) With USB output port, brightest flashlight can be used to charge electronic device. (2) With head cusp design, tactical flashlight can be used as safety hammer. (3) With dry battery function, flash light can be used for emergencies.
- IKEERUIC FLASHLIGHT PACKAGE: Flashlights are packed with 1*led flashlight, 1*rechargeable battery, 1* type-c charging cable, 1* dry battery fix bracket, 1* carrying lanyard and 1* gift box. If you have any flash lights problems, such as not working, lack of accessories, broken package, please feel free message us via amazon, IkeeRuic has one-year replacement policy for your worry-free use.
- 500-Lumen EDC tactical flashlight
- Multi battery versatility; use with CR123A (x2) or Streamlight Rechargeable Kit (sold separately)
- Aluminum housing with Type II Military Spec
- Light, extremely durable & abrasion resistant
- Includes 2 CR123A Batteries; Rechargeable Battery Kit not included
- Type II MIL-SPEC abrasion and corrosion-resistant anodized aircraft aluminum construction with unbreakable, scratch-resistant polycarbonate lens.
- Super Bright Rechargeable Flashlight – S3000L high lumen tactical flashlight with upgraded Unique LED, 1500 lumens, dual switch design, easy to use with the distinction between daily (High, Medium, Low) and emergency mode (Strobe, SOS). By extending the flashlight head you can get a wide to narrow beam zoom to illuminate anywhere you want, and by recharging it as an EDC flashlight to accompany your daily life, environmentally friendly and without frequent battery replacement.
- Double Switch 5 Modes LED Flashlight-Advanced double switch design. The rechargeable flashlight is designed with an emergency button (Strobe / SOS) and a daily button (High / Medium / Low light). With one click to start emergency mode. A smart design for an emergency flashlight in case you get in trouble.
- Long Lasting USB Rechargeable Flashlight- Powered by a high 3000mAh rechargeable battery with overcharge protection. This bright flashlight can reach up to 10 hours (low mode) of working time. Only need 3-4 hours to get fully charged by any Type-C charging port. (Batteries Included)
- Durable Waterproof Portable Flashlight- IP65 Waterproof and Military grade Aluminum Alloy flashlight, durable, shockproof, anti-slip. Suitable for use in rain, snow, or emergencies, but can’t into the water for a long time. Compact size and with a friendly pocket clip, make this pocket flashlight easy to store and quick to use. Size: 5.6 x 1 inch (length x width)
- Great Value Packaged- what you will get: 1* High Lumens Rechargeable LED Flashlight 1* Rechargeable Battery, 1* Type-C charging cable, 2* Extra USB Cover, 1* User Manual. Will be a nice gift for your father, mother, and friend. Note: Before using the flashlight for the first time, please remove the insulating sheet from the battery to ensure that the flashlight can be charged properly.
- 2,000 lumens; 2.25-hour run time on high
- Tactical tail cap switch for momentary/constant on operation and strobe
- Rechargeable with an SL-B50 battery pack included; sliding sleeve protects USB-C port; can be recharged inside or outside of the light with included USB-C cable
- TEN-TAP programmable; one-handed operation of momentary/const on modes
- IP64-rated; dust-tight and water resistant
This,is the best flash light.
Love it.