The right flashlight is a must-have in our home/camping first-aid kit – and we all have one.
But what is a tactical flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is a sturdier, more reliable and functional lashlights, meant for and designed for military and law enforcement use.
Having said that, it’s mostly used by explorers, hikers, and hunters – in a word, people who are used to the outdoors and who are exposed to extreme environments.
It’s also good to have it in your first-aid kit.
Now, what you should know is that a good tactical flashlight is actually very tricky to choose.
With a goal to facilitate this choice for you and save your time in choosing the right one, we have chosen 9 best tactical flashlights.
This will, hopefully, make you develop a clear idea of your best pick.
Our Top 2 Choices
SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights
Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL Weapon Mount Tactical Flashlight Light 800 Lumens
SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights
After testing all the best tactical flashlights, the results showed that 8 out of 10 testers recommended SureFire X300.
Its superb off-white high-performance LED produces 600 lumens, and because of the precision TIR lens, it will create a smooth, tight beam with enough surround light for added peripheral illumination.
It also has a “true ergonomic” one-finger ambidextrous switch, which is very easy to use and click on regardless of your hand condition and position (whether you have gloves, shaky or cold hands, etc).
Because of its integral aluminum T-slot mounting system, the Surefire X300 is the best weapon-mounting flashlight.
It has a rock-solid attachment to railed handguns and long guns with added MIL-STD 1913 rails.
The Surefire is easily attached and removed from a weapon with no tools.
Since it’s a high standard flashlight, it is made out of high-strength aerospace aluminum with Mil-Spec anodizing coated and tempered window.
Ihis means it will remain durable even if you drop it many times and the glass won’t break.
Another plus is that its battery life is really good.
Pros
- High quality LED system
- Adequate for long range targeting
- Weatherproof
- Durable materials
- Durable construction makes for glass that doesn’t break
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- A bit more expensive
- Doesn’t have different brightness modes
Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL Weapon Mount Tactical Flashlight Light 800 Lumens
The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 that has C4 LED delivers 12,000-candela peak beam intensity of 800 lumens.
What gives you a great clar view in the dark is the optimum peripheral illumination.
Its has a wide beam pattern that lights up big areas and makes it easy to identify who or what is nearby.
It securely fits a broad range of weapons and also has one-handed snap-on and tighten interface that enables rapid attaching/detaching and keeping hands away from the muzzle.
It is made out of aerospace aluminum alloy, and has a high lumen lithium battery, while at the same time featuring the latest in shock-proof power LED technology and providing 1.75-hours of runtime without interuptions.
Pros
- Heavy duty construction
- Easy mounting on your weapon
- Limited lifetime warranty
- IPx4 weather and waterproof
- Easy to use
- Runs on strong C4 LED technology
Cons
- Not too economic
- Its rocker switch is not high quality
Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L LED Tactical Flashlight
For less than $100.0 your best choice – and value for money – will be Fenix PD35.
Given the fact that it uses Cree XP-L (V5) LED, Fenix PD35 gives impressive 1000 Lumen with an uninterrupted runtime of 50,000 hours.
You can use it with either a 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries, and it is sure to present durable and long-lasting performance.
While Fenix PD35 TAC is a pocket size, it also has a higher performance.
Even though it’s smaller than 5.51 inches, it has a beam distance of up to 656 feet and the light spill is shockingly wide.
When you switch to the Outdoor Mode, the PD35 TAC offers 6 output modes.
What’s great is that you can also resume using the last-used output mode when you turn it on again.
It comes with a low battery indicator and reverse polarity protection.
Made out of durable aircraft-grade aluminum, and with a stainless steel switch and toughened ultra-clear glass lens, this tactical flashlight is described as waterproof IPX-8 standard, and can go underwater for up to 6 1/2 feet for 30 minutes.
Wherever you go, this is one flashlight that you can trust.
Pros
- 1000 lumens on highest setting
- Offers 6 light modes
- Can run on multiple batteries
Cons
- Batteries not included in the package
Tongth Tactical, Ultra Bright LED Flashlight
Another great value for money is the supernova Guardian 1300XL.
It can operate on two types of batteries: either 3 AAA batteries (with the included converter) or One 18650 Lithium Battery (and it comes with a pair of those).
Both types of mentioned batteries last amazingly long (4hrs+) at the brightest mode.
The Supernova Guardian is very durable and functional.
First of all, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a rechargeable light to mount on your patrol rifle.
You can remove the battery and charge it and you don’t have to dismantle the whole thing while doing it.
Its light switch is made of a luminescent soft rubber that emits a dim glow, which allows you to find it in the dark.
Overall, it’s a supreme flashlight.
Pros
- Five years warranty
- Comes with two lithium batteries
- It’s high-quality and high-technology
- Offers blazing light
- Features stainless steel
Cons
- No Cons
Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL 750 Lumen Professional Tactical Flashlight
Now that it’s made according to the C4 LED technology, the popular & powerful Streamlight ProTac HL shines even brighter.
This flashlight can flood a large area (270m) with bright light, producing a blinding 750-lumen beam.
It offers 3 light output levels: high, low and medium, with intelligent Ten-Tap Programming – which allows you to choose between three user selectable programs: high/strobe/low; high only; low/high.
And even with so many options it boasts, the Streamlight 88040 ProTac is still easy to use: it has a push-button tail switch for one-handed operation, for whatever situation you’re in.
It’s also sturdy: the optimized electronics it’s packed with provide regulated intensity, and durable anodized machined aircraft aluminum construction and O-ring sealed glass lens for IPX7 waterproof make it last for 30min in 1-meter water.
Above all, this flashlight is a reliable choice.
Pros
- Lets off a bright white LED light
- Economic
- Water and weatherproof
- Battery is long-lasting
- Has an anti-roll face cap
- Light to carry
Cons
- Offers lower power than other flashlights
- Some modes complicated to use
Anker Ultra-Bright Tactical Flashlight
Anker is actually known by now for its great quality and design, and stands out among customers, and that applies to this Anker Bolder LC130 LED flashlight.
It offers Ultra Brightness: true 1300 lumens light shining through 1200ft of darkness.
What this means is that you’ll get an extremely powerful tactical flashlight outside and in the wild.
It offers 5 adaptable settings: High / Medium / Low / Strobe / SOS.
It has a rechargeable battery and it’s very easy to use and install.
The battery actually has quite a lasting battery life: it can run up to 6 hours, offering powerful, non-diminishing brightness.
When it comes to the quality, it is made by heavy-duty material and nearly strike- resistant.
This flashlight is IP67-rated water resistant – which basically means it withstands water ingress when submerged for 30 minutes in one meter of water.
Have no fear with this one – it’s another great Anker product.
Pros
- Powerful CREE LED sends its rays to a distance of up to 308m
- Furnishes ambient lighting
- Offers zoom out floodlighting
- Made of durable construction
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cannot be gripped firmly
- Somewhat heavy and sizeable
Complete LED Tactical Flashlight Kit - EcoGear FX TK120
With the TK120 Flashlight you’ll get a versatile and reliable tactical LED flashlight, perfect for security and at the same time easy-to-use.
It offers multiple light modes that are meant to make it easy to use the light in nearly any situation with excellent light spread and a strong and sturdy military grade construction.
Its light beam offers optimum visibility, making it easy for you to see anyone or anything near you.
In that sense, it is perfect for anyone in personal security including law enforcement, military, or individual self-defense.
You can also use this tool if you are hunting, hiking or taking a camping trip in the great outdoors – it will not let you down.
What you’ll get with the TK120 Flashlight is the amazing zoom lens, which will help you focus the beam in order to enhance the light on a chosen area.
You usually need this when you want to see something specific in the distance and you need a narrower beam.
It also offers 5 light modes, and among them, what’s particularly popular is the Strobe Light option.
This is a reliable flashlight with rechargeable batteries.
Pros
- Lens with special reflector design
- Sturdy
- Durable bezel for self-defense
- Batteries are rechargeable
- Adjustable angle of the light beam
Cons
- Cannot be submerged
- Bad water resistant
- Poor SOS mode capability
SOLARAY Handheld LED Tactical Flashlight – Professional Series ZX-1 Kit
Given the SOLARAY’s popular slogan that goes “We’ll never leave you in the dark.” it’s no wonder they made the SOLARAY PRO ZX-1 Tactical Flashlight to prove it.
what makes Solaray stand out among other competitors, is the fact that it uses rugged aircraft grade aluminum, as well as genuine U.S.made, powerful and ultra-bright CREE XML-T6 bulbs.
This reliable high-quality product – made like no other – is built for national departments and working professionals, no matter where.
Thanks to Solaray’s Exclusive “Light Mode Memory Circuit”, you’ll enjoy the many features of the Rechargeable (18650 3.7v 3000mAh lithium-ion battery) Pro ZX-1.
Don’t forget that this High Performance, High Quality, Super Brite, LED Flashlight has an adjustable Zoom focus Lens for close up and long distant lighting needs – for when you need to see something specific in the distance.
The system works amazingly well – a top notch flashlight.
Pros
- Very bright and durable
- Offered with a handy kit
- Good value for money
- Multiple lighting modes
- Ridged bezel for defense
Cons
- Doesn’t resume on the last used mode
- Gets warm after 3 minutes
- Bad bulb warranty
PeakPlus Tactical Flashlight with Rechargeable Battery & Charger LFX1000
Another great product that offers amazing value for money.
In under $20.0 range, this is the must-have accessory for you if you’re looking for an econoic tactic flashligh: meet the PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight.
What you’ll get when you buy this flashlight is a full set features you would expect from a great product – high brightness up to 1000 lumens, a rechargeable 18650 battery or 3AAA batteries with an adapter, 5 light modes and Zoom function to adjust focus for close and long range.
It is made out of heavy-duty plastic metal material, which is water resistant, anti-abrasive, skid proof and compact.
You’ll be amazed by the tactical flashlight kit that comes with it, for holding the LED flashlight and other accessories.
The PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight is primarily perfect for indoor and domestic use.
At its price, this tactical flashlight is a steal!
Pros
- Length and Zoom Can Be Adjusted
- Lightweight Aluminum Body
- Water Resistant
- Very economic
- Comes with a Carrying Case
- 1000 Lumen Flashlight
Cons
- Less Compact than the J5 Pro Tactical Flashlight
Conclusion
Having a good tactical flashlight isn’t reserved just for security and special forces, and isn’t used just by the police, search and rescue or the military!
It’s a legitimate piece of equipment you can have and use anywhere.
You can find yourself in an emergency wherever you are and in these situations – you will need the right illumination tool.
This is why this special piece of equipment is handy to have around.
Whether you want this piece of equipment for domestic and indoor use or for your job, camping or any outdoor activities, these 9 tactic flashlights will definitely meet your needs.
Best Overall Choice
SureFire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights
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