If you are looking for the best tactical flashlight, you came to the best place, we look at the best on the market, features, pros, and cons to help you make the best buying decision.
A tactical flashlight is not just an ordinary flashlight; it is a versatile and indispensable tool designed to meet the demanding needs of professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re a law enforcement officer navigating the darkest corners of the night, an outdoor enthusiast exploring the wilderness, or simply a homeowner seeking a reliable source of illumination during emergencies, the best tactical flashlight is an essential companion.
Designed for durability, functionality, and superior performance, these compact yet powerful devices have revolutionized the way we approach low-light situations.
Before we look at the 5 top tactical flashlights here are links to tactical flashlight collections on Opticsplanet, Amazon, and the home security superstore.
Best Tactical Flashlights
1) Streamlight TLR-1 HL Rail-Mounted Tactical Flashlight
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL Rail-Mounted Tactical Flashlight is the best tactical flashlight, it comes packed with features such as powerful output(1000 lumens), incredible durability, versatile mounting options, and user-friendly features for law enforcement, military, and discerning enthusiasts.
With cutting-edge C4 LED technology, the flashlight emits 1000 lumens of radiant brilliance and 20,000 candela peak beam intensity for an incredible 283-meter beam distance. This technology is designed to deliver a concentrated beam with impeccable peripheral illumination making it an incredible tool for any challenging situations. You get a 50,000-hour lifetime.
The flashlight is made and designed to last for ages and handle shocks and falls with its rugged design. Its machined aluminum sealed construction, complete with a sleek black anodized finish will handle the harshest conditions.
Functionality is on another level, the flashlight is powered by two 3-volt CR123A lithium batteries with a remarkable 10-year storage life, and the rail grip clamp system provides secure attachment and detachment, all without the need for tools and without ever placing your hands in front of the muzzle—a critical safety feature for any tactical situation.
The flashlight is versatile, it mounts on handguns with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails. With included keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90two, S&W 99, and S&W TSW, it accommodates a wide range of firearms, ensuring it’s a versatile companion for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Pros
- 1000 lumens
- Mounts directly to handguns with Glock-style rails and to all MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails
- 50,000 hour lifetime
- 20,000-candela peak beam intensity and 283 meter beam distance
- Borofloat High-Temperature Glass Lens material
- IPX-7 waterproof
- Durable construction with machined aluminum sealed construction with a black anodized finish
- Fits existing light-bearing holsters
Cons
- Waterproof to only 1m for 30 minutes
2) SureFire Stiletto Pro Multi-Output Rechargeable Pocket LED Flashlight
The SureFire Stiletto Pro Multi-Output Rechargeable Pocket LED Flashlight is the best tactical flashlight if you are looking for a pocket flashlight. It’s compact, sleek, and sturdy and comes packed with 1,000 lumens of LED white light.
With 1,000 lumens of LED white light will reach the darkest of situations. Whether you’re navigating a dimly lit trail, searching for lost items in your car, or simply needing a reliable light source during power outages, this flashlight has got you covered.
With SureFire’s proprietary MaxVision Beam reflector, the flashlight projects a wide flood beam that bathes your surroundings in light, providing unparalleled situational awareness.
The flashlight is made from Mil-Spec hard anodized aluminum for toughness and durability, it is corrosion-resistant to withstand the harshest conditions.
With this flashlight you have a customization option, the primary switch allows you to toggle between the high, medium, and low output settings, giving you versatility for various tasks. You can also program the switch to reverse the activation sequence to suit your tactical or task preferences.
With a tactical tail switch you get instant access to the high output mode, ensuring you’re never caught off guard. And if you need to disorient an opponent, a quick click activates the optional tactical strobe.
The flashlight has an integrated MICRO-USB rechargeable lithium polymer battery, making it environmentally friendly and cost-effective. You can recharge it effortlessly, knowing you’re reducing your carbon footprint.
The Stiletto Pro’s melonite-coated, spring steel pocket clip is not only robust but also reversible. Carry it bezel-up or bezel-down – it’s your choice. The flexibility of this feature ensures that it seamlessly adapts to your everyday carry needs.
Pros
- 1,000-lumen high, 300-lumen medium, and 25-lumen low output for a wide variety of tasks
- Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
- Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body
- LED Battery Gauge for tracking battery charge
- MaxVision Beam reflector projects a wide flood beam
- Corrosion resistant
- Features a Pocket Clip
Cons
- Water resistant to 1 m only
3) JOLT Rechargeable Police Stun Gun Flashlight
JOLT Rechargeable Police Stun Gun Flashlight is a versatile and powerful tactical flashlight, that combines everyday utility with personal safety. Some of the incredible features include long reach, concealed stun gun, multiple light modes, and safety features, it is also crafted with durability in mind and offers hands-free convenience.
With an impressive 9.5-inch length, the JOLT stun gun flashlight provides extended reach, ensuring you’re well-prepared to handle any situation. Its sleek design conceals a staggering 95 million volts of electric potential, ready to deter potential threats and keep you safe.
The flashlight operates in three versatile light modes to suit your needs: high (200 lumens), low (160 lumens), and a strobe mode for signaling or disorienting potential threats.
The JOLT stun gun flashlight features a built-in three-level activation safety feature, designed to prevent accidental discharges. You can confidently carry it in your pocket or purse knowing that it won’t engage without your intention.
Constructed with military-grade aluminum alloy, this stun gun flashlight boasts a durable and shockproof exterior. It can withstand the rigors of everyday use, ensuring it’s always ready when you need it. The anti-roll head design adds practicality to its form, preventing it from rolling away when you set it down.
The built-in heavy-duty belt clip allows for convenient hands-free carrying, ensuring your JOLT stun gun flashlight is always within arm’s reach. Whether attached to your belt or bag, you’ll have easy access to its protective power.
The JOLT stun gun flashlight is powered by a built-in battery and comes with a convenient cable for recharging it in standard outlets. It’s not only eco-friendly but also a cost-effective choice for those who prioritize personal safety.
Pros
- Impressive 9.5-inch length for a confident reach
- Features a concealed 95 million volt stun gun for self-defense
- Features 2 versatile light modes (high (200 lumens), low (160 lumens), and a strobe mode
- Built-in three-level activation safety feature
- Military-grade aluminum alloy construction for durability
- Built-in heavy-duty belt clip for hands-free convenience
- Rechargeable
Cons
- None
4) Police Force Tactical Rechargeable Stun Gun Flashlight
This Police Force Tactical Rechargeable Stun Gun Flashlight boasts a concealed 9.2 million volt (1.01 micro coulombs) stun gun for personal protection, Triple Stun Technology for safety, and an ultra-bright 1-watt LED flashlight among other incredible features,
Equipped with a 100,000-hour bulb, it operates in three illumination modes: low, medium, and high, allowing you to adapt to various lighting needs. Additionally, it features strobe and SOS modes, ensuring you have the right setting for any situation.
Crafted from shockproof military-grade aluminum alloy, it can withstand the rigors of daily use and is built to prevent accidental damage from drops or impacts.
Convenience is another standout feature of the Police Force Tactical Rechargeable Stun Gun Flashlight. The built-in rechargeable battery can be easily replenished by plugging the included cable into standard wall outlets, eliminating the need for disposable batteries.
To facilitate carry and quick access, it comes with a durable nylon holster featuring a belt loop and a wrist strap, allowing for hands-free transport while ensuring you’re always prepared to face whatever challenges may arise.
Pros
- Triple Stun Technology (TST) is powerful enough for self-defense
- Features a concealed 9.2 million volt (1.01 micro coulombs) stun gun for self-defense
- Everyday carry flashlight
- 100,000-hour bulb
- 3 light modes; low, med, high, strobe & SOS
- Shockproof military-grade aluminum alloy construction
- Comes with a durable nylon holster with a belt loop
Cons
- None
5) SureFire Every Day Carry Tactical LED Flashlight
The SureFire Everyday Carry Tactical LED Flashlight is designed to be the ideal companion for everyday carry, seamlessly transitioning from daily tasks to tactical situations with ease.
Its compact and lightweight design ensures that it can be comfortably carried in your pocket or attached to your belt, making it a reliable and accessible tool whenever you need it.
This flashlight has an indestructible LED emitter which is effectively regulated to maximize both output and runtime for a dependable source of light when you need it most. It also features an intuitive tailcap switch that offers two distinct modes of operation.
A full press of the tailcap switch delivers a high-output beam, casting a powerful and far-reaching light that’s ideal for tactical situations. For a softer, low-output beam, simply give the tailcap switch a slight press. Additionally, you can twist the tailcap for constant illumination, allowing for hands-free operation when required.
Durability is a hallmark of this flashlight’s design. Crafted from high-strength aerospace aluminum, it’s built to withstand extreme conditions and harsh environments.
The Mil-Spec hard anodized finish ensures that it can endure the rigors of daily use, resisting scratches and corrosion to maintain its sleek appearance. The knurled texture on both the body and tailcap provides a secure grip, even in adverse weather conditions, ensuring that you can maintain control and confidence.
Furthermore, the two-way clip on this flashlight adds to its versatility. It allows you to carry the light bezel up or down, adapting to your preferred method of carry and ensuring quick access when needed.
Pros
- 1200 lumens light output
- For Tactical and Everyday Carry
- Knurled for a secure grip
- Crafted from high-strength aerospace aluminum
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- None
Tactical Flashlights vs Normal Flashlights
Normal flashlights are among the tools present in an everyday household where they are used to illuminate the house when the power goes off or when someone is looking for something in the darkness.
On the other hand, tactical flashlights are used to perform other purposes, not just illumination. We can distinguish between the two by looking at their reliability, utility, and self-defense capabilities.
- Reliability
Regular flashlights are made from different cheap materials such as plastic, low-grade steel or aluminum among other similar elements. That’s why most normal flashlights end up failing only after a few months of use and have to be replaced.
Tactical flashlights, on the other hand, are made of quality materials such as aircraft-grade aluminum and are coated to make them resistant to elements and be scratch-proof. They are therefore durable and super sturdy and can serve you for years.
- Use
The only thing a normal flashlight will help you with is to illuminate a dark area. On the contrary, tactical flashlights help you in different ways. Their serrated edge design and the high-grade aluminum grade can help you in different situations.
For instance, you can use the tactical flashlight to dig the hard dirt surface, break the car window to escape out it, or hit an attacker. Tactical flashlights also illuminate a large area compared to the normal flashlight.
- Self-defense
Tactical flashlights can be used for self-defense against would-be attackers. They are suitable for people who don’t regularly train with real weapons since they are capable and reliable. The jagged edge surrounding the bulb can be used to rip, tear or puncture the attacker’s skin, or even to gouge his/her eyes.
This can be very useful especially when your life is in danger. A normal flashlight will just fall apart when you use it to hit the attacker and you will end up being left with nothing to defend yourself.
Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Tactical Flashlights
Today, the market is saturated with different tactical flashlight types, therefore it’s up to you to select the one that suits your preference and needs. Some brands are better than others.
There are multiple factors you need to consider whenever you decide to go out and shop for a tactical flashlight. Selecting the best one can be challenging for you because all of them look pretty much similar, nevertheless, we have compiled for you some of the important factors you need to take into consideration in order to get yourself the best tactical flashlight.
- Purpose
When selecting tactical flashlights, it is important that you know the purpose for which you intend to use the flashlight. You may require to carry a tactical flashlight for convenience, for emergency situations, for security reasons, or for everyday carry.
Different tactical flashlights are ideal for different uses and some are indeed made for specific uses therefore the purpose of the flashlight is one of the most crucial deciding factors when making your choice.
For most people, a tactical flashlight serves a more practical use. For instance, if you are normally in a low-light environment and you are always required to illuminate the place, a floodlight is ideal for you. On the other hand, when you require a strong beam or good control and precision of the beam direction, a flashlight is best suited for you.
Tactical flashlights are versatile and can be used for numerous purposes which include nighttime work, emergency situations as well as walking in the dark.
- Price
After establishing the purpose of the flashlight, the other factor to consider is the price.it is very common to associate high price with the durability and performance of the flashlight.
However, based on customer rating and sales, most tactical flashlights with medium to low prices tend to be the best tactical flashlights. Always have in mind that paying expensively for a tactical flashlight won’t guarantee good performance.
- Tactical flashlight batteries type
The batteries of your tactical flashlight have a huge impact on its function. The smaller the flashlight, the denser and more powerful its power source requires to be for the same light intensity. The most common battery types and sizes for tactical flashlights include:
- Alkaline batteries
Alkaline tactical flashlight batteries are batteries that primarily depend on the chemical reaction between metallic zinc and manganese oxide. Primarily batteries refer to any battery that is intended for single-use instead of recharging.
Alkaline batteries are the most common type of primary batteries used worldwide because they are simple to replace and affordable.
- Lithium batteries
Lithium batteries come in different shapes and sizes. They have a bigger capacity on an ounce for ounce basis and respond much better to high or low temperatures compared to alkaline batteries.
- Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are more recommended because not only will you save money but you will also minimize battery waste. It is easy to find a rechargeable version of all battery types used in tactical flashlights. Other tactical flashlights come with a built-in rechargeable battery that is charged through mini or micro USB.
- Construction and materials
Tactical flashlights must be rugged. They are designed to be used often in potentially hazardous conditions. Therefore, they should be able to withstand being dropped, smashed into things, or even used as a self-defense tool.
Most tactical flashlights are manufactured from aircraft-grade anodized aluminum which is normally light in weight, strong and affordable. The designs incorporate features like a high textured grip and raised bevels.
Always ensure that all the screw seal points are well machined and move with ease. This helps in water resistance and overall strength.
- Runtime
The runtime of tactical flashlights varies greatly depending on certain factors. The most important factors that affect the runtime of any flashlight are the battery size and light output. Small-sized tactical flashlights with a high light output will run out quicker than the larger ones. However, most tactical flashlights have a power-saving mode that is able to extend the runtime by orders of magnitude. Using a red light or a low-power strobe can increase it even further. Consider what you plan to use your flashlight for and how much light you will require before buying.
- Impact resistance.
Impact resistance is key with tactical flashlights. Their anodized aluminum bodies enable them to be much stronger and their internal designs also help.
Most tactical flashlights have closed internals that is designed in such a way that they are able to withstand sudden impacts and avoid movement. The batteries are tightly contained within their area and the remaining circuity is hardened as much as possible.
Any FL1 compliant flashlight will list impact resistance in meters which tells you that they have tested their product in drops up to a certain height and found them to still function.
- Waterproofing and water resistance
One of the most crucial aspects of a quality tactical flashlight is its ability to resist water damage. Tactical flashlights are made to go with you anywhere no matter the weather condition.
They should be able to work under the toughest conditions. To do this, they should be able to withstand rain, splashing as well as temporary submergence. Water resistance is determined using the IP rating system which is written out in the form of IPX+ a number.
For instance, the IPX4 resistance means that the flashlight is able to withstand splashed water for up to 10 minutes without damage. This is the minimum water-resistance level you should consider in a tactical flashlight.
The IPX7 products are able to stand sprayed jets of water for at least 30 minutes while the IPX8 allows extended immersion without damage in water deeper than 1 meter.
- Size, weight, and physical design
One other important factor to consider with any tactical flashlight is size, weight, and physical design. If you are looking for an EDC light you will require something much small-sized and light weight.
If the performance chips are similar, the larger flashlight will produce wider and longer beams. Large-sized flashlights have long-life D-cell batteries that save you from replacing batteries regularly.
The physical design also comes down to how you want to use your flashlight. If you are looking strictly for a gun-mounted light, you don’t have to worry much about comfort.
A tactical flashlight that you are going to use on a daily basis needs to fit well in your hand and be simple to use. One common physical design feature is the location of the switch. For a tactical flashlight, a tail cap button is the best.
It allows you to hold it upright in one hand and simply manipulate the brightness and settings with your thumb.
- Mode functions and extras
Another important thing to remember with tactical flashlights is that they were designed for combat situations. The best tactical flashlight will work just as well in your hand as it will be mounted to a firearm.
They require to be able to incapacitate adversaries with varying intensities and patterns. Almost each and every tactical flashlight has the option of high or low power.
Other features include strobe ability, SOS patterns as well as the ability to switch between different colored lights. Other military-focused tactical flashlights have infrared modes for use with night vision goggles.
- Shade of light
The majority of tactical flashlights are bright white light. However, if you are looking for other shade light, there are many options available which include red, amber, and purple-blue among others, all in different intensities and beam styles.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Tactical Flashlights
- What is a tactical flashlight?
This is a flashlight that is made from tough, durable, and light in weight materials such as aluminum and are designed to put out a blinding white or any other color light.
Tactical flashlights are used by law enforcement officers and the military to provide light for navigation, blinding light to distract attackers and its robust metal casing is used as a defensive weapon. Some tactical flashlights have edges or reinforcement that enable them to be used to break glass.
- Are tactical flashlights legal?
Yes, they are. Tactical flashlights are absolutely legal as they incorporate all the elements of standard flashlights while offering greater brightness packed into a tight and durable casing.
- Why should I carry a tactical flashlight?
Tactical flashlights make the perfect defensive devices in case you are attacked. Its blinding light distracts the attacker while the hardened metal body can be used as a striking object.
- How do I use a tactical flashlight?
Tactical flashlights operate on similar basic principles as the standard flashlight in regards to illumination. Nevertheless, the difference begins with the full brightness setting that will temporarily blind the attacker. You direct the light in the eyes of the attacker to cause disorientation so that you can flee or defend yourself. You can also use the hardened body of the tactical flashlight to smash a window if you are trapped inside a car or a house.
- Which is the best tactical flashlight?
There are a number of good-quality tactical flashlights on the market today. While there are many good brands, some of the best-known brands include Surefire, Streamlight, and Vizier. Flashlights from these brands are made from the best materials
Benefits of Tactical Flashlights
- Ward off animals
Tactical flashlights are convenient tools used to scare off wild animals. A tactical flashlight will affect animals more than people because the flashlight causes a higher level of confusion and disorientation in animals. Having no harmless effect, you don’t have to worry about any fatal effects on the animal.
- Discreet weapon
Tactical flashlights are compact and discreet. Unlike guns, knives or other self-defense tools, even if you drop it, it will go unnoticed. You can carry a tactical flashlight anywhere and anytime.
- Reduction of peripheral vision
The strobe light found in tactical flashlights, when flashed directly in the attacker’s eye causes a reduction of the peripheral vision. This makes the attacker lose the ability to see, act and respond to situations. This creates time for you to escape, counterattack or call for help.
- Illumination in the darkness
When carrying a tactical flashlight, you will be able to illuminate light in dark areas. This makes it the best self-protection and self-defending tool because human attackers mostly attack people when darkness falls in. a sudden flash from the flashlight can cause major damage to the intruder.
- Versatile
Tactical flashlights are too versatile and they can be used for different general tasks as well as for one’s self-protection.
Disadvantages of Tactical Flashlights
- Expensive
Tactical LED flashlights are offered at a higher price compared to conventional ones.
- Susceptibility to damage by static energy
Tactical LED flashlights are susceptible to damage by static electricity, therefore avoid touching a naked LED with your bare hands.
Uses of Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights have many different uses that include your standard uses, and self-defense among others. In this section, we have listed down some of the major uses of a tactical flashlight.
- Illumination
A tactical flashlight provides you with illumination, with which you can quickly identify any attacker hiding in the dark. At other times, the illumination itself is enough to scare an attacker away from his position. You can also use your tactical flashlight to illuminate your path as you walk back home. Some streets have streetlights that no longer work anymore. This will prevent you from bumping into hard objects such as cars or trees.
- Used as a weapon
Most flashlights have a well-protected bezel which can be used as a weapon to hit an attacker. The bezels might also have serrated edges which can incur a lot of damage if you can hit the attacker on the face. A tactical flashlight body is made of military-grade aluminum which is rugged but lightweight. You can use any part of a tactical flashlight as a self-defense weapon and I assure you that it will be harder than your fist.
- Use it to signal for help
Tactical flashlights feature a built-in SOS setting that can be used to call for help. You can do this by turning the bezel area around the bub to choose between settings. The SOS will go on and off at a set interval which will cause a flickering effect.
- Used to break in through glass windows
If you ever find yourself locked inside a house or a car, you can easily break the glass windows using a tactical flashlight. The bezel area is commonly used to create a point of impact which is hard enough to break the glass surface.
- Bucha effect
The lumen of a tactical flashlight is strong enough to blind an attacker. In addition, you can use the SOS and Strobe settings to create the Bucha effect on your attacker. This is caused by an imbalance of the brain cells produced by the flashing or flickering of bright light.
- Can be clipped onto your belt
Tactical flashlights are not as heavy as traditional flashlights. They are compact and lightweight and can be easily carried on your belt with the help of a clip. Some tactical flashlights might not have the clip but you can always buy one. Clipping the flashlight gives you better access to it in times of an emergency.
Ways of Holding a Tactical Flashlight
Here, we will teach you the 3 different types of holding a tactical flashlight with a handgun.
- Harries technique
This technique requires you to shoot single-handedly. You will hold your handgun with one hand and then bring the hand that holds the flashlight under your shooting hand. You will then be required to apply pressure between the two backs of each hand.
You should only apply adequate pressure between the two hands to hold on to an imaginary paper. If you apply too much pressure, you will end up interfering with your accuracy.
- The FBI Technique
This tactic also requires a one-handed hold of your pistol. The hand holding the flashlight is kept away from your body. You can hold the flashlight above your head or on your left side.
This technique is helpful because when the attacker also has a firearm and sees light coming from you, he/she will shoot towards the direction where light is coming from. When you hold the flashlight away from your body, the chances of the attacker hitting you with the bullet will be minimized.
- Neck and eye index technique
This technique is known to provide you with the most accurate results. You will hold the flashlight next to your check bone at the same level as that of your eye. Because the light beam is coming from the same level as your eyes, it will be much simpler to follow the light beam and be quicker at responding to the action.
Tactical flashlights for Self-defense
When using a tactical flashlight to strike an attacker, you have two options on how to use it. The first choice is to blind the attacker and run away and the second option is to strike hard as quickly as possible after you have blinded the attacker.
The best way to hold a flashlight is with the reverse grip. The front part of the flashlight where light emits will be faced downwards. Your thumb then has access to the button located at the back end of the flashlight.
With this grip, you have more control over the flashlight as well as more power to easily execute a downward force that will be very effective at close range. It also gives you better access to the face of the attacker so you can easily attack his/her eyes, nose, and mouth.
What makes a good Tactical Flashlight?
A good tactical flashlight must have the following features.
- It must be bright enough to disrupt the night vision of the other person to a point that he turns his/her head or protects his/her eyes from the intense light capacity with their hand. The bright light should make it difficult for the attacker to see you and to detect your movement. The light should even disorient him, to a point that even after you have switched them off, it becomes difficult for the attacker to engage you.
- It should be small and lightweight to carry always either in the pocket or in the belt holster.
- It should be water-resistant and shockproof.
- It should feature a tail ca switch that provides options for both momentary on and constant on.
- The capacity to be mounted on to a weapon. It should also feature accessories for weapons mounting such a remote pressure switch.
The following additional features are helpful and great to have, however they are not mandatory. They include:
- A stroke mode, some argue that stroke modes are compulsory however they have their advantages and downsides and they are not for lights mounted on long guns.
- A lanyard for those times when dropping your flashlight is more than just an inconvenience.
- A secure clip to attach your tactical flashlight on your pocket, vest, or MOLLE webbing.
- A body design that won’t roll when set on a flat or sloped surface.
- A bezel or tail cap designed for striking, making it suitable as an impact weapon, should need arise.
- Reachable batteries or the ability to accept rechargeable batteries.
A tactical flashlight SHOULD NOT have the following features.
- AAA or AA batteries. Any flashlight powered by such batteries might be good keychain light or everyday carry light, however, they won’t have the run time and brightness needed for a serious tactical purpose. Your backup light can be powered by AAs, but not your primary light.
- Lots of small LEDs. Many small LEDs might be great at the campground or during a power blackout, however, they are not powerful enough and the heads and quite large for a simple carry in a pocket or holster.
Conclusion
With multiple tactical flashlight options available on the market, having an in-depth understanding and knowledge about them helps you narrow down your choices and easily find the best tactical flashlight for the perfect task and activity.
It’s our hope that this review helps you choose the ideal tactical flashlight that suits all of your needs.