10 Best Tactical Flashlights For The New Year [2020 Buying Guide] (2024)

Our favorite tactical flashlight is the RTX1000 by NeverDark. If a super bright, highly durable, and cost-effective flashlight isn’t your thing check out more models below:

Brand Comparison Chart

Product	Rating	Lumens	Price
NeverDark RTX1000		1000	$$
Streamlight ProTac HL3		1100	$$
Fenix PD36R		1600	$$$
Olight M2R Warrior		1500	$$$
Fenix LD30		1600	$$
ThruNite TC15		2300	$$
Streamlight Protac HL5-X		3500	$$$
SureFire G2X		600	$$
Nitecore P12		1200	$$$
ThruNite TN12		1100	$$

For years, I’ve been carrying one everywhere I go (some would call that crazy). You’d be surprised how many times that thing has bailed me out of a tough situation. Mytactical flashlight reviews break down the good, the bad, and the ugly. If I wouldn’t use it, then I won’t recommendit to you.

While it’s clear atactical flashlight is going to give you more than a basic kitchen model, many people are confused when they hear the term, “tactical”. There isn’t a perfect definition, but your “tactical” flashlight should havesome of these characteristics:

• Emits a high amountof light
• Made for maximum durability
• Weapon-grade aluminum is commonly used
• Typically smaller and easy to carry for daily use
• Textured grip (anti-roll profile)

Product Reviews

1. NeverDark RTX1000

This is an extremely reliable flashlight, ideal for anyone working in security or someone who spends a lot of time in survivalist environments, hunting or extended camping trips in the wilderness.

The standout feature of this product is the USB charging. It makes it easy to keep at full power consistently. Simply plug it into your computer, your phone charger, etc.

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Features and Specifications

• Ultra Bright –1000 LumensviaXM-L2 LED
• Adjustable Beam Distance(up to 500 meters)
• Powered by One 18650 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
• 5 Modes(High, Middle, Low, Stobe, S.O.S)
• IPx5 Waterproof
• Ridged Strike Bezel for Self-Defense

2. NeverDark LRT10

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Features and Specs

• Ultra Bright – 1000 Lumens via Cree XM-L2 LED
• Adjustable Beam Distance (up to 200 meters)
• Powered by a 18650 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery
• 5 Modes (High, Middle, Low, Strobe, and SOS)
• IP66 Waterproof
• Ridged Strike Bezel for Self-Defense

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3. Surefire 6PX Pro

The 6PX Pro is a fantastic tactical flashlight. If you work in the force or just enjoy time spent exploring the wilderness, you’re going to need a quality flashlight to get you through it.

The SureFire 6PX PRO is built with LED technology and 600 Lumens

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Features and Specifications

• Virtually indestructible LED emitterregulated to maximize light output and runtime
• Two output levels—high for maximum light, low for extended runtime
• Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth, optimized beam
• Tough polycarbonate window resists impact
• High-strength aerospace aluminum body, Mil-Spec hard-anodized for extreme durability
• Dual-outputtailcapclick switch—press for momentary-on low, click for constant-on low, return to off then press or click again for high
• Weatherproof—O-ring and gasket sealed
• Includes high-energy 123A batteries with a 10-year shelf life

What Customers are Saying

The LED bulb is extremely bright, which makes it reliable for when you need it most. For the price, you are purchasing a product that is superior in quality to others of the same price range.

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4. Vizeri 230 Tactical Flashlight with Focusing Lens, Cree XML T6 or XRE Q5

The Vizeri 230 is a durable and versatile option. With numerous modes all the features necessary for a quality product.

The standout feature of this guy is the focusing lens. This is particularly useful for when you need to narrow the beam in order to see something specific in the distance. As you can imagine, as a security guard approaching a potentially dangerous situation, or a hunter catching up on an animal, this would be a particularly useful and beneficial feature.

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Features and Specifications

• The product comes with 5 modes: low, medium and high brightness levels, as well as SOS and Strobe.
• It is water resistant in up to 3 feet of water.
• All the components thread into the tube, as opposed to pressure fixings like cheaper models.
• It includes a lamp diffuser and holster with a D ring, meaning it can be adapted into a hanging lamp, which is useful to have when camping.
• It has flexible power options. You can use low cost AAA batteries or CR123 alkaline batteries, including rechargeable versions.

What Customers are Saying

The flexible power option is incredibly beneficial, especially for someone using the torch overseas, where lithium batteries may not be accessible. The Vizeri 230 comes with a lithium-ion battery end-cap adapter as well as the AAA battery adapter, which is useful because it gives you the option of 18650 lithium batteries for a longer battery life as well as AAAs, which are very common globally.

Anything not to like? A small portion of buyer’s have complained about the sturdiness of the Vizeri 230. The positive isthat itcomes with a lifetime warranty, if anything were to arise.

Overall, the Vizeri 230 provides the right balance between versatility and simplicity to make it suitable to all users. You’ll find it hard to beat the quality of the Vizeri 230.

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5. Outlite A 100 Portable Ultra Bright LED Handheld with Adjustable Focus and 5 Light Modes

The Outlite A 100 is a versatile and reliable tactical flashlight, with multiple modes to accommodate you in almost any situation. It’s extremely bright beam offers optimum visibility, making it ideal for anyone in the police force, military, or security. It’s also a good tool to have if you’re hunting or taking an extended camping trip in the wilderness.

The main feature of this product is the zoom lens, which allows the user to focus the beam in order to enhance and focus the light on a specific area. This is a useful feature for when a narrower beam is needed in order to see something specific in the distance. A security guard approaching a potentially dangerous situation, or a hunter catching up on an animal would find this a particularly useful and beneficial feature.

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Features and Specifications

• The Creed XML-T6 LED bulb projects a massive 700 lumens at its highest setting. On the zoom feature, this stretches to 900 lumens.
• It takes a rechargeable 3.7V 18650 battery, which is included, or else three AAA batteries.
• It is equipped with five switch modes: high, medium, low, SOS and Strobe.
• It can stand upwards on a flat surface to resemble a candle.

What Customers are Saying

People are generally surprised at the quality of this productbecause of the fair price point. The huge light output and overall quality is an unexpected but pleasant surprise. Power source is very useful and versatile, as it gives the option of a rechargeable battery, which is included, or three common AAA batteries. The lightweight aluminum body of the flashlight makes it convenient and durable as well.

Some customers were dissatisfied at how the flashlight will automatically switch to the next lower setting when turned on. Basically,when switched off on the high setting, it would next be switched on at the medium setting. Others suggested that it was not 900 lumens by their estimation. However, the amount of lumens often is decided by the quality of the eyesight of the users.

The benefits of a flashlight that automatically goes to a lower light setting is that you can be sure that it automatically preserves the batteries. This means that the Outlite A 100will preserve the energy it has so that you aren’t left in the dark and without a light when you need it most. Many customers have noted the longevity of the batteries when used in this product, making it more reliable than other flashlights on the market.

The adjustable lens means you can focus on specific objects or spaces when needs, which makes it particularly useful for security guards, police officers and hunters alike.

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6. Surefire G2XSeries LED with tough Nitrolon body

The Surefire G2X is an extremely durable and reliable product. It has a very strong LED emitter that you can rely on, as well as a number of other very useful features.

This is one of the most trusted brands in tactical flashlights, and with good reason. The convenient size of the Surefire G2X ensures that it won’t get in your way when you don’t need it, but also that it’s there to be relied on when you do need it.

The key feature of this product is the near indestructible LED emitter that is regulated to maximize the light output as well as ensure the highest possible running time. It has a strong Nitrolon body, combined with a anodized bezel to ensure that it will stand the tests it faces, whether dropped from a height onto a hard surface or used as self defense. This is a light designed specifically with law enforcement officers in mind.

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Features and Specifications

• It has a single output level of 320 lumens to maximize the quality of the light.
• It has a tactical tailcap switch for optimum accuracy.
• It has two settings: press once for a momentarily “on”, or twist for constant “on”.
• It has a precision micro-textured reflector that creates an optimized beam.
• The tough exterior of the body makes it sturdy and reliable.

What Customers are Saying

The light is incredibly strong and the flashlight overall is very strong and reliable. Many were also delighted by the quality of the light when considering the cost.

The Surefire G2X is an incredibly strong and sturdy tactical flashlight that makes it the ideal tool for security and police officers alike. It is built with such professions in mind. The light output is very strong, as is needed in high intensity professions.

Thisproduct is also ideal for anyone taking on an extended camping trip, due to its sustainability and all round durability. You won’t find yourself lost in the dark when you have a Surefire G2X.

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7. Refun E6 High-Powered, Water Resistant, Handheld for Camping & Hiking

The Refun E6 tactical flashlight is a resilient and durable product ideal for both leisure purposes and practical purposes. Refun is a highly trusted brand in the flashlight industry and the E6 is one of their best products to date.

The key feature of the Refun E6 is the adjustable focus lens. This allows the user to focus the bezel in order to enhance and focus the light on a specific area. This is a useful feature for when a narrower beam is needed in order to see something specific in the distance.

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Features and Specifications

• Reverse polarity protection to protect the LED bulb so it won’t burn out if batteries are inserted backwards.
• It has 5 switch modes: low, medium, high, SOS and Strobe.
• It is water resistant.
• It has a rechargeable battery that is included.

What Customers are Saying

Customers love the rechargeable battery. It means you don’t need to spend money over and over again in order to power the torch over the years. It comes with rechargeable batteries, as well as a charger. What’s best is that the Refun E6 can also be powered of AAA batteries.

Some owners do disagree abouthow water resistant the Refun E6 is. Although the packaging advises you not to submerge it, it happens. And so the water resistant flashlight appears not to be so water resistant.

However, there are other customers who claim to use it on their boats and, although not getting submerged, the Refun does get a lot of splash and soak from waves and rain. These customers claim they have had no trouble with this kind of wetness, and so it seems that the Refun E6 is more splash proof, extremely splash proof, rather than totally water resistant.

The Refun E6 is a very good product, and one that won’t let you down. The rechargeable batteries will save you money in the long run, and that it can be used on AAA batteries as well, makes it a very reliable flashlight.

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8. J5 Hyper V Bright 400 Lumen LED 3 ModeTactical Light

The J5 Hyper V Tactical flashlight is a quality product that comes at a great price. It has multiple setting, an extremely bright LED bulb and a heavy duty exterior, meaning you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way when you’re out in the wilderness or working.

The main feature that makes this product so impressive is the amazingly bright 400 lumen LED bulb that can illuminate objects that stand up to 800 feet away. It will shine a white beam of light that will stretch the length of two football fields on a clear night.

The adjustable focus of the lens allows you to focus this beam and concentrate it on specific areas. This is a useful feature for when a narrower beam is needed in order to see something specific in the distance. A police officer encountering a potentially dangerous situation, or a hunter preying on an animal at night would find this a particularly useful and beneficial feature.

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Features and Specifications

• The J5 Hyper V comes with 3 settings: low, high and strobe mode.
• It runs off AAA batteries and will run for hours.
• It has a tough body that is made from Aluminum Alloy, making it extremely durable and strong.
• It’s the perfect flashlight for hunting, camping, fishing & outdoor activities

What Customers are Saying

They love that it take either AAA or AA batteries, which are easy to find and cheap, as opposed to expensive, high power batteries that are hard to come across.

One complaint was that the J5 Hyper V will automatically switch to the next lower setting when turned on, so that, when switched off from the high setting, it would next be switched on at the medium setting. As you can imagine, if you were using it at medium and switched it off, the next encounter would be with a strobe light.

However, there were pretty much no other complaints, suggesting that other than this small issue, it is an almost perfect flashlight that can be relied upon. The strong and durable exterior means it won’t break and let you down easily when you need it most. The amazingly strong beam is sure to help you get to where you want if lost in the woods too.

The J5 Hyper V has one of the brightest beams on the market, so strong that it can be used as children’s entertainment, with the ability to stretch across 2 full-sized football fields. The strong aluminum alloy exterior means that it is super durable and won’t break if put to the test.

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9. Helotex G2 Tri-mode Cree XR-E LEDTactical Flashlight

The Helotex G2 is a strong, high performance flashlight that will stand the test of time and endurance. It has an extremely powerful LED bulb to illuminate even the darkest of atmospheres. This is one of the most trusted brands in tactical flashlights, and with good reason. The convenient size of the Helotex G2 ensures that it won’t get in your way when you don’t need it, but also that it’s there to be relied on when you do need it.

The standout feature of this product is the huge light output. It’s a nice and well balanced beam with no distracting defects, making it incredibly reliable for when you need it most.

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Features and Specifications

• The Helotex G2 runs on either AAA batteries or CR123 Batteries.
• It produces a huge 130 lumens of light from its CREE XR-E LED bulb
• It has 3 useful settings: high, low and Strobe

What Customers are Saying

The light output, they say, is more than adequate. It’s an ideal EDC flashlight that can be counted on in every situation from hunting to camping to firefighting.

The Helotex G2 is an incredibly strong and sturdy torch that makes it the ideal tool for security and police officers alike. It has a high output light, as is needed in high-intensity professions.

This product is also ideal for anyone taking on an extended camping trip as well, due to its sustainability and all round durability. It’s a quality product at a good price, leaving little margin for disappointment.

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10. Olight M20-XSuper Bright Cree XM-L IPX-8 Water Resistant

The Olight M20-X tactical flashlight is one of the most durable and reliable products on the market. The LED bulb is incredibly strong.

The standout feature of this light is the indestructible Type III hard anodized aluminum offering superior scratch resistance and durability. This flashlight was built for intense purposes, rather than leisure. That’s not to say that it won’t suit leisurely activities either though.

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Features and Specifications

• The LED super bright CREE XM-L bulb is extremely bright.
• Three setting: high, low and Strobe.
• It has an integrated battery polarity protection.
• It is water resistant, though submersion is not advised.

What Customers are Saying

Many customers say that this is hands down the best tactical flashlight they have ever owned. The primary reason for this is the durability of the indestructible body. This makes it incredibly reliable in intense situations when you need your torch to perform, as well as moments when you lose your grip and drop it onto a hard surface. This product simply won’t break. You can count on Olight to offer you a quality product.

Some were less than impressed by how the Olight M20-X will automatically go to the lower setting when turned on, meaning that, when switched off the high setting, it would next be switched on at the medium setting. The problem with this is, despite being an energy saving mechanism, if you were using it at medium and switched it off, the next encounter would be with a strobe light.

However, there were literally no other complaints, suggesting that other than this minute issue, it is a perfect light that can be relied upon. The strong and durable exterior means it won’t break and let you down easily when you need it most. The strong LED beam is sure to help you get out of the woods and where you want to be.

The Olight M20-X is one of the strongest flashlights on the market. The strong LED bulb will illuminate even the darkest corners of the woods to ensure you find safety when you need it.

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11. Nitecore EC4S 2150 Lumens CREE XHP50 LED Die-cast Handheld Tactical Light

Last, but certainly not least is the Nitecore EC4S. It’s extremely durable and the LED bulb is one of the brightest around. It has every feature you might need, meaning you’ll be ready for anything that comes your way when you’re out in the wilderness or at work.

The key feature of this torch is the excellent die-cast unibody construction. It’s made with superior structural integrity, with 200% of the strength of an ordinary flashlight that consists of three separate parts. It is only 6.03 oz.

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Features and Specifications

• It has superior lighting performance. The Nitecore EC4S uses a CREE XHP50 LED bulb and innovative “Precision Digital Optics Technology”, to maximize the output up to 2150 Lumens, that’s 200% of the brightness compared to CREE XM-L2 LED, 19,600CD beam intensity.
• It has the ability to shoot 280 meters of beam distance,
• The high efficiency constant current circuit offers a maximum runtime of 325 Hours.
• It has 5 brightness levels: Turbo, High, Mid, Low, Ultralow, and a further 3 concealed special modes: Strobe, SOS and Location beacon.

What Customers are Saying

There are almost no complaints about the Nitecore EC4S. With so many quality features, it’s a tool made of craftsmanship, made with the user in mind at all times. What people like most is the durability of the flashlight. Made from one piece, it is less likely to fracture, and has a strength double to that of any competitors.

The only complaint about this product was that it shut down after a few minutes of use. Which is a very valid complaint. Even on the lower setting, it was alleged to have shut down in order to conserve the battery. This is a frustration for sure and one that would deter customers.

However, most have lauded the durability of the Nitecore EC4S, noting the great lengths of time the power sources will last. As noted in the description, it can last up to 325 hours, making it the longest lasting torch I have seen on the market. The brilliant customer service of Nitecore will always ensure that faulty products are replaced or redeemed.

The Nitecore EC4S is the best tactical flashlight that I have come across. It is the most durable 3 piece light on the market, and the LED bulb is incredibly strong, with a seriously long lasting power source.

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What is a Tactical Flashlight?

If you are a fireman, policeman, in the military, a survivalist or hunter, you’ll understand the importance of having a high quality, reliable light. For activities and duties such as the mentioned professions, a simple household flashlight is not adequate.

It needs to be powerful, water resistant, have a reliable and rechargeable battery and it needs to be sturdy.

They are life-saving tools.

Parts of the Flashlight

Bezel

The bezelis the head of the flashlight. It’s an extremely important part, though it might seem like a minor or inferior aspect of the light. It holds the head of the light onto the body. This means it keeps the window of the flashlight in places and heightens the brightness of the light by way of keeping the microscopic lens firmly attached. Beneath the lens you’ll find the torch, and depending on the model, the batteries and everything else that makes the light work.

Lens

The lens is more than just a cover for the torch. It heightens the brightness and reach of the already powerful torch. A lens on a tactical flashlight is very important for a number of reasons.

It is used to protect the torch beneath, but also it is used to illuminate the area in a number of colors; red, green, blue or clear are generally the colors chosen by military groups. The different colors enhance or alter visibility in specific situations.

For example, a red lens will help to preserve night vision; blue helps in the tracking of blood trails; and green can enhance vision in light conditions.

LED (the Bulb)

LED bulbs generally are capable of about 50,000 hours of continuous use, which amounts to roughly 5 years.

They also have no filament, which makes them more shock resistant. These qualities make LED bulbs arguably the most reliable bulbs around, which is exactly what is needed for military, police, or any other user of military tactics.

LED lighting will provide the best possible vision no matter what the conditions are. The best LED flashlights are chargeable as well, meaning there is no need to carry a box of batteries around with you.

The Reflector

The reflector has a parabolic shape and concentrates the light from the LED bulb, creating a direct beam. The reflector is a very important component as it enhances the power emitted from an already powerful bulb.

Many brands allow for the adjustment of the reflector to create a wider or narrower scope.

This is useful for moving in large areas of darkness, such as forestry or open land, as well as using it in more confined spaces such as a building.

Generally they are made of polished metal, glass or aluminized plastic. Some manufacturers also use a pebbled finish on the reflector to give uniformity to the beam that is being omitted.

Tail Switch

The tail switch is essentially the button that turns on the light. Its location is not just random placement. It is specifically placed at the butt to allow for optimum control over the direction in which you are aiming the beam.

By holding the flashlight with your arm in an upright position, in a so-called “icepick” grip, you can direct the beam with the twist of your wrist as opposed to your entire arm. This is useful for stealth operations when the beam is necessary one moment and detrimental the next. Being able to switch between high visibility and no visibility at the quick push of a thumb has aided stealth operations for decades now.

The Lanyard

When stealthily moving through a building or forest, there comes a time when you need to put the light away for fear of being detected or to open a door, or any other time you might need your hand to be available.

The lanyard attachment allows you to keep your torch at the ready when your hands are free. It allows you to easily clip it to a belt or buckle and hang by your waist or around your neck, where you can easily reach for it again when needed.

It’s just a simple clip located at the base of the light alongside the tail switch: a simple but effective and necessary accessory.

The Pocket Clip

The pocket clip holds a similar function to the lanyard clip. It’s a piece of metal that runs down the body that allows you to easily clip the light onto the exterior of your pocket.

This is probably more useful, in terms of easy access than the lanyard attachment. In a situation of high intensity when you’ll need your flashlight, you don’t want to be fumbling with a lanyard clip.

With the pocket clip, you can easily grab the flashlight in one hand and bring it to your aid immediately. The only downside is that if you’re moving a lot, jumping or sliding down steep trenches, the flashlight could slip from your pocket grip and fall to the ground without you noticing. This is why both pocket clips and lanyard clips are necessary.

Battery Compartment

The battery compartment is generally found midway up the body of the flashlight. As the name suggests, it’s where the batteries are stored to power the flashlight.

Many modern tactical flashlight brands won’t have a battery compartment as they are chargeable, meaning they can be attached by way of a USB port to a power system and charged when not needed.

However, tactical flashlight brands with a battery port are more desirable by way of the virtue of not having to carry additional equipment, such as a USB charger.

Most tactical flashlights with a battery compartment will get a significant lifespan out of batteries, making the load a lot lighter, which is what you would want if on a long excursion.

Tail Cap

The tail cap offers grip at the tail of the flashlight when it is being held in the aforementioned “icepick” grip. Grip at this part of the flashlight body is incredibly important, as one false move and a dropped flashlight could lead to a heightened intensity situation and or death.

The tail cap also secures the battery compartment adequately to the body of the flashlight in order to power it. Again, it may seem like a moderately irrelevant component of the tactical flashlight, but it’s a very important one. Grip and control are essential in high-intensity situations and the tail cap offers extra grip and control, thus making it an essential component.

The Head or LED Housing

The head, or LED housing, is the compartment in which the LED flashlight bulb is stored. This is an important component of the tactical flashlight as it provides protection to the bulb.

With tactical flashlights, the head will be exceptionally sturdy in order to give optimum protection for the high-intensity activities that security.

ANSI FL1 Standards

In August of 2009, the American National Standards Institute approved a standardization specification for flashlight performances. This was developed by a committee of flashlight manufacturers known as the Flashlight Standards Committee of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. The standards fell under 10 headings.

Light Output

The light output is the measurement of luminous flux within the sphere and is essentially a measurement of energy.

Run Time

The run time refers to the nearest quarter hour of output before it drops to below 10%.

Beam Distance

Beam distance is the distance from the flashlight to the illuminated object or space equivalent to moonlight.

Peak Beam Intensity

Peak beam intensity measures the intensity of the light at the mid section of the flashlight beam. It’s also a measurement of energy.

Impact resistance

This tests the durability of flashlights dropped from certain heights onto concrete with batteries included.

Water resistance

Water resistance is measured using an IP rating system. It comes in three categories:

1. IPX4 is water resistant or splash proof from all directions.
2. IPX7 is waterproof and resistant to 1-meter submersion for 30 seconds.
3. IPX8 is waterproof for a submersion of 4 hours.

Lumen

A Lumen is a unit of luminous flux and the measurement used for the total quantity of light that is visibly produced by a source, such as a bulb. A flashlight’s Lumen measurement will be referring to the flashlight on its highest setting with new batteries or fully charged. Although the Lumen is a good tool for comparing flashlights, it does not tell the entire story behind brightness.

Beam Distance

Beam distance is measured in meters and should not be neglected. This will measure the distance the light ejected from the flashlight will reach before it diminishes to the equivalent of the light that comes from a full moon, which is generally considered to be safe to travel in outdoors. Obviously, the distance varies depending on the setting. But depending on the location of your activity, distance may or may not be of great importance, so you should consider this before you make a purchase.

Candela refers to the intensity of a Lumen (ie, 1,000 lumens). It is similar to radiant intensity, the main difference being that instead of combining the contributions of each wavelength of light within the spectrum, it is weighed by the luminous function, which means it is measured by the human eye, essentially.

The ranges of lighting are an important factor to consider, and these range from 1 to over 700 Lumens. This will vary depending on the battery and bulb being used. It also comes down to the vision of the person using the torch. But any quality tactical flashlight will come with a brightness adjuster or multiple brightness levels. These usually come as one of either a head/tail twist, a body switch or a tail switch.

A lot of tactical flashlights have a simple on/off switch, which only gives you the option of one brightness level. These are generally the small flashlights, as they don’t have the capacity to encompass the necessary setting for brightness adjustments. If purchasing one of these, you should ensure that the level of Lumens are adequate enough for the activity you are undertaking.

More advanced or larger flashlights will have two settings: high and low. The lower setting will use less battery but omit a lower level of Lumens, resulting in reduced visibility. High settings will omit the maximum level of Lumens and use up much more of the battery life, and so you should save the higher setting until natural light has decreased dramatically.

Better tactical flashlights will have 3 or more settings from low to high. This gives you more variety when deciding on which is the best light to suit the moment and also which one will give best lighting while preserving the most amount of battery as possible. You can alter the lighting to the amount of natural light you have available in order to save battery.