Assessing the Best Tactical Flashlights: A Comprehensive Review

We all heard of or used a flashlight. It is a must-have in our home first-aid kit.

But what is a tactical flashlight?

Tactical Flashlight is not a device used by everyone. But this is a special device that is highly useful for people who are involved in outdoor works.

Designed for military and law enforcement use, the tactical flashlight is sturdier, more reliable and functional Ourthan ordinary flashlights.

Therefore it is especially welcome by explorers, hikers, and hunters who are often exposed to extreme environments.

We also recommend it as a double security option in your first-aid kit.

Simple as it may seem, a tactical flashlight is actually a sophisticated gear that is tricky to choose. Mesmerized in this product for almost a month, we present this review after studying and test of two dozen of products on Amazon.

After spending 10 minutes going through the buying guide and our review of the 9 best tactical flashlights, and you will have a clear idea of your best pick.

Best Tactical Flashlights 2021

In a hurry? Just check the quick editor’s choices:

1. SureFire X300 Ultra Series

During our tests of various flashlights, 8 out of 10 testers recommended SureFire X300. Its special off-white high-performance LED produces 600 lumens, and a precision TIR lens creates a smooth, tight beam with enough surround light for peripheral illumination.

Also, we prefer its “true ergonomic” one-finger ambidextrous switch, which is easy to operate regardless of your hand condition (cold, gloves, stressful, etc).

As a high standard flashlight, it is constructed by high-strength aerospace aluminum with Mil-Spec anodizing coated and tempered window. It withstands thousands time of drop and glass-breaking tests and shows no signs of wear. And its battery life is really good. It’s a perfect flashlight, even for the 2x price tag.

2. Streamlight 69260 TLR-1

The Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 boasts C4 LED delivers 12,000-candela peak beam intensity of 800 lumens.

The optimum peripheral illumination provides a great clear view while clearing a room or searching an alley. Its wide beam pattern lights up large areas to identify who or what is nearby.

With multiple fitting keys available, it securely fits a broad range of weapons. There’s also a one-handed snap-on and tighten interface for rapidly attach/detach and keeping hands away from the muzzle.

Built by aerospace aluminum alloy, this lightweight, compact, high lumen lithium battery powered tactical flashlight features the latest in shock-proof power LED technology and provides 1.75-hours of continuous runtime.

3. Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen CREE XP-L

Under the $100.0 range, we recommend Fenix PD35 as the best price-performance choice. Utilizing Cree XP-L (V5) LED, Fenix PD35 throws impressive 1000 Lumen with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.

It uses one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries and presents durable and long-lasting performance.

The PD35 TAC remains a pocket size but has a higher performance. Measured at less than 5.51 inches, it has a beam distance of up to 656 feet and the light spill is amazingly wide.

In the Outdoor Mode, the PD35 TAC delivers 6 output modes.

Its intelligent electronic design enables you to resume the last-used output mode when turned on. In addition, there’s also a low battery indicator and reverse polarity protection.

Built by durable aircraft-grade aluminum, stainless steel switch and toughened ultra-clear glass lens, this tactical flashlight is rated as waterproof IPX-8 standard, underwater up to 6 1/2 feet for 30 minutes. From outdoor use to law enforcement, you can trust it.

4. Supernova Guardian 1300XL Tactical Flashlight

The supernova Guardian 1300XL is a great product, especially for the price.

It can operate on either 3 AAA batteries (with the included converter) or One 18650 Lithium Battery (comes with 2 total, which is thoughtful).

In our tests, both types of batteries last astonishingly long (4hrs+) at the brightest mode.

The Supernova Guardian is very well built in terms of Durability and Function.

5. Streamlight 88040 ProTac Tactical Flashlight

Thanks to the C4 LED technology, the legend compact & powerful Streamlight ProTac HL now shines brighter.

Producing a blinding 750-lumen beam, the flashlight can flood a large area (270m) with light.

It provides 3 light output levels: high, low and medium, with intelligent Ten-Tap Programming – Choice of three user selectable programs: high/strobe/low; high only; low/high.

With so many new features we welcome, the Streamlight 88040 ProTac is still easy to operate: a push-button tail switch for one-handed operation.

And sturdy to run: the optimized electronics provide regulated intensity, durable anodized machined aircraft aluminum construction, and O-ring sealed glass lens for IPX7 waterproof to last for 30min in 1-meter water. Time-honored and reliable, this flashlight won’t fail your mission.

6. Anker Bolder LC130 LED Flashlight

Further, if I need the blinding flashes for an intruder, I don’t want to cycle through 5 modes to find it.

Anker earns its reputation for great quality and design among customers for years, and this Anker Bolder LC130 LED flashlight is no exception.

It features Ultra Brightness: true 1300 lumens light shining through 1200ft of darkness.

This means it’s extremely powerful at duty and wild. Similar to other top flashlights, it offers 5 adaptable settings: High / Medium / Low / Strobe / SOS.

7. EcoGear FX Tactical Flashlight TK120

The TK120 Flashlight is a versatile and reliable tactical LED flashlight that is perfect for security but easy-to-use for general home users.

The multiple light modes are designed to accommodate you in nearly any situation with excellent light spread and strong high-quality military grade construction.

The bright light beam offers optimum visibility, making it ideal for anyone in personal security including law enforcement, military, or individual self-defense.

The TK120 Flashlight is also an excellent tool to own if you are hunting, hiking or taking a camping trip in the great outdoors.

8. SOLARAY PRO ZX-1 Tactical Series Professional Flashlight

“We’ll never leave you in the dark.” This is SOLARAY’s impressive slogan, and they build the SOLARAY PRO ZX-1 Tactical Flashlight to it.

Unlike Cheap Counterfeits, Solaray uses rugged aircraft grade aluminum, as well as genuine U.S.made, powerful and ultra-bright CREE XML-T6 bulbs.

The authentic high-quality product is built for national departments and working professionals everywhere.

Solaray’s Exclusive “Light Mode Memory Circuit” adds to the many features of the Rechargeable (18650 3.7v 3000mAh lithium-ion battery) Pro ZX-1.

It’s a High Performance, High Quality, Super Brite, LED Flashlight with versatile adjustable Zoom focus Lens for close up and long distant lighting needs, which is smooth and works well.

9. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight

In the under $20.0 range, the PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight is a real steal.

It offers full features you expect- 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, heavy-duty plastic metal material, which is water resistant, anti-abrasive, skid proof and compact.

Apart from that, we are also impressed by the decent tactical flashlight kit that comes with it, for holding the LED flashlight and other accessories.

The PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight works perfectly for domestic use. At its price, this is a real deal.

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Tactical Flashlights

The best tactical flashlight is a specialized tool and it’s not just the exclusive domain of police, search, and rescue or the military!

When you need the right illumination tool in an emergency, you need a special piece of equipment.

Learn how to select the best illumination tool with the right features for the job.

Professionals depend on their equipment to work. They only want the best combination of features for their specific application.

For the rest of us, whether it’s a flat tire, lost a dog or any other emergency you could imagine, the best equipment made for the job is really the only smart option.

The tactical LED flashlight has many practical applications in self-defense, hunting and firearms. There are some specific features we need to look for.

In an emergency we need our illumination equipment to be:

• Rugged
• Efficient
• Bright
• Versatile

First and foremost, a tactical flashlight must be durable.

This means you can count on it to function in cold and wet conditions, even if you drop it or the weather is less than ideal.

Whether you drop it from a high place or take another hit, the flashlight housing should withstand the impact.

The best tactical flashlights are able to withstand these impacts without losing functionality and are able to work in all kinds of weather.

Another key design feature is the energy efficiency of the unit.

It does no good to have durability, brightness and versatility if the batteries are dead!

Brightness is another key specification of the equipment.

The Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulb produces a much brighter light than an incandescent bulb without generating excess heat and subsequent battery drain.

Better efficiency means it’s going to go easy on those batteries! Visible light output is measured in lumens.

It’s crucial that you make an informed and CORRECT decision before you make a purchase!

So whether you are law enforcement or military user or need a tool for self-defense, hunting, weather emergencies or home use, there is just no substitute for the top tactical LED flashlights.

Some Key Features For Choosing the Flashlights

• Lumens

Most ordinary flashlights are less than 500 lumens, but tactical flashlights are much brighter than that, typically 800-1000 lumens. The actual coverage area and brightness is also limited by the type of LED, lens material and light spill.

• Weight and Size

As a tactical flashlight, we wanted it to be compact, better pocket size, and super light. This limits its size to no more than 5 inches in length and 0.6 pounds in weight. As a result, most tactical flashlights are built from hollow aluminum to ensure lightness and duration in extreme environments.

• Battery and Duration

AAA batteries in traditional flashlights still dominate in tactical flashlights. However, we do see an increasing number of tactical lights that are also compatible with 18650 rechargeable lithium batteries, which are certainly more environmentally friendly and economical. Some tactical flashlights also choose to use chromium batteries (such as the CR123) to reduce weight and size.

• Setting and Function

The most popular settings on the market are 5 light modes, which save battery during normal use, and strobe/spotlight mode which can blind your enemies or prey. Some lower-end products offer 3 modes, which is also useful in everyday life. The zoom function is considered quite useful to adjust the focus at close and far distances.

• Waterproof

Since tactical lights are meant for outdoor use mostly ensure that the one you buy is waterproof in nature and should at least endure bad weather for 30 minutes.

• Rechargeable

When you buy a flashlight you should look for rechargeable ones with advanced features like that of secured wearing to get extension batteries if needed.

Conclusion

I hope this information will help you pick the best tactical flashlight for your specific needs. As you can see there are plenty of flashlight choices for plenty of different applications. Good luck as you search for the best tactical flashlight.