What makes a flashlight tactical? Well, a tactical flashlight can perform all the functions of a standard flashlight plus a few more like striking the attackers. Tactical flashlights will help you with outdoor work and protect against attackers. However, it all depends upon the quality of the flashlight that you buy. We are here to help you with that–our list of best tactical flashlight 2022 will not disappoint you.
Anyone can use tactical flashlights–from police and other security officers to campers and hikers–thanks to the variety of features the flashlights offer. You might have several questions like:
- How many lumens should I buy?
- What is the best priced tactical flashlight?
- Should I buy a rechargeable flashlight or a non-rechargeable one?
Don’t worry. We will help you answer all these questions and buy a tactical flashlight that suits your needs and budget.
Top 5 products
Here are the top 5 tactical flashlights that we have picked for our review. Keep reading and find the one that is right for you.
Table could not be displayed.5. Hoxida LED Rechargeable Flashlight
Hoxida LED flashlight is rechargeable and good on your pockets too. It offers 1200 lumen brightness–not the brightest on this list but worth the money. You can use the zoom feature to either spread light on a wide area or get a focused spotlight. The flashlight comes with 4 modes: High, Medium, Low, and Strobe, to keep you safe in dangerous situations.
The flashlight body is 5 inches long, which doesn’t affect the light output as it’s the same as the longer flashlights. The smaller design of the Hoxida flashlight can fit easily into your palm, making it easy to carry around. With this compact flashlight, you can get a beam distance of up to 600 feet. Plus, the pocket clip design of the Hoxida flashlight allows you to tie it on your belt or place it on a flat surface.
The Hoxida flashlight is rechargeable, making it suitable for extended use. Thanks to the aluminum body, the Hoxida flashlight is also durable and impact-resistant. Weather is also not a threat to this flashlight, and the IPX6 waterproof rating is proof of that. You can use the Hoxida flashlight in rain or snow, around the house, or while camping–the flashlight is versatile.
Pros
- The flashlight is lightweight.
- The flashlight is affordable.
- The flashlight offers good battery life.
- It is waterproof with an IPX6 rating.
Cons
- The beam distance is not great.
Long Term Usage: The Hoxida flashlight is rechargeable, making it suitable for extended use. Thanks to the aluminum body, the Hoxida flashlight is also durable and impact-resistant. Weather is also not a threat to this flashlight, and the IPX6 waterproof rating is proof of that. You can use the Hoxida flashlight in rain or snow, around the house, or while camping–the flashlight is versatile.
4. Letmy LED Tactical Flashlight
Letmy LED flashlight is the brightest light on this list, thanks to its XML T6 LED Chip. The performance of Letmy flashlight is bright and long-lasting, giving you up to 50,000 hours of work in one go.
You can use the LED to get a floodlight for extensive areas or get a focused spotlight on particular areas. The flashlight also provides you with 5 different settings: high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS, making it perfect for camping trips and protection against attacks. The improved design of the flashlight makes it easy for you to switch between modes for different situations.
Along with high-performance, the flashlight is also durable and resistant to impact. The body of the flashlight is made from military-grade aluminum and rubber, making the flashlight sturdy. Plus, the flashlight is also IPX6 waterproof, allowing you to use it in any weather without degrading the quality.
The letmy LED flashlight is versatile so that you can use it on camping trips, hiking expeditions, and more. You can also carry the flashlight with no hassle, thanks to its pocket clip design that lets you clip it to your belt. Moreover, the flashlight design allows you to place it on all kinds of surfaces without getting a scratch.
Pros
- The flashlight is the brightest on this list, with 2000 lumens.
- It is sturdy and durable.
- The flashlight is waterproof.
- The flashlight offers five display modes.
Cons
- The flashlight’s head can wobble.
Easy to Carry: The letmy LED flashlight is versatile so that you can use it on camping trips, hiking expeditions, and more. You can also carry the flashlight with no hassle, thanks to its pocket clip design that lets you clip it to your belt. Moreover, the flashlight design allows you to place it on all kinds of surfaces without getting a scratch.
3. Fenix PD35-TAC Flashlight
Fenix PD35 tactical flashlight is a high power packed in a small package. PD35 tactile edition carries the legacy of Fenix to provide top-quality brightness for outdoors with improved portability. The PD35 flashlight weighs 3.1 ounces, so its lightweight allows you to carry it with ease. Plus, the pocket clip will help you keep it in place by clipping it on your belt, bag, or more.
The PD35 flashlight offers you two options for batteries: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. You also get a brightness of 1000 lumens with this flashlight that will light up distances of up to 656 feet. The LED light is long-lasting, which will give you 50,000 hours of work time.
The flashlight also provides durability and impact resistance, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body and anodized anti-abrasive finish. For added sturdiness, the switch for mode setting is also of stainless steel to provide smooth clicking without breaking the switch.
The IPX-8 rating provides proof of the flashlight’s weather resistance and longevity. You can use Fenix PD35 for both outdoor and tactical settings. When in outdoor mode, the flashlight provides 6 different output modes for improved functionality. Whereas in the tactical mode, the functions become fast and simple to operate.
Pros
- The flashlight is lightweight and portable.
- The flashlight is resistant to abrasion.
- The brightness of the light is powerful.
- It is a great value for money.
Cons
- The flashlight offers no zoom capability.
Solid Build: The flashlight also provides durability and impact resistance, thanks to its aircraft-grade aluminum body and anodized anti-abrasive finish. For added sturdiness, the switch for mode setting is also of stainless steel to provide smooth clicking without breaking the switch.
2. SureFire E2D LED Defender Ultra Flashlight
SureFire Defender series is made to defend yourself against attacks, and the E2D LED flashlight from the series doesn’t disappoint. It gives off a 600 lumen bright light when focused using its TIR lens is enough to repel an attacker. For increased protection, the crenelated Bezel and scalloped design are perfect for striking during attacks.
Besides self-defence, you can also use SureFire E2D when going camping by switching to a low power light mode. The flashlight will give you great beam length and visibility to find your camp or campmates at night. The pocket clip design will help you carry the flashlight with ease–you can clip it or place it on flat surfaces. Plus, the anodized aluminium used in the flashlight’s body adds to its durability, making it perfect for even extreme outdoor activities.
To give you a proof of SureFire Defender’s durability, it comes with a weatherproof O-ring and gasket sealed. You can use the flashlight in any weather without degrading its quality, thanks to its coated window that is impact-resistant and maximizes light. This flashlight battery is high-performing and long-lasting, making it perfect for people who don’t want to go through the hassle of changing flashlights frequently.
Pros
- The flashlight is exceptionally durable.
- The scalloped design helps to strike the attackers.
- The battery life is long-lasting.
Cons
- The switch can sometimes malfunction.
Ultimate Weather Resistance: To give you a proof of SureFire Defender’s durability, it comes with a weatherproof O-ring and gasket sealed. You can use the flashlight in any weather without degrading its quality, thanks to its coated window that is impact-resistant and maximizes light.
1. Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 Flashlight
Bolder LC90 flashlight holds up the quality and reliability of Anker. The flashlight is rechargeable, sturdy, and provides a powerful, non-fading brightness in every situation. It is no surprise that Bolder LC90 is one of Amazon’s choice products.
Anker’s Bolder LC90 is made from aluminium, giving it shock resisting ability. Plus, the extended design is perfect for tactical purposes like striking. The design also offers ease of handling, thanks to the string at the handle to prevent it from slipping.
The LC90 flashlight offers a brightness of 900 lumens, which is a little low, but its beam distance makes up for it. You can use Bolder LC90 to spread light over a 600 feet wide area or shine a focused light for a distance of 1000 ft. The flashlight also offers you not four but five light settings: High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS (for emergencies).
You can also use Bolder LC90 in rainy weather because the IPX5 waterproof rating will not let it degrade. Although it takes longer than Hoxida to recharge, the lifespan of Anker’s LED is a treat. Moreover, the smart chip used in Anker’s flashlight ensures that it doesn’t overcharge or overheat.
Pros
- The flashlight offers a design perfect for tactical settings.
- The flashlight comes with a warranty of 18 months.
- The string of the flashlight makes it easy to carry.
- You will get 5 modes of output.
Cons
- The battery of the flashlight takes longer to charge.
Good Beam Distance: The LC90 flashlight offers a brightness of 900 lumens, which is a little low, but its beam distance makes up for it. You can use Bolder LC90 to spread light over a 600 feet wide area or shine a focused light for a distance of 1000 ft. The flashlight also offers you not four but five light settings: High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS (for emergencies).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the larger flashlight offer more brightness compared to the smaller one?
The flashlight’s brightness does not depend upon the flashlight’s size as both flashlights have the same range. However, the difference comes in the distance covered per square feet. The larger light has a larger LED, covering a larger area than the smaller flashlight of the same brightness.
2. Is a tactical flashlight legal?
Yes, tactical flashlights are definitely legal as they offer the same functionality, although improved, as the standard flashlights. Plus, if need be, you can use it for self-defence by blinding your attacker with bright light or striking with the flashlight. You will not have to go to jail for defending yourself with a tactical LED light.
3. How can I use a tactical flashlight?
You can use a tactical flashlight just like you would a standard flashlight. However, in case of emergencies, you can shine the bright light of your tactical flashlight onto the attackers to blind them.
Another case where you can use a tactical flashlight is when you or someone else is stuck. You can use the sturdy and edgy body of the flashlight to break through glass and windows or strike your attackers.
4. What should I look for when buying a tactical flashlight?
There are a few essential factors that will help you choose the best tactical flashlight.
- Brightness: You should choose a flashlight that offers maximum brightness while also allows for a low power setting. Having both outdoor and tactical modes will make the flashlight versatile.
- Durability: You need your flashlight to be sturdy and impact resistant because outdoor settings can be harsh on a flashlight’s body. Thankfully, most tactical flashlights come with a sturdy aluminium finish. You need to make sure that the flashlight is weather-resistant and waterproof, so you can use it in harsh conditions as well.
- Tactical features: Tactical flashlights usually are very strong, so you can use them to break through glass and windows. For added striking ability, look for flashlights that have scalloped designs for easy breaking and powerful strikes.
5. How many lumens do I need to blind the attacker?
Whether or not you will be able to blind your attacker depends on your flashlight’s lumens and the distance between you and the attacker. The closer you are to the attacker; powerful the flashlight effect will be on the attacker.
That being said, the rule of thumb is that more than 100 lumens can blind your attacker for a few minutes. 150 lumens will allow you to blind the attacker at night, while 300 lumens will let you blind the attacker even in daylight.
Conclusion
A tactical flashlight can help you when you are outdoors and protect you from attackers as well. However, to ensure high-performance and improved security, select a flashlight from our list of best tactical flashlight 2022. Our top pick is the Letmy LED tactical flashlight, which will give you the brightest light with five display modes and excellent durability.
On the other hand, Hoxida LED rechargeable flashlight is for those looking for a budget-friendly option as it is waterproof, lightweight and gives good battery life.