5 Best Tactical Flashlights
If you are afraid of the dark, or just have a love for tactical gear with lots of bells and whistles, this is the guide for you. Tactical flashlights are designed to be durable and adaptable to any situation. They come in all shapes, sizes and uses. This post will go through 5 best tactical flashlights with specs prices and best uses on the market today.
1) THE OLIGHT M20SX JAVELOT
The newest addition to the Olight family has some impressive specs for an EDC light with a retail price under $150 USD. The M20SX is a compact light that packs a punch, it is small enough to carry easily in your pocket or clip to anything you want to attach it too. It has 3 light modes: high, medium, and low which can be shifted with the click of a button on the tailcap.
To activate the light you simply hold down the switch for 2 seconds and it will turn on and off until you release the switch. There are times where this may not be ideal for some situations but for most people this is extremely simple to use. The light also features three LED modes, White (650nm), Red (750nm) and Blue (830nm).
The M20SX uses a single AAA battery which is surprisingly bright for an EDC light, which can last around 2 hours on high. The Olight M20SX Javelot comes with a built-in magnet that allows you attached it to any ferrous metal object. It also comes in 4 color options: Silver, Dark Silver, Black and Green.
2) The Olight S10R-UT Javelot
The Olight S10R-UT Javelot is another compact flashlight with a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) that uses only one AA battery. It features 3 brightness levels which can be achieved by double pressing the switch. The light also has an ultra-low strobe mode as well.
The S10R uses a CREE XP-G2 S4 LED which is the brightest AA battery powered light currently on the market with a max output of 460 lumens. The light can last around 2 hours on high or 20 days in standby mode. One of the things most people really like about this flashlight, is that it has an excellent heat sink design that allows for long periods of use without getting too hot and not sacrificing performance either.
The S10R-UT is waterproof to 2 meters which is another awesome quality if you plan on using it every day or in harsh conditions. You also get 3 different color modes: cool white, neutral white and red at a price of approximately $145.
3) THE NITECORE MH12GT
The Nitecore MH12GT is one of the most powerful flashlights most people have ever seen with a retail price of about $85. It features a CREE XM-L2 U2 LED which outputs 600 lumens to a maximum beam distance of 258 meters which is about 850 feet away! It has 3 brightness levels and also has a strobe function for emergencies.
The MH12GT also uses a CREE XP-L HI V3 LED which has a max output of 1000 lumens, making the MH12GT extremely bright for its size. This is a perfect during those night time runs where you need extra light to make sure you can see where you are going.
The Nitecore MH12GT has an output of 2.6 amps and it uses one 16340 rechargeable Li-ion battery which will give you 2 full hours of runtime on high mode and 40 days on standby. It becomes very handy when camping or when exploring in the wilderness especially if you are in need of extra light to see what is around you or find an exit point quickly and safely.
Nitecore also included a built-in USB charging port that can be used for both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries. It also comes with a pocket clip, lanyard and a holster so you can carry it easily on your belt or backpack.
4) THE JETBEAM PA40
JETBeam is one of our favorite tactical flashlight manufacturers. They make some of the best flashlights at very reasonable prices. The PA40 is no exception to this claim with its compact size, high quality materials and awesome performance at an insanely low price! You get a lot of bang for your buck here. It is powered by a single CR123A battery that can last you up to 5 hours on high or 12 hours on medium.
The JETBeam PA40 has a CREE XP-L LED with a max output of 400 lumens and has three light modes: high, medium and low. The beam reaches up to 220 meters which is about 730 feet away which you will find more than enough for pretty much anything you need it for. It also has a hidden strobe setting so you can utilize it in an emergency situation if necessary.
The JETBeam PA40 is also very compact, you can easily carry it in your pocket or clip it somewhere on your person. It also comes with a holster and lanyard so that you can attach it to a belt loop or backpack. This is one of the best tactical flashlights you can find under $50 USD.
5) THE FENIX LD22 – BEST EDC FLASHLIGHT UNDER $30 USD
The Fenix LD22 does not have the highest output on paper but it is what runs this thing that makes this little light such an amazing flashlight. It is powered by one AAA battery which is quite powerful for its tiny size.
The Fenix LD22 has a max output of 240 lumens from a Cree XP-G2 S3 LED, it is also waterproof up to two meters, making it durable for most outdoor activities. The light also features three different modes and an SOS mode when needed. One thing most people love about the Fenix LD22 is that you can use the head to create a focused spot light which makes this not only versatile but useful in many situations.
There are 4 colors available: black, green, silver and orange all of which have great anodizing and have held up very well over the time you have used them. The Fenix LD22 is also compatible with Fenix’s magnetic accessories which you can use to attach it quicker to any ferrous metal object when needed. The Fenix LD22 is one of the best compact flashlights you can find at an unbeatable price point of around $30 USD.
Tactical flashlights are versatile tools that can be used in a number of situations. If you are shopping around for a tactical flashlight, you are probably wondering what the best features are, as well as who makes the best models. The post above provides a list of five tactical flashlights with specs, prices and their best uses for you to compare easily.