How to Choose the Best Tactical Flashlights
LED, Xenon, Brightness, Lumens, Mounts, Batteries, Rechargeables, AA
Aug 22, 2009
Tactical flashlights are the bright and rugged electric torches used by police and military personnel.
Their high performance makes them a good choice for civilians, even though there are extra features that aren't needed by them. They can be used for hiking, camping and in emergencies. Bicycle headlamp mounts are also available.
They usually cost between $30 and $100. Popular brands include Surefire, Inova, Smith & Wesson (Delta Force), Pelican, Energizer and Streamlight.
Tactical Flashlight Brightness, Lumens and Watts
Tactical flashlights are bright. A flashlight that isn't super bright isn't a tactical flashlight. Brightness is needed for seeing a few hundred feet into the dark, and for self defense: dazzling attackers. Most are 90 lumens or more, with some reaching a few hundred lumens. LED tacticals typically draw 3 to 5 watts of power. Xenon tacticals draw more power for the same brightness.
Xenon Versus LED Flashlights
Xenon bulbs don't last as long as LEDs. One advantage over LEDs is that an infra-red filter can be used to convert a Xenon flashlight into a infra-red illuminator for use with night vision devices. However a dedicated infra-red LED flashlight can be a better choice.
CR123A Versus AA Versus Rechargeable Flashlights
Most tacticals use two CR123A disposable lithium batteries. They can last as little as 1 to 2 hours ("burn time") on full brightness, longer if lower power is used.
Advantages
- Light and powerful.
- Good cold weather performance.
- Rechargeable CR123A NiMH batteries are beginning to be available but have yet to gain wide acceptance.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion 18650 batteries are the size of two CR123A batteries. They can replace them in some but not all flashlights. Their voltage is half the voltage of two CR123A batteries. Manufacturers need to take this into account when designing flashlights.
Disadvantage
- CR123A batteries are expensive, but online bargains can be found if buying in bulk.
AA batteries can give good performance but are normally seen in cheaper "consumer" tacticals.
Advantages
- Alkaline AAs are cheap and widely available.
- Rechargeable NiMH AAs are also easy to find.
- Lithium AAs can approach the performance of CR123A batteries.
Rechargeable batteries make a lot of sense for flashlights that see heavy use. As noted above, rechargeable AA and CR123A batteries are available. However dedicated rechargeable flashlights are more convenient. They can be easily plugged in and recharged without having to remove the batteries. They can even be charged in the car with 12 volt chargers that run off the cigarette lighter socket. This keeps them topped up at all times, unlike disposable batteries that can run down at inconvenient times.
Waterproof and Shock-proof Flashlights
Many tactical flashlights are waterproof, with rubber O-rings sealing the battery compartment. For maximum waterproofing, they should be certified to one of the IPX waterproofing standards. US military standard MIL-STD-810 covers shock-proofing, waterproofing and other types of environmental stress protection. Tacticals that are certified to this standard are the best bet for extreme use and worry-free operation.
Other Tactical Flashlight Features
Real tactical flashlights have many additional features.
- A flashing strobe feature is advertised by manufacturers as being able to disorientate attackers.
- A ring near the end of the flashlight is used for a "cigar hold" or "syringe hold" for use with a gun.
- A momentary-on switch can be used to dazzle or for a brief look, without betraying the exact position of the user.
- A dual switch is like a household 3-way switch. It allows the flashlight to be switched on and off in a variety of different hand grips.
- A focusing head allows the beam width to be changed.
- Add on filters (red, green, signaling wand) are used in different situations. Some flashlights have a red LED instead of a filter.
- A rough textured grip stops the flashlight from sliding out of the hand. Rubberized grips also work but can make it difficult to remove the flashlight from a holster or pocket.
- A lanyard ring also helps with grip and can prevent the flashlight from being lost.
- Crenelated heads (spikes or teeth) are used for self defense.
- Multiple brightness levels to preserve battery-life.
Gun Mounts for Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights can be mounted on guns (pistols, rifles) including paintball guns. Mounts are usually compatible with Weaver or Picatinny rails. A quick-release is useful. Universal ring mounts can retrofit generic 1-inch diameter flashlights for mounting on to gun rails. Dedicated rail-mount flashlights are available, some with laser sights. They are built to withstand gun-recoil shocks and can be operated by remote wired pressure switches.
The Best Tactical Flashlight
The average civilian will be well served by a bright and waterproof budget tactical flashlight running on AA batteries. The many additional features of real tactical flashlights will not be needed.
General-purpose flashlights and emergency flashlights should also be considered.
Law enforcement and army personnel will have specialized requirements unique to their individual operational environment. They can choose from the wide variety of available tactical designs.
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