Headlamps may be getting more and more popular as the years fly by, but flashlights are still being purchased in record numbers. The small size, lightweight, cheap price, and longevity of most flashlights make them a favourite in emergency lighting.
The question of which of the numerous flashlight model is best suited for you is one best answered tactically. Just as there are many parts to a flashlight, there are many features you need to consider before committing to a flashlight model.
What do you need it for? The importance of the purpose for which you are buying the flashlight can’t be overstated. Long-range vision capable ones are best for rescue parties and hunting ones while a bright one excels for camping activities and more.
Price is also another factor. Since not everyone can afford to shell out hundreds of dollars for a piece, it is necessary to pick a budget and stick with it. Our top picks are the ten best flashlights you will find in the flashlight market.
Best Tactical Flashlight 2023
1. Streamlight 69260 TLR-1 HL
TLR-1 HL is a beast for hunters. Beyond its sleazy design, it is designed specifically to combine with various gun types and will fit snugly to most weapons. While it doesn’t produce the brightest lights, an 800 lumens blast is still impressive considering its price tag.
The light it produces is clear and directed, and the flashlight body comes with an ambidextrous on and off switch. It is made of aluminium (aircraft-grade), anodized finish, glass lens, shock-mount, and is waterproof.
Streamlight’s batteries have a 1.25hours runtime and are tethered yet easily replaced.
Pros
- Military-grade body
- Fine price
- Modern look
- Most durable
- Exceptional for hunting and military use
- Brighter than expected
Cons
- Pricy
- Heavy
- Short runtime
2. Pelican 7600
Unlike Streamlight which is designed for attachment, Pelican sports a more traditional look. In a testament to what an excellent design it is, Pelican will run for 29 hours at 900+ lumens in a single charge. The 7600 comes with a rugged aluminium casing and is just six-inches long.
Its USB port means it can be charged from a variety of sources to cast a possible three colour light at over 225 meters. There are four brightness settings and a warranty that easily upsets any other flashlight by a massive margin.
Pros
- Lifetime warranty
- Bright
- Durable
- Intuitive use
- Waterproof
Cons
- Large
- Heavy
3. SureFire P2X Fury Tactica
Fury Tactical is a mid-priced flashlight that offers many features and impressive durability. It comes with a tail-cap style click switch that makes it easier to use than most. SureFire P2X has a short length of just 5.4-inches, is lightweight, and has an aircraft-grade body of aluminium.
Its output is not the highest at just 600 lumens, but its LED emitter is regulated and built to stand the test of time. The body is also “Hard-anodized” for ultimate durability.
Pros
- Cheap
- Has a lightweight
- Remarkable durability
- Trusted brand
- Average length
- Sleek look
Cons
- Less powerful than most
- The light beam doesn’t travel far
4. Fenix PD35
PD35 has one of the most intense light beams on the flashlight market. It is just over five-inches and three-ounces heavy, yet it packs a punch of 1000 lumens and an unbelievably durable body. Fenix comes with five brightness mode, with the eight-lumen lowest being able to run for 140-hours uninterrupted.
It has a holster and is powered by two rechargeable lithium batteries.
Pros
- Brightest beam
- Lightweight
- Runtime is insane
- Appropriate size
- Affordable
- Supreme durability
Cons
- The charger is an extra purchase
- No intuitive use
5. OLight M2R Warrior
M2R is a beast built to perform for insane stretches at a time without recharge. OLight can operate uninterrupted for a stunning 104days! At 1 lumen brightness. There is a single button activated turbo mode of 1500 lumen! M2R Warrior comes with a single 3500mAh battery, five-year warranty, charging cable, holster, and a battery case.
Pros
- Stunning warranty
- Can be charged by a USB cable
- No extra purchases
- Fantastic power
- Long-lasting
- Durability is extreme
Cons
- Pricy
- Impressive running cost
- Has too many modes
6. Anker LC130
LC130 flashlight is another choice with insane performance. It offers a 1300 lumen brightness at over 850-feet and possibly 1200-feet. It is the single longest reaching flashlight we have ever seen. Five adaptable settings offer a minimum of six-hours steady runtime.
Anker can run for 50,000-hours before you need to change the LED despite taking only eight-hours to fully charge. It is shockproof, has an 18-month warranty, aluminium body, water-resistance, USB cable, and a 5000mAh battery.
Pros
- Ultra-powerful
- Cheap
- Fantastic durability
- Longest-reaching beam
- Shock and water-resistant
Cons
- Pricy
- The needed 1A adapter is not free
7. ThruNite TC12 V2 Max
TC12 packs a monstrous 1100 lumen punch despite its relatively small size. It is innovative, tough, bright, and costs far below the average price. There are five modes, with the brightest going over 1100 lumens. Weighing only three-ounces, its beam can reach over 250 meters and its micro USB cord means it can be charged anywhere.
Pros
- Excellent brightness
- Small and lightweight
- Reasonable price
- Micro USB charging
- Far-reaching
Cons
- The battery is not the longest-lasting
- Tactical is strobe only
8. Klarus XT11GT
Cree (XHP35 HD E4) LED, 2000 lumens maximum output, USB charging, battery indicator, and smart temp control are some of the defining features of Klarus. There are three outdoor settings possible, and numerous add-ons.
Pros
- Too many add-ons
- Excellent runtime
- Monstrous output
- Long-reaching beam
- Outdoor use
- Strobe capability
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
9. Maglite Mag-Tac
Mag-Tac is widely regarded as the easiest to carry tactical light. It has a 5.1-inch length, four-ounces of weight, 320 lumens output, and unbelievable toughness.
Pros
- Extreme durability
- Lightweight and small
- Lifetime warranty
- Easy-to-use
- Trustworthy design
Cons
- Not bright
- Little extra features
- Old design
10. SureFire G2X Law Enforcement Model
G2X is an ideal choice for Law Enforcement because of its 600 lumens output, seven-inches length, and plastic body that is safe with heat build-up. SureFire has an ideal price/quality value that makes it reasonable as a large purchase for law enforcement without being exorbitant.
Pros
- Fantastic toughness
- Runtime is exceptional
- Great value
- The light beam is tight
Cons
- Batteries are expensive and specially made
- Larger than most
- Not the brightest