I’m sure you’ve seen the tactical flashlights in your local gun store or on TV.
They are often advertised as being “virtually indestructible” and provide a great deal of light in an emergency situation.
But how do they work?
What should you look for when buying one? And what about size, weight, and price? For answers to these questions and more, read the following blog post!
Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights are designed for law enforcement and military personnel but can also be used by normal citizens in an emergency.
They should not be confused with the large flashlight under your kitchen sink! Tactical flashlights have a very high light output, usually more than 300 candles.
They could easily blind somebody if accidentally shined into the eyes, so the main focus for these flashlights was to make them non-lethal.
The typical tactical flashlight is made out of anodized aluminum alloy with a crenelated strike bezel on one end and a textured grip on the other.
They are water-resistant, and some models can even be submerged up to 150 feet.
Tactical flashlights usually run on CR123 batteries and come with a low battery indicator to notify you when they need to be replaced.
This prevents the flashlight from suddenly losing power during an emergency, such as trying to signal for help in the darkness of night.
Some also have a strobe or SOS function to attract attention or help signal during an emergency.
Tactical flashlights are also sometimes called “tactical,” which is the term I will use throughout this article.
A Few Small Tactical Flashlights
There are dozens of manufacturers of tactical flashlights, but some of the best are Surefire, Streamlight, Fenix, and Inova.
They range in price from $50 to $300 and anywhere in between.
But there’s little reason to spend more than $100 for a flashlight that’s going to be used only in emergencies.
So, what are the main factors you should consider when buying a tactical flashlight?
Bezels
A bezel is a ring around the lens of your flashlight. Some are crenelated to protect against impact if you need to hit somebody with your light. The knurled section on some lights is also useful for self-defense.
Strobe
Many tactical flashlights also have a strobe function. This is generally used to signal in emergencies or to disorient an attacker. It can be distracting when shined in your eyes but not nearly as effective as the next feature.
The Focus Lens
Some tactical flashlights have what’s called a “focus lens.” The light is used when you need a very bright, tight beam of light. It’s perfect for when you need to look around in the dark or check out something in the distance.
But when you can’t hold your flashlight in your hand and want to signal for help or disorient an attacker, then you use the strobe function. This is the feature you should look for in your tactical flashlight.
Whichever model you choose, remember that a tactical flashlight is different from a normal household flashlight. They are more expensive and of higher quality, designed to provide an extremely bright light in a small package.
Other features include weather-proofing, and some even have a crenelated bezel!
And what about size, weight, and price?
Well, the more you pay for your tactical flashlight, the smaller it will be. Usually, paying up to $100 for a flashlight is reasonable since it’s not like you’re going shopping with one every day of the week!
Finally, don’t forget that they are extremely useful items to have around your home during emergencies and darkness.
Free Compact Tactical Flashlight
If you are living around the US, you can get a free tactical flashlight.
They are certainly worth checking out since getting a free, durable, and reliable product is almost impossible to beat!
This free Compact Tactical Flashlight can be seen over 5 nautical miles and emits an extremely bright beam of light. It’s perfect for those living in the country and those who like to spend their time outdoors.
This free flashlight is also water-resistant,
so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet when you’re headed outdoors in the rain or snow.
It’s made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction, so it’s extremely strong and durable.
Adjustable zoom focus from 1X to 2000X so you can use it for a variety of tasks.
It’s perfect for camping, hiking, hunting trips, or simply exploring the nearby woods. You can also use it to check on things in your farm animals and wild animals.