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Everybody is always looking for the best this or the best that on the market today. This of course makes total sense, I do the same thing because the reality is in todays world money simply doesn’t go as far as it once it. So when I spend my hard earned cash I want to be completely sure I’m getting the absolute best bang for my buck, in the case of this article, that’s the best tactical flashlights I can.

I want something that’s built solid, built strong, and will be able to stand the torture test of life. The last thing anyone wants is to get some foreign knock off piece of junk. Flashlights are no different, especially with tactical flashlights I want the brightest light I can get, but even more than a bright light I want an intensely focused beam. Lastly the flashlight needs to have the right options, a decently long battery life, and I need it all in a compact design.

In this article I will very directly answer your burning question:

What are the best tactical flashlights?

TOP 3 TACTICAL FLASHLIGHTS

I get more into lumens, battery life and other aspects that make top tier tactical flashlights at the end of the article, but I want you to know going into this article are the three main points I looked at and the order of importance:

1. CANDELA (Max Beam Intensity): The perceived brightness of a light source by the eye.
2. FEATURES: Instant Strobe, Instant Turbo, Dual Tail Switch, etc.
3. CANDELA/LUMEN RATIO: Used to determine if a flashlight has a spot or a flood beam
4. LUMENS (Max Light Output): The efficiency of the light source.

THE BEST TACTICAL FLASHLIGHTS

NITECORE MH27UV

The Nitecore MH27UV is an all around solid tactical flashlight. The MH27UV throws out a max 1000 lumens with a candela rating of 53,500 and a candela to lumen ratio of 53.5.

This allows the MH27UV to cast a powerful beam capable of reaching across great distance at double the intensity made possible by the revolutionary SC5 technology that its CREE XP-L HI V3 LED employs. Combined with Nitecore’s crystal coating technology, it yields a spectacular 462 meter throw, comparable to much larger spot lights.

The MH27UV comes with Nitecore’s ATR technology which allows the chip inside to automatically self regulate it’s temperature and adjust if it gets to hot. It comes with a tail switch for easy use in tactical situations, as well as a side switch boasting instant access to turbo and ultraviolet.

The Nitecore MH27UV boasts four brightness levels, a strobe light, S.O.S., and red and blue filters.

FENIX TK20R V2.0 

The Fenix TK20R V2.0 rechargeable flashlight features incredible performance by throwing a maximum 3000 lumens 1558ft (475m). Quickly and easily operate the light, and choose between six lighting modes, by using the dual tail switches. Recharge the TK20R V2.0 by unscrewing the protective charging port cover and plug in using a USB Type-C cable.

The TK20R V2.0 is durable and rugged with an IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating. Powered by an included rechargeable 5000mAh li-ion battery, the Fenix TK20R V2.0 rechargeable flashlight is a great tool for outdoors or tactical applications.

WUBEN T1 TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT

The Wuben T1 tactical flashlight is a legitimate tactical flashlight that can handle any war zone its thrown into. It features a maximum 2000 lumen turbo mode with an intensity of 62013 candela. That means the flashlight is throwing out one heck of a concentrated light and its doing it to a distance of 498m.

The extremely unique but very functional tail switch makes changing between the four brightness modes as well as accessing the direct turbo quick and simple.

Powered by a 3100mAh 18650 Li-ion battery, the Wuben T1 Tactical has plenty of power to keep this light running up to 100 hours and when it runs low it can be charged with a Type-C cable. Wuben’s mechanical seal design protects the charging port from all external damage.

The body is made from an aluminum alloy providing great strength and rigidity and giving the T1 a 1.5 meter impact resistant rating. It is IP68 rated meaning it is rustproof and waterproof up to 2 meters.  

ACEBEAM L17 TACTICAL

The ACEBEAM L17 Tactical flashlight has the longest throw of 802 meters and is one of the most affordable tactical flashlight for one single 18650 battery in the whole ACEBEAM collection. The L17 has a max output of 1400 lumens, a whopping max beam intensity of 160,801cd and an incredible candela to lumen ratio of 114.

The L17 boasts 5 brightness levels, instant turbo, and instant strobe, all in one of the most compact bodies made from aerospace grade aluminum and finished of with a military grade hard anodized finish.

ACEBEAM’S L17 takes the spot on this list for best all around tactical flashlight. It simply excels in everything it does and in every environment it’s in, with its IP68 rating making it dustproof and waterproof and being able to handle extreme heat and cold with out its ability to function deteriorating.

FENIX TK22 TAC

The Fenix TK22 TAC is a true tactical performer. Powered by an included rechargeable 21700mAh battery, theTK22 TAC flashlight can throw a maximum 2800 lumens an incredible distance of 1,772ft (540m)—almost 600 yards.

The toggle tail switch allows you to quickly switch between tactical mode, which limits the light to only the turbo brightness level and strobe for tactical situations, or duty mode which accesses all other lighting modes for on-duty demands.

The TK22 tactical flashlight is impact resistant and has an IP68 rating making it dustproof and waterproof—ready to meet the demands of the military and law enforcement. The TK22 comes in pretty much right at 6″ making it the middle of the pack in size and able to fit into your pants pocket, tac vest, or belt holder. At 5.5oz this guy will barely be noticed any where you decide to store it.

ACEBEAM DEFENDER P16

The Defender P16 is ACEBEAM’s first Tail-dual Switch Tactical Flashlight with One-Touch Strobe, Turbo, and Low activation. Quickly and easily operate the light to choose between four lighting modes and strobe mode. Included ACEBEAM’s 18650 Li-ion battery can be conveniently charged through the USB Type-C port on the battery.

Durable and rugged with IP68 waterproof ratings and 1.5 meters impact resistance. The compact body with stainless steel strike bezel is ideal for emergencies, self-defense, assault operation, outdoor activities, maintenance checks, patrols, and more.

OLIGHT WARRIOR X 3

The Warrior X 3 is an upgraded version of the Warrior X Pro and is packed with great tactical features. Its max output is increased by 400 lumens to 2,500 lumens and its max beam distance reaches 560 meters. Like its predecessor, it has a dual-stage tactical tail switch to access high/low output either momentarily or constantly.

The tail switch accepts an optional lockable, dual-button magnetic remote switch and supports Olight’s signature magnetic charging. Powered by a customized 5000mAh 21700 Li-ion battery, it can be recharged via the MCC3 charging cable and runs up to 8 hours.

The Warrior X 3 has been upgraded with 3 zirconium beads embedded in the strike bezel which help break glass in an emergency. The included Warrior Ring and silicone tactical grip ring provide better control of the flashlight during stressful moments. 

FENIX PD40R V3.0

The Fenix PD40R V3.0 super bright mechanical rotary switching flashlight is a high-performance rechargeable flashlight that is sure to surprise you. Fitted with a quality LED, this flashlight features an incredible performance by delivering a maximum out put of 3000 lumens, boasts an incredible 60,954cd, and has an impressive max beam distance of 500 meters.

It achieves precise output selection through the unique mechanical rotary switch. With the included 5000mAh rechargeable battery and the USB Type-C charging interface, and a max runtime of 89 hours, the runtime will never bother anyone.

The PD40R is IP68-rated dustproof and waterproof, and comes with special build in heat dissipating fins in order to help keep the flashlight cool while turbo is being used.

NITECORE SRT7i

Nitecore has done it again with the Nitecore SRT7i creating one of the absolute best tactical flashlights on the market today. Boasting a max light output of 3000 lumens, a max beam of intensity of 87,500cd, and a candela to lumen ratio of 29 the SRT7i has an incredible max beam distance of 580m.

The SRT7i is a part of Nitecore’s SmartRing tactical series. Making one hand operation easy using the 4th generation smart selector ring and tactical dual buttons on the tail to seamlessly control the strobe mode, turbo level, tac mode, lockout mode, and brightness levels.

The body is created from aero grade aluminum alloy, the lens are coated on each side for a dual layer of scratch resistant coating, and the SRT7i is finished off with a military grade hard anodized finish. The strike bezel is designed with high hardness silicone nitride ceramic balls, good for self defense or breaking windows.

FENIX TK30

The Fenix TK30 is a high-performance white laser tactical flashlight with a maximum beam distance of 1200 meters and a white laser with a straight beam for precise tactics. The super concentrated light of white laser is treated by triple coated lens to eliminate the harm of monochrome laser.

The light comes with a 5000mAh large-capacity 21700 Li-ion battery that ensures ultra-long runtime; and a tactical tail switch for instant activation. Featuring battery level indication, the remaining battery power can be read every time the light is turned on.

In addition, 500 lumens maximum output, IP68 rated protection, compatibility with most of the flashlight clips, double spring design, etc. The Fenix TK30 is hands down one of the absolute best tactical flashlights on the market!!!

TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT BUYING GUIDE

CANDELA (MAX BEAM INTENSITY)

When it comes to tactical flashlights the candela rating of the flashlight is hand’s down the most important aspect.

What are Candela’s?

The term candela is derived from abbreviating the phrase ‘candle power’. It is a measure of intensity, rather than brightness. The candela rating of a flashlight is the absolute max beam intensity of the light.

Peak beam intensity (higher candela rating) represents brightness perceived by the eyes.  It is related to how focussed the beam is.

Candela’s are the most important aspect to look for in a tactical flashlight as I said at the beginning of the article because if your in a tactical situation where your dealing with intruders or assailants at night, you want the brightest light you can in order to blind the attackers and give yourself the edge in a confrontation.

Where as lumens are the measure of light going every where, candela’s are the measure of light going directly into the attackers face.

LUMENS (MAX LIGHT OUTPUT)

The best tactical flashlights are BRIGHT!!! Really really bright! No professional is going to say some semi bright, wimpy flashlight is any good for a serious tactical situation. So how do you figure out how bright a light will be or the max light output of a light? You look at the lumens.

Lumens, simply put are how bright a flashlight or any light source is. Lumens specifically have to do with the efficiency of a light source.

Lumens are the measure of visible light put out by a source, such as a light bulb or LED. The more lumens a source is said to have the brighter it is. It is generally agreed upon that a high quality tactical flashlight will have at least 1000 lumens as a minimum, but you can find them up to around 5000 lumens.

That’s why when I’m buying a tactical flashlight, my goal is always to get one that has a minimum brightness of 1000 lumens. If I’m ever in a tactical situation, such as dealing with an assailant whether on the streets or in my house in the middle of the night, I want to blind him to kingdom come. I want him so disorientated he doesn’t know what’s coming next….the ol’ one two!

At the same time if I’m in a survival situation in the woods for example, I want a light that lights up my surroundings like paraflare at 0100. A light that bright will help you mentally and physically thrive as well as help potential search and rescue find you.

CANDELA TO LUMEN RATIO

The candela per lumen (cd/lm) ratio can be used to determine if a flashlight has spot beam or flood beam.  Spot beams, which comes from spot lights have a large cd/lm ratio. They are useful for lighting up distant objects and blinding would be attacker.  At close range, the beam may be too bright.

Flood beams, which again comes from flood lights, have a small cd/lm ratio and are great for close-up tasks such as map reading or lighting up large wide areas like a yard.  They will have less range to see distant objects but much wider spread to see much more in close.

• Work lights are normally less than 10 cd/lm
• Tactical flashlights are normally between 20-100 cd/lm
• Well focused spot beams are normally 100 cd/lm

FEATURES

When I say features I’m referring to the the different light modes a flashlight offers as well as the flashlights functionality or ability to easily access the different modes. Top tier flashlights will generally have a minimum of four separate brightness levels low, medium, high, and turbo.

Sometimes they may have a fifth brightness level Eco, which would be the absolute lowest level. The best flashlights will also have a strobe mode and sometimes an SOS mode.

The turbo and strobe modes are a necessity for the best tactical flashlights and the SOS although I wouldn’t say is a necessity, is obviously highly useful in a survival situation.

A direct or instant capability for light modes is also a must have for high quality tactical flashlights. That means for example, I don’t have to cycle through all 4 or 5 light modes before I finally get to the strobe mode. I have a button that I can push that gives me instant strobe or instant turbo. Tactically based situations can arise fast and unexpectedly and you need to be able to react just as fast.

BATTERY

The two types of batteries you’ll find in tactical flashlight are your rechargeable, non disposable batteries and your standard AA or AAA alkaline disposable battery. Although most high end flashlight companies have started to move much more towards rechargeable flashlights, alkaline flashlights continue to hang around as they do meet certain criteria that the former simply can not. Neither one is perfect, both rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries have pros and cons to them.

Rechargeable flashlights are inherently brighter than alkaline. Flashlights with rechargeable lithium ion batteries are the flashlights hitting numbers from 2000 lumens up to the massive number of 100,00 lumens. Now, thats not to say that alkaline flashlights aren’t bright in their own right, they can hit just upwards of 1000 lumens, but as you can see it’s truly not comparable.

The lumen to size ratio is also simply not comparable. To get 1000 plus lumens out of an alkaline flashlight you will be using up to four AA batteries. That means the flashlight will be bigger and thicker, quite potentially starting to take it out of the small compact design that a tactical flashlight must have. Rechargeable flashlights can produce between 2000 to 5000 lumens and still be small and compact enough to easily fit into the tactical category.

In both brightness and size, rechargeable lithium ion batteries win. The only real draw backs too rechargeable’s are the need for electricity and the time it takes to charge them once they die. That being said, I don’t see these as coming anywhere close to out weighing what you do get from a rechargeable flashlight.

CONSTRUCTION

In order to be considered the best, a tactical flashlight needs to be light but strong and durable. It can’t be breaking or falling apart with the slightest bump or the smallest drop. I beat the heck out of my equipment when Im in the field and in order for me to spend money on something I need to know that the gear can take a beating.

The body should be made out of aluminum, with possibly a strike bezel around the light made of steel. The body also needs to have a dust and water proof rating of at least IP68. That means the body is sealed against dust getting in and clogging up the inside. The last is also able to handle being fully submersed in water for around 30 minutes.

A tactical flashlight must be rugged!

CONCLUSION

Many companies make gear these days that they call tactical. However, the majority of the gear is not legitimately tactical gear, so be weary, look closely, and spend wisely. I took my knowledge and experience from years in the military as well as from my hours of research and put together this short list of legitimately tactical flashlights, that will give you an advantage in any situation.

In features, functionality, and construction each of these stands out among the crowd. Whether you purchase a flashlight here or else where, you need to add a solid tactical flash light to your gear as the advantage they offer is invaluable. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation, where you need one of these bad boys, only to not have one.

Its better to have one and not need it, than to need it and not have one!

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