A flashlight is a handy tool. It is one of the first things you reach when there is a power outage, whenever you need to find something in the dark, etc. However, these kinds of regular flashlights are much inferior to the tactical ones, which serve many purposes and are used for hunting, law enforcement, and others. Tactical flashlights are much more robust and long-lasting while remaining small and lightweight. However, if you’re wondering, “How do I choose a tactical flashlight?” there are some things you need to consider before making your purchase.

How Do You Intend to Use the Tactical Flashlight?

The tactical flashlight is designed to be used in many situations and for various purposes. It is beneficial for hunting, military use, self-defence and even hiking or camping. Many brands, including the JETbeam tactical flashlight, are designed to be durable and resistant to various weather elements and terrains because they are primarily intended for tactical (military or law enforcement) use. Also, some of them are designed for more practical military needs, which makes flashlights easy to be mounted on weapons for low shooting. Another thing that makes this flashlight irreplaceable is that it can be used in self-defence. If there is any life-threatening situation, professionals or ordinary people can turn to this powerful tool to defend themselves.

Budget For Tactical Flashlights

After considering everything, you will find different price tags for tactical flashlights. However, don’t fall for some “really good deals” you may come across and instead gravitate toward tactical flashlights of higher quality since they will be better in the long run. Try to look for some reputable brands, such as Fenix, Olight, JETbeam, Klarus and others, where quality is guaranteed, and there is something for every budget. For example, a JETbeam tactical flashlight, like other quality ones, is made to be durable, instead of cheap materials.

Different Lumen Outputs

The lumen output is one of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a tactical flashlight. A lumen is a unit of measurement for the total amount of light emitted by a flashlight. If the flashlight’s lumen output is high, it offers more overall light. Keeping that in mind, you may choose from a variety of output options, starting at 500 lumens and going all the way up to 3600 lumens. If you need to light up a larger area from a greater distance, then you can opt for JETbeam flashlights or any other with 1000 lumens or more.

Since tactical flashlights are really bright, look for ones with variable lumen output settings so you may adapt the brightness to your preferences and needs. Also, this will allow the battery to have longer battery life. However, you will also need to consider the beam type, beam distance and temperature.

Beam Distance, Types and Temperature

While lumens refer to the total amount of light emitted by the flashlight, beam distance refers to how far the light can go before it dims. This distance is measured in meters or feet. When it comes to beam distance, the most common types of light dispersals are the one that sheds light widely (flood beam) and the other that “throws” the light further (spot beam). The type of reflector or lens on your flashlight will primarily determine this.

If you need to see further in the dark, you can opt for spot beam flashlights that can “throw” the light further instead of “flooding” the area, such as hiking in the dark, rescue searches, and others. However, if you need to see something close, it’s better to opt for flood beam flashlights that “flood” a wider area. These flashlights have a shorter beam distance since they spread all the available lumens into a wider area. These are better for camping, mechanics fixing their cars, power outages, etc.

Besides flood or spot beams, you also have adjustable and dual beams. This is a better option since flashlights with adjustable beams allow you to adjust the beam to a wide, focused or something in between. However, the dual beams are an even better option since you will be able to use flood and spot beams individually when needed or utilize them both at the same time.

However, the colour of the light can be neutral, warm and cool white. The neutral white has neither warm (yellow) nor cold ( blue) tones that dominate. It is a great, clear light, while warm white has a yellowish tinge and the cool one has a blueish tinge.

The Light Modes

More expensive tactical flashlights will have strobe and SOS lights. Since the police force uses these tactical flashlights, the strobe effect is crucial and is used to blind or disorient the other person with its bright light that flashes rapidly in a confusing pattern. Another great and vital feature is the SOS mode, which you can use to signal that you need help. The SOS light is similar to the strobe, except it blinks slower.

Types of Tactical Flashlights

When looking for a tactical flashlight, it’s essential to know the different types you may encounter, such as weapon-mounted ones. These are especially important for law enforcement since they allow for far better nighttime navigation and targeting. This “hands-free” option is far more convenient than holding both the flashlight and the weapon in their hands. Unlike regular flashlights, these come with an attachment that allows them to be placed on firearms.

These compactable flashlights also come in different sizes. You have small EDC flashlights, which are lightweight and small enough to carry in your pocket, handbag, or keychain, and you have full-sized flashlights.

Durability

Last but not least, one of the crucial factors when it comes to the tactical flashlight is its waterproof qualities. You want your flashlight to withstand heavy rains or even accidental drops in the water, so make sure you check the IPX rating. A flashlight with an IPX8 rating can be fully submerged in water for at least a few hours before it starts malfunctioning. IPX7 allows the flashlight to be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, while IPX4 indicates that the flashlight is splash resistant, such as heavy rain.

However, what truly makes the tactical flashlight irreplaceable is the impact resistance. That is why you need to look for flashlights made of stronger metals ( stainless steel, titanium). This will allow you to use your illuminating tool for an extended period of time without fear of it being damaged if you drop it on concrete, for example, or even use it as a defence tool if you have nothing else on you.

To sum up, many tactical flashlights provide a wide range of features, but before making a purchase, know exactly what you need.