Best Tactical Flashlight for 2022: Complete Reviews With Comparisons

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If you are looking for the best tactical flashlight in the market today, you have come to the right place. 

We’ll discuss your most logical options based on functionality and build.

We will also talk about key features like alternative lighting modes, battery life, impact resistance, beam distance, and other basic lighting features.

After reading, you should be able to make the right decision despite being faced with numerous choices.

The flashlight will be helpful in carrying out missions if you are in law enforcement or military personnel.  

It will also make an excellent addition to your everyday carry or EDC if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

Best Tactical Flashlight Reviews

1. Vont Blaze LED Tactical Flashlight

Vont Innovations is a company that manufactures consumer devices for indoor and outdoor use, including kitchen scales and lighting solutions.

The Blaze is its tactical light offering designed for outdoor enthusiasts and military personnel. 

It is one of the more affordable flashlight models you will find in the market today.

However, it is packed full of features that you will be surprised to find in a product of its price point.

Review

The Vont Blaze has all the makings of a great flashlight.

Here are some of its key features.

• Tough Aluminum Construction

The Vont Blaze is made from military-grade materials like high-quality aluminum and proprietary LEDs.

Designed to survive much abuse, it passed rigorous freezing, pressure, and submersion tests. 

It has high water resistance and can stand up to wet conditions.

To be more specific, it has an IPX4 rating, which means that you can use it even under extreme weather conditions.

It can also withstand accidental drops.

These features are essential in rugged situations where mission success is dependent on access to ample light.

It is ideal for law enforcement officers who often find themselves in dark environments when on the job.

It is also a must-have when it comes to everyday carry items.

• Five Lighting Modes

Different situations call for different levels of light output.

That means your lumens flashlight must be flexible enough to offer multiple light modes.

This is exactly what the Vont Blaze has to offer. It comes with five light modes: Low, Medium, High, SOS, and strobe mode. 

These are light settings that the US Special Forces use.

Obviously, if it is good enough for them, it should be good enough for most other applications.

On top of this, the Vont Blaze comes with dual-mode illumination.

You can change the amount of focused light to get a wide beam (floodlight) or a narrow beam (spotlight). 

All you have to do is slide the front part forward or back.

The adjustable beam of light makes it easier for users to optimize visibility.

• Battery Life

The Vont Blaze features patented LEDs capable of illuminating entire roads or even mountainsides without consuming too much energy.

Three AAA batteries power the flashlight, but you have to buy them separately.

You can use rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries.

This essential lighting tool can give you 400 lumens for nine hours on a full charge. This should be more than enough for most outdoor conditions and activities.

However, it would be best to have backup batteries on hand in case of emergencies.

Inside the battery compartment, you will find a battery holder that is clearly marked.

It helps ensure that you install the batteries the right way every time. 

It also comes with a plastic battery sleeve or tube.

• Lightweight and Portable

The Vont Blaze comes with a compact design and dimensions of 1.5” x 1.5” x 5.2”.

It is also very lightweight, tallying 5.3 ounces or 150 grams on the scale.

You can easily find a place for it in your drawer, on your countertop, or even in your pocket.

Using the battery holder with a belt carry clip, you can always keep it on hand. Of course, you can always stick it in your everyday carry bag. 

You will never run out of a reliable light source again with this flashlight.

What is more, your mobility won’t be limited even if you carry it with you at all times.

• Simple but Effective Design

All it takes is one look for you to realize how much thought and effort Vont put into Blaze’s design. 

Each component is superior in quality but user-friendly.

The battery cover and entire enclosure are sealed, ensuring a high-level water-resistant design.

The zoom focus function is intuitive; there are also visual controls to guide the user.

There are grooves in all the right places to make it easier to make the necessary adjustments.

It even comes with a no-slip grip design that provides perfect control.

If you lose your grip for some reason, don’t worry. It is resistant to accidental drops from reasonable heights.

All of these design elements are packed in a simple-looking and compact flashlight.

2. ThuZW Cree XML T6 3000 Lumens Tactical LED Flashlight

The Cree XML T6 fits the bill nicely if you are looking for a new tactical torch.

It sports 3,000 lumens of light, which is hard to find in a regular flashlight.

While it isn’t one of the flashlights with the brightest outputs in the market today, it definitely over-delivers if you consider its affordable price tag.

It is a cost-efficient flashlight that will meet the needs of budget-conscious buyers.

Review

The Cree XML T6 has all the makings of great tactical light. Here are some of its best features. 

• Multiple Light Modes

Similar to the Vont Blaze, the XML T6 comes with five light modes: Low, Medium, High, Strobe, and SOS.

There is a time and place for each setting. For instance, the strobe function is a great feature of a self-defense flashlight, which can fluster attackers.

The SOS mode sends out distress signals in morse code for emergencies.

No one wants to be in a situation where they would need to use these settings. Still, having them can give you peace of mind.

To toggle between the alternative lighting modes, you have to press the ON/OFF button halfway.

• Focus Adjustable Light Beam 

This flashlight comes with adjustable beam settings that are very useful in different situations.

Simply rotate the flashlight head to switch between the spot and the floodlights.

With the adjustable beam of light, you can cover a broad range of distances.

You will have no trouble seeing anything in the dark, even if it is between 50 meters and 200 meters. 

On top of this, zooming in focuses the sharp beam of light until it takes the shape of the LED, which is square.

Zooming out gives the beam a circular shape and allows you to illuminate a large area.

• Solid Construction

The Cree XML T6 is designed to survive extreme outdoor conditions, including wet conditions.

It is waterproof and sealed to prevent moisture from getting in and causing damage to the internal components.

The military-grade black aluminum housing makes it highly resistant to abrasion and impact.

There are rubber components that enhance the sealing and cushioning even more.

The XML T6 can stand up to much abuse with its solid construction and durable design. 

You can take it with you on camping trips or use it for work as border security experts, firefighting personnel, and more without worrying too much about it.

• Ample Light Source

The XML T6 has a durable design that looks simple on the outside, but a lot is going on inside.

It comes with an upgraded LED chip bulb, a dedicated IC, and a smart controller.

These components work together to make a very bright light source.

In addition, it can provide a max output of 3,000 lumens of light, which is higher than some other brands.

You can power this lumens flashlight with two AAA alkaline batteries or one 18,650 mAh rechargeable battery.

Whichever type of battery you choose, you can expect it to work for a long time.

• Multiple Applications

Lightweight and compact, the XML T6 can fit easily in your tactical backpack, bag, camping pack, or even pocket. It is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

It has an adjustable handle strap to avoid losing it while camping or dropping it while working. 

It comes in handy during emergencies, like a power outage and responding to a situation as a police officer.

The different selectable modes and light settings are also helpful in different situations.

3. Streamlight ProTac Rail Mount HL

Streamlight is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to high-quality flashlights. 

The American company produces everything from weapon-mounted lights to penlights to safety rated lights. 

The ProTac HL is an entry-level gun flashlight from its wide range of tactical lights. 

It comes with a higher price tag than others, but it is a great investment that will give much value for your money.  

Review

There is no such thing as a perfect flashlight, but the Streamlight ProTac comes pretty close. 

Here are some of the reasons why we think highly of this tactical torch.  

High Lumens

The Streamlight Pro Tac HL-X Professional Tactical Flashlight comes with 1,000 lumens of brightness, which is more than enough for most outdoor applications. 

If you set it on High Mode, it produces a bright, sharp beam that can go as far as 332 meters. 

You can run it on this setting for more than an hour. 

If you need light for extended hours, use the Low or Medium Mode.

The longest it can run is 23 hours at a setting of 60 lumens (Low). 

What sets it apart from other brands is that you can depend on it to work as advertised.

So if they say that it gives up to 1,000 lumens, this is exactly what you will get.  

Dual Fuel

Another interesting thing about the ProTac is its dual-fuel feature. 

It runs on 2 lithium-ion batteries that come with the product package. 

In addition, it accepts one rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack with a 3.7-volt and 2600-mAh performance capacity. 

The solid-state power regulation optimizes the battery runtime ranges and the reflector maximizes peripheral illumination. 

Integrated Rail Clamp

If you own a long gun, this lighting buddy is a must-have. 

It has an integrated mount that is compatible with most military-standard rails. 

The rail grabber comes with a thumbscrew that makes it easy to mount on Picatinny rails even without using any tools. 

You can snap it on and tighten it with one hand, ensuring that you keep your hands clear off the muzzle.  

Still, while it is easy to attach, you can be sure that it is securely mounted.

It won’t fall off at the worst possible moment when you need a light source the most. 

Durable Design

The Streamlight Pro Tac HL-X Professional Tactical Flashlight takes the term durability to the next level. 

It features an anodized aluminum body similar to what you would see on an aircraft. 

It is impact-resistant and can withstand being dropped a few times.

The lens is made of tempered glass and is equally resistant to abuse.

Whether you use the standard button or install the pressure switch, it is rated waterproof. 

When we say waterproof, that is exactly what we mean.

You can submerge it in one meter of water for 30 minutes, and it would still work perfectly.

However, note that the rating drops from IPX7 to IPX4 when using the Remote Pressure Switch.

• Optimum Performance in Extreme Conditions

The Streamlight ProTac is designed to work at a temperature range of -40°F to 120°F.

This acceptable range pretty much covers every weather condition, from freezing cold to scorching hot.

You can expect it to withstand humidity, rain, or even being dropped in the water.

Firefighters, military personnel, police officers, hunters, fishers, and sports enthusiasts can depend on its performance.

It is a versatile type of flashlight that would make a great addition to your tactical gear or EDC.

4. Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight Kit

Anker made a name for itself, selling battery packs, phone chargers, and other electronic accessories.

The Super Bright Tactical Flashlight is its attempt to gain outdoor enthusiasts’ support.

Fortunately, it does not disappoint. This flashlight Anker comes with a 3350 mAh rechargeable battery, 50,000-hour lifespan powerful beam, IPX5 rating, and more.

Even better, you can get all these for a reasonable price.

Review

If you got excited just seeing the Anker name on a tactical flashlight, you are in for a treat.

The Super Bright is aptly named and comes with many other features that people look for in modern flashlights.

• 900-Lumen Max Output

This flashlight features an application-optimized LED lumens bulb that provides 900 lumens and 6,500 candelas.

You can achieve this maximum output on High Mode and in the flood setting.

If you are not yet familiar with the terms, lumens describe the light output while candelas represent beam intensity.

The optimum setting is Medium-Beam Mode, which offers up to six hours of ample but non-diminishing brightness.

In this setting, you can get the most out of the rechargeable battery that comes with the flashlight kit.

Once it runs out of juice, you can charge it using the USB charging cable.

The battery charger is not included, though.

• Solid Construction

The Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight comes with a durable black aluminum housing or body.

It can withstand rough handling, which makes it ideal for law enforcement and other outdoor use.

Aside from being shock-resistant, the flashlight Anker has an IPX5 waterproof rating.

Meaning it can survive a sustained spray of low-pressure water. In other words, you can use it during heavy rain without worrying about its internal components.  

However, remember that it is not designed to be submerged underwater.

So make sure that you do not drop it in a pool, river, or even a deep puddle of water.

• Smart Design

Operating this flashlight with a 50,000-hour lifespan powerful beam is easy using the tactical tail switch that you can find at the rear end.

It activates all the selectable modes: High, Medium, Low, Strobe, and SOS. 

You can do this by pressing the button halfway for momentary activation or fully for consistent lighting.

Note that you need to press the button within two seconds to cycle between modes.

Aside from the controls for light activation, it has physical design elements that bear mentioning.

For instance, the compact design makes it very easy to transport, while the grip’s anti-slip finish enables proper handling.

• Tactical Support

The Anker Super Bright flashlight sports a long handle and scalloped bezel. These features make it ideal for striking.

You can use it as a self-defense flashlight or break glasses during emergencies.

Combined with the Strobe Light function, this lighting buddy can provide tactical support when the situation calls for it.

5. Binwo XML T6 LED Flashlight

Binwo is part of the Leda Group and trades various consumer electronic products for indoor and outdoor use.

The XML T6 is their entry-level offering for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable light source.

It hits all the marks for tactical flashlights, which is surprising for its price point.

Review

The Binwo XML T6 is an excellent option if you are looking for a budget-friendly but a high-quality flashlight.

Here’s what you can expect from it.

• Ample Light

The Binwo XML T6 provides ample illumination in two ways.

The floodlight covers a wide area and goes as far as 200 meters out, while the spotlight offers a more intense and focused beam of light.

Either way, the light it produces is very bright.

It is great for outdoor applications like camping or hunting. It is also helpful in tactical situations.

However, while it provides very bright light, the maximum lumen output of 2,000 could be an exaggeration.

• Adjustable Light Beam

This essential lighting tool features the latest LED chip that is easy to control.

You can zoom the light beam in or out by pushing or pulling the flashlight head.

On the other hand, the tactical tail switch allows you to cycle through the selectable modes.

Like most other tactical flashlights, it has five different settings: Low, Medium, High, SOS, and strobe.

A half-press will switch you from one mode to another, while a full press will turn it on and off.

• Tough Aluminum Construction

The flashlight body is built from high-quality aluminum alloy, which is strong enough to withstand rough handling.

It is also resistant to abrasion.

The grip has an anti-slip finish or design, and there is a lanyard strap to help secure the flashlight and prevent dropping.

With a rating of IPX5, it can resist low-pressure water jets from all directions.

All these features make the XML T6 a great light source for outdoor conditions.

However, make sure that you do not submerge it in water.

• Highly Portable

The Binwo XML T6 has a compact design with 6.1” x 1.58” x 1.58” dimensions. It is also very lightweight at 5.3 ounces or 185 grams.

You won’t have any problems finding space for it in your counter, backpack, or toolbox.

You can even put it in your pocket and take it with you while patrolling or walking the dog.

It will also make a great addition to your everyday carry or EDC.

Buyer’s Guide

A good tactical flashlight has to have better ergonomics, enhanced durability, and practical functions. This way, it’ll be able to serve its purpose.

Since not all tactical flashlights are made the same, here are factors to consider to find the perfect fit:

Size and Weight

The size and weight of a tactical flashlight you pick will depend on your personal preferences and what the device is for.

A compact and lightweight model means it’s easy to pack, but it won’t offer much in the way of a self-defense weapon.

On the other hand, a larger unit will take up precious space and could weigh you down.

Durability

The materials used to make a tactical flashlight say a lot about its durability and ruggedness.

Not only does a sturdy build make it impact-resistant, but it will also allow you to use the device as a weapon when necessary.

That said, you will want to pick a tactical flashlight with a titanium, anodized aluminum, or stainless steel casing.

Water Resistance

Aside from impacts, your tactical flashlight should also withstand exposure to the elements.

Since you’d be using them in extreme conditions, it has to be either waterproof or water-resistant to survive rains and storms.

A tactical flashlight with an IPX rating anywhere between 4 and 8 should be enough.

Bulb Type and Brightness

There’s no doubt that LEDs take the cake when it comes to efficiency and durability.

However, xenon bulbs remain unmatched when talking about brightness, but they also eat up battery juice just as quickly.

Plus, you’ll find LEDs offering the same brightness as xenons.

The key is finding a tactical flashlight with 500 to 1,000 lumens, which should be bright enough to dazzle anyone but won’t deplete the batteries in just minutes.

Light Modes

Not all tactical flashlights will have different light modes, but ones that do are among the best wilderness companions you can ask for.

Some of the most useful are SOS, beacon, and strobe.

With these, you’d be able to use your tactical flashlight to signal for help or dazzle and disorient an attacker.

Power Source

Last but not least is the power source. The type of battery it requires not only determines how long it lasts but also how efficient it is.

Disposable alkaline batteries are easy to source, has high power density, and lasts longer in storage. Disposable lithium batteries are the better but more expensive counterpart.

Then, there are rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, which have better output but will set you back more than the disposable ones.

Tactical Flashlight FAQs

1. What makes a flashlight tactical?

A flashlight is considered tactical if it has been designed for police or military use.

Compared to regular flashlights, it’s often made using weapon-grade materials for durability, emits a brighter light, and is more compact.

2. Are tactical flashlights legal?

Owning a tactical flashlight is perfectly legal.

Anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors camping, trekking, or hunting will benefit from having a tactical flashlight.

It can be your first line of defense against intruders to the campsite.

3. How many lumens should a tactical flashlight have?

Tactical flashlights are used in extreme conditions, such as for search and rescue or when hunting at night.

That said, how do you know yours is bright enough?

Generally speaking, a good tactical flashlight has to have anywhere from 500 to 1,000 lumens. In some instances, even a 300-lumen flashlight is enough.

Which Tactical Flashlight Should You Choose?

If you are looking for the best tactical flashlight today, each of the products above will make a viable option.

That said, we highly recommend the Streamlight ProTac, even if you do not own a long gun.

It is as bright as advertised, cleverly built, and easy to use. 

While it is a bit more expensive than the other brands, it offers the most value for your money.

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