The 6 Best Tactical Flashlight For The Money – Reviews in 2019

Tactical flashlights were devised for the military to be used in conjunction with firearms, often being directly mounted on to the weapon.

Their brightness has made them popular with civilians also - in some cases as a tool to help in self-defense, in some cases to make night hunting or fishing easier, but generally just as useful bright emergency light.

Let us consider what might be the best tactical flashlight for the money. Which is the best for your purpose? To start, we will review six well-known flashlights on the market and then compare their benefits.

6 Best Tactical Flashlight For The Money – Reviewed

1. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight Zoomable Adjustable Focus 5 Modes Water Resistant Torch

Like most of the Tactical Flaslights we are reviewing, the Peak Plus works well to a distance of 600 ft. The intense light is made sharper at a distance by the adjustable zoom and focus. 

One can also adjust to five levels of brightness. As well as low, medium or high there is an option for strobe lighting to confuse an attacker and a beacon light for emergencies. It is well adapted to outdoor use and both water resistant and shock resistant.

Like most of the Tactical Flaslights we are reviewing, the Peak Plus works well to a distance of 600 ft. The intense light is made sharper at a distance by the adjustable zoom and focus. 

One can also adjust to five levels of brightness. As well as low, medium or high there is an option for strobe lighting to confuse an attacker and a beacon light for emergencies. It is well adapted to outdoor use and both water resistant and shock resistant.

PeakPlus Super Bright LED Tactical Flashlight Zoomable Adjustable Focus 5 Modes Water Resistant Torch

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

What comes with the kit when you buy it? The flashlight itself, a Lithium Ion Battery type 18650, a battery charger, a sleeve for this battery, a battery holder for triple A batteries, a hand strap, user manual and green box.

What comes with the kit when you buy it? The flashlight itself, a Lithium Ion Battery type 18650, a battery charger, a sleeve for this battery, a battery holder for triple A batteries, a hand strap, user manual and green box.

2. J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight – The Original Ultra Bright High Lumen Output LED Mini Tactical Flashlight

Another tactical flashlight that lights well up to 600 feet away. The manufacturers claim that their LED light works 10 times better than old incandescent lights. Power can come from a rechargeable Lithium 14,500 battery or from a single AA battery. Maximum light output is 300 lumens.

What comes with the flashlight when you buy it. There are no extras with this. Focus is on the price which is very competitive. This is the best selling item in their J5 Tactical flashlight range.

What comes with the flashlight when you buy it. There are no extras with this. Focus is on the price which is very competitive. This is the best selling item in their J5 Tactical flashlight range.

J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight – The Original Ultra Bright High Lumen Output LED Mini Tactical Flashlight

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

There are three brightness settings: low, high and strobe. This flashlight also has adjustable focus. The manufacturers describe the unit as “virtually indestructible – even if it is submerged in water for a short while or dropped from a height of 9 feet.

There are three brightness settings: low, high and strobe. This flashlight also has adjustable focus. The manufacturers describe the unit as “virtually indestructible – even if it is submerged in water for a short while or dropped from a height of 9 feet.

3. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 [2 PACK] - High Lumen, Zoomable, 5 Modes, Water Resistant, Handheld Light

When zoomed to distance setting, the Gearlight S1000 will throw light even 1000 feet away and on wide-angle beam it will light up a whole room.

Electricity is provided by one rechargeable Lithium Ion 18650 battery or 3 AAA batteries. The manufacturers claim high lumens but don’t actually state how many.

Like the Peak Plus, the Gearlight S1000 has five light settings: low, medium and high plus strobe and emergency. Handle is made of military grade aluminum.

When zoomed to distance setting, the Gearlight S1000 will throw light even 1000 feet away and on wide-angle beam it will light up a whole room. Electricity is provided by one rechargeable Lithium Ion 18650 battery or 3 AAA batteries. The manufacturers claim high lumens but don’t actually state how many.

Like the Peak Plus, the Gearlight S1000 has five light settings: low, medium and high plus strobe and emergency. Handle is made of military grade aluminum.

GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight S1000 [2 PACK] - High Lumen, Zoomable, 5 Modes, Water Resistant, Handheld Light

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

The Gearlight manufacturers suggest having an extra flashlight kept in the glovebox of the car and the kit comes with not one, but two flashlights. Also included are two AAA battery holds and two Lithium 18650 Battery Tubes, but no actual batteries, two lanyards and two holders.

The Gearlight manufacturers suggest having an extra flashlight kept in the glovebox of the car and the kit comes with not one, but two flashlights. Also included are two AAA battery holds and two Lithium 18650 Battery Tubes, but no actual batteries, two lanyards and two holders.

4. Tactical Portable LED Flashlight 1000 Lumens with 5 Modes

The Tactical Portable 1000 offers fairly typical coverage to 600 feet when zoomed to distance. Battery can be rechargeable18650 Lithium Ion battery or AAA standard batteries.

Full range of five light settings is provided. Small, medium and high plus strobe and emergency setting. High water resistance makes it usable in the rain.

The manufacturers highlight the robustness of the flashlight and claim that the toughness with which it is made makes it suitable for hitting an attacker or breaking a windshield if one is stuck inside a car.

The Tactical Portable 1000 offers fairly typical coverage to 600 feet when zoomed to distance. Battery can be rechargeable18650 Lithium Ion battery or AAA standard batteries.

Full range of five light settings is provided. Small, medium and high plus strobe and emergency setting. High water resistance makes it usable in the rain. The manufacturers highlight the robustness of the flashlight and claim that the toughness with which it is made makes it suitable for hitting an attacker or breaking a windshield if one is stuck inside a car.

Tactical Portable LED Flashlight 1000 Lumens with 5 Modes

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

What is included when buying this kit. Well not the batteries – neither the Lithium nor its charger, nor the Triple A. There is simply a Black case and Carabiner screw lock with the flashlight.

What is included when buying this kit. Well not the batteries – neither the Lithium nor its charger, nor the Triple A. There is simply a Black case and Carabiner screw lock with the flashlight.

5. Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA 350 Lumen Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light

The Streamlight 88061 ProTac provides a relatively short beam of not much more than 500 feet with a maximum output of 350 lumens. It can be powered by either a CR123A Lithium Battery or a single AA standard battery.

Four light settings are offered: High, medium and low plus a strobe setting. Made of anodized aluminum, it is shock-proof and water resistant for as much as thirty minutes under water.

The Streamlight 88061 ProTac provides a relatively short beam of not much more than 500 feet with a maximum output of 350 lumens. It can be powered by either a CR123A Lithium Battery or a single AA standard battery.

Four light settings are offered: High, medium and low plus a strobe setting. Made of anodized aluminum, it is shock-proof and water resistant for as much as thirty minutes under water.

Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA 350 Lumen Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

Included with the flashlight are both a CR123A Lithium Battery and a double A Alkaline battery. A double A Lithium Battery could be used instead, but this is not included with the purchase.

Included with the flashlight are both a CR123A Lithium Battery and a double A Alkaline battery. A double A Lithium Battery could be used instead, but this is not included with the purchase.

6. Tactical Flashlight 2 Pack - Tac Light Torch Flashlight - As Seen on TV XML T6 - Brightest LED Flashlight with 5 Modes

Providing as much as 800 lumens, the Tactical Flashlight can throw light over 800 feet away if the beam’s zoom is adjusted appropriately. Power can be from either a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery or from 3 AAA Batteries.

As is common with this type of flashlight 5 light settings are available – high, medium and low.

There is also a strobe feature to confuse attackers and an emergency signal. Construction is of a military grade aluminum and steel alloy. It is anti-abrasive, shock resistant and withstands rain.

Providing as much as 800 lumens, the Tactical Flashlight can throw light over 800 feet away if the beam’s zoom is adjusted appropriately. Power can be from either a rechargeable 18650 lithium battery or from 3 AAA Batteries.

As is common with this type of flashlight 5 light settings are available – high, medium and low. There is also a strobe feature to confuse attackers and an emergency signal. Construction is of a military grade aluminum and steel alloy. It is anti-abrasive, shock resistant and withstands rain.

Tactical Flashlight 2 Pack - Tac Light Torch Flashlight - As Seen on TV XML T6 - Brightest LED Flashlight with 5 Modes

Check More Photos & Price at: amazon.com

Batteries are not included but a second flashlight comes in the kit which also includes case, battery holder and aluminum screw lock.

Batteries are not included but a second flashlight comes in the kit which also includes case, battery holder and aluminum screw lock.

how to Choose the right tactical flashlight for the money?

  • Think about the amount of brightness you want from your flashlight?
  • How far do you want you beam to cover? 600 feet is typical. Some tactical flashlights won’t cover such a distance. Others will light up greater distances.
  • Would it be useful to have more than one tactical flashlight? Some kits come with two.
  • Check to see if rechargeable batteries included in the buying price? It makes a difference to the net cost.
  • If you ay use your tactical flashlight in the rain check as to whether it is water resistant.
  • Consider the weight of the flashlight and how easy it might be to carry around.
  • Think about the amount of brightness you want from your flashlight?

Frequently Asked Questions About Tactical Flashlight

Question: How many lumens do you need on a tactical flashlight?

Answer: Lumens are a measurement of light. For a tactical flashlight 300 is a relatively low figure and 1000 is quite high though some flashlights will exceed 4000.  It depends what distance you want your beam to cover.

Question: Why is a red light tactical?

Answer: Some say that red light has less impact on the rod cells in the eyes and therefore helps maintain night vision.

Question: How many lumens do you need to blind an attacker?

Answer: In the daytime 150 lumens will blind an attacker for a few minutes. In daylight, about double that.

Question: What color is the hardest to see at night?

Answer: When driving as night falls you will notice that red is one of the first colors you distinguish with difficulty.

Question: What is a tactical flashlight used for?

Answer: Tactical flashlights were originally devised for the military working on night operations. They provided an intense beam of light that enabled them to pinpoint their target in the dark. It was often even more useful to have them clipped on the firearm.

It was apparent that there were a lot of civilian uses for bright flashlights such as these. People who hunted or went fishing at night were obvious candidates. In our modern violent times, they were also helpful in warding off attackers. The bright beam shone into someone’s eyes can blind him for a few minutes. Many of these tactical flashlights also have a strobe setting which is disorientating for an attacker who has such a light directed at his eyes.

Apart from such defensive purposes, it is also useful to have such an appliance in the home to provide emergency light if there is a power outage.

It is also ideal to have when out camping or simply taking a walk at night. The adjustable beam focus that most of the tactical flashlights seem to have are extremely useful. At a wide angle you might give overall illumination inside a tent, whilst if zoomed to a distance setting you can home further afield if looking for a lost person or animal.

Question: How does a flashlight work?

Answer: When the switch is set to the ‘on’ position contact is made with metal strips enabling electricity to run between the negative and positive electrodes of a battery and power a light bulb.

Question: Why Tactical Flashlights work for Self Defense.

Answer: They basically give a little bit of time to react, by temporarily blinding the attacker for a few minutes and perhaps also disorientating him for a little longer if a strobe setting is used.

Question: How many lumens do you need on a tactical flashlight?


Answer: Lumens are a measurement of light. For a tactical flashlight 300 is a relatively low figure and 1000 is quite high though some flashlights will exceed 4000.  It depends what distance you want your beam to cover.


Question: Why is a red light tactical?


Answer: Some say that red light has less impact on the rod cells in the eyes and therefore helps maintain night vision.


Question: How many lumens do you need to blind an attacker?

Answer: In the daytime 150 lumens will blind an attacker for a few minutes. In daylight, about double that.


Question: What color is the hardest to see at night?


Answer: When driving as night falls you will notice that red is one of the first colors you distinguish with difficulty.


Question: What is a tactical flashlight used for?


Answer: Tactical flashlights were originally devised for the military working on night operations. They provided an intense beam of light that enabled them to pinpoint their target in the dark. It was often even more useful to have them clipped on the firearm.


It was apparent that there were a lot of civilian uses for bright flashlights such as these. People who hunted or went fishing at night were obvious candidates. In our modern violent times, they were also helpful in warding off attackers. The bright beam shone into someone’s eyes can blind him for a few minutes. Many of these tactical flashlights also have a strobe setting which is disorientating for an attacker who has such a light directed at his eyes.


Apart from such defensive purposes, it is also useful to have such an appliance in the home to provide emergency light if there is a power outage.


It is also ideal to have when out camping or simply taking a walk at night. The adjustable beam focus that most of the tactical flashlights seem to have are extremely useful. At a wide angle you might give overall illumination inside a tent, whilst if zoomed to a distance setting you can home further afield if looking for a lost person or animal.


Question: How does a flashlight work?


Answer: When the switch is set to the ‘on’ position contact is made with metal strips enabling electricity to run between the negative and positive electrodes of a battery and power a light bulb.


Question: Why Tactical Flashlights work for Self Defense.


Answer: They basically give a little bit of time to react, by temporarily blinding the attacker for a few minutes and perhaps also disorientating him for a little longer if a strobe setting is used.

Final Note

If you want a Tactical Flashlight purely for emergency in the home when there is a power outage, then you may simply go for the cheapest Tactical Flashlight on the market.

However, in working out the cheapest don’t forget to take into account whether or not batteries are included in the purchase price. If you go hiking a lot, ease of packing away might be a top consideration.

On the other hand, you might find that the level of brightness is the most important consideration for you. So, don't just for a flashlight go for the best tactical flashlight.

If you want a Tactical Flashlight purely for emergency in the home when there is a power outage, then you may simply go for the cheapest Tactical Flashlight on the market. However, in working out the cheapest don’t forget to take into account whether or not batteries are included in the purchase price. If you go hiking a lot, ease of packing away might be a top consideration. On the other hand, you might find that the level of brightness is the most important consideration for you.

David Hanley
 

I am a contractor. I love my job to the moon and back. I like to try new tools that can ease my work and satisfy my clients. I am not a blogger, am a DIY person who wants to help my fellow friends.