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WOWTAC A1 500 Lumen Rechargeable LED Handheld Flashlight,Compact Mini Flashlight for Outdoor Exploring,18650 Battery Included-CW?
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122 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
In addition to the Sofirn SF11, the Wowtac A1 is pretty hard to beat. It doesn't take alkaline batteries but it includes an 18650 with a USB charging port on it. I'd argue USB recharging is even slightly more muggle friendly than alkalines. The UI is super straight forward too since it's a dual-switch design.
The Wowtac A1 is the cheapest complete package light I can recommend (flashlight, batteries, & charger).
Good flashlights are usually on the smaller side because they don't need to hold multiple large cells to have good output anymore. Lights in the size range you're looking for are going to be outside your budget. You can find a few good options that are a bit smaller within your budget though. The Wowtac A1 is an incredible value. It's about the same size as your mini maglite. Coming from a mini maglite the brightness will absolutely blow you away. It comes with a usb rechargeable 18650 cell as well. It's got a tail switch for turning it on/off and a side switch that lets you change modes. What do you think?
Not better nexesarillty, but the Wowtac A1 might be a good choice too. It's a little easier to just pick up and use since it's got a tail switch for on/off so they don't have to even bother with the side switch if they don't want to. However you have to remove the battery to charge it (it has a usb port on the side).
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-06-18, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
Don't get a bike light unless you intend to mount the thing on a bike. They are very niche specific and don't work nearly as well as a handheld light.
Having a budget to work with would be really helpful.
If you're on a super tight budget the Wowtac A1 is great for $20.
The cheapest USB-C charging light that's any good is the Wurkkos FC11 but the sustained output isn't great and it's very floody so you won't be able to see very far ahead of you. If you can do without the USB-C charging, the SOfirn SP31 V2 would be really well suited. It has some decent throw and high sustained output.
Stepping up to the Sofirn Sp33 V3 will get you a lot more turbo output, sustained output, sustained throw, and battery capacity.
Past that you could get the Sofirn SP36 BLF Anduril which increases everything even more. It's also got high CRI emitters which make colors pop more and it's also got a really cool UI called Anduril that includes a bike flasher mode which might help you be more visible to others if that appeals to you.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-02, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
Gotcha. That's some good feedback! Check out some of these options then since they are routinely $20 or sometimes even less. I've seen the A2 as low as $14.
Those are the cheapest lights I know of that are worth buying. Anything cheaper will be using disposable batteries and won't be nearly as good quality. More expensive in the long run too because of the disposables. But, if you do need something cheaper, big box stores like WalMart usually sell some multi packs of lights with a bunch of batteries for like $5-10 that are honestly not a bad value. The flashlights aren't great but you get multiples of them and a lot of batteries for your money.
Edit: u/MooreDubs has you covered 👍
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-06-18, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-06-18, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please see this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is one of those terms that lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. The vast majority of "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode. They don't have design characteristics or features that actually make them more useful in a defensive situation that any other flashlight.
The effectiveness of strobe mode in a defensive situation is questionably. It might disorient your attacker a bit, but it can also disorient you and others. A high intensity constant on light is a much better solution. Just like an oncoming car with its high beam headlights on, a high intensity constant on light will cause an attacker to squint and not be able to see anything in your direction other than your light. This can be an effective defensive tool to dissuade an attacker. It can also be useful against someone who is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Another common feature on "tactical" flashlights is a "strike" bezel. These have to be very aggressive in order to be even marginally more effective than a plain bezel and a sufficiently aggressive bezel will make quick work of your pants pockets and tear them to shreds.
With all that said...
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: To maximize the "car headlight" effect I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the brightness (lumens). In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: To maximize that car headlight effect, I want to use the light in turbo mode. That means I need to be able to access turbo mode quickly. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights let you double or triple tap the switch to get to turbo, some have mode memory where if you turn your light off in turbo mode it'll turn back on in turbo mode, and a few have a dedicated turbo button on the tailcap. I like the lights that let you double or triple tap, because they also tend to have shortcuts to low mode which I find useful for utility tasks.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights use a dual-switch design where the tailswitch is just for on/off and a side switch is used to cycle through modes. The appeal of that is that you can use your light for signalling without changing modes and that you won't accidentally change modes in a high stress situation. That's great for a dedicated taactical light, but an EDC light is primarily for utility so even a defensive light needs to function well in administrative tasks. I'm not a huge fan of the dual-switch design because it makes changing modes cumbersome and usually eliminates the possibility of shortcuts to low adnd high, which I use regularly. Since a light is primarily for utility, any tactical features should not subtract from the day-to-day usability of the light as an administrative tool.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling.
• Adjustable brightness and a sub-lumen mode: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. A flashlight is first and foremost a utility tool and I don't need to be blinding everyone in the movie theater when I drop my keys below the seat. Lower modes give you much more battery life and a sub-lumen mode is great for retaining night adjusted vision.
• Thyrm Switchback Support: The most subjective thing I personally look for in a defense oriented light is compatibility with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. I find it to be an incredibly handy and fun flashlight accessory that makes accessing, retaining, and using the light significantly faster and easier. If you're interested in more info, I've written a brokenrecordbot call all about the switchback and the best compatible lights called "switchback".
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Since the effectiveness of a strobe mode is suspect, I try not to rely on them. If the strobe mode is there but it doesn't get in the way, I don't mind it too much, but if all else is equal I'd rather have a light without a strobe mode.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly and can be a little scary to sheeple when you are just using your flashlight for utility purposes.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20
Pros - inexpensive, sufficiently bright and durable, switchback compatible (probably), battery included, no rubber charging flap, sublumen mode
Cons - not the brightnest (550lm), cool white, low CRI, dual-switch design
Wowtac A7 ~$30
Pros - inexpensive, available in neutral white, good brightness (1000lm), good intensity (18,000cd), battery included, micro-usb charging, relatively compact, sublumen mode
Cons - rubber charging flap, dual-switch design, low CRI
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery
Pros - great brightness (1200lm), best in class intensity at 39,000 candela / 395m of throw, excellent two-stage tailswitch, supports the switchback (probably), relatively compact, no rubber flap, good clip, quick access to strobe if you want it
Cons - limited battery support (no flat tops), no sublumen mode, no shortcuts to turbo or low from off
Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery
Pros - dedicated turbo button on the tail, side button for everything else, USB-C charging, excellent battery support, fantastic high CRI neutral white sst-20 emitter available, relatively high intensity (15,000 candela), sublumen mode, shortcuts to lowest and highest modes
Cons - relatively low max brightness (600lm), rubber flap covering the port that can wear out or compromise water resistance, really basic clip (Killzone does carry a better one, no switchback support without modification
Streamlight HL-X ~$75
Pros - good brightness (1000lm), great intensity (27,500cd), good clip, switchback compatible, great durability and reliability, programmable, no rubber flap
Cons - large, Cool white, low CRI, doesn't support unprotected flat top batteries, no integrated charging, no sublumen mode
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80
Pros - Great two stage tailswitch with quick access to turbo, magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap, shortcuts to lowest and highest mode via side switch, compact (smallest in class), can clip to a hat for use as a headlamp
Cons - proprietary battery, proprietary charger, can get turned on in your pocket by keys (or anything metal) touching the tailcap and can burn holes in your clothes
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100
Pros - high capacity 21700 cell (included), excellent brightness (3100lm), great intensity (36,000cd), excellent dual-switch tailcap (one for on/off, one for mode changes), tungsten glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, instant strobe if you want it (press mode button from off)
Cons - large, heavy, no shortcuts to low or turbo, no sublumen mode, no switchback support
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-02-28, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Thrunite TN12 Pro ~$40, ~2000lm, ~36kcd, USB-C rechargeable, battery included, instant-turbo tail switch, side switch for all other modes, unregulated driver, I reviewed it here
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Fenix TK20R V2 ~$130, high capacity battery included, ~3000lm, ~57,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, innovative charging port solution, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2022-07-15, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/TacGriz, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~30000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This guide is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary. Some of the points and recommendations can also apply to lights for LEO's, but this is not a duty light buying guide.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: The effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Wurkkos FC12 ~$40, ~2000lm, ~135000cd, dual-switch design, smooth brightness adjustment, USB-C recharging, 18650 battery included, comes in purple
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proprietary battery, and proximity sensor that can occasionally cause problems
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-10-13, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
| Item | Current | Lowest | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOWTAC A1S Tactical Handheld Flashlight, 1150 Lum… | - | - | 4.5/5.0 |
| WOWTAC A7 EDC Tactical Flashlight 1047 High Lumen… | - | - | 4.4/5.0 |
| Thyrm Switchback DF Flashlight Ring for SureFire… | - | - | 4.4/5.0 |
| Streamlight 88065 Pro Tac HL-X 1,000 Lumen Profes… | $73.16 | $73.16 | 4.8/5.0 |
| OLIGHT Warrior Mini 2 1750 Lumens Tactical Flashl… | - | - | 4.6/5.0 |
^Item Info | Bot Info | Trigger
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC-sized flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini II ~$90, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, reversible and bidirectional clip, proximity sensor, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, supports Thyrm Switchback DF, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-07-12, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-06-18, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
This entry is not about duty lights for LEO's. This is about EDC lights for civilians that can flex into a defensive role if necessary.
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-06-18, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Acebeam T36 ~$110, basically an upgraded EC35 Gen II with a lot more brightness, a bigger 21700 battery, and a reversible strike bezel. It works with the Thyrm Switchback DF too which is very cool.
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-05-11, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please start with this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is has lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. Most "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode and aren't meaningfully better than any other flashlight for defense.
A "tactical" EDC light is first and foremost a utility tool, not a defensive tool. Any features that add to its usefulness as a defensive tool should not take away from its usefulness as a utility tool.
EDC carryable flashlights aren't intense enough to temporarily blind an attacker. It's just not a thing. What you can do is shine the light in their face so they can't see anything except your light.
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necisarilly the highest lumen output. In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: It's important to be able to get to max brightness really quickly in a defensive situation. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights have a shortcut to get to turbo, some have mode memory, and a few have a dedicated turbo button. I like lights with shortcuts best personally.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights have a dual-switch design that requires you to adjust your grip to change modes which is a pain, so I like to be able to turn the light on/off and change modes all from the tailswitch.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling, and most of my EDC uses for a light are just for a couple seconds so momentary on is handy.
• Adjustable brightness: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. I like to have at least a few different brightness levels on my light for different situations throughout the day. I also like to have a sub-lumen or "moonlight" mode which is nice for seeing in pitch black without messing up my night adjusted vision.
• Rechargeable battery support: Lots of "tactical" flashlights still only support CR123A batteries which is a real shame. They're more expensive, single-use, perform worse, and are more likely to explode than modern, rechargeable, lithium-ion cells like 18650's. There is no reason to buy a light that only supports CR123A's anymore.
• Quick access from the pocket: It's important to be able to access defensive tools quickly so I like lights that can be snatched out of the pocket fast. My favorite way to do this is with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. If you're interested in more info, check out my switchback guide.
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Tthe effectiveness of a strobe mode in defensive situations is questionable. It may disorient your attacker, but also may disorient you. A high intensity, constant on light is a more reliable solution and will prevent the attacker from being able to see anything except your light. Having a strobe won't disqualify a light for me so long as it doesn't interfere with normal use.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly. Having a strike bezel won't disqualify a light for me though.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out. Zoom disqualifies a light for me.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20, ~550lm, ~10000cd, USB rechargeable battery included, dual-switch design, no sublumen mode
Wowtac A7 ~$30, ~1000lm, ~18000cd, sublumen mode, dual-switch design, USB recharging, battery included
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery, ~1200lm, best in class ~39000cd, cool two stage tailswitch, no shortcuts, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Killzone Exclusive Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery, high CRI, ~600lm, ~15000cd, dedicated turbo button, USB-C charging, sublumen mode, shortcuts, disappointing clip but there's a better one
Streamlight HL-X ~$75, ~1000lm, ~27500cd, good clip, switchback compatible, programmable, kind of big, no sublumen mode, doesn't support flat top batteries
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80, great 2-stage tailswitch, magnetic tailcap & charging, shortcuts, sublumen mode, can clip to hat as a headlamp, proprietary battery, keys in your pocket can turn it on turbo by accident
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100, high capacity battery with USB charging included, ~3100lm, ~36,000cd, dual-switch tailcap, glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, dedicated strobe button, kind of big and heavy, no shortcuts or sublumen mode
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-04-25, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please see this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is one of those terms that lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. The vast majority of "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode. They don't have design characteristics or features that actually make them more useful in a defensive situation that any other flashlight.
The effectiveness of strobe mode in a defensive situation is questionably. It might disorient your attacker a bit, but it can also disorient you and others. A high intensity constant on light is a much better solution. Just like an oncoming car with its high beam headlights on, a high intensity constant on light will cause an attacker to squint and not be able to see anything in your direction other than your light. This can be an effective defensive tool to dissuade an attacker. It can also be useful against someone who is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Another common feature on "tactical" flashlights is a "strike" bezel. These have to be very aggressive in order to be even marginally more effective than a plain bezel and a sufficiently aggressive bezel will make quick work of your pants pockets and tear them to shreds.
With all that said...
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: To maximize the "car headlight" effect I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the brightness (lumens). In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: To maximize that car headlight effect, I want to use the light in turbo mode. That means I need to be able to access turbo mode quickly. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights let you double or triple tap the switch to get to turbo, some have mode memory where if you turn your light off in turbo mode it'll turn back on in turbo mode, and a few have a dedicated turbo button on the tailcap. I like the lights that let you double or triple tap, because they also tend to have shortcuts to low mode which I find useful for utility tasks.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights use a dual-switch design where the tailswitch is just for on/off and a side switch is used to cycle through modes. The appeal of that is that you can use your light for signalling without changing modes and that you won't accidentally change modes in a high stress situation. That's great for a dedicated taactical light, but an EDC light is primarily for utility so even a defensive light needs to function well in administrative tasks. I'm not a huge fan of the dual-switch design because it makes changing modes cumbersome and usually eliminates the possibility of shortcuts to low adnd high, which I use regularly. Since a light is primarily for utility, any tactical features should not subtract from the day-to-day usability of the light as an administrative tool.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling.
• Adjustable brightness and a sub-lumen mode: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. A flashlight is first and foremost a utility tool and I don't need to be blinding everyone in the movie theater when I drop my keys below the seat. Lower modes give you much more battery life and a sub-lumen mode is great for retaining night adjusted vision.
• Thyrm Switchback Support: The most subjective thing I personally look for in a defense oriented light is compatibility with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. I find it to be an incredibly handy and fun flashlight accessory that makes accessing, retaining, and using the light significantly faster and easier. If you're interested in more info, I've written a brokenrecordbot call all about the switchback and the best compatible lights called "switchback".
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Since the effectiveness of a strobe mode is suspect, I try not to rely on them. If the strobe mode is there but it doesn't get in the way, I don't mind it too much, but if all else is equal I'd rather have a light without a strobe mode.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly and can be a little scary to sheeple when you are just using your flashlight for utility purposes.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20
Pros - inexpensive, sufficiently bright and durable, switchback compatible (probably), battery included, no rubber charging flap, sublumen mode
Cons - not the brightnest (550lm), cool white, low CRI, dual-switch design
Wowtac A7 ~$30
Pros - inexpensive, available in neutral white, good brightness (1000lm), good intensity (18,000cd), battery included, micro-usb charging, relatively compact, sublumen mode
Cons - rubber charging flap, dual-switch design, low CRI
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery
Pros - great brightness (1200lm), best in class intensity at 39,000 candela / 395m of throw, excellent two-stage tailswitch, supports the switchback (probably), relatively compact, no rubber flap, good clip, quick access to strobe if you want it
Cons - limited battery support (no flat tops), no sublumen mode, no shortcuts to turbo or low from off
Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery
Pros - dedicated turbo button on the tail, side button for everything else, USB-C charging, excellent battery support, fantastic high CRI neutral white sst-20 emitter available, relatively high intensity (15,000 candela), sublumen mode, shortcuts to lowest and highest modes
Cons - relatively low max brightness (600lm), rubber flap covering the port that can wear out or compromise water resistance, really basic clip (Killzone does carry a better one, no switchback support without modification
Streamlight HL-X ~$75
Pros - good brightness (1000lm), great intensity (27,500cd), good clip, switchback compatible, great durability and reliability, programmable, no rubber flap
Cons - large, Cool white, low CRI, doesn't support unprotected flat top batteries, no integrated charging, no sublumen mode
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80
Pros - Great two stage tailswitch with quick access to turbo, magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap, shortcuts to lowest and highest mode via side switch, compact (smallest in class), can clip to a hat for use as a headlamp
Cons - proprietary battery, proprietary charger, can get turned on in your pocket by keys (or anything metal) touching the tailcap and can burn holes in your clothes
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100
Pros - high capacity 21700 cell (included), excellent brightness (3100lm), great intensity (36,000cd), excellent dual-switch tailcap (one for on/off, one for mode changes), tungsten glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, instant strobe if you want it (press mode button from off)
Cons - large, heavy, no shortcuts to low or turbo, no sublumen mode, no switchback support
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-02-28, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" EDC flashlight?
Please see this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is one of those terms that lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. The vast majority of "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode. They don't have design characteristics or features that actually make them more useful in a defensive situation that any other flashlight.
The effectiveness of strobe mode in a defensive situation is questionably. It might disorient your attacker a bit, but it can also disorient you and others. A high intensity constant on light is a much better solution. Just like an oncoming car with its high beam headlights on, a high intensity constant on light will cause an attacker to squint and not be able to see anything in your direction other than your light. This can be an effective defensive tool to dissuade an attacker. It can also be useful against someone who is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Another common feature on "tactical" flashlights is a "strike" bezel. These have to be very aggressive in order to be even marginally more effective than a plain bezel and a sufficiently aggressive bezel will make quick work of your pants pockets and tear them to shreds.
With all that said...
Here are some things I personally look for in a defense oriented everyday carry flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: To maximize the "car headlight" effect I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the brightness (lumens). In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: To maximize that car headlight effect, I want to use the light in turbo mode. That means I need to be able to access turbo mode quickly. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights let you double or triple tap the switch to get to turbo, some have mode memory where if you turn your light off in turbo mode it'll turn back on in turbo mode, and a few have a dedicated turbo button on the tailcap. I like the lights that let you double or triple tap, because they also tend to have shortcuts to low mode which I find useful for utility tasks.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights use a dual-switch design where the tailswitch is just for on/off and a side switch is used to cycle through modes. The appeal of that is that you can use your light for signalling without changing modes and that you won't accidentally change modes in a high stress situation. That's great for a dedicated taactical light, but an EDC light is primarily for utility so even a defensive light needs to function well in administrative tasks. I'm not a huge fan of the dual-switch design because it makes changing modes cumbersome and usually eliminates the possibility of shortcuts to low adnd high, which I use regularly. Since a light is primarily for utility, any tactical features should not subtract from the day-to-day usability of the light as an administrative tool.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling.
• Adjustable brightness and a sub-lumen mode: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. A flashlight is first and foremost a utility tool and I don't need to be blinding everyone in the movie theater when I drop my keys below the seat. Lower modes give you much more battery life and a sub-lumen mode is great for retaining night adjusted vision.
• Thyrm Switchback Support: The most subjective thing I personally look for in a defense oriented light is compatibility with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. I find it to be an incredibly handy and fun flashlight accessory that makes accessing, retaining, and using the light significantly faster and easier. If you're interested in more info, I've written a brokenrecordbot call all about the switchback and the best compatible lights called "switchback".
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Since the effectiveness of a strobe mode is suspect, I try not to rely on them. If the strobe mode is there but it doesn't get in the way, I don't mind it too much, but if all else is equal I'd rather have a light without a strobe mode.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly and can be a little scary to sheeple when you are just using your flashlight for utility purposes.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20
Pros - inexpensive, sufficiently bright and durable, switchback compatible (probably), battery included, no rubber charging flap, sublumen mode
Cons - not the brightnest (550lm), cool white, low CRI, dual-switch design
Wowtac A7 ~$30
Pros - inexpensive, available in neutral white, good brightness (1000lm), good intensity (18,000cd), battery included, micro-usb charging, relatively compact, sublumen mode
Cons - rubber charging flap, dual-switch design, low CRI
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery
Pros - great brightness (1200lm), best in class intensity at 39,000 candela / 395m of throw, excellent two-stage tailswitch, supports the switchback (probably), relatively compact, no rubber flap, good clip, quick access to strobe if you want it
Cons - limited battery support (no flat tops), no sublumen mode, no shortcuts to turbo or low from off
Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery
Pros - dedicated turbo button on the tail, side button for everything else, USB-C charging, excellent battery support, fantastic high CRI neutral white sst-20 emitter available, relatively high intensity (15,000 candela), sublumen mode, shortcuts to lowest and highest modes
Cons - relatively low max brightness (600lm), rubber flap covering the port that can wear out or compromise water resistance, really basic clip (Killzone does carry a better one, no switchback support without modification
Streamlight HL-X ~$75
Pros - good brightness (1000lm), great intensity (27,500cd), good clip, switchback compatible, great durability and reliability, programmable, no rubber flap
Cons - large, Cool white, low CRI, doesn't support unprotected flat top batteries, no integrated charging, no sublumen mode
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80
Pros - Great two stage tailswitch with quick access to turbo, magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap, shortcuts to lowest and highest mode via side switch, compact (smallest in class), can clip to a hat for use as a headlamp
Cons - proprietary battery, proprietary charger, can get turned on in your pocket by keys (or anything metal) touching the tailcap and can burn holes in your clothes
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100
Pros - high capacity 21700 cell (included), excellent brightness (3100lm), great intensity (36,000cd), excellent dual-switch tailcap (one for on/off, one for mode changes), tungsten glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, instant strobe if you want it (press mode button from off)
Cons - large, heavy, no shortcuts to low or turbo, no sublumen mode, no switchback support
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-02-28, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" flashlight
Please see this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is one of those terms that lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. The vast majority of "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode. They don't have design characteristics or features that actually make them more useful in a defensive situation that any other flashlight.
The effectiveness of strobe mode in a defensive situation is questionably. It might disorient your attacker a bit, but it can also disorient you and others. A high intensity constant on light is a much better solution. Just like an oncoming car with its high beam headlights on, a high intensity constant on light will cause an attacker to squint and not be able to see anything in your direction other than your light. This can be an effective defensive tool to dissuade an attacker. It can also be useful against someone who is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Another common feature on "tactical" flashlights is a "strike" bezel. These have to be very aggressive in order to be even marginally more effective than a plain bezel and a sufficiently aggressive bezel will make quick work of your pants pockets and tear them to shreds.
With all that said...
Here are some things I personally look for in a defensive flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: To maximize the "car headlight" effect I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the brightness (lumens). In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: To maximize that car headlight effect, I want to use the light in turbo mode. That means I need to be able to access turbo mode quickly. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights let you double or triple tap the switch to get to turbo, some have mode memory where if you turn your light off in turbo mode it'll turn back on in turbo mode, and a few have a dedicated turbo button on the tailcap. I like the lights that let you double or triple tap, because they also tend to have shortcuts to low mode which I find useful for utility tasks.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights use a dual-switch design where the tailswitch is just for on/off and a side switch is used to cycle through modes. I'm not a huge fan of this design since it usually requires me to break my grip and shimmy the light around in my hand to find that side switch to change modes.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling.
• Adjustable brightness and a sub-lumen mode: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. A flashlight is first and foremost a utility tool and I don't need to be blinding everyone in the movie theater when I drop my keys below the seat. Lower modes give you much more battery life and a sub-lumen mode is great for retaining night adjusted vision.
• Thyrm Switchback Support: The most subjective thing I personally look for in a defense oriented light is compatibility with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. I find it to be an incredibly handy and fun flashlight accessory that makes accessing, retaining, and using the light significantly faster and easier. If you're interested in more info, I've written a brokenrecordbot call all about the switchback and the best compatible lights called "switchback".
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Since the effectiveness of a strobe mode is suspect, I try not to rely on them. If the strobe mode is there but it doesn't get in the way, I don't mind it too much, but if all else is equal I'd rather have a light without a strobe mode.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly and can be a little scary to sheeple when you are just using your flashlight for utility purposes.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20
Pros - inexpensive, sufficiently bright and durable, switchback compatible (probably), battery included, no rubber charging flap, sublumen mode
Cons - not the brightnest (550lm), cool white, low CRI, dual-switch design
Wowtac A7 ~$30
Pros - inexpensive, available in neutral white, good brightness (1000lm), good intensity (18,000cd), battery included, micro-usb charging, relatively compact, sublumen mode
Cons - rubber charging flap, dual-switch design, low CRI
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery
Pros - great brightness (1200lm), best in class intensity at 39,000 candela / 395m of throw, excellent two-stage tailswitch, supports the switchback (probably), relatively compact, no rubber flap, good clip, quick access to strobe if you want it
Cons - limited battery support (no flat tops), no sublumen mode, no shortcuts to turbo or low from off
Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery
Pros - dedicated turbo button on the tail, side button for everything else, USB-C charging, excellent battery support, fantastic high CRI neutral white sst-20 emitter available, relatively high intensity (15,000 candela), sublumen mode, shortcuts to lowest and highest modes
Cons - relatively low max brightness (600lm), rubber flap covering the port that can wear out or compromise water resistance, really basic clip (Killzone does carry a better one, no switchback support without modification
Streamlight HL-X ~$75
Pros - good brightness (1000lm), great intensity (27,500cd), good clip, switchback compatible, great durability and reliability, programmable, no rubber flap
Cons - large, Cool white, low CRI, doesn't support unprotected flat top batteries, no integrated charging, no sublumen mode
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80
Pros - Great two stage tailswitch with quick access to turbo, magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap, shortcuts to lowest and highest mode via side switch, compact (smallest in class), can clip to a hat for use as a headlamp
Cons - proprietary battery, proprietary charger, can get turned on in your pocket by keys (or anything metal) touching the tailcap and can burn holes in your clothes
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100
Pros - high capacity 21700 cell (included), excellent brightness (3100lm), great intensity (36,000cd), excellent dual-switch tailcap (one for on/off, one for mode changes), tungsten glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, instant strobe if you want it (press mode button from off)
Cons - large, heavy, no shortcuts to low or turbo, no sublumen mode, no switchback support
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-02-28, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
So you want a "tactical" flashlight
Please see this extensive guide on using a flashlight as a self defense tool.
"Tactical" is one of those terms that lost almost all meaning due to excessive use in marketing. The vast majority of "tactical" flashlights are just a generic flashlight with a tail switch and a strobe mode. They don't have design characteristics or features that actually make them more useful in a defensive situation that any other flashlight.
The effectiveness of strobe mode in a defensive situation is questionably. It might disorient your attacker a bit, but it can also disorient you and others. A high intensity constant on light is a much better solution. Just like an oncoming car with its high beam headlights on, a high intensity constant on light will cause an attacker to squint and not be able to see anything in your direction other than your light. This can be an effective defensive tool to dissuade an attacker. It can also be useful against someone who is heavily impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Another common feature on "tactical" flashlights is a "strike" bezel. These have to be very aggressive in order to be even marginally more effective than a plain bezel and a sufficiently aggressive bezel will make quick work of your pants pockets and tear them to shreds.
With all that said...
Here are some things I personally look for in a defensive flashlight
• A tailswitch: I find that EDC sized lights with tail switches give me a much better grip than EDC sized lights with side switches, so I look for a tailswitch.
• High intensity: To maximize the "car headlight" effect I look for the highest intensity (candela/throw) light I can get, not necessarily the brightness (lumens). In the size of light I like to carry, 20,000 candela is a good high number to shoot for.
• Quick access to turbo: To maximize that car headlight effect, I want to use the light in turbo mode. That means I need to be able to access turbo mode quickly. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. Some lights always come on in high mode first, some lights let you double or triple tap the switch to get to turbo, some have mode memory where if you turn your light off in turbo mode it'll turn back on in turbo mode, and a few have a dedicated turbo button on the tailcap. I like the lights that let you double or triple tap, because they also tend to have shortcuts to low mode which I find useful for utility tasks.
• Full control from the tailswitch: Some lights use a dual-switch design where the tailswitch is just for on/off and a side switch is used to cycle through modes. I'm not a huge fan of this design since it usually requires me to break my grip and shimmy the light around in my hand to find that side switch to change modes.
• Momentary on: This can be useful when you only need to turn your light on for a brief moment. Great for signaling.
• Adjustable brightness and a sub-lumen mode: There is something to be said for simplicity, but walking to the bathroom at night does not call for 1500 lumens. A flashlight is first and foremost a utility tool and I don't need to be blinding everyone in the movie theater when I drop my keys below the seat. Lower modes give you much more battery life and a sub-lumen mode is great for retaining night adjusted vision.
• Thyrm Switchback Support: The most subjective thing I personally look for in a defense oriented light is compatibility with the Thyrm Switchback 2.0. I find it to be an incredibly handy and fun flashlight accessory that makes accessing, retaining, and using the light significantly faster and easier. If you're interested in more info, I've written a brokenrecordbot call all about the switchback and the best compatible lights called "switchback".
Here are some things I don't look for in a tactical light
• Strobe: Since the effectiveness of a strobe mode is suspect, I try not to rely on them. If the strobe mode is there but it doesn't get in the way, I don't mind it too much, but if all else is equal I'd rather have a light without a strobe mode.
• An overly aggressive bezel: EDC size lights don't have very much mass so I don't think they're especially effective as striking devices. Super aggressive bezels can tear up your pockets more quickly and can be a little scary to sheeple when you are just using your flashlight for utility purposes.
• Zoom: Zoomable lights are hugely popular right now, but they are a really poor solution. A zoom mechanism adds many failure points, compromises water and dust resistance, and makes the light less optically efficient (light gets trapped inside the head). A well designed fixed flashlight beam gives you a bright hotspot for throw as well as wide spill for flood without having to zoom your light in and out.
Recomendations
Wowtac A1 ~$20
Pros - inexpensive, sufficiently bright and durable, switchback compatible (probably), battery included, no rubber charging flap, sublumen mode
Cons - not the brightnest (550lm), cool white, low CRI, dual-switch design
Wowtac A7 ~$30
Pros - inexpensive, available in neutral white, good brightness (1000lm), good intensity (18,000cd), battery included, micro-usb charging, relatively compact, sublumen mode
Cons - rubber charging flap, dual-switch design, low CRI
Fenix PD32 V2 ~$60 + battery
Pros - great brightness (1200lm), best in class intensity at 39,000 candela / 395m of throw, excellent two-stage tailswitch, supports the switchback (probably), relatively compact, no rubber flap, good clip, quick access to strobe if you want it
Cons - limited battery support (no flat tops), no sublumen mode, no shortcuts to turbo or low from off
Acebeam EC35 Gen II ~$70 + battery
Pros - dedicated turbo button on the tail, side button for everything else, USB-C charging, excellent battery support, fantastic high CRI neutral white sst-20 emitter available, relatively high intensity (15,000 candela), sublumen mode, shortcuts to lowest and highest modes
Cons - relatively low max brightness (600lm), rubber flap covering the port that can wear out or compromise water resistance, really basic clip (Killzone does carry a better one, no switchback support without modification
Streamlight HL-X ~$75
Pros - good brightness (1000lm), great intensity (27,500cd), good clip, switchback compatible, great durability and reliability, programmable, no rubber flap
Cons - large, Cool white, low CRI, doesn't support unprotected flat top batteries, no integrated charging, no sublumen mode
Olight Warrior Mini ~$80
Pros - Great two stage tailswitch with quick access to turbo, magnetic charging, magnetic tailcap, shortcuts to lowest and highest mode via side switch, compact (smallest in class), can clip to a hat for use as a headlamp
Cons - proprietary battery, proprietary charger, can get turned on in your pocket by keys (or anything metal) touching the tailcap and can burn holes in your clothes
Fenix TK16 V2 ~$100
Pros - high capacity 21700 cell (included), excellent brightness (3100lm), great intensity (36,000cd), excellent dual-switch tailcap (one for on/off, one for mode changes), tungsten glass breakers in the bezel, good clip, instant strobe if you want it (press mode button from off)
Cons - large, heavy, no shortcuts to low or turbo, no sublumen mode, no switchback support
Disclaimer
I am not an expert in any way. I have not taken any tactical flashlight training. This is just what I happen to look for in a tactical flashlight for myself.
I hope you find this useful!
(written by u/tactical_grizzly, updated 2021-02-28, if you have any suggestions for changes to this entry please don't hesitate to send me a message)
^(I AM A BOT. PM WITH SUGGESTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS. SEE MY) ^(WIKI) ^(FOR USE.)
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