Whether you are patrolling outside the wire, walking a beat in rural America, or simply enjoying the outdoors, you know the importance of having a good flashlight. But which tactical flashlights are best, and which won’t leave you standing in the dark, hitting it against your palm?
Here at U.S. Patriot Tactical, we know that not everything that goes bump in the night is the neighborhood cat. We also understand that you need a flashlight that you can count on every time the sun goes down. Therefore, we searched every dark corner of the warehouse to bring you the best tactical flashlights available. Here’s what we found for our top sellers…
Pelican 2370 3 Color LED Flashlight
Pelican is known for its durable, almost indestructible flashlights, and this one is no different. Made from anodized aircraft aluminum, the Pelican 2370 is light enough for everyday use, but strong enough to depend on when the going gets rough. Plus, it provides three light choices: standard white, low-visibility red, and blue for map reading or locating body fluids. It’s like three tactical flashlights in one.
Thanks to the large rear power button that is easy to operate with or without gloves, light is never more than just a push of your finger away. A twist of the bezel allows you to switch from one color to another without missing a beat. It’s perfect for everyone who depends on a flashlight for more than just walking the dog before bed.
Standard Features
- Anodized aluminum body
- Three light color choices: white, red, and blue
- Steel clip for securing to a pack, a pocket, etc.
- IPX4 water-resistant
- Lifetime warranty
- Powered by 2 AA alkaline batteries
PROS
- Lightweight at only 6.5 ounces; it is easily carried in a pocket
- 3-in-2 light option
- Strong, bright output (106 Lumens on High, 13 Lumens on Low)
- Water-resistant
CONS
- No case included
- Pocket clip can fall off when changing batteries
Buy the Pelican 2370 3 Color LED Flashlight
Nebo CSI Edge 50 Tactical Flashlight
If you want to add a flashlight to your EDC outfit, you need to check out the Edge 50. Nebo offers a long line of quality, value-priced lighting options, but this one is specifically designed for those who want theirs to be small. At only 3.75 inches and 2.9 ounces, you can easily fit this light in the palm of your hand, or keep it tucked discreetly in a pocket or purse to be ready at a moment’s notice.
There’s no need to worry that the small size might mean less power. Despite being powered by a single AA battery, it produces 50 Lumens and offers a runtime of more than 5 hours. In addition to the anodized aircraft aluminum body, steel pocket clip, and resistance to water and impact, this little light also includes a glow-in-the-dark on/off button that can easily be located in the dead of night.
Standard Features
- 50 Lumen LED
- 5-hour runtime
- Anodized aircraft-grade aluminum body
- Steel belt/pocket clip
- Rear-positioned, glow-in-the-dark power switch
- Powered by 1 AA alkaline battery
PROS
- Tiny size is excellent for EDC or as backup light
- Rear-position on/off switch allows for easy operation regardless of conditions
- Uses standard AA battery; no need to keep specialty batteries on hand
CONS
- Glow-in-the-dark on/off switch is a nice idea, but not optimal for a tactical flashlight
- Light dependability and strength will vary greatly based on the quality of the batteries used
Buy the Nebo CSI Edge 50 Flashlight
Surefire G2X-D Pro Tactical Double Output LED Flashlight
Surefire is a trusted name when it comes to producing high-quality, dependable lights, and the G2X-D Pro is no exception. What Surefire did differently with the G2X-D is that the company made it nearly indestructible—even more so than previous models, if that is possible.
Thanks to a Nitrolon polymer body, aluminum head, and recessed polycarbonate lens, the G2X-D is the tank of tactical lights, built for those who depend on their lights even in the worse conditions. As is standard with many Surefire models, the G2X-D is powered by two 123A batteries. Users have the option of low (15 Lumens) or high (320 Lumens) light output. Each setting can be used in either momentary or constant settings. As an added bonus, you have your choice of color options, including black, desert tan, and forest green.
Standard Features
- Nitrolon body
- Polycarbonate lens
- LED emitter for maximum output and runtime
- Weatherproof with O-ring and gasket seal
- Includes 123A batteries
- Lifetime warranty
PROS
- Strong output with wide, even distribution
- Combination of construction materials means that this light can take a beating and still guide your way
- O-ring ensures water, dirt, and debris stays outside
CONS
- There’s no belt or pocket clip
- 123A batteries provide exceptional power, but at a price
- Switching between output levels takes a bit of practice
Buy the Surefire G2X-D Pro Tactical Double Output LED Flashlight
Gerber Recon Flashlight
Gerber is better known for its multi-tools than for its line of tactical flashlights, but if the Recon is any indication, then the company has applied the same qualities across the board. First, the Gerber Recon offers multiple features that can usually only be provided by more than one flashlight: It has four different colored lenses!
You have white for normal use; red for night vision/reduced visibility; green, which is excellent for reading while maintaining reduced visibility, and blue to illuminate bodily fluids. Users select the color of their choice via the D.I.A.L. , or Diode Illumination Adjustable Lens, which lets you simply turn the bezel to switch from one color to another. The Recon is also compact and rugged enough to take on any task.
Standard Features
- Anodized aluminum body
- 3.1 inches and 2.6 ounces
- 4 light colors available: red, white, green, and blue
- Pocket/belt clip
- Lanyard hole
- Lifetime warranty
- Powered by 1 AA alkaline battery
PROS
- Multiple light options at an affordable price
- Small enough for EDC carry
- Only uses a single AA battery
CONS
- Not waterproof, which is a disadvantage for adventurers
- Not as powerful as many competitor models of similar size
Streamlight ProTac 2L Ultra Compact Tactical LED Flashlight
Streamlight has built its reputation on one thing: providing top-quality lighting sources that first responders can depend on. The ProTac series includes some of the most advanced and innovative designs available, and the ProTac 2L Ultra Compact is no exception.
Do not let its tiny size fool you. This light offers all the advantages much bigger models can only dream of. There are three output settings: high, strobe, and low. Users can also select High Only or Low/High for extended battery life. The 2L delivers a peak 260 Lumens on High and 13 Lumens when set to Low. Solid state power provides maximum light intensity throughout the battery’s life cycle. Plus, it is waterproof for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
Standard Features
- C4 LED illumination
- Three settings: high, low, and strobe
- Solid state power for continuous power throughout battery life
- Rubber on/off push button
- Anodized aluminum body and tempered glass lens
- Waterproof to a depth of 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Durable pocket clip
- Anti-roll head
- One-handed operation
PROS
- Tiny yet powerful alternative for those who do not want large tactical flashlights hanging on their belts
- Multiple power settings
- Maximum power throughout battery life
- Includes nylon carry holster
- Waterproof for 30 minutes at 1 meter
CONS
- Cycling between modes takes a light, learned touch
- Cr123A batteries are one of the more expensive power sources available
Buy the Streamlight ProTac 2L Ultra Compact Tactical LED Flashlight
