The Finest Tactical Flashlights of 2024

Most crimes occur after the solar goes down, and with the ability to shine a lightweight on issues that go bump within the evening is a superb benefit. Fortunate for us, tactical flashlight expertise has come a great distance from the outdated, 2-foot lengthy Maglites. You will get a blindingly-bright, 1,000-lumen gentle that matches within the palm of your hand or on a firearm. 

Over the past month I‘ve examined a number of of the most effective tactical flashlights whereas taking pictures drills and as a part of my on a regular basis carry rotation. Listed here are my picks for the most effective of the bunch. 

Rifle Mounted 

Pistol Mounted

Handheld

How I Selected the Finest Tactical Lights 

Testing Weapon Mounted Lights

I examined rifle lights mounted on a HK416 and I shot 1,000 rounds between the 4. The pistol lights on a Triarc 2011 and I shot 1,000 rounds whereas testing them. I additionally carried my pistol mounted with every gentle to see how they felt in an on a regular basis carry trial run.

Testing Handheld Lights

I carried every tactical flashlight for a couple of week. Then, I left them at my backdoor to make use of when letting my canine out at evening. I wished to learn the way these lights carry out in on a regular basis life, so I built-in them into my each day routine.

Beam Photographs

I took a photograph of every gentle’s beam in a very darkish indoor vary with an IPSC goal at 50 yards. The tactical flashlights have been set to their brightest setting and I adjusted the digital camera in order that picture greatest mirrored what I noticed with my eyes. The digital camera settings have been the identical for all of the pictures. 

My Background 

I’ve been taking pictures tactical firearms for the final 15 years. My introduction to them was once I constructed my first AR-15. I used to be instantly hooked and have adopted the fervour since. I’ve labored for one of many largest producers of AR-15s for a number of years, and now work for one of many largest optics producers. By these years of expertise, I’ve been granted the unbelievable alternative to coach with among the greatest instructors and federal items on this planet. I’ve additionally tried nearly each sort of firearm setup possible and despatched tons of of hundreds of rounds down vary. I nonetheless shoot at the least twice per week and attempt to attend at the least one formal class a yr.

Finest Rifle Mounted Tactical Flashlights: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Total: Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0

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Key Options

• Value: $400
• Lumens: 1250 
• Candela: 100,000
• Battery Life: 65 minutes
• Battery Kind: 18650 (included) or 2 CR123A with some efficiency degradation 
• Size: 6.2 inches
• Mounting Footprint: Surefire Scout
• Made within the USA 

Execs

• Extraordinarily vivid
• Balanced gentle dispersion
• Sturdy 
• Strong change system 
• Twin gasoline 
• Consists of distant change and M-LOK mount

Cons

• Costly 
• Not at all times in inventory

Whereas the Rein 3.0 is among the most costly choices on my listing, this gentle outperformed all others whereas sustaining a aggressive dimension and weight. Its ultra-bright beam sports activities a staggering 1,250 lumens, however what actually units this gentle aside is the 100,000 candelas, which suggests it’ll throw gentle farther and snicker at photonic boundaries in its approach. 

So it’s no shock that when working this gentle, I discovered the throw and beam extraordinarily spectacular. One factor that did shock me was how a lot I appreciated the hotter tone of the sunshine. It didn’t wash out my pink dot like different tremendous vivid lights, and I used to be capable of observe my dot sooner from goal to focus on. Made for exhausting use, the Rein’s lens is 3mm thick glass, and the unit options a formidable IPX-8 waterproofness ranking (24 hours submerged in 100 toes of water).

The brand new single button switches are tremendous low profile and have a pleasant tactile really feel on the highest. In addition they take up quite a bit much less area on the rail. This can be a large enchancment particularly when working them on firearms with quick rails or together with a laser that additionally requires a change. In my view, the older two button switches for the Rein have been a bit clunky. Cloud Defensive additionally launched a surefire legacy physique that reduces among the output, however permits customers to make use of the extra widespread Surefire switches.

There may be additionally some spectacular expertise engineered into this gentle. The Rein 3.0 includes a patented battery jack, which eliminates battery bounce, a standard problem seen with cheaper lights that may flicker or die below heavy recoil. The Rein 3.0 additionally has a number of distant change choices. 

The built-in push button on the again of the unit works independently of the distant change. This can be a welcome addition if you happen to wish to run a lightweight in your robust hand aspect or if you happen to’re working a laser like a MAWL that takes up area on the aspect of the rail. That is a formidable function that after once more makes this gentle a tremendous responsibility possibility and showcases the superior design.  

Finest Compact: SureFire M340DFT-PRO

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Key Options

• Value: $400
• Lumens: 650 
• Candela: 95,000
• Battery Life: 45 minutes
• Battery Kind: 18350 (included) or 1 CR123A with some efficiency degradation 
• Size: 4.8 inches
• Mounting Footprint: Surefire Scout
• Made within the USA 

Execs

• Spectacular beam throw 
• Compact dimension
• Sturdy
• Consists of M-LOK and Picatinny mounts 
• Appropriate with all Surefire switches and mounts 

Cons

• Costly 
• Doesn’t embrace a distant change 

The SureFire M340 Turbo is an unbelievable gentle, designed and manufactured by one of the vital well-known names in illumination merchandise. It’s an extremely light-weight and compact unit good for firearms with shorter rails like PCCs or SBRs. It sports activities a formidable beam output for its dimension coming in simply 5,000 candela lower than the bigger Rein 3.0. Being that it’s a SureFire gentle, it’s appropriate with all SureFire sample switches and mounts, which sports activities a sturdy aftermarket.

After I was working drills with this gentle, I did discover a distinction in weight in comparison with the opposite lights, it nearly felt like nothing was there and the gun was very properly balanced. Nonetheless its quick size brought about considerably extra suppressor shadow. The mounts that the sunshine comes with are phenomenal, particularly if you’re planning to run it together with a laser. The hinged mount is a good way to customise the place the sunshine sits in area, permitting you to have management over how tight to the rail you need the sunshine to be. This small thought out function actually separates the M340DFT from its opponents.

Finest Finances: Streamlight Protac 2.0

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Key Options

• Value: $160
• Lumens: 2,000
• Candela: 17,700
• Battery Life: 2.5 hours
• Battery Kind: SL-B50 
• Size: 6.3 inches
• Mounting Footprint: Surefire Scout
• Made in China

Execs

• Inexpensive
• Brilliant 
• Consists of charger, mount, and distant change

Cons

• Giant and heavy
• Proprietary change system
• Proprietary battery (Not a twin gasoline gentle)

The Protac 2.0 by Streamlight is an reasonably priced possibility that has numerous options to make it a very good all-around gentle. Whereas it doesn’t carry out in addition to the opposite lights I examined, it’s loads vivid with acceptable throw for many customers. My primary criticism with this tactical flashlight is its dimension and weight. The sunshine may be very heavy, and it made the gun entrance heavy. I positively bumped it in opposition to boundaries a few occasions simply because I wasn’t used to its dimension. The Protac 2.0 takes up numerous rail area and the added weight made my gun really feel unbalanced. For me, this gentle didn’t match properly on any of my setups. 

The Streamlight Protac sequence makes use of a proprietary change and battery. I’d find it irresistible if sooner or later Streamlight moved to utilizing the broadly accepted Surefire change sample and launched a twin gasoline possibility. Testing the Protac 2.0 was an attention-grabbing endeavor. Sure, the sunshine comes with mounts and remotes, however they have been tedious to put in, particularly the tape change. I additionally didn’t love how the activation felt; the totally different buttons on the distant have been mushy. 

That being mentioned the entire time I used to be testing this gentle I used to be impressed, it’s constructed like a tank and is available in below half of what you’d pay for a Cloud Defensive or Surefire making it a tough cut price to beat. 

Most Versatile: Modlite PLHv2

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Key Options

• Value: $309
• Lumens: 1,350
• Candela: 54,000
• Battery Run-time: 75 minutes 
• Battery Kind: 18650 (included) or two CR123A
• Size: 5.3 inches
• Mounting Footprint: Surefire Scout
• Manufactured within the USA

Execs

• Extraordinarily versatile 
• Very vivid
• SureFire footprint and change compatibility 

Cons

• Costly
• Doesn’t include a distant change 

Should you’re on the lookout for the Optimus Prime of tactical flashlights, that is the sunshine for you. The Modlite PLHv2 is tremendous vivid with nice throw, and its efficiency is up there with the SureFire Turbo. Nonetheless, the principle promoting level of the Modlite is that it may rework into a number of configurations by swapping the top and our bodies. You’ll be able to change the sunshine’s beam sample by switching heads, or you may change its size by swapping the physique. This multi-use system is a fairly cool method to prolong the utilization of your gentle if in case you have a number of setups. 

Testing with this gentle was a very good expertise, similar to the SureFire Turbo. The throw was extremely spectacular, and the impartial tone of the sunshine didn’t distract me when taking pictures my pink dot. I’d not suggest this gentle on full energy indoors as a result of this gentle has a brilliant vivid hotspot that doesn’t have sufficient spill to light up a room.

Modlites make the most of the SureFire mounting footprint and change interface, permitting for a sturdy aftermarket help. The Modlite features a charger and battery, however no mount. 

Finest Pistol Mounted Tactical Flashlights: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Total: SureFire X300T

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Key Options

• Value: $380
• Lumens: 650 
• Candela: 66,000 
• Battery Run-time: 90 minutes
• Battery Kind: Two CR123As 
• Size: 3.8 inches
• Weight: 4.4 ounces 
• Manufactured within the USA 

Execs

• Extraordinarily vivid
• Extraordinarily lengthy throw
• Extraordinarily sturdy
• Good change system 
• Common mounting 

Cons

When most individuals consider weapon lights the primary identify they consider is SureFire, particularly on the subject of pistol lights. That turns into obvious once you seek for a holster, and each single firm provides a Surefire X300 appropriate mannequin. The X300T is their newest mannequin, and boy oh boy it doesn’t disappoint. With an unbelievable throw, you may simply PID a goal at over 50 yards, and I can solely assume it seems like staring into the solar whether it is being pointed at you — I didn’t take a look at this as a result of I didn’t wish to give myself Lasik. That includes an IPX-7 waterproof ranking and manufactured from a 6061 aluminum this gentle is responsibility prepared and has a really thick bezel. One other nice function is the actual fact that it’s the similar dimensions as older X300 fashions, which means you received’t have to search out new holsters.

I’ve been utilizing this gentle because it got here out as a result of it’s the sunshine I’ve on most of my full dimension handguns. The throw is unbelievable and the steadiness of flood is nice for all situations. The switches might be activated by both pushing them ahead or down, making activation below stress simple however not really easy that you just would possibly ND it. SureFire could also be one of many oldest manufacturers within the gentle sport, however they’re definitely nonetheless carrying the crown. 

Finest Compact: Streamlight TLR-7A

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Key Options

• Value: $130
• Lumens: 500 
• Candela: 5,000
• Battery Run-time: 90 minutes
• Battery Kind: One CR123A
• Size: 2.5 inches
• Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Manufactured in China

Execs

• Very small and light-weight 
• Nice switches 
• Fairly sturdy
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not as vivid as some others 

Should you’re on the lookout for a lightweight on your subcompact or micro handgun, critically take into account the Streamlight TLR-7A. Coming in at below 3 inches and below 3 ounces, this gentle is ideal for on a regular basis carry. It has a 5,000 candela beam that can gentle up an space at defensive ranges. 

When testing the TLR-7A, the very first thing that stood out to me was the switches. I consider these are the most effective switches available on the market at present. They’ve a terrific tactile really feel, and might be activated by pushing ahead along with your help thumb. In addition they cantilever flush to the set off guard so that you’re by no means reaching to search out the change or breaking your grip. The switches function a textured prime that serves a twin function: It lets you recognize the place the change is, so that you don’t have to take a look at it, and it differentiates the place the momentary and fixed activation is situated. The sunshine additionally suits flush with the muzzle of most Glock 19 sized firearms for a streamlined match. 

That includes a formidable IPX-7 waterproof ranking and a recessed bezel, the Streamlight TLR-7A is hard sufficient to face as much as each day use and abuse. It additionally contains a number of inserts that provide help to match the sunshine to principally any rail on the market making this a wonderful alternative if you happen to’re swapping lights between totally different firearms. All in all, this can be a feature-rich gentle with glorious efficiency in a dimension that can please even probably the most minimalist hid carry customers. 

Finest Finances: Streamlight TLR-1HL

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Key Options

• Value: $149
• Lumens: 300 
• Candela: 12,000
• Battery Run-time: 180 minutes 
• Battery Kind: Two CR123A
• Size: 3.4 inches
• Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Manufactured in China

Execs

• Fairly vivid 
• Nice switches 
• Fairly sturdy
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not as vivid as some others 
• A little bit bigger than some
• Considerably unintuitive battery compartment

The Streamlight TLR-1 is like blue field mac and cheese. Inexpensive, however rattling good. Coming in at round half the worth of the Surefire or Modlites of the world, it’s definitely no slouch and, in my view, not half as dangerous as these lights. That includes a formidable 12,000 candela it has loads of energy to positively establish targets at 50 yards, and its 180-minute battery run time is the longest of the pistol lights I examined. 

The testing of the TLR-1 was a little bit of a combined bag. Efficiency smart it was nice. I discovered the flood and throw glorious for the worth. The ergonomics have been good, and it balanced on a handgun fairly properly. Nonetheless, I want it had the identical switches because the TLR-7. The switches on the TLR-1 hold a bit farther out from the set off guard. Activating them was simple, however I needed to break my grip to activate the 2 totally different modes. The battery compartment is a bit unusual. It’s very properly sealed, however I needed to lookup the right way to open and shut it, and I may see somebody breaking the door in the event that they tried to pressure it open. 

The Streamlight TLR-1 has an IPX-7 waterproofness ranking, and like the opposite Streamlight merchandise, contains a number of inserts permitting it to suit any sort of rail.

Most Versatile: Modlite PL350

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Key Options

• Value: $320
• Lumens: 1,350
• Candela: 54,000
• Battery Run-time: 40 minutes 
• Battery Kind: One 18350 (does NOT help twin gasoline) 
• Size: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Manufactured within the USA

Execs

• Very vivid 
• Very sturdy

Cons

• Not the most effective switches
• Not twin gasoline 
• Costly 

The Modlite PL350 makes use of the identical head because the Modlite rifle and handheld lights, so you may swap from the floody PLH head to the throw-optimized OKW. 

When testing, I discovered that among the best options of the PL350 is that the battery masses from the entrance. In contrast to the SureFire and Streamlight choices, you don’t have to take away the sunshine from the firearm to vary the battery. The one factor I didn’t take care of on this gentle have been the switches. They didn’t have a optimistic really feel when working and have been uncomfortable when taking pictures. That being mentioned, you may’t deny the spectacular flood and throw efficiency of the Modlite PL350.

Finest Handheld Tactical Flashlights: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Total: SureFire Stiletto Professional II

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Key Options

• Value: $380
• Lumens: 1,500
• Candela: 35,000
• Battery Run-time: 60 minutes
• Battery Kind: Built-in Rechargeable Battery 
• Size: 4.9 inches
• Weight: 5.0 ounces 
• Manufactured within the USA 

Execs

• Progressive design
• Very vivid with an extended throw
• Very sturdy 
• A number of modes 
• Twin lens 

Cons

• Very costly
• Shorter battery life
• Not twin gasoline 

Shock, shock, SureFire is up on the prime once more. The Stiletto Professional 2 is a tremendous handheld gentle that includes a smooth, rectangular form permitting it to suit into your pocket like a pocket knife. Its flat sides maintain it discreet and comfy within the pocket. It additionally includes a twin lens design that gives not solely a formidable throw, however good spill as properly. The button structure and capabilities are properly thought out. The primary button on prime means that you can cycle by means of all three modes. The button on the rear instantly outputs the max brightness in addition to the strobe function. The buttons are programmable so that you alter them to your liking. 

This was by far probably the most snug gentle to hold day-after-day due to the form and weight. It slid into my pocket with my knife and, actually, I forgot it was in there typically. The deep carry pocket clip is reversible which is a pleasant contact. 

The a number of brightness modes have been additionally very handy. I work with numerous small elements day-after-day and typically flashlights are too vivid to the purpose the place you may’t see the small particulars. I loved with the ability to cycle by means of and discover the suitable quantity of sunshine. The one draw back to this gentle in comparison with the others was the truth that it doesn’t not have a Thrym accent accessible. I like with the ability to put my finger by means of the Thrym loop and never depend on my total hand to carry the sunshine. 

Brightest: Cloud Defensive MCH-HC

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Key Options

• Value: $240
• Lumens: 1,100 
• Candela: 80,000 
• Battery Run-time: 75 minutes
• Battery Kind: 18650 or two CR123As 
• Size: 5.2 inches
• Weight: 5.7 ounces 
• Manufactured within the USA 

Execs

• Extraordinarily vivid
• Extraordinarily lengthy throw
• Tremendous sturdy 
• Can be utilized with Thrym switchback 
• Twin gasoline 

Cons

• Costly
• Not at all times in inventory
• Doesn’t embrace the Thrym 

If blinding your attacker from one other zip code is your goal, then the Cloud Defensive MCH-HC is the sunshine for you. Like all the pieces Cloud Defensive makes, this takes brightness to a different degree. That includes an astonishing 80,000 candela the throw on the MCH-HC is downright ridiculous. 

I’ve been utilizing the MCH-HC for a few years now, so I’m very used to it and maintain it in excessive regard. That is the sunshine I exploit once I take my canine out at evening. The MCH-HC can simply spot the rabbits my canine likes to chase over 100 yards away, permitting me to direct my canine to different components of the yard. The MCH-HC shouldn’t be solely vivid, however function packed as properly. It comes with three totally different ND protectors that recess the activation button decrease within the unit. I put the deepest protector on and I’ve by no means as soon as had it by chance activate in my pocket. 

It additionally includes a deep pocket clip that makes carrying snug. The sunshine can be outfitted with a Thyrm Switchback, which replaces the pocket clip and supplies a hoop that you need to use to carry the sunshine. 

Finest Finances: Streamlight Protac 2.0

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Key Options

• Value: $104.00
• Lumens: 2,000 
• Candela: 17,300 
• Battery Run-time: 150 minutes
• Battery Kind: SLB50 Battery 
• Size: 6.1 inches
• Weight: 8.3 ounces 
• Manufactured in China 

Execs

• Inexpensive
• Brilliant
• A number of modes 

Cons

• Giant total dimension and weight
• Proprietary battery
• Not as vivid because the others 

Inexpensive and dependable with stable efficiency, the Streamlight Protac 2.0 is a superb possibility for these on a price range. The three brightness modes make it a flexible tactical flashlight that isn’t too vivid. It additionally options the longest battery run time of the items I examined.

I don’t take care of the proprietary battery; having to arrange a very totally different charging station for this gentle was annoying. The general dimension and weight made the Protac 2.0 tough to hold, particularly as a result of the Stiletto Professional 2 is brighter and lighter.

Most Versatile: Modlite PLHv2

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Key Options

• Value: $310
• Lumens: 1350 
• Candela: 54,000 
• Battery Run-time: 75 minutes
• Battery Kind: 18650 or two CR123As 
• Size: 5.5 inches
• Weight: 5.9 ounces 
• Manufactured within the USA

Execs

• Versatile
• Very vivid with good throw
• Twin gasoline 
• A number of programmable modes 

Cons

• Costly
• Not as vivid as others reviewed 

Excessive in options and efficiency, the Modlite PLHv2 is nearly as good an possibility for a handheld gentle as it’s for a rifle or pistol gentle. That includes a brilliant vivid beam and spectacular throw, it simply outclasses many different handheld lights. It’s programmable with a number of brightness modes permitting you to regulate gentle output. 

I appreciated the PLHV2’s slim design, and it’s smaller in diameter than the Cloud Defensive, whereas being nearly as vivid. It was very simple to hold, and the Thrym compatibility is a superb function. The one draw back I discovered with this gentle is it heated up sooner than the others.

The pinnacle might be swapped onto another physique to remodel into totally different configurations. This Modlite ecosystem of merchandise is a superb possibility for somebody desirous to outfit a number of platforms. 

Learn Subsequent: Finest Flashlights

How one can Select the Finest Tactical Flashlights

Lumens and Candela

In the case of lights there are two primary options to know, lumens and candela. Put merely, lumens is the measure of the entire gentle produced, whereas candela refers back to the measure or depth of the throw of sunshine. These two elements are crucial when deciding which gentle most closely fits your wants. 

For instance, a lightweight with excessive candela isn’t at all times the only option indoors the place the throw is so intense it creates hotspots or may even mirror again at you. Conversely, a lightweight with excessive lumens however low candela isn’t nice for figuring out issues distant. Discovering the steadiness between the 2 on your particular wants is essential. 

Battery

In recent times, extra corporations have gone to rechargeable batteries. And a few even provide twin gasoline, which suggests the sunshine can work off both a chargeable high-capacity battery, or disposable lithium batteries. Most individuals desire a twin gasoline or rechargeable battery as a result of it saves you the price of shopping for costly CR123 batteries. 

Additionally take into account issues like runtime, dimension, and person interface when selecting a tactical flashlight. These elements will rely in your particular use case and the gun the sunshine will probably be mounted on.

Learn Subsequent: Finest Weapons for Dwelling Protection

Closing Ideas on the Finest Tactical Flashlights

In a defensive state of affairs, illuminating your environment is a large benefit. Investing in a stable gentle setup maximizes the aptitude of you and your firearm and could possibly be the distinction in figuring out between good friend and foe. Select the most effective tactical flashlight gentle beneath that provides you the aptitude and worth you’re on the lookout for.

Rifle Mounted 

Pistol Mounted

Handheld