The Best Tactical Flashlights of 2024

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 Fortunate for us, tactical flashlight know-how has come a good distance from the outdated, 2-foot lengthy Maglites.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

During the last month I‘ve examined a number of of the perfect tactical flashlights whereas capturing drills and as a part of my on a regular basis carry rotation. Listed below are my picks for the perfect 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 few 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 day by day routine.

Beam Photos

I took a photograph of every gentle’s beam in a totally darkish indoor vary with an IPSC goal at 50 yards. The tactical flashlights had 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 had been the identical for all of the photographs. 

My Background 

I’ve been capturing 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. Via these years of expertise, I’ve been granted the unbelievable alternative to coach with a number of the greatest instructors and federal models on the planet. I’ve additionally tried nearly each form of firearm setup conceivable and despatched tons of of hundreds of rounds down vary. I nonetheless shoot not less than twice every week and attempt to attend not less than 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

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

Execs

• Extraordinarily brilliant
• Balanced gentle dispersion
• Sturdy 
• Strong swap system 
• Twin gasoline 
• Contains distant swap and M-LOK mount

Cons

• Costly 
• Not all the time in inventory

Whereas the Rein 3.0 is among the most costly choices on my record, 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 implies it’ll throw gentle farther and snort at photonic limitations in its method. 

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 favored the hotter tone of the sunshine. It didn’t wash out my crimson dot like different tremendous brilliant lights, and I used to be capable of monitor my dot sooner from goal to focus on. Made for onerous 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 so much much less house on the rail. This can be a large enchancment particularly when working them on firearms with brief rails or along side a laser that additionally requires a swap. For my part, the older two button switches for the Rein had been a bit clunky. Cloud Defensive additionally launched a surefire legacy physique that reduces a number of the output, however permits customers to make use of the extra widespread Surefire switches.

There may be additionally some spectacular know-how engineered into this gentle. The Rein 3.0 contains a patented battery jack, which eliminates battery bounce, a typical subject seen with cheaper lights that may flicker or die beneath heavy recoil. The Rein 3.0 additionally has a number of distant swap choices. 

The built-in push button on the again of the unit works independently of the distant swap. This can be a welcome addition if you happen to wish to run a light-weight in your sturdy hand facet or if you happen to’re working a laser like a MAWL that takes up house on the facet of the rail. That is a formidable characteristic that when once more makes this gentle an incredible responsibility choice and showcases the superior design.  

Finest Compact: SureFire M340DFT-PRO

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Key Options

• Worth: $400
• Lumens: 650 
• Candela: 95,000
• Battery Life: 45 minutes
• Battery Sort: 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
• Contains M-LOK and Picatinny mounts 
• Appropriate with all Surefire switches and mounts 

Cons

• Costly 
• Doesn’t embody a distant swap 

The SureFire M340 Turbo is an unbelievable gentle, designed and manufactured by one of the 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 strong aftermarket.

After I was working drills with this gentle, I did discover a distinction in weight in comparison with the opposite lights, it virtually felt like nothing was there and the gun was very effectively balanced. Nonetheless its brief size brought about considerably extra suppressor shadow. The mounts that the sunshine comes with are phenomenal, particularly in case you are planning to run it along side a laser. The hinged mount is an effective way to customise the place the sunshine sits in house, permitting you to have management over how tight to the rail you need the sunshine to be. This small thought out characteristic actually separates the M340DFT from its opponents.

Finest Funds: Streamlight Protac 2.0

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Key Options

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

Execs

• Inexpensive
• Vibrant 
• Contains charger, mount, and distant swap

Cons

• Massive and heavy
• Proprietary swap system
• Proprietary battery (Not a twin gasoline gentle)

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

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

That being stated 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 beneath half of what you’ll 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

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

Execs

• Extraordinarily versatile 
• Very brilliant
• SureFire footprint and swap compatibility 

Cons

• Costly
• Doesn’t include a distant swap 

Should you’re in search of the Optimus Prime of tactical flashlights, that is the sunshine for you. The Modlite PLHv2 is tremendous brilliant with nice throw, and its efficiency is up there with the SureFire Turbo. Nonetheless, the principle promoting level of the Modlite is that it might probably remodel into a number of configurations by swapping the pinnacle and our bodies. You may 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 reasonably cool approach to prolong the utilization of your gentle you probably have a number of setups. 

Testing with this gentle was a great expertise, similar to the SureFire Turbo. The throw was extremely spectacular, and the impartial tone of the sunshine didn’t distract me when capturing my crimson dot. I might not advocate this gentle on full energy indoors as a result of this gentle has a brilliant brilliant hotspot that doesn’t have sufficient spill to light up a room.

Modlites make the most of the SureFire mounting footprint and swap interface, permitting for a strong 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

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

Execs

• Extraordinarily brilliant
• Extraordinarily lengthy throw
• Extraordinarily sturdy
• Good swap system 
• Common mounting 

Cons

When most individuals consider weapon lights the primary title they consider is SureFire, particularly in terms of pistol lights. That turns into obvious if you seek for a holster, and each single firm gives 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 appears 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 need 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 characteristic is the very fact that it’s the identical dimensions as older X300 fashions, which means you gained’t have to seek 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 eventualities. The switches might be activated by both pushing them ahead or down, making activation beneath stress simple however not really easy that you simply may ND it. SureFire could also be one of many oldest manufacturers within the gentle sport, however they’re actually nonetheless carrying the crown. 

Finest Compact: Streamlight TLR-7A

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Key Options

• Worth: $130
• Lumens: 500 
• Candela: 5,000
• Battery Run-time: 90 minutes
• Battery Sort: 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 brilliant as some others 

Should you’re in search of a light-weight on your subcompact or micro handgun, severely take into account the Streamlight TLR-7A. Coming in at beneath 3 inches and beneath 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 imagine these are the perfect switches in the marketplace right now. They’ve an amazing 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 seek out the swap or breaking your grip. The switches characteristic a textured prime that serves a twin position: It lets the place the swap 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 day by day use and abuse. It additionally consists of a number of inserts that enable you to match the sunshine to principally any rail on the market making this a superb selection if you happen to’re swapping lights between totally different firearms. All in all, this can be a feature-rich gentle with wonderful efficiency in a dimension that can please even probably the most minimalist hid carry customers. 

Finest Funds: Streamlight TLR-1HL

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Key Options

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

Execs

• Fairly brilliant 
• Nice switches 
• Fairly sturdy
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not as brilliant as some others 
• A bit of 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 actually no slouch and, in my view, not half as unhealthy 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 clever it was nice. I discovered the flood and throw wonderful for the worth. The ergonomics had been good, and it balanced on a handgun fairly effectively. 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 effectively sealed, however I needed to lookup learn how 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, consists of a number of inserts permitting it to suit any form of rail.

Most Versatile: Modlite PL350

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Key Options

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

Execs

• Very brilliant 
• Very sturdy

Cons

• Not the perfect 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 must take away the sunshine from the firearm to alter the battery. The one factor I didn’t look after on this gentle had been the switches. They didn’t have a optimistic really feel when working and had been uncomfortable when capturing. That being stated, you may’t deny the spectacular flood and throw efficiency of the Modlite PL350.

Finest Handheld Tactical Flashlights: Critiques & Suggestions

Finest Total: SureFire Stiletto Pro II

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Key Options

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

Execs

• Progressive design
• Very brilliant 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 an incredible handheld gentle that contains a smooth, rectangular form permitting it to suit into your pocket like a pocket knife. Its flat sides preserve it discreet and cozy within the pocket. It additionally contains a twin lens design that gives not solely a formidable throw, however good spill as effectively. The button structure and capabilities are effectively thought out. The principle button on prime permits you to cycle via all three modes. The button on the rear instantly outputs the max brightness in addition to the strobe characteristic. The buttons are programmable so that you modify them to your liking. 

This was by far probably the most snug gentle to hold on daily basis due to the form and weight. It slid into my pocket with my knife and, truthfully, 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 had been additionally very handy. I work with loads of small parts on daily basis and typically flashlights are too brilliant to the purpose the place you may’t see the small particulars. I loved having the ability to cycle via 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 obtainable. I really like having the ability to put my finger via 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

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Costly
• Not all the time in inventory
• Doesn’t embody 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 stage. 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 elements of the yard. The MCH-HC shouldn’t be solely brilliant, however characteristic packed as effectively. 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 contains a deep pocket clip that makes carrying snug. The sunshine may also be outfitted with a Thyrm Switchback, which replaces the pocket clip and gives a hoop that you should utilize to carry the sunshine. 

Finest Funds: Streamlight Protac 2.0

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Key Options

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

Execs

• Inexpensive
• Vibrant
• A number of modes 

Cons

• Massive general dimension and weight
• Proprietary battery
• Not as brilliant because the others 

Inexpensive and dependable with strong efficiency, the Streamlight Protac 2.0 is a superb choice for these on a finances. The three brightness modes make it a flexible tactical flashlight that isn’t too brilliant. It additionally options the longest battery run time of the models I examined.

I don’t look after the proprietary battery; having to arrange a totally 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

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Costly
• Not as brilliant as others reviewed 

Excessive in options and efficiency, the Modlite PLHv2 is pretty much as good an choice for a handheld gentle as it’s for a rifle or pistol gentle. That includes a brilliant brilliant 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 favored the PLHV2’s slim design, and it’s smaller in diameter than the Cloud Defensive, whereas being virtually as brilliant. It was very simple to hold, and the Thrym compatibility is a superb characteristic. 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 rework into totally different configurations. This Modlite ecosystem of merchandise is a superb choice for somebody eager to outfit a number of platforms. 

Learn Subsequent: Best Flashlights

The best way to Select the Finest Tactical Flashlights

Lumens and Candela

In terms of lights there are two major options to know, lumens and candela. Put merely, lumens is the measure of the overall 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 light-weight with excessive candela isn’t all the time your best option indoors the place the throw is so intense it creates hotspots or may even replicate again at you. Conversely, a light-weight 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 necessary. 

Battery

Lately, extra firms have gone to rechargeable batteries. And a few even supply twin gasoline, which implies the sunshine can work off both a chargeable high-capacity battery, or disposable lithium batteries. Most individuals choose 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 consumer interface when selecting a tactical flashlight. These elements will rely in your particular use case and the gun the sunshine will likely be mounted on.

Learn Subsequent: Best Guns for Home Defense

Last Ideas on the Finest Tactical Flashlights

In a defensive state of affairs, illuminating your environment is a big benefit. Investing in a strong gentle setup maximizes the potential of you and your firearm and may very well be the distinction in figuring out between good friend and foe. Select the perfect tactical flashlight gentle under that offers you the potential and value you’re in search of.

Rifle Mounted 

Pistol Mounted

Handheld