The Best 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 night time is a good benefit. Fortunate for us, tactical flashlight expertise has come a great distance from the previous, 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. 

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 Greatest 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 night time. I needed to learn the way these lights carry out in on a regular basis life, so I built-in them into my every day routine.

Beam Photos

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 digicam in order that picture greatest mirrored what I noticed with my eyes. The digicam settings have been the identical for all of the pictures. 

My Background 

I’ve been capturing tactical firearms for the final 15 years. My introduction to them was after I constructed my first AR-15. I used to be instantly hooked and have adopted the eagerness 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 way of 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 1000’s of rounds down vary. I nonetheless shoot at the very least twice every week and attempt to attend at the very least one formal class a 12 months.

Greatest Rifle Mounted Tactical Flashlights: Evaluations & Suggestions

Greatest General: Cloud Defensive Rein 3.0

See It

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 

Professionals

• Extraordinarily vibrant
• Balanced gentle dispersion
• Sturdy 
• Sturdy 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 without doubt one of the most costly choices on my checklist, this gentle outperformed all others whereas sustaining a aggressive measurement 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 should throw gentle farther and snigger at photonic limitations 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 vibrant 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 score (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 loads 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 a number of the output, however permits customers to make use of the extra frequent Surefire switches.

There may be additionally some spectacular expertise engineered into this gentle. The Rein 3.0 incorporates a patented battery jack, which eliminates battery bounce, a standard difficulty 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 boost in case you prefer to run a lightweight in your sturdy hand facet or in case you’re working a laser like a MAWL that takes up area on the facet of the rail. That is a formidable characteristic that when once more makes this gentle a tremendous obligation choice and showcases the superior design.  

Greatest Compact: SureFire M340DFT-PRO

See It

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 

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costly 
• Doesn’t embody a distant change 

The SureFire M340 Turbo is an unbelievable gentle, designed and manufactured by probably the most well-known names in illumination merchandise. It’s an extremely light-weight and compact unit excellent for firearms with shorter rails like PCCs or SBRs. It sports activities a formidable beam output for its measurement 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 nicely balanced. Nevertheless its quick size precipitated considerably extra suppressor shadow. The mounts that the sunshine comes with are phenomenal, particularly in case you are 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 characteristic actually separates the M340DFT from its opponents.

Greatest Price range: Streamlight Protac 2.0

See It

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

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Vibrant 
• 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 inexpensive choice that has quite a lot of 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 vibrant with acceptable throw for many customers. My major grievance with this tactical flashlight is its measurement 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 measurement. The Protac 2.0 takes up quite a lot of rail area and the added weight made my gun really feel unbalanced. For me, this gentle didn’t match nicely on any of my setups. 

The Streamlight Protac collection makes use of a proprietary change and battery. I might like it if sooner or later Streamlight moved to utilizing the broadly accepted Surefire change sample and launched a twin gasoline choice. Testing the Protac 2.0 was an fascinating 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

See It

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costly
• Doesn’t include a distant change 

In case you’re on the lookout for the Optimus Prime of tactical flashlights, that is the sunshine for you. The Modlite PLHv2 is tremendous vibrant with nice throw, and its efficiency is up there with the SureFire Turbo. Nevertheless, the principle promoting level of the Modlite is that it could actually rework into a number of configurations by swapping the top and our bodies. You may change the sunshine’s beam sample by switching heads, or you possibly can change its size by swapping the physique. This multi-use system is a fairly cool method to lengthen 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 capturing my pink dot. I might not advocate this gentle on full energy indoors as a result of this gentle has a brilliant vibrant 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 strong aftermarket help. The Modlite features a charger and battery, however no mount. 

Greatest Pistol Mounted Tactical Flashlights: Evaluations & Suggestions

Greatest General: SureFire X300T

See It

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 

Professionals

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

Cons

When most individuals consider weapon lights the primary title 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 presents a Surefire X300 appropriate mannequin. The X300T is their newest mannequin, and boy oh boy it doesn’t disappoint. With an unbelievable throw, you possibly can 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 check this as a result of I didn’t need to give myself Lasik. That includes an IPX-7 waterproof score and fabricated from a 6061 aluminum this gentle is obligation prepared and has a really thick bezel. One other nice characteristic is the actual 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 measurement handguns. The throw is unbelievable and the stability of flood is nice for all eventualities. The switches could be activated by both pushing them ahead or down, making activation below stress simple however not really easy that you just may ND it. SureFire could also be one of many oldest manufacturers within the gentle sport, however they’re actually nonetheless carrying the crown. 

Greatest Compact: Streamlight TLR-7A

See It

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Not as vibrant as some others 

In case you’re on the lookout for a lightweight on your subcompact or micro handgun, significantly 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 imagine these are the perfect switches available on the market right this moment. They’ve an awesome tactile really feel, and could be activated by pushing ahead together 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 change or breaking your grip. The switches characteristic a textured high that serves a twin position: It lets you understand the place the change is, so that you don’t have to have 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 score and a recessed bezel, the Streamlight TLR-7A is hard sufficient to face as much as every day use and abuse. It additionally contains a number of inserts that assist you to match the sunshine to principally any rail on the market making this a wonderful selection in case you’re swapping lights between totally different firearms. All in all, this can be a feature-rich gentle with glorious efficiency in a measurement that can please even probably the most minimalist hid carry customers. 

Greatest Price range: Streamlight TLR-1HL

See It

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

Professionals

• Fairly vibrant 
• Nice switches 
• Fairly sturdy
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not as vibrant as some others 
• A 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 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 sensible 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 nicely. Nevertheless, I want it had the identical switches because the TLR-7. The switches on the TLR-1 dangle 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 nicely 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 drive it open. 

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

Most Versatile: Modlite PL350

See It

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

Professionals

• Very vibrant 
• 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 possibly can swap from the floody PLH head to the throw-optimized OKW. 

When testing, I discovered that probably the greatest 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 capturing. That being mentioned, you possibly can’t deny the spectacular flood and throw efficiency of the Modlite PL350.

Greatest Handheld Tactical Flashlights: Evaluations & Suggestions

Greatest General: SureFire Stiletto Pro II

See It

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 

Professionals

• Modern design
• Very vibrant with a protracted 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 high once more. The Stiletto Professional 2 is a tremendous handheld gentle that incorporates 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 incorporates a twin lens design that gives not solely a formidable throw, however good spill as nicely. The button format and features are nicely thought out. The principle button on high 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 characteristic. The buttons are programmable so that you regulate them to your liking. 

This was by far probably the most comfy gentle to hold on daily basis due to the form and weight. It slid into my pocket with my knife and, actually, I forgot it was in there generally. 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 quite a lot of small parts on daily basis and generally flashlights are too vibrant to the purpose the place you possibly can’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 whole hand to carry the sunshine. 

Brightest: Cloud Defensive MCH-HC

See It

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 

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costly
• Not at all times 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 the whole lot 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 after I take my canine out at night time. 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 will not be solely vibrant, however characteristic packed as nicely. 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 unintentionally activate in my pocket. 

It additionally incorporates a deep pocket clip that makes carrying comfy. The sunshine will also be outfitted with a Thyrm Switchback, which replaces the pocket clip and supplies a hoop that you should utilize to carry the sunshine. 

Greatest Price range: Streamlight Protac 2.0

See It

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 

Professionals

• Inexpensive
• Vibrant
• A number of modes 

Cons

• Giant total measurement and weight
• Proprietary battery
• Not as vibrant because the others 

Inexpensive and dependable with stable efficiency, the Streamlight Protac 2.0 is a good choice for these on a price range. The three brightness modes make it a flexible tactical flashlight that isn’t too vibrant. It additionally options the longest battery run time of the models 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 measurement 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

See It

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

Professionals

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

Cons

• Costly
• Not as vibrant 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 vibrant 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 virtually as vibrant. It was very simple to hold, and the Thrym compatibility is a good characteristic. The one draw back I discovered with this gentle is it heated up sooner than the others.

The pinnacle could be swapped onto every other physique to rework into totally different configurations. This Modlite ecosystem of merchandise is a good choice for somebody desirous to outfit a number of platforms. 

Learn Subsequent: Best Flashlights

Tips on how to Select the Greatest Tactical Flashlights

Lumens and Candela

In the case of lights there are two major options to know, lumens and candela. Put merely, lumens is the measure of the full 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 stability between the 2 on your particular wants is essential. 

Battery

Lately, extra corporations 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 want 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, measurement, and consumer interface when selecting a tactical flashlight. These elements will rely in your particular use case and the gun the sunshine shall be mounted on.

Learn Subsequent: Best Guns for Home Defense

Last Ideas on the Greatest Tactical Flashlights

In a defensive situation, illuminating your environment is a big benefit. Investing in a stable gentle setup maximizes the aptitude of you and your firearm and may very well be the distinction in figuring out between buddy and foe. Select the perfect tactical flashlight gentle beneath that provides you the aptitude and worth you’re on the lookout for.

Rifle Mounted 

Pistol Mounted

Handheld