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After reading the above headline, the first question that comes in mind is that what is a tactical flashlight? Coming to the topic, you should know what a flashlight is. A flashlight is a portable handheld electric light, in which the source of light often used to be a light bulb but letter replaced with LEDs since the mid-2000s.
What Is A Tactical Flashlight Why You Should Use It?
Since you are reading this article, this is one of the most common questions that everyone wants to ask us. A tactical flashlight is a flashlight used in conjunction with a firearm to aid low light target identification. In general, the tactical flashlights are used by the soldiers, marksman, and law enforcement officers to aim their weapon and illuminate the target. The tactical flashlights can be used by mounting them to the weapons or can be handled in held.
These lights also serve a role as they are used to blind or disorient the targets temporarily. There is no significant difference between tactical flashlights and regular flashlights in the mean of structure and principle. But the ordinary flashlights cannot survive in some dangerous and harsh environmental situations, but the tactical flashlights perform much better in these conditions. Generally, tactical flashlights are smaller than regular or routine flashlights.
Our suggested tactical flashlight comes in under $100, so you don’t need to worry about it. All flashlights are fully budget-friendly and durable. A budget of $100 gives companies enough room to make the best quality flashlights for its users.
Best Tactical Flashlight Under $100
There are many different types of flashlights available nowadays online as well as offline, and you can find the one which suits your needs perfectly. Here, these are our choices for the best tactical flashlights under $100.
1. Nitecore MH25GT
Nitecore is a well-known brand in the LED lighting and battery charger market. It is best known for its innovative work in the field. This company has its market demand in over 100 countries. Nitecore is an industry leader in this field since 2007.
This is the best flashlight on our list. Coming to the tactical flashlight, the Nitecore MH25GT is one of the most extended ranges of lights in the market with a maximum range of 452 meters or 1500 feet. From a 50-1000 lumen output range, the MH25GT is a rechargeable LED flashlight from Nitecore, and it is a versatile lighting tool suited for both professional and general use. This flashlight has an onboard USB charging capability that allows you to feel free, and you never have to worry about having fresh batteries in case of an emergency. Its aluminum alloy body makes it corrosion resistant.
Specifications
- Max Output: 1000 lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 452 m
- Max Beam Intensity: 51100 cd
- Max Runtime: 36 h 0 m / 1.5 d
- LED: CREE XP-L HI V3
- Battery: 1 × 18650, 2 × CR123, 2 x RCR123
- Beam color: White light
- Length: 160 mm / 6.29 in
- Head Size: 40 mm / 1.57 in
- Weight: 143 g / 5.04 Oz
This light also has an anti-reflection coating on the reflector window to maximize light transmission. The light is water impact resistant and IPX8 rated. The light runs on a rechargeable 18650 battery and has intelligent charging technology that assures safe and quick charging. If, in any case, charging is not possible, then it also supports CR123 batteries. The light is light weighted and designed in such a way that you can easily mount it to a firearm.
One of the eye-catching features I found in this flashlight is that it has an inbuilt heat sink that protects the light from being overheated during use. This light quickly toggles between two user settings by twisting the head and tails of the light. This feature makes it very easy to use in such tactical situations.
2. Fenix PD35 TAC
Fenix is a leading outdoor sport lighting brand best known for RD, manufacturing, and selling of outdoor sport lighting tools. The Fenix brand has successfully entered the major outdoor and military market, and its products are being sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.
The Fenix PD35 TAC is a pocket-size LED flashlight. This TAC version is better in tactical deployment than the original version. This is a mid-range flashlight with a max beam distance of 200 meters. It is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it super durable and long tasting.
Specifications
- Max Output: 1000 lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 200 m
- Max Beam Intensity: 10000 cd
- Max Runtime: 140 hours
- LED: CREE XP-L (V5)
- Battery: 1 × 18650, 2 × CR123A
- Beam color: White light
- Length: 137 mm / 5.4 in
- Head Size: 25 mm / 1 in
- Weight: 89 g / 3.1 Oz
Specially designed for military and law enforcement personals, the PD35 TAC is 5.4 inches long and has an output of up to 1000 lumens. This light beam is enough to fill the surroundings with light. The TAC has six different output modes as well; according to your need, you can switch between them. TAC throws its beam to a distance of up to 200 meters, which is a great thing.
It is also a rechargeable flashlight, and you don’t need to worry about having new batteries with you.The PD35 TAC uses one 18650 battery to operate, and if in such conditions the charging is not possible, it also supports two CR123A batteries to run. This flashlight supports mini-USB for charging, so you need to keep a separate charger. It is a lightweight flashlight, that’s why it is easy to carry in any condition.
You can mount it on your firearm, place in your pocket, and also can handle it in one hand easily while carrying a gun in the second hand. It has a tactical tail switch, and for changing the modes, you just need to press and press the switch again. To be honest, I like its warning system that warns you before the battery gets low. This light has an overheat protection as well to avoid high temperatures. It has an ultra-clear glass reflection window with an anti-reflective coating, which gives perfect lighting in any situation. Overall a well made tactical flashlight that you can buy for yourself.
3. Streamlight 74751 Strion
Streamlight is a 45-year-old hands-on company. Streamlight makes tools for everyone, from homeowners to mechanics and military personals. The Streamlight 74751 Strion features a rechargeable high lumen professional flashlight with 120-Volt AC/12-Volt DC Charger.
The flashlight produces a super bright beam with an output of 500 lumens with a max range of 200 meters. This flashlight has adjustable beam intensity levels, and the standard level will give bright light and longer runtime, which stands for 250 lumens, 5000-candela peak beam intensity, and ranges 141 meters. The low mode is best for light without glare, which stands at 125 lumens, 2500 candela peak beam intensity and ranges about 100 meters.
Specifications
- Max Output: 500 lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 200 meters
- Max Beam Intensity: 10000 cd
- Max Runtime: 60 hours
- LED: C4 Tech
- Battery: 3 × AAA Lithium-Ion
- Beam color: White light
- Length: 5.9 in
- Head Size: 1.25 in
- Weight: 5.3 Oz
This flashlight uses C4 LED technology, which makes it different and increases the lifespan up to 50000 hours. This is a rechargeable flashlight that uses a 2600 mAh lithium-ion battery for power. The batteries are rechargeable up to 1000 times, so you don’t need to worry about changing batteries for years.
This flashlight is made from aircraft aluminum, which makes its body durable and reliable. The 74751 Strion is also IPX4 rated water-resistant, and 2-meter impact-resistant tested. It weighs only 5.3 ounces and can be handled easily in both hands and arms. You can easily fit it in your bag or with included pocket clip, which can be easily attached to your clothes. Also, because of its lightweight, it doesn’t affect the aim too much. It includes an anti-roll head, which prevents the light from rolling away when you put it down.
However, the price might be an issue while choosing this tactical flashlight, but if you have enough budget, then it is a good one.
4. Surefire 6PX
Surefire is an American Company mainly known for its headlamps, flashlight, weapon-mounted lights, and laser lights. It is also a significant supplier of the flashlight to the US army.
The surefire 6PX is a well-designed flashlight with an LED emitter that is regulated to maximize the output and runtime. The flashlight emits the max output of 600 lumens and only has one mode of operation. This is the maximum brightness available at this level.
Specifications
- Max Output: 600 lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 187 meters
- Max Beam Intensity: 10000 cd
- Max Runtime: 1.5 hours
- LED: XP-L
- Battery: 2 × CR123A, 1 × 16650
- Beam color: White light
- Length: 132 mm / 5.2 in
- Head Size: 31.75 mm / 1.25 in
- Weight: 147g / 4.86 Oz
The Surefire 6PX flashlight is made of aerospace-grade aluminum. The flashlight has a tactical style tail switch, and you need to press for momentary on and click for constant on. It produces a super bright beam of 600 lumens with a beam intensity of 10000 candelas. However, Surefire 6PX has only one mode. It is powered by two CR123A lithium-ion batteries.
The flashlight is rechargeable and uses USB charging to charge the flashlight and also supports a 16660 battery for power. It is fully weatherproof, and O-ring sealed so that you can use it in any harsh environment without the need to worry.
It weighs only 5.2 ounces, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle in hand as well as in the pocket. You can also use it with a firearm by mounting the flashlight on it. The flashlight body has some nice finger grips as well. It is fully waterproof and designed for anti-rolling, you can leave it on any surface, and it will not roll automatically.
On the downside, the SureFire 6PX has a fixed focus, and you can not change the focus manually. Overall it is a solid light that can perform equally in any harsh conditions, but it drains the battery a bit fast compared to other tactical flashlights. Overall it is a perfect alternative to the Streamlight 74751 Strion.
5. Olight S30R Baton III
Olight Technology corporation limited is a Chinese company and known for its high power and durable lights. The Olight S30R Baton III is lightweight, powerful, and rechargeable flashlight useful for home, workplace, etc. it’s a mid-range high-intensity flashlight with a max beam range of 188 meters.
The Olight S30R produces a max output of 1050 lumens with a beam intensity of 8840 candelas. The beam ranges about 188 meters. It has four various adjustable lumen levels, and level 1 gives the brightest light. These four luminosity levels are below:
- Level 1: 1050 Lumens Output, 3 Hours and 20 Minutes of Runtime
- Level 2: 500 Lumens Output, 3 Hours and 30 Minutes of Runtime
- Level 3: 120 Lumens Output, 15 Hours Of Runtime
- Level 4: 12 Lumens Output, 130 Hours Of Runtime
Specifications
- Max Output: 1050 lumens
- Max Beam Distance: 188 meters
- Max Beam Intensity: 8840 cd
- Max Runtime: 130 hours
- LED: Cree XM-L2
- Battery: 1 × 18650
- Beam color: White light
- Length: 114 mm / 4.48 in
- Head Size: 25.3 mm / 0.99 in
- Weight: 110g / 3.88 Oz
To control the flashlight, it has a side switch that you can use to toggle between different modes/levels. This S30R uses a 3500mAh 18650 battery to power the light source to produce the output up to 1050 lumens. It has an inbuilt recharging port supporting USB charging, and you can charge it with any mobile charger, laptop, and power bank.
The flashlight weighs 3.88 ounces, which makes it lighter and easy to carry. You can take this flashlight anywhere you want, and it never feels like you are carrying something. You can handle it easily in your hands, mount at your firearm, or put it into your pocket using the handy clip. Its lightweight won’t affect your target while using this with your firearm. The flashlight has got a low battery indicator under the side switch, which glows red when the battery is running low.
The flashlight is also IPX8 rated water-resistant, and 2-meter impact-resistant tested. The flashlight uses a smooth aluminum reflector, which provides an improved beam focus for mid and short-range. The glass lens is coated, allowing for max light transmission rate. While searching for a compatible flashlight to your needs, it’s one of the best products. Overall a nice and sturdy tactical flashlight from Olight.
Things To Consider Before Buying a Tactical Flashlight
Our goal is to save both your money and time by offering in-depth buying guides. Some critical factors play a profound role while looking for a good tactical flashlight.
Battery
The flashlight batteries are divided into two categories: rechargeable and non-rechargeable. For those who are always on to go or who use these flashlights more often, flashlights with rechargeable batteries are theright choice. Flashlights with rechargeable batteries are a bit expensive then flashlights with non-rechargeable batteries.
Runtime
Runtime refers to that time duration, and the batteries will last at a given intensity level. Flashlight with higher runtimes is always better.
Lumen Power (Max. output)
Lumen is a measuring scale of energy that is emitted by the flashlight’s light source. The more lumens a flashlight outputs, the brighter its beam will be. A flashlight with 1000 lumens output will always have a brighter beam than a flashlight with 800 Lumens. So as a buyer, always choose a flashlight that satisfies all your needs.
Waterproof
This is a measure of the resistance of the flashlight to water. Water resistivity is entirely different from waterproof. If a flashlight is water resistive that it can probably survive for a couple of splashes of water, but it won’t survive being submerged in the water. So always choose a flashlight that is waterproof, not water-resistive. IPX4, IPX7, and IPX8 are three different levels of water resistance. Consider these three levels while selecting a flashlight.
Light Source
Always check while buying a flashlight about its light source, if it’s a LED or incandescent light bulb (lamp). LEDs are durable and long-lasting light bulbs. They use much less power than lamps and are lighter in weight. LEDs are ideal for short-range and can last long for hundreds of hours.
Size and Weight
It is one of the most critical factors that affect when choosing a flashlight. Larger flashlights will produce thicker and longer beams, but they are also heavy and will affect your aim while mounted with the firearm. The smaller flashlight is more useful here as they produce almost the same amount of beams and are light-weighted.
They can be easily handled while caring for firearms. The material used in manufacturing these flashlights also plays a vital role in size and weight. While selecting the size, also consider the material used for its construction. Always keep in mind why you are buying a flashlight before going throw my views.
Extra Features
The Tactical flashlights are likely to have quite aseveral features that cheaper torches do not have. Paying more can provide you a unit with water resistance, shock resistant, different brightness level modes, momentary tactical tail switch, and alot more features.
Some tactical flashlight comes with extra features such as the built-in pocket knife, screwdriver, and other features. These little extra features make the flashlight a little unique and eye-catching. You can always look for extra features while choosing a tactical flashlight for yourself.
Ease Of Use and Carry
For this, we checked the flashlight to see how easy it is to power on and off the flashlight, switching modes, and holding position. After checking these things, we concluded and added the flashlight on the list.
For ease of carrying, we checked the different carrying methods for each light which includes, pocket carry, holster carrying,and hand-carrying, etc.
Price
Paying more for a flashlight gives you a top-quality product that is durable, reliable, and may even last you several years or even decades. Either you can buy a cheap flashlight and replace them with another when they stop working, or you can spend in a premium quality tactical flashlight that saves your money in the long run, which is always a good thing. I like quality over quantity. So if you are going to buy a tactical flashlight for yourself, then it is worth spendinga little more.
Our suggested tactical flashlight comes in under $100, so you don’t need to worry about it. All flashlights are fully budget-friendly and durable. A budget of $100 gives companies enough room to make the best quality flashlights for its users.
Tactical vs. Weapon Light? Which One To Use
Both tactical and weapon light have their roles for self-defense. For me, I always consider a small yet significant light to be a crucial part of my everyday carry.
A handheld flashlight allows you to see clearly at night time. It also allows you to identify the people around you that might want to harm. You can also use it as a regular flashlight, whereas weapon lights mounted to the firearm, and you cannot use it as an everyday flashlight. Also, there is no doubt that you can use the weapon light as a standard light by carrying your gun into your hand every time you want to use the flashlight. This activity can be afraid of some persons, and it can be dangerous too. We won’t recommend you to use weapon lights like an ordinary flashlight.
Finally, ask yourself how harsh light do you need? For me, the answer is powerful enough to do the job. I prefer both weapon-mounted lights and handheld lights to have at least 250 lumens worth of output or more.
Conclusion
So this is it…These are the best tactical flashlight I have got for you.I have considered almost all the needed terms and checked whether the product is right or not, and after all, I’ve concluded that these are the best choices. Go and check out these products and let us know if this article has helped you to understand the science behind choosing a good tactical flashlight for yourself.
