Tactical Flashlight

[Bigguy]

I've been getting stuff (Crap) from places like Wally-world in the $20 - $40 range. They start out good, but ALWAYS crap out. Usually the switch, other times something else.
What is a good and durable tack-light. I'm looking for something no longer than 8 inches and not much more than 2 inches in diameter.
I don't want to throw away money, but I'm finally convinced to spend what it takes to get something decent. Suggestions welcome.

[Blades]

Malkoff (https://malkoffdevices.com/) or Elzetta (https://elzetta.com/). Do you want multiple settings? Single setting? Rechargeable? Will this be the only light you carry or will it be in a bag? There are a lot of options depending on your need/want.

[Bigguy]

Malkoff (https://malkoffdevices.com/) or Elzetta (https://elzetta.com/). Do you want multiple settings? Single setting? Rechargeable? Will this be the only light you carry or will it be in a bag? There are a lot of options depending on your need/want.

Good questions.
Multiple settings. I've got rechargeable batteries in in AAA cartridges and AA forms. I'd prefer replaceable batteries rather than something built in.

[whomever]

Tier 1 (think Larue, Daniel Defense, ...) is Malkoff, Surefire, Elzetta, ...

Tier 2 (S&W, Ruger, ...) might be Nitecore, Thrunite, mayyybeee Fenix, ...

I have Malkoffs and Surefires, but lately I have been buying Nitecore and Thrunite. I have yet to have a problem with any of those. If I was going to be jumping into Normandy the night of D-Day I'd probably think Surefire was cheap at the price. I'm not, and the Tier 2 places provide a lot of light for the money. I mostly buy for a user interface that I like (which, for me, means for handhelds the default is all the lumens by default, and some lower output by futzing around, and for headlights I really like the Thrunight hold-to-ramp UI).

IMHO, YMMV, yadda.

[Ichiban]

Flishlight? Is that anything like a fleshlight?



Sorry. I tried. Honest, I did. But in the end the twelve year old won once again. :p

[Gater]

Some very knowledgeable folks here, and I'm sure you'll get a bunch of good info and recommendations. What you do (police officer, first responder?), what you want it to do, and how much training you have or plan to get will all be factors in what works best for you.

I've got a variety of types and have done some low light shooting training (not strobe employment, etc). If you're primarily looking for a light to set by the bedside to accompany your nightstand pistol, simpler may be better--I've found a single output (only one light level) flashlight with a switch with momentary (light press to light, release off) and constant on (full press to click and it stays on until you click it off) to be pretty hard to screw up.

I have one of these, personally purchased:

https://www.amazon.com/SureFire-Tactical-Single-Output-Flashlight-tailcap/dp/B009F7J8RA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

and it might be a good "easy button" intro step up from cheaper stuff. Note there are different options--the one I'm talking about is the Tactical model. There are brighter lights out there, but this one is no slouch. Biggest downside on these to me is run time and battery cost, but if it is for personal use and tactical purposes, I'd bet you'd go a long way on one 12-round box of Surefire batteries.

I think Surefire would make good on a real warranty problem with switches, and A-zon on a return if you had a legit concern it was a fake (as mentioned in reviews). I've had no issues and think mine purchased through them is legit, but I'd contact Surefire to verify it is legit before taking it out of the packaging if you're really concerned.

Just one opinion and option. Good luck with your purchase!

[Duelist]

Legacy Surefire 6P LEGO’d up with a Malkoff head and a Thyrm Switchback finger ring/pocket clip has become my default. I built two of them. They are set up for momentary on only, with the possibility to turn the tailcap for stay on ability, but I rarely use that. The CR123 batteries last a good long time.

I have a really cool rechargeable Fenix that goes from a little glow light to eye-bleeding lumens in 5 levels using a separate switch than the on/off, but it’s fiddly and the on/off switch has always been glitchy, so I never actually carry it except in a car or bag as the backup, or just leave it in a drawer or by the bed.

Surefire Fury is a good general purpose light with lots of lumens or just a few - two levels only - but the clicky switch goes to the polite level first, so it is also a backup/general car use light rather than in the pocket for potential not-polite use.

A full-on Malkoff would be a really good choice, but the Surefire lights are good, too.

[TGS]

Bigguy

Flashlights are a world of enthusiasm unto their own, as you can see so far. You can really "geek out" on them, if you want. I stay away from a lot of the "custom" brands mentioned here because they usually have some disclaimer about only using specific batteries and the mainstream, more available brands such as Surefire and Streamlight work well. I'm nowhere near that interested in a fucking flashlight to dive into the small shop/custom market, personally. I would generally recommend sticking to the USB rechargeable options from Streamlight and Surefire. Yes, you can recharge flashlights with a USB cable, just like you charge your phone. In my opinion, it's 2021, single-use CR123 batteries and their associated cost is for the birds.

Given your job, I'd say here's my recommendations:

Protac 2LX USB for $57 (https://lapolicegear.com/streamlight-protac-2l-x-usb-flashlight.html): This is the ticket if you want a light that you can wear in a pouch on your belt, and is just small enough to use in a pocket as well.

PolyTac X USB for $50 (https://lapolicegear.com/streamlight-polytac-x-usb-flashlight.html): Basic option for wearing on your belt.

Streamlight ProTac HPL USB for $105 (https://lapolicegear.com/streamlight-protac-hpl-usb-flashlight.html): If you want more performance than the PolyTac, and something specifically limited to wearing on your belt.

Streamlight is good and with the current lineup is what I prefer to use. Surefire is the gold standard but they will generally cost significantly more, and you may have to buy their rechargeable 18650 battery separately, and make sure whatever light you're buying it for will work with it. Don't know about you, but I personally am not interested in paying those prices for a handheld flashlight. If you wanted a gold standard, American made light that is USB rechargeable, then the Surefire Fury DFT at $217 (https://lapolicegear.com/surefire-fury-dual-fuel-tac-led-flashlight-fury-dft.html) would be an option though they're currently out of stock. On the other end of the spectrum, if you already have a light pouch and don't mind paying for CR123s (or maybe work provides them?), then you can get the older, basic temp on/off Surefire G2Z light for $89 (https://lapolicegear.com/surefire-g2zx-c-bk-320-combat-flashlight.html).

[LittleLebowski]

Title edited. Out of mercy.

[vcdgrips]

Edge of my lane beyond owning and carrying a "tactical" flashlight since 1991 when Surefire was Laser Products and 65 lumens in something a little bigger than a roll of quarters was amazing.


I posted the following in Nov of 20 here and stand by it:


"Executive Summary-Spend the extra money if buying today and buy Surefire/Elzetta/Malkoff for your bet your life on handheld flashlight. I would also consider Streamlight as it probably has more product out there than anybody given how well they do the intersection of quality and value. You can ascertain the country of manufacture on their website on the "fact sheet" under the Documentation Tab of each of their products. They assemble in both the USA and the PRC (CHINA), depends on the product.


Cheapest Price/Intersection of Quality and Value/Best Quality. Usually 3 distinct price points. Often Far East to USA/Europe re point of manufacturing. I suppose it depends on what your application is going to be. 'Mission Drives the Gear" (PR-RIP)

I have posted this before in this and other contexts. I know that anything manufactured in China (PRC) can be made to any QC point. Apple and Arcteryx are two examples of superlative products being made in the PRC.

As I have gotten older, gotten wiser and the events of the last 12+ months, have all led me to the "buy once cry once" end of the consumer spectrum and away from the intersection of quality and value that drove my train, particularly when my children were younger. By definition, this tends to be a migration away from products made in the PRC.

I am making a conscious decision to not buy products from the PRC when an non PRC alternative can be sourced. To date this has manifested itself in:
Flashlights, Boots, Cookie Sheets, Muffin Pans, Pizza Cutters, Measuring Cups, Glass Measuring/Baking Ware, Shoe Trees/Shoe Horns/Shoe Laces, Pens/Pencils/Inks, Batteries, Hand Tools etc.

Have I spent more money-yes. Have I received a quality product that delivers better performance-absolutely.

Would I spend more money again even if the performance of the items were exactly the same (PRC v. NON PRC Products with a solid tilt toward Made in the USA)-Without a Doubt."


YMMV Greatly.

Blessings to you all in this time.

[alamo5000]

Before I never had a good flashlight but some friends turned me on to it and now I love my lights. I've considered buying more but I don't want to hoard flashlights LOL.

My first one is a Surefire EDCL-1. I carry it and use it constantly. It's really grown on me. It's not super long or anything like that. The only thing that for a while I thought I would change was that the bezel is wider than the body. If I can find one about the same size with a straight body design I might buy one. The battery lasts a long time and it's absolutely the best for having on the night stand or whatever. In weather situations where the power goes out I always keep that light in the same location. I've used it a ton.

My second light that I really like is the Surefire Titan Plus. That thing is a tank and goes everywhere with me. It fits on my keychain and has remarkable brightness and throw for it's size. It runs off of a single AAA battery.

I definitely can recommend both of those, although they might not fit your specific needs design wise. If you want a longer light they have a Surefire EDCL2-T that is longer than mine but the same basic design. That one runs off of two batteries vs mine which uses one. After my experience with those though I am dyed in the wool Surefire light guy.

I've thought about buying several of each of the ones I have now to stash around for emergency use. Over the years I can't tell you how many times I showered by flashlight after the lights went out or whatever.

I also thought about it more than once to buy more and to give them out as Christmas presents. Good lights are one of the most handy things I own now. Cheap lights are not even in the same ball park.

[fixer]

Streamlight polytac is a good option. I am rough on flashlights and these have performed well. They aren’t too expensive, super bright, don’t burn your hand, great grip, and easy on battery.

[peterb]

https://darksucks.com/products/quark-qk2a-mkiii

I’ve had good service from the earlier foursevens lights. Haven’t tried this latest incarnation.

[Shoresy]

Streamlight polytac is a good option. I am rough on flashlights and these have performed well. They aren’t too expensive, super bright, don’t burn your hand, great grip, and easy on battery.

If you're not in for a "down the rabbithole we go" approach to flashlights, it would be hard to wrong with a Polytac (or two). The lego-ized 6P is another good option, but requires a bit of understanding of how the lights go together and what you really want out of it.

[javemtr]

https://darksucks.com/products/quark-qk2a-mkiii
I’ve had good service from the earlier foursevens lights. Haven’t tried this latest incarnation.
The Foursevens Quark MKIII is an excellent light. I personally prefer the version that runs on a 16650 rechargeable or 2xCR123 batteries though: https://darksucks.com/products/quark-qk16l-mkiii

[lwt16]

I've had just about all the brands over the last 24 years of LEO work. I can't kill any of the Fenix flashlights I have purchased....and I have a ton of them. Currently, I am running a PD36R as the primary at work and got two 21700 cells with it. I bought an additional dual cell wall charger and that combination has been great. Streamlight is the other brand I have had super reliability out of and all my current weapon lights are Streamlights. I think I have 5-6 of those.

I did have a ton of trouble with a Surefire back in the day and had to send it back twice. I've killed more than one 4sevens but that was back in the day. I had one Nitecore that had a parasitic drain issue but again, that is back in the day/older model that is no longer offered.

Regards.

[Navin Johnson]

I've been getting stuff (Crap) from places like Wally-world in the $20 - $40 range. They start out good, but ALWAYS crap out. Usually the switch, other times something else.
What is a good and durable tack-light. I'm looking for something no longer than 8 inches and not much more than 2 inches in diameter.
I don't want to throw away money, but I'm finally convinced to spend what it takes to get something decent. Suggestions welcome.


Surefire G2X Pro/Tac/LE. Decide what model works best for you.

Streamlight microstream USB.

The two are less than a $100 combined and will cover most needs till you can define what you need better.

I have Elzetta, Malkoff, Fenix, Sunway, Surefire, Streamlight but the ones I use most and have multiple copies of are the above.

[Clusterfrack]

After a long and expensive flashlight odyssey, I have finally settled on the Malkoff Bodyguard 2. I have two of them: a small CR123/IMR16340, and a larger 18650. Both are spectacularly bright, but usable for general lighting use when they time out to low after 8 sec.

The BG2 head also mounts on my AR Mini-scout body, for the best, smallest WML I’ve used.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210322/c339d7b3653dc91d352f3fb0e4c3a8eb.jpg

[whomever]

Just FWIW, prior posts (including mine) tend to be of the form 'I've had good luck with Brand X'. It might be more helpful to the OP if people give the why behind their preference.

I use a flashlight for:

1)Rare but important: emergencies, big or small: finding the dog at night before he finds the skunk. Lighting up suspicious people. Lighting up the scene of a wrecked car to make sure there aren't any overlooked victims. For that I want a lot of lumens. Once upon a time 100 lumens was a lot, nowadays it's easy to get several times that. And I want that to be the default mode - when I press the button I want all those lumens right now. And I want both momentary on (e.g. in case the suspicious person is armed and I want to move somewhere else) and constant on (in case I want leave it on while looking for the dog).

2)Common: general utility use, looking in a dim corner or under something. This is 98% of my use. I don't want a lot of lumens because the splash back doesn't help looking under the fridge, and I want it to last many hours, in case e.g. I'm spending the night walking out to a trailhead. I want this low mode to be reasonably accessible without having to play a tune with buttons or anything, because I might have one hand holding the leash or whatever when I want to turn the light on.

3)I like rechargeables, so I don't have the 'should I replace these half used batteries' problem. Most of my lights are from the 18650 era, but if I can get what I want with one that uses eneloops, so much the better (because NiMH doesn't have the safety concerns, small though they may be, that LiON has).

4)I want them to work, even when I pull them out of a soggy pack. The good news is that of the lights I have had (Surefire, Malkoff, 4Sevens, Nitecore, Streamlight, Thrunite, Zebralight, ...) they all just work. I don't think I have ever had a failure. I have had some of the 'hiking' headlamps - Petzl, Black Diamond - fail, so I don't use those any more.

It is kind of the golden age of flashlights. I remember when Surefire was young - 100 lumens or something, but only for ??20 minutes?? in the incandescent days. I didn't feel like I could afford to keep one in batteries, but when they came out with the firat LED one I dug deep and got one. It was maybe 90 lumens for an hour on a pair of 123's. I took it to a low light class and everyone ooohed and ahhhed. Who could imagine such over the top performance! Nowadays you can probably get that from an AAA keychain light.

It's pretty hard to go wrong - get one with the switchology and other features you want from any of the bigger manufacturers and you'll be happy.


If you want specific reviews, BTW, the PF for flashlights is candlepowerforums.com.

[ST911]

I've been getting stuff (Crap) from places like Wally-world in the $20 - $40 range. They start out good, but ALWAYS crap out. Usually the switch, other times something else.
What is a good and durable tack-light. I'm looking for something no longer than 8 inches and not much more than 2 inches in diameter.
I don't want to throw away money, but I'm finally convinced to spend what it takes to get something decent. Suggestions welcome.

If anyone asked, I missed it... What's the light for, how do you dress, and how do you want to carry it? 8"x2" is a lot bigger than needed for most purposes in the current market. I like my 6/G footprint lights a lot, but I get the same performance out of smaller lights that carry more places. And, lots of "good" lights out there. Fewer "great" lights.

Living in my pocket, SF EDCL1-T. Other than those I've lost or given away I think I still have all my SFs, and if I have lamps for the incans they all still work. Buy once, cry once.

Malkoff lights are GTG. Some Streamlights. A few others.

[Elwin]

I agree with others that what you’ll use it for and how you’ll carry it (and in what clothes) are all questions to answer before shopping.

That said I’ll add another vote for the Surefire EDCL-1T as a good general use light if it fits your needs. It’s an easy button option - common batteries, no need to change parts, and it works (and if it doesn’t work it’s from a company that’ll stand by it). I carry mine in my front left pocket next to my keys, bezel up, with no clip attached. Works pretty well in jeans at least.

For something similar that costs less, I’m a huge fan of the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA. Advantages over the Surefire besides price are that it’s got a bezel about the same size as the tube and it can run on more than one kind of battery, though it needs CR123s for full brightness so I consider the versatility something of an emergency feature. Disadvantages are it’s potentially less durable, it’s not as bright, and I personally like the switch on the Surefire better. But at $50 or less I’d say it’s 90% of the light for 33% of the price. It may be a good place to start to see what you like and don’t like, and if you move on the something else it’s a great spare to have around. I have two of them backing up my Surefire.

ETA - the reason I like both of these is that they're a relatively compact option offering 300-500 lumens of white light that's useful for tactical applications as well as for day-to-day tasks. I do really prefer the Surefire because it offers momentary on for its low mode by pressing lightly, then high mode momentary by pressing fully, and constant on for both is achieved in the same order by rotating the tail cap. The only thing I really don't like about the Streamlight is that to have high mode constantly available for emergency use, I have to set it to the program that gets rid of low mode entirely. The Surefire's switch system is the best of both worlds, since I can always instantly have 500 lumens of blinding white light but still have the low mode available for tasks where that would be too much.

[blues]

I like Malkoffs and Malkoff heads or drop-in's for my SureFire lights.

69185

69186

69187

[Leroy Suggs]

blues you are a wise man concerning lights.

[blues]

blues you are a wise man concerning lights.

I'm glad you qualified that statement. ;)

[Bigguy]

If anyone asked, I missed it... What's the light for, how do you dress, and how do you want to carry it? 8"x2" is a lot bigger than needed for most purposes in the current market. I like my 6/G footprint lights a lot, but I get the same performance out of smaller lights that carry more places. And, lots of "good" lights out there. Fewer "great" lights.

Living in my pocket, SF EDCL1-T. Other than those I've lost or given away I think I still have all my SFs, and if I have lamps for the incans they all still work. Buy once, cry once.

Malkoff lights are GTG. Some Streamlights. A few others.

I carry it on my duty belt in a holder. I need a lot of light now days. Just to see behind furniture or outside in low light if I'm looking for something.

[Willard]

After a long and expensive flashlight odyssey, I have finally settled on the Malkoff Bodyguard 2. I have two of them: a small CR123/IMR16340, and a larger 18650. Both are spectacularly bright, but usable for general lighting use when they time out to low after 8 sec.

The BG2 head also mounts on my AR Mini-scout body, for the best, smallest WML I’ve used.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210322/c339d7b3653dc91d352f3fb0e4c3a8eb.jpg

I ordered the same combo based on your post. I think these two should cover things nicely and I'll retire the surefires to back up use. Thanks.