The tactical flashlight is one of the most standard items a Prepper can have. Many in the prepping community will recommend one as a “constant carry” item, and for good reason. They provide a level of resourcefulness far greater than initially expected. Let’s expand on this.
Tactical vs Regular
The name isn’t just for show, it distinguishes a number of features that your standard flashlight won’t have. Tactical flashlights were designed mainly for use with firearms. They offer a clean and even spread of light, for unhindered sight. They are durable, often made of metal. This allows them to be used as improved weapons, if large enough.
On the more specialized side of things, certain models will support infrared filters, so that they can be used in conjunction with night vision technology. Other models will also have a laser point option, for use with a weapon mount.
What can They do?
Let’s break down what exactly makes a tactical flashlight useful. First is self-defense. They’re made to take a beating, and deal one in return. if not literally hitting someone with one, their powerful lights can be used to blind an assailant.
They also provide light. A novel idea, I know. I can’t count how many times I or someone I know has been in a situation where a light would have been amazingly helpful. practicing constant carry will keep you prepared, and often be the savior of the day when someone needs help seeing. Alternatively, the powerful light can be used to signal for help.
Easily forgotten is the ability to start a fire. The powerful light, when concentrated can generate enough heat to ignite flammable materials. Some models even offer a fire-starting mode. This is a fantastic help when camping, or in SHTF scenarios.
Some Good Options
Choosing a tactical flashlight can be overwhelming. There are tons of different brands and models online. Ideally, you should choose one to best suit your needs. If you’re unsure, then here are two options that I can believe are worthwhile.
The first one is the J5 Tactical V1 Pro. This is a very affordable flashlight and should serve a standard purpose well enough. It has a 300 max lumen. It is capable of ranges as far as 600 feet, and you will get hours of light from a single AA battery. The best thing about it: It costs 12 dollars on Amazon.
If you have a deeper budget and want something with a more luminescent kick, then I’d recommend the Fenix PD35 TAC. This flashlight deals a whopping 1000 max lumen, reaching ranges as high as 200 meters. It takes 3V CR123A Lithium batteries, which are uncommon. Though 2 of those will give it a lifespan of 50,000 hours. It also comes with 2 programmable modes, tactical and outdoor, each with their own selection of light levels. Its Strobe mode will rapidly flash its maximum brightness, which is perfect for self-defense. A little more costly, this one is set at $73 on Amazon.
Even if it’s a basic one, investing in a tactical flashlight is absolutely worth your time. Assuming you haven’t done so already, that is.