Benefits of Having a Tactical Flashlight on You at All Times
A Look at the Importance of Having a Tactical Flashlight
When out in the field at night in dark conditions, you need a reliable tool to help you cut through the dead of darkness. But not just any light will do. You need a quality tactical flashlight by your side.
A tactical flashlight is no ordinary flashlight. And it can be used in many situations that an ordinary flashlight couldn’t handle.
Here’s a look at why it’s so important to have a tactical flashlight, along with the many benefits of tactical lights over other commercial options.
What Is A Tactical Flashlight?
A tactical flashlight is designed for tactical use, such as military and police use.
Tactical flashlights are designed to provide top of the line durability, reliability, and brightness. Plus, many can be mounted to a weapon for low-light shooting.
Benefits Of A Tactical Flashlight Over Other Options
Durability
Most tactical flashlights are made of titanium or aero-grade aluminum casings to withstand heavy use and abuse in all kinds of situations. They are shock-proof, scratch-proof, and shatter-proof, so they can handle falling from heights of five feet or more.
Most tactical flashlights are also waterproof with water-sealed charging ports. These flashlights withstand rain, snow, floods, and even being submerged in water depths of three feet.
Better Lasting Power
With tactical flashlights, energy-efficient LED light bulbs are often used since they don’t drain batteries as quickly as incandescent bulbs. These energy-efficient bulbs are also paired with long-lasting batteries, such as Lithium 123s, which have the lifespan and energy output required for high lumen output during nighttime use and in low-light environments.
Portability
Modern-day tactical flashlights are designed with portability in mind. With many only 3 to 7 inches long, they are smaller than regular flashlights and are small enough to fit in your pocket or clip onto your tactical bag or belt. And most weigh only 2 to 8 ounces, so you won’t have to worry about a large, clunky flashlight weighing you down.
Better Illumination
Tactical flashlights are extremely bright compared to regular flashlights. While your standard commercial flashlight is around 25 to 100 lumens, the light output from tactical flashlights ranges from 100 to 2,000 lumens.
The light output of tactical flashlights is so bright that light beams can reach 1,000 to 1,200 feet. This brightness comes in handy when in total darkness at night.
Can Be Used as a Weapon
Some tactical flashlights come with a serrated or toothed bezel. These bezels are meant for breaking windows in emergencies. But they can also be used as a weapon to strike attackers on the face or head.
Situations Where A Tactical Flashlight Is Invaluable
Identifying Threats
Since the bright light of tactical flashlights can reach long distances and illuminate dark areas, you can be aware of your surroundings and easily spot upcoming threats in advance, such as suspects or safety hazards in your path. You can be better prepared for what’s ahead of you, and suspects will have trouble hiding in a high-intensity light.
Blinding Attackers
Shining a bright light on attackers’ faces can blind them momentarily, causing them to be disoriented and likely to hold their hands up to their faces to block the light. This frees up a few moments to defend yourself. You can see if they are holding a weapon, and they won’t be able to attack you if they can’t see you.
Self-Defence
A tactical flashlight can aid in self-defence by illuminating your surroundings and spotting threats, while striking attackers and blinding attackers, which will disrupt their aim and focus. They will only see a wall of bright light, and won’t have a clear view of you and your position.
Signalling For Help
The bright light beams of tactical flashlights can be used to transmit distress signals, especially when using the strobe light function. With these signals for help, rescuers can find you and others in need.
Tips For Choosing A Tactical Flashlight
When choosing a tactical flashlight, look for ones with the following features:
- Small in size – about palm-sized, so it will fit in your pocket and be easy to carry with you at all times.
- At least 120 lumens of light output—so it will be bright enough to blind and disorient attackers.
- LED light bulbs—so the light bulbs will last longer and won’t drain the battery as much as incandescent light bulbs. Also, LED bulbs are much more durable than incandescent, since incandescent bulbs will break easily when dropped.
- Waterproof—a flashlight that is sealed on both ends with rubber O-ring gaskets will keep water out, even when the flashlight is submerged, so you can use your flashlight in all weather situations.
- Rugged construction—so your flashlight will keep working after being dropped, kicked, or used to deliver a blow. One type of robust build is mil-spec hard anodized (Type III) aluminum.
- Established brands—opt for a trusted brand for a reliable flashlight that will last, and that has replacement parts that are easy to find.
With a quality tactical flashlight in hand, you can improve your visibility in any situation, no matter how dark. And you can use it for self-defence and safety in times of need. Once you find one, you won’t want to go anywhere without your reliable tactical flashlight.