Tactical Flashlight

J

jwarble

Private
Minuteman
Sep 16, 2011
11
0
39
South AL
#1
Well Christmas is over and well lets say that Santa was good to me in the way of gift cards. And its because according to my family, Im the hardest person to buy for. Well I guess my family didnt the signals I was putting out there for a tactical flashlight. But then i realized that beside knowing that I need/want one and vague features like compact, bright and quick on off switch. But besides that i know nothing. What are some of your favorite tac flashlight? What are some features I should look for?

Happy Holidays
Bring it on 2013
 
#2
Re: Tactical Flashlight

HDS 200 tactical clicky.

Lifetime warranty.

Capable of usiing either primary throw away batteries, or rechargable lithium batteries.

Great size for EDC or mounting to a weapon.

User can customize the 4 settings to your liking or needs.

I own 3 of these in different models, and after owning them, I don't feel the need to look anywhere else...... unless you have a need to get above 200 lumens.

http://www.hdssystems.com/?id=Products
 
#3
Re: Tactical Flashlight

HDS and Malkoff make nice higher end lights in the $100 - $200 range. If you want something more around $50 - $80 check out Sunwayman, JetBeam, Klarus. I've never been a big Surefire fan as I don't think they warrant the $$, but I know several guys that's all they carry.

I have several of the above and prefer my Klarus XT1C. Compact, very bright, cheap enough if I lose it or lend it and don't get back for some time. It's a clicky that starts on high always (click again for medium, click again for low, click again for high and start over). What I most like is that it has a dedicated strobe button right next to the on/off button. Temporary press for both high beam (with on/off switch) and temp strobe (hold strobe button). For permanent strobe you have to have the light on then hold the strobe button for 2 seconds. For the $50 I really like it. I don't use the clip, just throw in my pocket. Only flaw I see is it is hard to tail stand b/c the on/off button sits slightly higher than the crown. Not an issue for me b/c it's not my camping light.. where that is more a need.
 
#7
Re: Tactical Flashlight

I use a Streamlight Strion LED. Works great for me when I work night shifts on the ambulance. Its compact and light and a little under $100 off ebay. Rechargeable batteries that last days of regular use. Its very bright and matches everything you seem to want. I love it.
 
#9
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: al1gator</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Check out the Klarus XT11 at deltaoutdoorsman.com...in your $ limit. A BRIGHT light from a Hide advertiser! </div></div>

Ceylon is awesome fella! Klarus XT11 is unbeatable light for the money, i use mine every single day several times a day.
 
#10
Re: Tactical Flashlight

i had a fenix ld 20 and liked it alot but it quit workin. the lady from the faaaaar east sent me a head and that didnt fix it. so i emailed her back and she wanted me to fill out some form and she'd send me a tail cap. thats understandable they gotta do the company thing but i was limpin by with it and i got a little frustrated with it and used it as a striking tool on a very solid metal object
whistle.gif


fenix makes good stuff i used the crap outa that light and liked it alot but it finally laid down on me.
 
#11
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UTCmoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fenix pd32 or if you want larger, tk22. </div></div>

I have two PD32's. Very happy with them.
 
#12
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UTCmoc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Fenix pd32 or if you want larger, tk22. </div></div>

Second for Fenix but ill add to it, the PD32 is a smaller form factor however the pressure switch and lens filters do not work on it. But it is a awesome size and the output is great. Actually I sould suggest the PD32 Ultra as it is the newest. ($89 range.

Slightly larger but with more distance on the throw and also works with the mount, pressure switch, and lens filters, go for the fenix TK15 S2 which is what I have. The distance for the throw is amazing (252 meters)!! ($79 range)

I have the fenix tk15 and love it and will most likely be getting the pd32 ultra as light to keep in my shooting bag.
 
#13
Re: Tactical Flashlight

maybe i catch flak for this but imho...

i understand that for real deal operators who conduct their business far from home and days or weeks from resupply that a high end expensive weaponlight may be just the thing. if you are that guy ignore the rest of my wird lil rant.

to the rest of us...get a dollar store light and stik it in a scope ring. if it aint 1 inch diameter wrap some nylon webbing or tape around it till it is. anything over $20 bucks if freakin silly. let the epic responses ensue.
 
#14
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: marduk185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">maybe i catch flak for this but imho...

i understand that for real deal operators who conduct their business far from home and days or weeks from resupply that a high end expensive weaponlight may be just the thing. if you are that guy ignore the rest of my wird lil rant.

to the rest of us...get a dollar store light and stik it in a scope ring. if it aint 1 inch diameter wrap some nylon webbing or tape around it till it is. anything over $20 bucks if freakin silly. let the epic responses ensue. </div></div>

Agree with you on some points Mar.

I like Surefires, but I seem to gravitate towards Streamlight now. I still do have my Surefires though.
 
#16
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rtr mXIV</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am looking for torch around the $50-$80 mark. I like what i see with Klarus products has anybody ever had the 5.11 products that Gander Mountain sells? </div></div>

I got a free 5.11 flashlight with some of their pants and it became my favorite all around flashlight. The 3 mode tail clicky switch is very intuitive. I like to "bite" my flashlights for hands free use, and as you may know, aluminum doesn't feel good between your teeth. The 5.11 has a square rubber ring near the tail end that is perfect to bite, and keeps the light from rolling. The one I have is 1 AA, and very compact. My next flashlight will be one of their (2) CR123 models.
 
#19
Re: Tactical Flashlight

This last year I bought Olight's M30 Triton... It's a great light. Handheld and gun mountable, striking bezel, strobe, 700 lumen, tape switch, belt clip, lithium or rechargeable batteries.

olightbox.jpg


On lowest
2012-07-16_18-24-58_245.jpg


On highest
2012-07-16_18-28-02_144.jpg


Mounted
olightmounted3.jpg


I did an overview of it Click Here

I also bought a Fenix TK35 for the
lady for defense. It's 860 lumens, also strobe, striking bezel etc... But has a different shape, it's compact and is a great all purpose.
4f470224c5a0a0dd741c92764b99add8.jpg


Olight and Felnix are both great manufacturers, you get a lot for your dollar.

Good luck with your search-
 
#20
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Beepy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have been very happy with Fenix lights </div></div>

+1

I have a TK10. Two output settings: High is 250 lumens, low is 80 (I think).

I have had it for 4 years and it is running strong as ever. It is water rated to a certain level, but I can't remember the stats on that. I know that I dropped it in 10 ft water while I was fishing and I was able to retrieve it with no damage at all.

I think I paid $70 4 years ago.
 
#22
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Armatus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to check that tk35 out. 860 lumens is crazy! </div></div>
Got one at the link below if you're interested:

http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=232

The Klarus XT 11 and Fenix TK 15 are both great lights in their own right. I think the XT 11 offers more bang for the buck, but both are reliable & put out a lot of power when need be.

For a link to more flashlights that are proven performers, check out the link below:

http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=28

Hope this helps!
Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com
 
#23
Re: Tactical Flashlight

Like the function of the XT11 Klarus, good beam but can be a bit bright in doors. Other faults are the anti roll ring and the SS bad person smasher is a thin ring that will need loctite to stay in place, not overly stout IMO.

Other options are the: 4Sevens 123x2 - S12 - Quarks or Turbos , Olight M20S-X, Jetbeam BC25 or RRT series, Eagletac 20's P or T series MK2's, Thrunite TN11S would be a monster - too much prolly,

Biggest thing to make sure is to get the XM-L LED........best one readily avail. at the moment. Malkoff devices are good too, but your not going to get the burn time as some of the lights listed above.

AW18650's and the Panasonic and/or ORBTRONIC, or even the Ultrafire 18650 3000ma will do the job but I'd stick with AW's or Orbtronics, or try the Eagletacs but most good ones are using panasonic cells.
 
#24
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ceylonc</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Armatus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to check that tk35 out. 860 lumens is crazy! </div></div>
Got one at the link below if you're interested:

http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=232

The Klarus XT 11 and Fenix TK 15 are both great lights in their own right. I think the XT 11 offers more bang for the buck, but both are reliable & put out a lot of power when need be.

For a link to more flashlights that are proven performers, check out the link below:

http://deltaoutdoorsman.com/scart/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=28

Hope this helps!
Ceylon
deltaoutdoorsman.com </div></div>

Thanks!
 
#26
Re: Tactical Flashlight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Armatus</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am going to check that tk35 out. 860 lumens is crazy! </div></div>

The TK35 is a great light. It's neither a dedicated thrower or flood but a good combination making it a great compact all purpose light. It has a smooth, medium depth reflector with good focus and enough spill to see whats around you. The Olight I mentioned has an orange peel reflector and has a bit more spill and wider corona than this model (albeit not quite as powerful). It's also very user friendly. Both have are separate switches for strobe and cycling power options (unlike twist bezel design). Both Olight and Fenix both make great dedicated throwing lights if you want to light something up even further with a more tightly focused beam. Both companies also have powerhouse models (still handheld, not as compact) at 1,700 and over 2,000 lumen (that are well regarded and fairly affordable). The Olight is suited well as a weapon mounted light and has a tape switch for operation including separate access for strobe.

Both companies make well built products that are impact, shock and water resistant. They are not as beastly designed as Surefire, but are both well respected.
 
#27
Re: Tactical Flashlight

I have the Olight T20. Its my everyday carry light. I have been thru several of them, would be just one if I could keep from losing them. Its been thru the wash and dry cycle a couple of times. Always works. Had a Fenix but had some issues with the company and also had one start going thru batteries faster than it should.
But if you want the best get a Surefire. I've got a bunch. They always work. I don't like to carry them everyday because I have that tendancy to lose lights and knives. But when light is critical then they are along for the ride.
 
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