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Best Tactical Flashlights

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Best Tactical Flashlights

What is a Tactical Flashlight?

What Are Tactical Flashlights Used For?

How to Find the Best Tactical Flashlight

The Best Tactical Flashlights For Sale

Best Tactical Flashlight Reviews

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2016 Tactical Flashlight Buying Guide

orLet There Be (Flash)Lights!Let There Be (Flash)Lights!

When I was a kid, I thought that being chased through the woods would be a muchbigger concern in my life.

I can think of numerous scenes from tv shows and movies where a group of campersis out minding their own business when one of them hears a noise. Of course thetrusty, knuckle-headed leader decides to go check it out.

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As soon as he (let's be honest, it's always a "he". Guys are dumb) gets out of sight ofthe camp, the flashlight flickers and fails, bringing with it the eerie sounds and howlsof the night. After a couple of hard smacks to the palm, the light comes back but NOWTHERE'S A ZOMBIE 2 FEET AWAY!

Cue the running through the dark forest scene, stumbling over every root, branch,rock, and tree frog along the way.

I may not have ever dealt with this particular scenario (yet) but the one thing I tookaway from it is that light is important and having a dependable flashlight will literallybe the difference between life and death at some point.

While I'm still waiting on my Blair Witch Project scenario, I've made sure that I have aflashlight that will still be shining brightly long after I've been eaten.

One that can be dropped, drowned, beaten, and bumped and still be bright enough tolight up the night or blind any man or beast hoping to do me harm.

My flashlight is part of my Every Day Carry (EDC) so it has to be small and light as wellas reliable and bright.

Fortunately, tactical flashlightstactical flashlights fit the bill perfectly.

What is a Tactical Flashlight?

Remember those old school flashlights (or "torches" for our friends across the pond)that we grew up with? The big, bulky things that ran off of 32 D batteries, weighed 24pounds, and used incandescent bulbs that you apparently had to keep thwackingagainst your palm to get them to work.

Well today's flashlights put the old Maglites to shame. Technology has brought usmore efficient bulbs (LEDs) and batteries (lithium ion) as well as lighter, strongercasings. They're brighter, smaller, lighter, use less power, have longer battery and bulblife, and are more durable. They are literally better in every way other than doubling asa hammer.

But before we get too far, let's break down what makes a tactical flashlight different.There are a few traits that every tactical light needs to have.

It needs to...

be really freaking brightbe really freaking durablecome in black

SidenoteI think, by law, you're not allowed to call a product "tactical" unless it comes in black.

"Tactical" is to gear as "organic" is to food. There are no hard and fast rules about what

What is a Tactical Flashlight?

does or doesn't qualify or any governing body to enforce those rules. And anything canbe "tactical" (any tool used for or with a tactic) just like ALL FOOD IS ORGANIC. They'rejust buzzwords used to sell products at higher prices.

Depending on who you ask, the answer will vary but here are my requirements for atactical flashlight:

Strike Bezel

Besides being painted black, the most recognizable feature on most tactical flashlightsis the strike bezel. Granted, not all tac lights have a strike bezel (like the StreamlightStinger) but, for the most part, the piece around the lens (the bezel) will have astaggered (crenelated) pattern. Think of the battlements of a castle.

The bezels are designed like this to provide a hard edge for self defense andemergency situations. From breaking glass to breaking faces, the strike bezel canreally come in handy when you need to shatter or damage something.

High Lumens

While there are no hard rules for what is and isn't a tactical flashlight, the generalconsensus is that it must produce 100+ lumens. This is the tipping point where humanpupils dilate significantly and vision is impaired for a short time (AKA "retina burn").

Of course blinding people shouldn't be the only use for your light. 100+ lumens shouldbe enough to light up at least 50 yards in front of you, which should be enough foralmost every activity outside of spelunking.

Materials

Typically, the best tactical flashlights use anodized aerospace aluminum for the body.Cheaper lights will use plastic, which isn't as durable, or steel, which is heavy. Theanodized aluminum provides a nice balance between durability and weight. It's lightenough to forget you're carrying it but solid enough that if you forget you're carrying itand drop it on the pavement, you won't have an issue.

For the bulb, manufacturers use either LED or xenon bulbs. Specifically, CREE LED bulbsare very popular in everything from the <$10 flashlights to the high end $100+ ones.

Finally, be sure to check the o-rings and gaskets around the bezel and tail cap. Somecompanies cut corners in this area by using cheap plastic or just skipping using themaltogether. The gaskets play an important role in keeping your light and batterycompartment watertight so pay attention to these.

Tail Switch

On/off switches on the tail end of a flashlight seem pretty normal now but think backto your childhood. Those old Maglites had body switches. And remember the onesthat you had to turn the bezel? It took decades for someone to think to move it to theend.

The tail switch design allows you to operate your light easily with one hand. It isespecially useful when using an overhand grip, like when holding a gun in your otherhand (like with the Harries, Surefire, or neck index techniques), where your thumb isdirectly over the on/off switch.

The other benefit of a tail switch is that it is easy to press, even when you're wearinggloves.

Some models have tail and body switch so you can activate them whichever way youcarry them.

Textured Grip

Having a textured grip is one of those things that seems like a no-brainer until yourealize how many flashlights don'tdon't have one.

Whether your hands are wet, cold, or gloved, you still want to have maximum controlover your light. Some manufacturers, like SureFire, actually have specifically placedrings so you can easily hold the flashlight between your first and second fingers (likethe picture above).

Multiple Modes

All tactical flashlights should have at least 2 modes; a high and low brightness setting.These levels allow your flashlight to serve more than one purpose. You can have thehigh mode for blinding and searching or you can use the low mode for when you needto last a long time.

Some models have up to 5 brightness levels plus 3 modes. That seems like overkill tome. The strobe feature I can see being useful in a handful of situations but the rest canbe a nuisance that you have to cycle through every time to get to the setting youwant.

Like 21 speed mountain bikes. I mean, really, how many do you need? I usually just findone and stick with it til the wheels fall off.

There are a number of uses for tactical flashlights. Outside of the obvious military andlaw enforcement applications, high powered lights that can withstand the elementsand serious abuse can come in handy to civilians as well when you're...

HuntingCampingNight fishingSearching for the remote behind the couchDoing constructionExploring drainage pipesSignaling aliensDoing household repairsGetting the cat from under the houseEtc.

What Are Tactical FlashlightsUsed For?

So now you know what makes a tactical flashlight different than other lights andsome situations where it would be useful. But do you know how to properly use one?Here are some uses for a tactical flashlight:

Self Defense

High lumen flashlights are very effective as a nonlethal weapon and, unlike otherweapons, you can take them on planes, to concerts, etc. Even kubatons and tacticalpens are getting seized at TSA. No one bats an eye if they see you with a tacticalflashlight but god forbid your SOB holster peeks out because now everyone at Chuck ECheese thinks you're a bad father.

The most obvious self defense method is to use the strike bezel like an ice pick andgouge at your attackers face . And depending on its size, you can also use your tacticalflashlight like a roll of quarters to give your punches a little more 'oomph'.

Another great thing about having a super bright flashlight is that it "hides" you fromyour attacker behind a wall of light. All they can see is blinding light so you could beholding a gun or standing there naked and they'd have no idea what you're doing oreven what you look like.

Light

Of course, the primary purpose of a flashlight is to illuminate.

Whether you're up in the attic trying to find the squirrel nest, searching for firewoodfor your campsite, or clearing a bunker in enemy territory, you need light to see.

And having a bright light makes your job even easier.

Signaling

A major benefit of having a very bright light is that you can use it to alert rescue crewsto your location or send discrete signals across long distances silently.

You can plan an escape or just tell your mom you love her from down the street. Sometactical flashlights even have a strobe mode that flashes "S.O.S." in morse code.

If your tactical flashlight doesn't have an S.O.S. feature, just rememberthree short, three long, three short. Repeat as necessary.

On the surface, it can be hard to choose between all the models on the market today.They're all black, they all look alike, and it can be tough to compare one to another.

Which is why you should check for the ANSI FL1 StandardsANSI FL1 Standards icon. ANSI FL1 isstandardized testing for flashlights in these areas:

Light Output - Measured in lumensRun Time - How long the battery will last at at least 10% of its "initial light output"(the brightness level at full charge)Beam Distance - AKA the "throw", measured in metersPeak Beam Intensity - In candelas, measures the brightest point of beamImpact Resistance - How high you can drop it onto concrete without fatal damageWater Resistance - 3 levels

IPX4 - splash resistantIPX7 - 1 meter underwater for 30 minutesIPX8 - More than 1 meter underwater for 4 hours

Rugged/Durable

You don't want your flashlight crapping out on you when you need it most. Themajority of current tactical flashlights are made out of high-quality materials likeanodized aluminum. Plastic is crapstic when it comes to tactical flashlights that needto perform under pressure.

How to Find the Best TacticalFlashlight

Anodized aluminum provides a nice balance between something light enough to carryevery day and something that won't break if you happen to misplace it under your cartire.

Also, for this, and many other reasons, LED bulbs are a must. LEDs can take a beatingand, because there is no filament to break or moving parts, if you drop it, it'll shake itoff faster than T Swift in the cold.

Size

Your optimal tactical flashlight size will depend on how you plan to use it. Will you becarrying it in your pocket? Will you be mounting it to your weapon? Will it just besitting on your kitchen countertop?

Weight

While you don't want to weigh down your bug out bag (or pockets for that matter)with a heavy flashlight, you also don't want one that's too light and flimsy. It should bea good weight that feels solid in your hand. Especially if you need to use your "torch"for self defense.

Water Resistant

Typically, if you're using a tactical light, you aren't going to be in the most optimal ofconditions. Whether you're hiking through the rain or that pipe you were fixing justburst, your flashlight needs to keep working so you can too.

I'd recommend at least a rating of IPX7. That means you can drop it in the lake oraccidentally wash it and still be good.

Good Battery

Typically, tactical flashlights use high capacity batteries like the CR123A. They areusually rechargeable but be warned, the plugs are normally proprietary.

The downside of this is that if S has HTF and you lose your charger or a battery crapsout, finding a replacement will be difficult.

My personal choice is a light that only uses one AA battery, because I buy them inpacks of 100. But I sacrifice power and battery life for this convenience. A goodcompromise would be to have a main flashlight that uses the fancy batteries and abackup that uses AAs.

Unfortunately for you off-the-gridders, you generally won't find hand crank or solarpowered tactical flashlights so you're pretty stuck with batteries.

Bulb

There is some debate on LED vs Xenon (HID). Xenon bulbs are usually better for seeingthrough water and having a longer throw (for the most part) but LED has MUCH longerlife. Like up to 50,000 hours long, on average. That's 5.7 YEARSYEARS of continuous

illumination.

Also, LEDs don't heat up like the Xenon bulbs, can take a lot more abuse, and use farless power so they are able to run longer.

Can you see where I'm going with this?

Brightness

Brightness is measured in lumens. Here's a simple math equation to remember: Morelumens = better.

The best tactical flashlights have different modes and brightness levels so you don'tsacrifice brightness for battery life. You can use the high setting when you need it andthe lower lumen modes for longer tasks

The majority of tactical flashlights fall in the 300 to 1200 lumen range.

Throw

How far the flashlight can cast a beam determines how far you can see.

Imagine you're driving your car on a rural road and all of a sudden, there's a deer in theroad! You don't have time to swerve so you hit it and now Bambi's dead, your car istotaled, and the kids are crying.

If your headlights had a longer throwthrow, you could have seen that deer in time and safelygone around him.

Not all manufacturers will list the throw of their lights so you may have to do somedigging on forums.

Color Temperature

Another factor to consider is the color temperature of the bulb.

Really bright whites are great for blinding attackers but they wash out whateveryou're looking at, kill you night vision, and can give you a headache after a short while.

Think sunlight vs fluorescent lights.

Typically you want to stick between 5,000 and 7,000 Kelvin for a good balance ofnatural light and brightness.

Optional Features

Some tac flashlights come with extra features like zoom lens, weapon mounts, oreven tasers.

A zoom lens lets you quickly switch between a tight, narrow beam and a wide, floodbeam. This allows you to tailor your light to your situation like blinding a wild boar ortrekking down a dark path.

A weapon mount allows you to attach your tactical flashlight to your rifle, handgun,crossbow, what-have-you to free up your hands. Even if your flashlight doesn't comewith a weapon mount, there are plenty of aftermarket kits available.

And for those of you who think that tactical flashlights just aren't "tactical" enough,there are some models available with tasers built into the strike bezel. I've got no

comment for the effectiveness of these but just know that your battery life will sufferif you're pumping 50,000 volts into a bad guy.

When I was looking to write a post on the best tactical flashlights for preppers, Ithought, 'who would know best?'. These flashlight reviews are made up fromsampling the opinions of people who actually use these tools every day; from lawenforcement officers to fire fighters to military personnel.

For this reason, you might not see some of the more popular models on this list. Butbeing popular is not what makes something the best. Trust me, the most popularoption is just the one with the best marketing, not the best product.

MODELMODEL LUMENSLUMENS MODESMODES BATTERY TYPE/LIFEBATTERY TYPE/LIFE USER RATING (OUT OF 5)USER RATING (OUT OF 5) PRICEPRICE

Streamlight

88040 ProTac

HL

600 3 modes 2 CR123A batteries 4.6 $$

4,000 4 brightness

levels + strobe

4 x Fenix ARB-L2M 18650 OR 8 x

EdisonBright CR123A lithium

batteries

4.8 $$$$

The Best Tactical FlashlightsFor Sale

FENIX TK75

SOLARAY PRO

ZX-1

1,200 5 modes SOLARAY 18650 3.7v 3000mAh

Lithium-ion Battery

4.5 $$

SureFire E2D

Defender

500 2 modes 2 CR123A batteries 4.6 $$$

Nitecore EC4S

2150

2,150 5 brightness

levels + 3

modes

2 x 18650 OR 4 × CR123 4.9 $$$

Streamlight

75458 Stinger

DS

640 3 modes +

strobe

NiMH battery OR NiCd battery

(both rechargeable)

4.8 $$$

J5 Tactical V1-

Pro

300 2 brightness

levels + strobe

1 x AA OR 14500 Rechargeable 4.4 $

SureFire G2X

Pro

320 2 brightness

levels

1 x 123A 4.8 $$

Streamlight 88040 ProTAC HL

The Streamlight 88040 ProTAC HL definitely meets our requirements for a tacticalflashlight. Its body is made from machined aluminum, it has 3 modes (high, low, andstrobe), it has a strike bezel, and it comes in black.

It also has some great features like the ability to program the 3 modes into differentconfigurations, a run time of up to 18 hours, and an included holster.

However, it does have some faults as well. The way you switch between modes can be...confusing to say the least. You click once to turn it on, double click to switch, single click togo back, but not when the moon is waning or sea turtles are mating.

Another issue is the low mode. It's just not low enough. At 35 lumens, it is still too bright.It'll kill your night vision and give you a headache if you use it for more than 15 minutes.

Which brings me to my final point. The way the light works (to save battery life, I assume)is by turning the LED on and off rapidly. It does it so quickly that you'll probably never beable to tell but if you're looking at something that is moving, like a fan, you'll definitelynotice that the blades seem to not move or go backwards. I get queasy easily so this that's

Best Tactical Flashlight Reviews

just not something I can handle.

Pros

600 Lumens3 modesRun time of up to 18 hoursIPX7 WaterproofComes with holsterGreat value

Cons

Cycling through modes can be confusingLow setting is too bright?Strobe effect on low setting is disorienting

Verdict

The ProTac HL really is a great flashlight, especially for the price. It's very bright, hasmultiple modes, is waterproof, and is light and small enough to carry all day.

Unfortunately, the way you're supposed to cycle through the modes is too confusing andcould be a danger if you needed to quickly blind an attacker. Also the strobe effect on thehigh and low settings, while some might not even notice it, is a deal breaker for me.

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Fenix TK75

With a 650 meter throw and an 11 day run time, the Fenix TK75 is a BEAST. It also has 4

brightness modes and strobe. Normally I'd say this is overkill but when you've got 4,000lumens, it's a big step down to 15. Also, the strobe and burst settings can be quicklyselected (if the light is already on) with one button.

One of the most useful features is the battery level indicator. No more wondering if you'vegot hours or minutes left before your light conks out.

Now for the bad: It's not light. The anodized aircraft aluminum body makes the TK7520.28oz WITHOUT the batteries which can get weary after a while. In fact, Fenix actuallyincluded a shoulder harness because of this! To quote their website, included in the box isa "Back support system, effectively release holding fatigue". But it's still lighter thanholding a floodlight, I guess.

Pros

4,000 freaking lumens!Can take proprietary or standard batteries11 day runtimeBattery level indicator4 modes + strobe/burst

Cons

PriceSizeTakes half a second to turn onWeighs over a pound (20.28 oz)

Verdict

If you're looking for something that is literally going to light up the night, this is your bestchoice. It's hella bright, has grrrrreat battery life, and is cheaper than a spotlight.

However, just keep in mind that it's not going to fit in your pocket and you might want tohit the gym if you plan on carrying it for extended periods of time.

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SOLARAY PRO ZX-1

The Pro ZX-1 has 5 modes: High, medium, and low beam selection as well as a brighttactical intruder strobe and SOS emergency signal mode.

It is also very versatile by having a zoom lens that provides both "throw" (distance) and"flood" (wide coverage).

The body is made from aircraft grade aluminum which gives it a good weight and feel butit still doesn't feel as solid as the Streamlights or Fenix.

On the case of batteries, the Soloray uses a proprietary 18650 3.7v 3000mAh battery or 2AAAs. You do also get a pair of rechargeable AAAs and a wall charger.

Now to the important part; the Pro ZX-1 isn't actually 1200 lumens. It's probably closer to3-400lm. Which is still a lot. But if you went to McDonalds and they only gave you a thirdof your order, you'd be pretty upset.

Lastly, they say imitation is the highest compliment. Solaray better start getting out theirthank you cards now because there are quite a few flashlights that look eerily similar tothe Pro ZX1. Like the LumiTact G700, BrightMAX 3000, or the XML T6.

Pros

Good valueFocus lensGreat flood lightComes with a lot of accessories

Cons

Not actually 1200 lumensFeels a bit cheap

Verdict

Overall, I'd say the Solaray is good for everyday tasks but not something you'd want tohave to depend on in a sticky situation. It's probably perfect for walking your dogs at nightdue to the flood setting and light weight but for anything more strenuous than that, theStreamlight 88040 is a better choice at the same price.

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E2D Defender Ultra

The E2D Defender is easily one of my favorite tactical flashlights. It doesn't have the mostfeatures or highest lumens but it does its job and it does it well.

Of course, it's made from mil-spec anodized aerospace aluminum (Can I just say AAA fromnow on?), it has a strike bezel, and it comes in black so it definitely meets our requirementthere.

The high brightness setting is a blinding 500 lumens while the low setting is a modest 5. 5lumens may not seem like a lot but it's perfect for me when I'm walking at night and don'twant to draw too much attention or kill my night vision. Plus it lets the battery last morethan 60 hours.

The two modes (high and low) are plenty for me but I'm a simple guy. There's no strobe orS.O.S. setting and if you want something between 500 and 5 lumens, you're SOL.

I should also mention that this particular model was recommended by more than onepolice officer. I figure if those guys are willing to bet their lives on it, it's probably goodenough for me.

If you're looking for a deal, though, this isn't it. The Ultra is definitely on the higher end ofour scale but in my opinion, it's worth every penny.

Pros

BrightDurableSimpleLong battery lifeCompact

Cons

Not cheapOnly two modes

Verdict

If you're one of those people who buys a few high quality items rather than a bunch oflower quality ones, you'll want to take a look at the E2D Defender Ultra. You may pay a lotbut it'll pay you back ten fold.

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Surefire G2X Pro

The Surefire G2X is a bit unlike the rest of the bunch. Sure, it's black, has a tail cap switch,320 lumens, and 2 brightness levels. But you'll quickly notice that the strike bezel is more"bezel" than "strike" and, more importantly, the body isn't made out of aluminum.

That's right. While the bezel still rocks the standard anodized aerospace aluminum we'veall grown accustomed to, the body is made from Nitrolon polymer. Though it may not bequite as tough as aluminum, the Nitrolon is lighter and is easier to hold in cold weather.

Also, and this might be nitpicky to some of you, I don't like how you have to cycle throughthe low setting first before getting to the high setting. If I needed to surprise an attacker, Iwant to be able to do it as quickly as possible. If this is a deal breaker for you, you can getthis model that only has one output level (320 lumens)

The G2X won't be winning any beauty pageants any time soon and it doesn't have all thewhistles and bells that many other tactical flashlights have. What it does have itdependability. SureFire flashlights are aptly named. They work. Every time.

When you hold the G2X Pro, you can tell it's made from high quality materials by peoplewho know what they're doing. And that's more important to me than a strobe feature ora bonus solar keychain doodad.

Pros

SimpleReliableBrightGood value

Cons

Plastic polymer bodyNo real strike bezelNo accessories

Verdict

The G2X is for the kind of person who just wants their tactical flashlight to work whenthey need it. There aren't any special codes or handshakes to learn just to operate thething. It does its job well and that's it. And that's why I like it so much.

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Streamlight 75458 Stinger DS

Ahhh do you feel that nostalgia? That's what I get when I look at the Stinger DS. It's like aMaglite 2.0.

This Streamlight model came highly recommended from a close friend who has been apolice officer for the past decade and teaches at the training academy. So I figure he mightknow what he's talking about.

Now I'll admit, she's not the prettiest bird on the branch but, like the G2X, she does her job,does it well, and doesn't complain.

You'll quickly notice that the bezel is not crenelated and that the Stinger is a bit biggerthan the other tactical flashlights on our list. But that girth comes with 640 lumens, 3brightness settings (640, 340, and 170 lumens) plus strobe, and up to 4 hours of run time.

Of course, 4 hours doesn't sound like much when you consider the Fenix TK75 has a runtime of 11 days11 days but that's 4 hours at 170170lumens, not 15. Which should be plenty of time tofind that baddie and bring him to justice.

The other thing you might notice is the on/off switch on the body. Did I just break my

rules and let a non-tail cap switch light onto our board? Don't be ridiculous. If you werewondering what the "DS" stood for, it's "dual switch". Which means that there is a powerbutton on the side andand on the tail cap. So you can turn this baby on no matter which wayyou hold it.

The final point I'd like to make is that the throw on this is 297 meters. That's a pretty damnlong way.

Pros

Long throwGood battery lifeDual switch

Cons

Uses special batteriesNot compactNo strike bezel

Verdict

I've never personally used the Streamlight Stinger DS but I've heard from many lawenforcement personnel who swear by this flashlight. And if it's good enough for them, it'sdefinitely good enough for me.

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Fenix PD35

At 1,000 lumens, the Fenix PD35 is a very powerful light, especially for its size (5.4 incheslong).

It's IPX8 rated, which means it's waterproof, and has a run time of up to 140 hours.

It's also one of the smartest lights I've reviewed outside of the Fenix TK75. Even if I put thebattery in backwards, there's a chip protecting me from accidentally frying the circuitboard. And it remembers which setting you turned it off at so when you turn it back on,you don't have to cycle through a bunch of modes.

Which brings me to the one thing that I don't like about the PD35. Try to follow with mehere. The "outdoor" mode has 6 brightness levels, including strobe. The "tactical" modehas 3 brightness levels. And getting from one to the other involves holding, pressing,double clicking, and triple clicking like I'm sending morse code.

Pros

Very brightCompactWell made

Cons

Bit of a learning curve to cycle through modes

Verdict

Basically, anything good I've said about another tactical flashlight here applies to the PD35.The TK75 was my favorite but because of its size and considerable weight, I just couldn'tsee myself using it daily. The PD35 is an excellent compromise and, in my opinion, is thebest tactical flashlight you can buy right now.

Now I just have to figure out these damn modes...

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J5 Tactical V1-Pro

Let me start by getting this out of the way: The J5 V1-Pro costs 5 times less than the nextcheapest light we've reviewed.

So obviously, the quality is going to be as high as a tactical flashlight that costs $100+. Withcheaper lights you'll notice that the machining might not be as exact, the LED may bemisaligned, etc. They also won't have a lot of the features you don't hear about likeoverheat protection, polarity protection, and flux capacitors. As long as you keep in mindthat I'm not trying to compare them equally, I think we'll be good.

You've probably already read most of the features from the image but I'll go ahead and runthrough them with you again.

Strike bezel? Check. Tail cap switch? Check. Zoom focus? Check. Aircraft aluminum body?Check. High, low, and strobe modes? Check.

What I love about these flashlights (and all of the copy cats) is that they run off of 1 AAbattery. Do you know how many AA batteries I have in my house? A lot. And I imagine ifthe world ever fell that I would easily be able to find enough to last me well after wolveshave eaten my corpse.

The J5 is also surprisingly bright for a sub $15 light. I've been given dozens of crappy, cheapflashlights in my time and none of them have come CLOSE to what the V1-Pro can do.

Pros

Takes 1 AA batteryBright (for a "cheap" light)Inexpensive

Cons

Not as high quality as others

Verdict

I definitely wouldn't rely on this as my only flashlight. But as a backup in your bug out bagor glove box, I don't think you can go wrong with the J5.

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BONUS! Free Tactical Flashlight!

This is my favorite cheap tactical flashlight. It's a lot like the J5 V1-Pro but smaller. And Ithink it looks better. Also like the J5, I wouldn't want this to be my primary flashlight but asa backup, I can't think of a better choice.

I will warn you, each shipment I've received has varied. Whenever I buy something onAmazon, I throw one of these in my cart. Then I put it in a drawer or backpack or givethem to friends and family. You never know when you'll need a light and if you're going tobuy a cheap flashlight, it might as well be a really good cheap flashlight!

Like I said, every one I've bought has been slightly different than the others, in terms ofquality. On one, the tail switch doesn't protrude as much. On another, the lens fell outabout an hour after I got it.

But they're still worth the $3-6 I pay for them and I like having a flashlight at handwhenever I need one.

Pros

Uses 1 AA batteryInexpensiveBright (for a "cheap" flashlight)

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