Tactical vs. Regular Flashlights

I’m guessing that just about everyone over the age of 5 has used a standard flashlight at one time or another.

Basic flashlights have been around longer than when many of us were kids. And they have not really changed much in terms of appearance and usage.

They still require big batteries and turn on the same way. And they’re roughly the same weight.

Everyday flashlights come in handy when you’re looking for something you dropped in the dark. Or when you’re trying to see in a dark closet. And, of course, when the power goes out in your home.

More durable, weather resistant

Tactical flashlights, on the other hand, are a different breed of flashlight. They look different and feel different. And they feature a variety of settings and usages.

Regular flashlights are usually made from inexpensive aluminum or cheap plastic and low-grade steel. It’s not surprising most don’t last too long.

Tactical flashlights are much more durable. Many are made with a higher grade of aluminum and are armor-coated.

They are normally lighter in weight than a regular flashlight. And they’re resistant to weather, shocks and corrosion.

Brighter and more versatile

The average standard flashlight gives you about 10 feet of brightness, which is 100 lumens.

That’s fine for when you’re kneeing on the kitchen floor, trying to see where water is leaking under your sink.

But tactical flashlights provide you with brightness up to about 50 feet. And give you visibility up to approximately 100 yards.

You also get a variety of lighting settings with some tactical flashlights. Including strobe and an SOS light to signal for help.

A multipurpose tool

We’ve discussed many times how a multi-purpose tool is more valuable than a single-purpose tool.

The more uses you can get out of an item, the more space you’ll have in your bug-out bag or utility belt.

A tactical flashlight passes the multi-purpose test with flying colors. Some tactical flashlights include features such as a seat belt cutter and a glass-breaking hammer.

Others include a compass and a magnet. Some can be charged with the power of the sun in addition to an electric power source. And some can even power other devices.

Assault and (no) battery

Although a tactical flashlight is lighter than a standard flashlight, it can still serve as a serious self-defense weapon. 

First off, it can temporarily blind an opponent. This might allow you to make a quick escape. But if the threat is impossible to avoid, its light weight makes it easy to handle and either swing forcefully or jam into an attacker.

Tactical flashlights can not only take a beating, but also deliver one when you’re under siege. And because they are not considered a weapon, you can carry them places where you might not be allowed to carry a weapon.

With a regular, bulky flashlight, you might be fortunate enough to land a blow. But there’s a good chance you’ll destroy the frame and lose the batteries.

Too good to be true?

If you’ve decided you could use a tactical flashlight, how do you know which is the best one for you?

There are a few mistakes people make when they reach this point in the process. You want to avoid them.

One error is buying a tactical flashlight because it’s the least expensive one you find. You know what they say… you get what you pay for.

It’s not necessary to pay an arm and a leg for a tactical flashlight. But if you only spend $10 to $15, you’re probably going to be disappointed.

Review the reviews

Another mistake is making a decision based totally on positive product reviews. Don’t get me wrong. Reviews are important. I check them out almost every time I buy something new.

It’s a good idea to read both the negative and positive reviews. Of course, they’re not all real either. But some will point out a defect in a tactical flashlight that might be important for you to know when you’re making a decision.

Yet another mistake people make is not assessing their flashlight needs first. Sit down, write out exactly what you want your tactical flashlight to be able to accomplish, then do your research.

A 9-in-1 flashlight

My top recommendation for your new tactical flashlight is the HaloXT. With this flashlight, you get nine potentially life-saving functions in one. Including:

• Ultra-bright LED flashlight
• Solar panel
• Power bank
• SOS light and strobe
• Work light
• Seatbelt/rope splitter
• Glass-breaking hammer
• Compass
• Magnet

This ultra-bright flashlight weighs less than one pound. It’s water resistant and will never need batteries.

That’s because you can fast-charge it using the included micro USB if you have electricity. Or use the solar panel to charge it with the free power of the sun.   

Plus, in a pinch, you can power up your cell phone with your flashlight. Or your radio, tablet, GPS devices and much more.

The HaloXT also features a diamond-thread, anti-slip handle. And an adjustable wrist strap for night use… more than just your typical, everyday flashlight.

Take a look at the peace of mind it gives Cassandra H. from Tennessee:

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen. It can even charge your phone which is awesome.

"I take it outside every time I walk my dog. We have no light and the flashlight can shine from the back of my house to the very back of my fence which is half an acre. Our plumber had to do work under our sink, using the feature that illuminates.

"It’s worth it, you’ll have it forever. You’ll never need batteries, it charges itself. It’s solar powered so it stays in our sunroom and gets charged every day. It does more than just your average flashlight!” 

>> See more on this secret ‘power plant’ here