Best Tactical Flashlights for Duty Use: A Short Guide

Like a sidearm, a quality duty flashlight is an indelible component of a law enforcement officer’s equipment.

But not all tactical flashlights are the same; so how do you settle on the best ones? This short guide should help break down some of the factors that should weigh into the decision.

There are several different types of duty flashlights that have value in tactical applications. These are the most common types:

• Handheld: These are probably the most common types of tactical flashlights, and are designed to be held, as the name implies. Some may have clips for attaching to a vest, and some have angled heads that allow them to be mounted to a chest rig and used hands-free.
• Spotlights: Spotlights are also handheld, but they tend to be larger and bulkier, and usually produce wider beams with brighter outputs. Some spotlights can exceed a million candlepower or lumens.
• Weapon lights: Weapon lights are expressly designed to be mounted to a firearm’s rail (or forend) so that they can be used hands-free.

Other classes of tactical lights might include lanterns and headlamps, but since these are not as commonly used for duty, we’re not including them in this guide.

Broadly speaking, handheld tactical flashlights are either EDC sized or full-sized. EDC flashlights are typically only a few ounces at most and can be held easily in one hand. They are lighter and easier to stash in gear vests, rigs, or packs.

Some full-size flashlights are between 6 and 12 inches in length, and others are even larger. Typically, they have higher lumen ratings and some of them are weighted and made from steel or aluminum so that they can be used as breaching tools, glass breakers, or defensive weapons.

Many of the best tactical flashlights have several different light modes through which you can dim the light. Common lumen ratings for these modes range from 50 (on low settings) to 2000 and even higher. Some even have strobe modes that can be used to disorient hostile targets, or for signaling.

Most tactical flashlights throw a bright white light, but some may have red emitters, or red modes, that are useful in tactical situations because red light is more effective in the dark and does not counteract your night vision.

Duty lights may (broadly speaking) have one of two light beam types; flood or spot (focused beams). A flood light generally throws a diffuse beam (hence the name) whereas a spot light throws a focused beam with a higher candela rating. Some tactical flashlights have adjustable beams.

There are three main types of light controls on duty flashlights. These are:

• Push buttons: A push button is a button that must be depressed to activate the light. These are commonly located on the tailcap or on the side of the flashlight. Some buttons feature negligent discharge protection to prevent the light from being accidentally switched on.
• Switches: A switch typically takes the form of a slide or toggle that must be engaged to activate the light. These are usually located on the body of the light.
• Rotating bezel/head: Rarely, flashlights may be equipped with a head that must be rotated to switch the light on or off.

Duty flashlights are typically rated according to how many lumens they produce. The higher the lumens, the more overall light the emitter produces. However, lumen rating does not tell the entire story, so you will want to know the beam’s effective distance.

The focus of the light beam, as well as the lens and bezel, can all impact effective beam distance. There’s a lot more data to consider here, but generally speaking, the greater the effective range, the better.

Many of the best tactical flashlights are also given an impact rating demonstrating how far they can be dropped without experiencing technical issues. Generally, you will want a flashlight that can be dropped from more than 1 meter without failing. These are better in the line of duty than other more fragile flashlights.

Ingress protection, or IP rating, tells how good a flashlight is at resisting particulate and moisture intrusion. The first number measures dust ingress, and the second measures moisture ingress. The higher the number the better the ingress protection of the flashlight. 

For instance, an IPX4 flashlight is considered water resistant, whereas an IPX8 flashlight is fully sealed and can be fully submerged without failing, at a depth of 1 meter, for a prolonged period of time.

Tactical flashlights are commonly made from one of four materials:

• Aluminum: lightweight, strong, and corrosion resistant, aluminum is one of the most common materials from which the best tactical flashlights are made.
• Steel: Steel is stronger and more durable than aluminum, but prone to corrosion, and considerably heavier.
• Polymer/plastic/some other synthetic: Lightweight flashlights are sometimes made from synthetic compounds that blend some of the desirable attributes of both steel and aluminum.
• Titanium: Some tactical flashlights are made from titanium, which is corrosion resistant and lightweight like aluminum, but which rivals the strength of steel. This is a relatively uncommon option, though.

The battery type (and projected lifespan) should also be taken into consideration when you are evaluating duty flashlights.

Most flashlights either accept disposable alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries. Among disposable, CR123A batteries, though expensive, are reliable and long-lasting. If you choose a model with a rechargeable battery make sure you also carry a charger and monitor battery life.

Every flashlight has a projected battery lifespan, and the brighter the light, the shorter the lifespan will be. Read up on how long the battery will last while running the light with a full charge, and make your decision from there.

We carry a wide range of some of the best tactical flashlights in the industry, including weapon lights, from top brands like Streamlight and Surefire. Take a look through our catalog via the previous links and if you have any questions get in touch with our representatives.