(Part 2) Best tactical flashlights according to redditors

This is the cheapest white light that I know of that isn't trash - $75

FMJ is a metal jacket, higher penetration and less damage to soft tissue. Both are bad for defense.

HP expands when it hits something soft and squishy, like people. This transfers more energy, causes more damage, and will normally stop inside of the body so no over-pen.

Get 115gr.

I'm still working on my AR, but my EDC light (which is also compatible with the AR platform) is the Nitecore MH12. Some highlights:

• 1,000 lumens max output. (For reference, most 55-watt halogen car lights are 1,500 lumens.)
  
• Multiple brightness modes: 1,000 lumens: 1 hour 15 minutes, 240 lumens: 6 hours, 70 lumens: 28 hours, 1 lumen: 520 hours, with mode memory. (Light remembers which brightness setting you last used.)
  
• Strobe, S-O-S, and beacon strobe modes
  
• Uses 1 X 18650 battery (4 times the capacity of AA, and 1/3 more efficient than CR123a), but is USB also rechargable
  
• Supports red, green, blue, and diffuse filters
  
• Supports AR picatiny rail mount and remote activation ($28 for a kit on Amazon)
  
• Fits in a jeans pocket (1" diameter, 6" long)
  
• IPX 8 water resistance (2 meters) and shock resistant (1.5 meters)
  
  The MH12 is the USB-rechargeable version of the P12, which is a popular LE/tactical light. The MH12 is about $80 on Amazon, or $100 with the rail kit. Folks might also want to ask around in /r/flashlight. Surefire lights are generally dinosaurs when it comes to brightness, battery life, and features as compared to modern lights, but unfortunately they are the go-to manufacturer to carry for most gun shops.
  
  Edit: Added links.
  
  Edit 2: Thanks for the gold! :-)

Sum up the light in a few words:

Name | Battery (type and quantity) | Lumens and mode | battery life (in order of lumens mode) | length | price (rounded up to full dollar)

------------------

The simple one mode guy:

• Coast PX25 | 3x AAA | 208 Lumens | 6.25 hrs | 4.7" | $28 Prime
  
  
  Maybe another setting would be nice:
  
  
• Coast HP7 | 4x AAA | 251/58 Lumens | 5.75/10 hrs | 5.6" | $44
  
  
  ...Or like 30 settings:
  
  
• Fenix LD10 | 1x AA | 120/94/47/9/SOS/Strobe Lumens | 1.5/2.2/6/34/varies hrs | 3.4" | $39 Prime
  
  
  Simple and I hate AAAs:
  
  
• Fenix E21 | 2x AA | 170/54 Lumens | 2.25/11 hrs | 6.5" | $31 Prime
  
  
  I like a sleek slim light with a lot of settings. I don't mind that its twist on:
  
  
• Foursevens P2 | 2x AAA | 160/?/2/SOS/beacon/strobe Lumens | 1/?/23/varies hrs | 5" | $45 Prime
  
  
  ...That and CR123As are my kind of battery:
  
  
• Foursevens Mini | 1x CR123A | 189/40/3/SOS/beacon/strobe Lumens | 1.2/8/150/varies hrs | 2.3" | $35 Prime
  
  
  Tail button FTW:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x AAA | 80/10/strobe Lumens | 1.5/30/5 hrs | 5.6" | $29 Prime
  
  
  
  Tail button and AAs FTW:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 1x AA | 50/6/strobe Lumens | 1.75/22/4 hrs | 3.9" | $33 Prime
  
  
  
  A little longer gets you 2x the brightness:
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x AA | 120/14/strobe Lumens | 1.75/21/4 hrs | 5.9" | $36 Prime
  
  
  Okay lets face it. CR123As are kinda cool:
  
  
  
• Streamlight ProTAC | 2x CR123A | 180/10/strobe Lumens | 2.5/50/6 hrs | 4.7" | $40 Prime
  
  
  
  
  
  Hope that helps!! I have a couple Streamlights and I am happy with them. On a budget (sub $50-80) they are great lights. A lot of people (non-tactical) like Foursevens. Never used one. If you aren't afraid of loosing it they seem like fantastic lights. If you can afford it and you are in tactical or just rugged situations Surefire makes unbelievably good flashlights... but they cost a lot.
  
  EDIT: Formatting.
  

Beretta 96 with a Recover Tactical BC2 Grip & Rail System and a cheap Ozark Armament 500 Lumen Tactical Pistol Light.

I'm going to start with battery recommendations, basically the best combination of power and size is a cell called the 18650. It's slightly bigger than an AA, though one of them has the power of about 5 AA cells. They're are a bit fatter, but nowhere near C size. A light that uses one of them is likely your best bet for both EDC and a weapon mount.

For the EDC light, assuming the single-18650 is small enough (tons of people carry them with no issue) I'm going to recommend a Thrunite Neutron 2C. It has as ramping interface, hold the button down and it will gradually increase to the highest level, then back the other way. Let go to choose exactly how much light you want. Additionally, it has shortcuts to the lowest mode (hold down), last used mode (click) and highest mode (double click.) It comes with a battery, and has a built in charger. While it has a strobe, you have to deliberately try to get it, it isn't in the main modes. It's a very commonly recommended first light on here, and I think would serve you quite well.

If that sounds too big, we have a bunch of recommendations for AA-size lights as well. Any of them on this list are awesome.

​

For a handgun light, I recently picked up an Olight PL-Mini Valkyrie, and it's awesome. It's a great, compact fit on my Carry-length Sig P320, has as built-in battery with magnetic charging that does a pretty consistent 400 lumen for about 80 minutes, has a good beam shape, and intuitive controls.

​

For an AR Mount, we're going to use a bit of your leftover pistol light budget. An Armtek Predator would be a good way to go, it has an optional remote switch. It's a ~1" body tube, so it fits into any mount (theirs isn't the greatest.) Here's a cheap option for that, better are certainly available.

With that light you'll need a couple of batteries and a charger. These will also be compatible with your Neutron 2C. I like getting batteries from Illumn, as Amazon has a not-insignificant danger of getting sketchy counterfeits.

​

​

You may find a few other opinions on here, but these will all serve you quite well.

I like my SRT5, but given the choice in the current market, I think I could save a few bucks on some alternatives. I do really like the control ring of the SRT5 and it is still unique in the market, but I don't think it's worth the extra price on top of some of these competitors.

• ThruNite TN12 (2014) - This guy is very new to the market but ends up being very similar to a Fenix PD35 at a lower cost. You also get the option of Neutral white tint.
  
  
• ThruNite Neutron 2C V2 - Similar to the Fenix E35 (below) this light has a single side switch for power and mode selection. Excellent value and brightness is on par with all of the others in this realm.
  
  
• Nitecore P12 - $60 for 950lm high mode, side mode switch button just like the PD35 and TN12.
  
  
• [Nitecore P10] (http://www.amazon.com/Nitecore-Tactical-Flashlight-Batteries-LumenTac/dp/B00M0EFYIC) - Quite similar to the P12, save ~$5 and take the max lumen output peak down a bit. Mode switch is on the tail next to the clicky - for emphasis on quick access to strobe modes and that sort of thing if you need it.
  
  
• [Fenix PD35] (http://www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=137&tid=9&cid=1) - It looks like Fenix has responded to the P12 with this 2014 edition of the PD35 here on amazon, bringing it to 960lm in turbo. Won't be all that different from the previous PD35.
  
  
• Fenix E35 Ultimate Edition - This light is rather similar to the P10, except you have a single side switch for power and mode changes. Comes in at a great value, if you are OK with the UI.
  
  Out of the above I would basically narrow it down based on what UI you like the best, weighted with price as well. If you would like power and separate mode switches, you've got the TN12, P12, P10, and PD35 to choose from. For a better value with just a single switch there is the E35UE and Neutron 2C V2. Based on my preference and budget I would try to get the TN12 (2014) in neutral tint if you can find it. If I needed a quicker turnaround I'd probably go with the P12 at $60. These are based on my personal criteria, definitely have a look at the parametrek page for your parameters as well.

Looks like an Arisaka Mount.

All I think you really need are:

50 rounds extended magazine

150 Lumen Pistol light

Coast HP7 High Performance Focusing 251 Lumen LED Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z29UJA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_a57Oub1NC62H8

I was curious about focusable flashlights too and it seems Coast/LEDLenser makes some of those. The one linked above seems to be a popular one. You might like it. There are other models too it seems.

Thank you, good sir. That is the right model number and it is a cheaper option.

Here is a link for y’all:

Streamlight 69279 TLR-6 Tactical Pistol Mount Flashlight 100 Lumen with Integrated Red Aiming Laser for Non-Rail 1911, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010R1F0SI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wKEVCb3CM0X5Y

It will look cleanest with this:



Arisaka mount

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAHV2RC/ref=twister_B00PFHMMJA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 the page I sent you to has multiple selections for you to choose from. I have the tlr4 on my 229 and I can't say enough good things about it and I also have the full size 320, but I have the Romeo1 RDS on it so I kinda don't need the laser. I'm opting for the tlr1 for myself. For what you're looking for I'd suggest the tlr2g. Kinda pricey imo but it's what you're looking for. Good luck brother

https://www.amazon.ca/Armytek-WARRANTY-Tactical-Flashlight-Waterproof/dp/B01L9BXJ9C

Thank you!

Booya: https://www.amazon.ca/Armytek-WARRANTY-Tactical-Flashlight-Waterproof/dp/B01L9BXJ9C

How about this one?

I've got the sd9ve as well; triger is heavy, but I don't mind and it is expected from a fire arm marketed as a self defense weapon. It does get better with use. If you still don't like the feel of the trigger after about a half dozen times on trips to the firing range. Look at getting the apex trigger kit (about 20$). I researched it before buying and it had plenty of features that I liked. 16+1 magazine, seldomly jams, SS finish, does not have issues firing different types of ammo (tried aluminum casing, steel , brass cheap ammo, premium ammo: gone through about 3000 rounds so far with no issues), mine came with 2 mags, extra mags are affordable, and price range overall was good. This is my home defense firearm and I couldn't be happier with it. I feel safe knowing if need be, I can go through 64 rounds before I need to reload a magazine. Only add on i have on mine is a flash light. here is the link if you need it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH6KGGF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_EOymCb00C0G1Q

Get a Streamlight TLR-2s.

You'll get the laser AND a light.

If you're willing to spend about $10 more you can get a light from a reputable company.

Thanks for doing a giveaway!

Here's my choice https://www.amazon.ca/Armytek-WARRANTY-Tactical-Flashlight-Waterproof/dp/B01L9BXJ9C

Thanks!

Olight S1

Inforce APLc. I couldn't ask for a better light for my Glock.

I’ve got a Streamlight TLR-2s I’m wanting to sell/trade to get an FDE red dot. You wouldn’t by chance be interested would you?

TLR-1 on my G19, TLR-2 on my .40 M&P, no issues so far, even added a remote trigger for the M&P

I have two HL-X. One on my HD shotgun and one on my .300 BLK pistol build. It's perfect for pressure pad switching. I mounted both pads in a natural grip area to make it as ergonomically easy and simple to use as humanly possible. The Streamlight HL-X gets my upvote. You can also use USB rechargeable batteries...

Streamlight 22102 USB... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079C4Z2F2?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

.....and an offset mount from Ariaska that holds it tight to the handguard.

Arisaka Offset Scout Mount M-Lok https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X0W1ODW?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Why not an Olight S1 bundle?. 500 lumens, super tiny, and magnetic tailcap to stick it places when you work. I have three of them now and carry one all the time. It takes CR123 primary batteries (disposable, can be cheap in bulk.) And RCR123a rechargeable versions, but they only have half the mAh

Edit: saw you were in Canada, with the exchange rate this is probably above budget.

I've never seen a quality pen & light combo in one, but then again I've never really looked. Have you considered a Fisher Space pen, and a small AAA flashlight? Both are compact, inexpensive, and usually of good quality.

Fisher Space Pen
Olight I3S EOS

Just make sure you get the correct model.

*e: this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WP2CP7V/

Streamlight tlr6 there's a couple different models for different guns I have one for my 23 just make sure you check the description and get the one for the 19 and not the 43
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B06WP2CP7V/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B010R1F0SI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Have fun! 100 lumens isn't super bright, but I think it'll be adequate for home defense.

For the record, I don't find my OTR to be inferior to my Olight an any way besides aesthetics personally, but that's fine. If you want brand name but reasonably compact, the Olights are not a terrible choice.

The S2 Baton is what the M6 was designed after and gives you a good 950 lumens max, but is a bit over your price range. The have the M18 Maverick as well which is more affordable, but you're looking at about half the max output.

There are also lights like the Fenix E35UE but it doesn't have a pocket clip (though you can likely use most any generic 18650 light clip) or perhaps the Nitecore P10, but it is somewhat larger, and Nitecore tends to use some lower frequency PWM that some people dislike.

To be honest, it's going to be more difficult to find a good "brand name" light that performs well in your price bracket; I find that you can mostly only get the entry level products from most of them while the lesser known (but not necessarily inferior) lights will provide more.

EDIT: I did not confirm compatibility with the longer cells you have mentioned in your OP with these lights.

That 18650 battery will work in any light that uses 18650s. As someone pointed out, that particular battery brand is junk and their cells are dangerous. If you get a decent light with an included battery that should be fine. If it's not included, you can order good 18650 size cells from Illumn.com, liionwholesale.com, or mtnelectronics.com.

I think the other user was asking if that flashlight's charging port fits in a particular Streamlight charger. I have no idea if that's the case, but most any 18650 cell can be charged outside the flashlight in a charger.

Some good suggestions for lights have been made here, and any of them should serve your dad well. I'd also recommend checking out the EDC C4 or [Folomov 18650s](folomov tactical flashlight with(usb charging battery),edc size,ipx-8 waterproof,black hard anadizing, 900 lumins,5 light modes,many functions for camping and hiking,18650s https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H78PH1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_J35QCbDRBERGZ). Those are good lights with an included battery, and you can plug the charger right into the battery so you don't have to buy a separate charger. If you order from Illumn.com use coupon code 'reddit' for some money off.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B075SHBJMK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1521312719&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=olight+pl-mini&dpPl=1&dpID=41mYEwdxgML&ref=plSrch

Free shipping on amazon, $321.28

http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69250-Rail-Mounted-Tactical-Integrated/dp/B00BAHV2RC

That Niwalker looks great, but it's a bit too expensive.

What brand of those batteries would you recommend? There are a lot of options on Amazon. Do those require a special charger? I have one for AA/AAA and one for the RCR123A battery that came the Olight package I bought.

Looks like an in force aplc

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0711BGL9X/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524544524&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=inforce+aplc&dpPl=1&dpID=41N-lNN9F6L&ref=plSrch

Edit - first link was for a model that was not Glock compatible

Pressure pad and Light.
I have them, I confirm they work together. The only thing that doesn't work is the mount, but you can wrap your light in tape to get it to fit snugly. But you get the light, a rechargeable 18650, a pressure pad, and a mount for about $50. For more money, you could also opt for a Nitecore P12 if you want a nice flood flashlight.

Looks like you want something pretty cheap.

I bought this and have used it on my HK45, VP9, SP01 and it works great on all of them.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051W6CQ8/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-2360/dp/B01FW1619U/?tag=parametrek-20 Thank You my friend!!!!

Simple and practical
Streamlight ProTac 2L-x https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQD8192/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_hNLpDbCEDNP59

I use [This] (https://www.amazon.com/Olight-i3S-EOS-Keychain-Flashlight/dp/B00XRHROS4) on my keys, which are normally clipped to my belt loop, great for walking in dark areas, working in racks etc. I have a larger pen light version I keep in my pelican.

Got it for around [$280 on Amazon Prime] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BAHV2RC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_QEOmxbXKP3GTD). There were slightly cheaper ones with a red laser (or ever cheaper without the laser too) but I liked this one. Installation was a snap and it functions great so far, now I just need to get some range time with it!

I’m going to post this because this was the best 18650 light I could find on amazon. It’s a Streamlight . If I win I will give it to my mom. She has a good supply of 18650 cells.

https://www.amazon.com/Coast-HP7/dp/B005Z29UJA/?tag=parametrek-20 here goes nothing, good luck all

this one works pretty good and is really bright. kind of pricey but...

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/711505/streamlight-tlr-1-tactical-illuminator-flashlight-white-led-with-batteries-2-cr123a-lithium-fits-picatinny-or-glock-style-rails-aluminum-matte

i personally use this on my M&P9. its cheaper and still really bright....the only downside it doesn't fit a snug but its not going anywhere.
http://www.amazon.com/Tactical-Flashlight-Compact-Pistols-Beretta/dp/B0051W6CQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331753381&sr=8-1

I have this one infront of me right now. I took it off a Glock 17 and didn't keep the glock. I can't really say much about it because I haven't used it at all. It has three settings: Laser, Light, and Laser + light. This is the first time I looked it up on the internet and god damn is it expensive.

I am not really sure how helpful that could be.

Streamlight ProTac 2L-X USB

Thanks for a chance to be a winner!

I'm not sold on the nightcore. I love my Olight i3S and the battery life is insane for a single AAA battery.

The biggest thing that's making me want the BeFree is supposedly the flow rate is faster than you can drink, blowing away the Sawyer Squeeze.

Be cool to win! Thanks for doing these giveaways! They are pretty awesome man!

https://www.amazon.com/OLIGHT-Portable-Tactical-Compact-Waterproof/dp/B07D82WWDK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=WWGV5JYGQB23&keywords=m1t%2Braider&qid=1551105158&s=gateway&sprefix=m1t%2B&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

Nitecore SRT7

• 980 lumens
  
• Red, Green, Blue LED modes for several lowlight situations
  
• Strobe mode made to daze/disorient
  
• <$100
  
• Small, lightweight, & durable as hell
  You can't want more out of a flashlight
  mounting kits

Thanks for the giveaway! I’d like to try a Folomov: FOLOMOV Tactical Flashlight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H78PH1Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3SKRDb2QZXD16

Thank you Soo much!
https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-2360/dp/B01FW1619U/?tag=parametrek-20

I'll try something different this time, maybe this Folomov

Hello here for https://www.amazon.com/Pelican-2360/dp/B01FW1619U/?tag=parametrek-20

Thanks this is awesome!

Im sorry it took so long to get back with you. My phone would not load the page. But here you go
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH6KGGF?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I have a light very similar to this that is no longer manufactured (a Terralux TLF-TT-4), and I love it.

Nitecore P10

Thanks dude. Olight M1T Raider

I could definitely use a better edc pocket light, and this [olight would be awesome.] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D82WWDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E6EDCb662VDZB)

I have the same light on my 21. Get the remote switch it makes it way easier to use.
http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-Contoured-Remote-Standard-Glock/dp/B004MOIFLG/

The two best options I have seen are:

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69279-Tactical-Flashlight-Integrated/dp/B010R1F0SI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1541290896&sr=8-2&keywords=streamlight+1911

and

http://trgear.com/Ez-Rail--1911-Colt-45s_p_169.html

So it’s only a 14$ savings for a used light?

InForce APLc Compact WML Weapon Mounted White Light For Glock Auto Pistol 200 Lumens Black ACG-05-1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0711BGL9X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pGrRDbFNP0KPN