What Are the Benefits of Waterproof and Water-Resistant Tactical Flashlights?

What Are Tactical Flashlights

A tactical flashlight is an ordinary flashlight designed for tactical use, such as for police and military use. Such flashlights have slightly different designs because they are meant to be highly durable and reliable. Tactical flashlights also differ from ordinary flashlights in terms of brightness. 

Tactical flashlights are designed to be used in situations where a regular flashlight would fail you. For example, many tactical flashlights are waterproof and can be used underwater. They are also exceptionally bright and maintain their brightness over long periods. Additionally, they are extremely sturdy and will not break like your standard flashlight.

Advantages of Tactical Flashlights

glowing pocket flashlight

Tactical flashlights differ significantly from normal flashlights as they are much more enhanced and designed to be used in dire conditions. These flashlights are much more bright, durable, and long-lasting. Here are some advantages of using tactical flashlights. 

Durability

Tactical flashlights are usually made using materials that can withstand heavy use, abuse, and harsh situations. They usually have aero-grade aluminum or titanium casing that protects the internals of the flashlight. Due to such casing, they are shock-proof, shatter-proof, and scratch-proof. You can also throw them without fear of breaking them. 

To increase durability, tactical flashlights are made waterproof, and their charging ports are sealed. Sealed ports allow them to withstand floods, snow, rain, and even submersion.

Lasting Power

Tactical flashlights use energy-efficient LED lightbulbs that do not need a lot of power. Due to the kind of bulbs they use, they do not drain the battery as quickly as other kinds of bulbs. Such bulbs allow you to use your flashlight for extended periods without needing to charge it or replace its batteries. Paired with these energy-efficient bulbs are long-lasting batteries, such as the Lithium 123s. These batteries have long lifespans and excellent energy outputs. 

Portable

Tactical flashlights are designed to be carried around with ease. Most are 3 to 7 inches long, meaning they are smaller than regular flashlights and can easily fit in your pocket. They are also lightweight, and you can fit them in your pocket or clip them onto your belt or bag. 

They Can Be Used as a Weapon

Tactical flashlights have an interesting design with toothed or serrated bezels, which allows them to be used as a weapon in times of need. The bezels can break windows in emergencies or be used as a non-lethal self-defense weapon

Better Illumination

Compared to ordinary flashlights, tactical flashlights are extremely bright, allowing you to use them in low-light conditions. While standard flashlights are only 25 to 100 lumens bright, a tactical flashlight has a range of 100 to 2000 lumens. 

The light output of such flashlights is so strong that it can even reach 1000 to 1200 feet. Such brightness is extremely useful when you are in complete darkness.

Advantages of Waterproof Tactical Flashlights

Although tactical flashlights are handy, if they are waterproof, you get an added layer of advantages. 

Waterproof tactical flashlights ensure that you have light no matter what the weather looks like. This is all due to the sealed ports, which ensure that no water enters the flashlight and the internal connections remain as dry as possible. 

Such flashlights are also helpful in keeping you safe. If you are in a dangerous area and the ground is wet, you do not need to worry about your dropping your flashlight in a puddle. Tactical flashlights are also designed to be weatherproof, so they provide you with ample light regardless of how damp or dry the weather is. 

How To Choose a Waterproof Tactical Flashlight

tactical military flashlight

When purchasing a waterproof tactical flashlight, there are many different factors that you need to take into account. As these flashlights are made for tactical situations, it is essential that you purchase one that has all the important features you will need. Here are a few factors you should consider when purchasing a waterproof tactical flashlight.

Type

One of the first things you should consider when purchasing a tactical flashlight is the type. There are several different types of flashlights to choose from, and in terms of size, there are two. They are everyday carry (EDC) flashlights and full-size tactical flashlights.

Everyday tactical flashlights are compact and convenient. Due to their small form factor, you can take them anywhere with you. Even though they are small, they are incredibly bright and long-lasting. These flashlights are excellent as backups to larger tactical flashlights.

Full-size tactical flashlights are designed like standard flashlights, and they measure around 8 to 12 inches and can weigh a couple of pounds. These flashlights are extremely strong, and their beams can extend for very long distances. They are also extremely sturdy and effective in case of an emergency.

There are other types of flashlights as well. They are specialized flashlights, which include headlamps, spotlights, weapon lights, and lanterns.

Size and Weight

Since tactical flashlights are supposed to aid you in difficult situations, you should ensure that you purchase one that is neither too heavy nor too large. You may have trouble using it if it is, which will defeat its purpose. Heavy flashlights slow you down, but they are also excellent weapons. You can use it to inflict blunt force trauma if you are being attacked.

However, this is an extreme scenario, and a small, lightweight flashlight will suit most people. 

Light Output 

The light output of a waterproof tactical flashlight is essential to consider because it determines how bright it will be. The amount of light your tactical flashlight emits is measured in lumens, which is a measure of how bright a light is. The higher the lumens, the brighter your flashlight will be.

You should evaluate whether or not you want an extremely bright flashlight before purchasing one so that you can choose one with the appropriate lumen rating. If you plan to use your waterproof tactical flashlight outdoors, you should choose one with over 150 lumens.

Lumens Use
150 to 299 Lumens. A flashlight with such lumen ratings can light up a large room and your backyard. They are also bright enough to disorient someone for a short period.
300 to 699 Lumens Flashlights with such lumen ratings are considered tactical flashlights. They can light up large areas with ease. Such tactical flashlights use Lithium or Li-ion batteries
700 and above. Lumens Tactical flashlights with lumen ratings over 700 are extremely bright. They are excellent for those who want maximum brightness but still want a device they can carry in their hands.

Brightness Levels

Everyone has a different requirement when it comes to flashlights. Ideally, you should purchase a waterproof tactical flashlight that has multiple modes. Even if you feel like you won’t use them, they are helpful to have, just in case. Additionally, they are also useful if you want to save battery life. You can turn down the brightness and use your flashlight for longer.

Most tactical flashlights are one of three kinds. The first kind of tactical flashlight is one you can turn on and off. You cannot change the brightness level of these flashlights. They simply turn on to the brightest level. These are useful because you know exactly how bright the light will be when you turn it on, and they can be used to impair someone’s vision temporarily.

The second kind has two brightness levels, and these are often labeled high and low. These tactical flashlights are helpful when you want to conserve battery light. 

The third kind of flashlight has many levels of brightness. You can have up to 10 different brightness levels with these flashlights that you can switch between with buttons or dials. They are beneficial because you can adjust the brightness according to your need so that you don’t deplete the battery quickly.

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance is from how high the tactical flashlight can be dropped from and still function. Waterproof tactical flashlights are made using high-quality and durable materials, which means they are much more durable than ordinary flashlights. When purchasing a tactical flashlight, ensure it can survive being dropped from at least a meter above the ground. 

Types of Beams

The kind of beam your tactical flashlight has is also an important feature to consider. There are three kinds of beams to choose from: flood, spot, and adjustable.

Flood beams are dispersed in terms of width and allow the light to spread out over a wide area. Tactical flashlights with beams are excellent for mechanics, DIY, camping, and indoor use.

Spot beams are also called focused beams and are designed to travel long distances. They are excellent for fast-paced activities as it illuminates the path ahead of you. These beams can cause a lot of reflection, which can strain your eyes. They are ideal for situations when you want to see far ahead, such as into a hole or a long path. 

Adjustable beams offer the best features of flood and spot beams because you can adjust these flashlights to be wider or more focused. They are excellent for when you are unsure between the two main kinds. Such beams also increase the versatility of the flashlight. 

Beam Distance

Beam distance is how far the beam of your tactical flashlight can travel. If you want to see a long stretch ahead of you, you should purchase one with a long beam distance. Flashlights with spot beams have long beam distances and are ideal for when you want to see things far away.

Battery Life

The battery life of tactical flashlights is measured by how long it takes for a fully-charged flashlight’s battery to drop to 10%. Usually, the longer the battery life, the better, but you should consider your use before you choose one. 

If you will be using your flashlight for short periods, the battery life will not matter. On the other hand, the battery life of your flashlight will be crucial if you intend to use it for extended periods. 

Battery life also depends on the kind of battery your tactical flashlight uses. Most tactical flashlights use either disposable alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable batteries.

Disposable alkaline batteries are the kind you will commonly see, but they are not as powerful as other kinds. These batteries are very easy to find and are available in most corner shops. They have a shelf life of two years.

Disposable lithium batteries are very similar to alkaline batteries but are way more powerful. They have a shelf life of 10 years, meaning they will last long. Lithium-ion batteries are also a bit more expensive but will serve you better in the long run.

Rechargeable batteries are usually lithium ions and come in various sizes. Their output is the same as standard lithium-ion batteries, but you can recharge these instead of replacing them. One disadvantage of rechargeable batteries is that they are more expensive than the regular kind. You also need to purchase a proper charger. Otherwise, you may risk damaging the batteries.  

The Temperature of the Light

When purchasing a waterproof tactical flashlight, you must check the temperature of the light it emits. Usually, there are three different kinds you may come across.

Temperature Use
Warm White Warm white light has a more yellowish tinge because it is on the lower end of the color spectrum. The light is comparable to incandescent light bulbs. This temperature is relaxing and not very bright.
Neutral White Neutral white light lies in the middle of the color spectrum and is neither warm nor cool toned. Many claim that it mimics sunlight, which makes it excellent for when you need your light to illuminate dark areas.
Cool White Cool white light is on the higher end of the color spectrum and is the brightest. It can affect the color of the object you are looking at but is great for low-light situations. 

Water Resistance Rating

When purchasing a tactical flashlight, you should ensure that it is water-resistant. Although it may seem like an extra feature, you never know when you will get caught in the rain or drop your flashlight in a puddle. In such situations, having a water-resistant flashlight can be extremely helpful. Professionals suggest you aim to purchase one with at least IPX7 water-resistant rating. 

Flashlights with an IPX4 rating are splash-resistant, but they will stop working if they are submerged in water because they are not sealed. Those with IPX7 can be submerged in 1-meter deep water for up to 30 minutes. Flashlights rated IPX8 have the highest level of waterproofing, and you can submerge them in water 1 meter deep for up to 4 hours. 

Material

The material that your waterproof tactical flashlight is made of plays a huge role in its durability. Manufacturers design such flashlights using hard materials so that they can take harsh blows without breaking. There are four different materials that you can choose from. Your choice should depend on your usage and whether or not you think you will be using the flashlight roughly. 

Material Purpose
Plastic, Composite, or Polymer Flashlights made using these materials are not very rugged or heavy-duty, but they are lightweight, which makes them easier to carry.
Stainless Steel Stainless steel flashlights are hard, long-lasting, and resistant to corrosion. If you want a flashlight that will serve you for years to come, a stainless steel flashlight is the best decision. 
Titanium Flashlights made using titanium are strong and lightweight, which makes them excellent for police offices, military members, etc. They are pricey.
Aluminum Aluminum tactical flashlights are lightweight but not as tough as those made from titanium and steel. One advantage of aluminum is that they are cost-effective and can be great if you are on a budget.

FAQs

How many lumens is suitable for a tactical flashlight?

Around 300 to 1000 lumen is ideal for tactical flashlights because they offer enough light to light up a pitch-black area. They are handy if you plan on using your flashlight outdoors.

What should I look for in a tactical flashlight?

When purchasing a tactical flashlight, you should ensure that it is lightweight, easy to operate, has a long battery life, and is durable. There are many other factors, such as beam type, lumens, etc., that you should look into as well.  

How many lumens do police flashlights have?

Police flashlights are extremely powerful and have 1000 lumens of light output. 

Conclusion

Waterproof tactical flashlights have more uses and advantages than anyone would expect. These flashlights are designed to illuminate a dark space and be used as a weapon, meaning they are excellent for when you go camping or venture into dangerous areas.

A tactical flashlight is a must-have tool because it is bright and a lot more durable and long-lasting than a regular flashlight, meaning it will last you a lot longer. If you are in the market to buy a waterproof tactical flashlight, ensure that it is lightweight, bright, and has a large battery. By doing so, you will be able to purchase one that suits your needs the best.