TOP 7 LIST: Best Military Grade Flashlight in 2022

TOP 7 LIST: Best Military Grade Flashlight in 2022

Military grade flashlights are known for their brightness and durability. By being military grade, they often are made out of strong, professional materials and do not break easily. They also have beams strong enough to illuminate an entire path or an entire room, depending on your needs. If you are interested in purchasing a military grade flashlight, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best models available on the market.

What is the Best Military Grade Flashlight?

We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Military Grade Flashlight and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.

More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available flashlights that are military grade that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these military grade flashlights.

We also wrote a brief military grade flashlights Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.

Without further ado, here’s the list of top 7 flashlights that are military grade based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.

1. GearLight S1000 LED Flashlight

TOP 7 LIST: Best Military Grade Flashlight in 2022
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg)
Size: 6.1 x 1.6 x 1.6 Inches (15.5 x 4 x 4 cm)
Batteries: 3x AAA
Brightness (Lumens): 800
Type: LED

This classical design of Ben & Howell’s TacLight reached Chinese OEM factories. Now, you’ll find it under different brand names while browsing online listings. It’s not bad news!

S1000 is an indestructible pack of value with two military-grade flashlights and accessories! It integrates sought-after features, such as multi-mode and zoomable settings. And it goes the extra mile by providing cases of battery holders too!

Gearlight’s tendency to drag older LED technology is problematic. As a result, the torch’s brightness lingers below 1000 lumens despite its potential. Overall, it makes an amazing purchase. And the polite staff is quick to resolve issues if there are any.

Pros

  • Classic all-weather design,
  • Order one and unpack two,
  • Anti-roll bezel,
  • Proactive customer service

Cons

  • Older LED chips,
  • Quality control issues

2. Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Flashlight

Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Flashlight
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.8 Pounds (0.4 kg)
Size: 8.9 x 3 x 3 Inches (22.5 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm)
Batteries: Ni-MH Rechargeable
Brightness (Lumens): 800
Type: LED

Stinger is the hands-down winner of the best flashlight line. If the three-digit price tag doesn’t scare you, it can put an end to all your worries.

Do you value adaptability or durability? It offers both! The machined aircraft aluminum body shoots up longevity to the sky. Illumination is adjustable from 800 to 400 and even 200 lumens. Beam drop-off respectively contracts to 300-200-150 meters.

The convenience of dual independent switches on the tail and head is no surprise. It sends a piggyback charger that simultaneously engages multiple batteries. However, you can kick it out of the cart to lower costs.

Pros

  • Dual switch technology,
  • Multiple modes,
  • Unequaled impact resistance,
  • Smart piggyback charger

Cons

  • Not for budget-conscious shoppers,
  • Concentrated beam

3. ThuZW 2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch

ThuZW 2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch
Specs
Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.4 Pounds (0.2 kg)
Size: 5.9 x 4 x 1.5 Inches (14.9 x 10.2 x 3.9 cm)
Batteries: 3x AAA
Brightness (Lumens): 1000
Type: LED
Tail Diameter: 1.02
Head Diameter: 1.33

It brings two flashlights for the price of one, along with their respective holsters, battery holders, and lanyards. One can’t ask for anything more except batteries, of course! However, you can choose to power it using standard AAA cells or a rechargeable 18650 battery.

It’s not short of trending features – three-mode brightness, strobe, SOS reflector, and zoomable function are a few to name. The aluminum crust is 5-6 inches long, depending upon the beam’s selected focus.

Watch out! The torch is not 3000 lumens as advertised. It doesn’t break the boundary of 1000, not even at the brightest setting though sufficient for most tasks.

Pros

  • Full range of lighting modes,
  • Focus adjustable,
  • Portable hand strap,
  • Compatible with rechargeable battery

Cons

  • Misleading advertisement,
  • Batteries are not included

4. Night Provision TX11 Tactical Flashlight

Night Provision TX11 Tactical Flashlight
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.4 Pounds (0.2 kg)
Size: 7 x 3.6 x 1.9 Inches (17.8 x 9.1 x 4.8 cm)
Batteries: Rechargeable
Brightness (Lumens): 1600
Type: LED

TX11 flashlight has got enviable mileage. In firefly mode, it’ll keep active for about a month. And 1600 lumen turbo also gives off 1hr operation. There are six modes that you can scroll with a metal side switch. The rear one is a power button, having a memory and momentary-on response. It conserves energy with automatic step-downs and indicates low-battery signals. Everything is perfect except for one thing.

You’ll have to buy two CR123A or only one 18650 rechargeable lithium battery separately.

Otherwise, the weatherproof machined aluminum body with anodized finish and knurling patterns can sway any buyer who seeks quality.

Pros

  • Double switch placement,
  • Anti-slip knurling,
  • Low battery reminder,
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • Batteries are sold separately,
  • Memorizes strobe mode too

5. SureFire G2X LE Flashlight

SureFire G2X LE Flashlight
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.3 Pounds (0.1 kg)
Size: 5.2 x 2.5 x 1.3 Inches (13.2 x 6.4 x 3.2 cm)
Batteries: 2x 123A Lithium
Brightness (Lumens): 400
Type: LED

The simplicity of the G2X LE flashlight sets it apart from the crowd. It has a rugged tail cap switch. Press it half for momentary-on and click for constant output. The low mode will kick in if you switch it on within two minutes of turning it off. Otherwise, the model prefers a higher setting that unleashes 400 lumens. Some descriptions have mistakenly rated it for 600.

Surefire hasn’t disclosed the type of LED chip and lens it utilizes. But we know that a parabolic reflector generates a focused beam with ample surrounding light. The flashlight features a nitrolon body, showing greater resistance against scratches and cold than aluminum!

Pros

  • Made of nitrolon,
  • Parabolic high-quality reflector,
  • Convenient tail switch,
  • Leads with high mode

Cons

  • Less standby time,
  • Cheaper alternatives

6. Hoxida LED Rechargeable Flashlights

Hoxida LED Rechargeable Flashlights
Specs
Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 1.4 Pounds (0.6 kg)
Size: 10.8 x 2.8 x 2.5 Inches (27.4 x 7.1 x 6.3 cm)
Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion
Brightness (Lumens): 9000
Type: Spotlight

Hoxida flashlight is 10″ long, but the wonders are infinite. The anti-roll head houses the latest XHP (Extreme High Power) LED model. It has an eye-piercing output. Beware the strobe; seeing it directly can cause vertigo sensation. Thankfully, you can turn it off with one touch. No need to cycle through all modes. Its COB work light also provides variable brightness in both white and red colors. Double press the power switch in less than one second to activate sidelight. USB input and output ports are flexible. You can charge this flashlight using your computer or vice versa.

Pros

  • Bright XHP90 LED,
  • Versatile COB light,
  • One key turn-off,
  • Powerbank; a friend in need

Cons

  • Almighty strobe,
  • No USB-C port

7. OLIGHT Warrior 3 Tactical Flashlight

OLIGHT Warrior 3 Tactical Flashlight
Specs
Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper)
Weight: 0.4 Pounds (0.2 kg)
Size: 6.1 x 2.8 x 2.2 Inches (15.5 x 7 x 5.7 cm)
Batteries: Rechargeable
Brightness (Lumens): 2300
Type: LED

Warrior 3 arrives at your doorstep read-to-use. Its tailored package has a sturdy flashlight, proprietary 5000mAh battery, MCC3 charger, and holster. OLight has long achieved perfection in quality and value!

This model brings a few innovations in UI to the table. Besides three typical brightness levels, its side-switch provides direct access to special outputs and a lockout mechanism. A 2300-lumen turbo is equalized with a battery-saving moonlight. And strobe supports both constant as well as momentary use! The turbo runs as long as the minimum charge is 75%. How’d you know the battery’s health? Well, a four-level indicator stands for each 25% slab. A similar blinking setting adorns the flip side of the circle for brightness.

Pros

  • Staggering six modes,
  • An innovative visual indicator,
  • Magnetic charging,
  • A new lockout mode

Cons

  • The head gets hot after long use,
  • Only full-charge supports turbo

Verdict

TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best military grade flashlight is below:

Overall best military grade flashlight out there: GearLight S1000 LED Flashlight

Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: Streamlight Stinger DS LED HL Flashlight

Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: ThuZW 2 Pack Tactical Flashlight Torch

Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:

What You Should Know Before Buying Military Grade Flashlights

Battery Type

The best battery type for your flashlights depends entirely upon your use. Whether you want it to be rechargeable, or disposable. Do you need to use them right away or after a while? The size and the weather in which the flashlight will be used also matters. The most common rechargeable batteries are alkaline batteries. Found in AAA, AA, C, and D types, their nominal voltage is 1.5V and they have a self-discharge rate of approx. 2-3% per year, making them an excellent and easily available choice if you want a disposable battery for an emergency flashlight that is stored most of the time. If you want better performance in rechargeable batteries, go for lithium batteries. With a nominal voltage of 3V per cell and extreme weather endurance, they are perfect if you are looking for a disposable battery with a lower discharge rate than alkaline batteries. The only con is that they are more expensive than alkaline batteries.

If you want rechargeable batteries, as they are far more cost-effective in the long run, there are two options available – Lithium Ion and NiMH batteries. NiMH can be found in standard alkaline battery sizes but Li-Ion batteries come in their own standard sizes like 18650. NiMH batteries last longer than standard alkaline batteries despite having lower (1.25V) voltage owing to their lower discharge rate.

With a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell Li-Ion batteries beat every other battery in terms of energy density, although its prices are reflective of that. Read the instruction manual of your flashlight to pick the best battery option for yourself. Also, consider your requirements and the use of your flashlight (emergency use, everyday use, etc.).

Lumens And Light Output

Lumen is a measure of the flashlight light output – so the ideal lumen number will depend on your situation. Usually, a flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens is considered versatile enough for everyday use and frequent nightly tasks. But the number can go up for certain tasks that require more light output.

For reading or random everyday tasks, you will find a 300 lumens flashlight to be useful enough. For camping or similar outdoor activities like nightly walks or running, a 300 to 900-lumen flashlight will work well. If you’re hunter or military personnel, you may need to spot your prey or a threat from a considerable distance – for such situations, pick a flashlight with a light output of 1250-2500 lumens.

Flashlights with a higher light output than 2500 lumens are usually used in search and rescue operations as such operations require a much-focused illumination.

Beam Intensity

Many people confuse lumens for the measure of flashlight brightness or beam intensity. Lumens are merely the measure of total light output generated by a flashlight. The beam intensity depends mainly upon candelas. Different candela settings provide different beam intensities – from highly focused to wide and dispersed. Purchase a flashlight with a higher candela rating if you want a long-distance or more focused beam. Alternatively, get a flashlight with a low candela rating for more uniform illumination. Other factors that affect beam intensity are the size and shape of the lens or reflector.

Run Time

The run time of a flashlight primarily depends upon its batteries. Li-Ion batteries have the highest energy capacity and they are also rechargeable. While alkaline and lithium are long-lasting disposable batteries. Other factors that affect the run time of a flashlight are its power draw i.e., its brightness setting, light output, and the number of batteries. A flashlight will last longer on a lower brightness setting than on a higher one. Flashlights with the lowest lumens will last the longest. Also, the higher the number of batteries the longer the run time of a flashlight. Choose the variables that best suit your situation.

Emergency Features

The most important emergency feature in a flashlight is its versatility. A flashlight that can be charged in various ways is the best since you cannot predict the nature of the emergency. Try to invest in a rechargeable flashlight that also serves as a crank flashlight so it does not go off when the power runs out. Also check for features like strobe mode (for signaling), a higher IP rating (for waterproofing), and a rugged material (anodized aluminum or titanium). There are many flashlights available in the market with built-in radio and a siren. Cover the flashlight with a neon band to spot it quickly in the dark.

Questions and Answers About Military Grade Flashlights

What tactical flashlight does the military use?

It is not logical to assume that the entire military will be using the same tactical flashlight for various purposes. It also does not make sense for the entire military to stick to a single brand throughout the decades. Some search and rescue units might require flashlights with higher lumens which will only serve to give the position of stealth teams away. Medical units may carry more than one type of flashlight while teams operating at night might require a flashlight with red lighting to preserve night vision.

What lumen flashlight Do police use?

This answer will depend on what kind of uses is the flashlight designed for. A wilderness search-and-rescue flashlight will be different from the specifications of traffic police. That is why the general range of a police flashlight can range anything from 300 to above 1500 lumens.

What flashlight do special forces use?

While it is impossible to generalize that all special forces use one type of flashlight (a medic will have different needs from tactical forces), there are some shared utilitarian qualities that all branches look for in a reliable flashlight. Most will have multi-modes that allow the users to toggle between different power modes and beam types, have the external durability to withstand rough use, and arguably most importantly, the rechargeable battery to sustain prolonged and repeated use.

How do you charge a hyper tough flashlight?

The same as how you will charge any USB-rechargeable flashlight. You have to first find the USB charging port on the flashlight. Some might be hidden under a flap at the bottom of the flashlight while for others, it might be along with the handle of the flashlight. It will depend on the design. Plug the USB into the flashlight and a charging port and voila.

Can a flashlight be used as a weapon?

Yes, a flashlight can be used as a weapon. If your flashlight has a sturdy and durable outer casing, you can use it as a blunt force weapon. Besides that, shining a bright light directly into the eyes of the aggressor can temporarily incapacitate them. If your flashlight has a strobing mode, it can cause temporary disorientation and even nausea. If you have a striking bezel, you can use them as a weapon too.