subject: Tactical Flashlight [print this page] Tactical Flashlight Tactical Flashlight
Six features to consider when choosing a Tactical Flashlight
A well made tactical flashlight will be constructed with the following features. 1.Waterproof. 2. Created with anodized aluminum. 3. The light source should be a Light Emitting Diode. 4. Powered by lithium batteries. 5. Black or camouflage finish. 6. The flashlight must be able to mount to almost anything, specifically, helmets, rifles, and handguns. This article explains why these features are a must when choosing the right Tactical Flashlight.
Waterproofing - This feature allows for operations in damp to wet conditions. This is particularly necessary for firefighting, camping or search and rescue operations. A well made tactical flashlight should be able to operate in the harshest of environments.
Anodized aluminum - This process of aluminum treatment creates a more corrosive resistant metal and in turn promotes longer product life. Anodized aluminum can handle heat much more effectively than flashlights constructed from plastics or composite materials, and most importantly is extremely resistant to damage from impact, crushing or bending.
LED light source - Light emitting diodes are proven to be a better option than incandescent bulbs. They use less power which will extend the life of your batteries and save you money. LED's have a burn time somewhere in the 10,000 hour range compared to a 1000 hours you may receive from an incandescent bulb. Traditional incandescent bulbs are completely reliant on a small filament which can be easily damaged from vibration. So if your intention is to mount your tactical flashlight to a rifle or handgun an LED is imperative.
Lithium batteries - The main benefit to a Lithium batteries is they last longer before running out of energy. Generally 4 to 7 hours longer than alkaline batteries. Obviously this is going to be useful in all situations where you are unsure as to how long the task at hand is going to take especially in emergencies. The cost of a lithium battery is substantially higher than that of an alkaline but this will pay off when you need your tactical flashlight to burn for extended periods of time. Also due to the longer life of a lithium power supply the higher cost can be justified by the reducing the need for replacement.
Black or camouflage finish. When hunting, during recon ops, or enforcing the law the finish for a tactical flashlight is going to count. In these circumstances it is imperative to maintain a stealth presence. If your opponent can't see you they won't know you are there which can give you the upper hand and very possibly save your life.
Mounting options - Hands free operation - Tactical flashlights are created with "hands free" in mind. They are specifically designed to be mounted to rifles, hand guns, and helmets.The obvious benefit here is you have the use of both your hands while being able to see. There is no way around this when shooting a rifle.
While tactical lighting was origionally created for military use it has branched into almost every field of operation and has become increasingly popular for civilian use. As with any piece of vital equipment do your research and choose a product that specifically caters to your needs and has the features necessary to complete the tasks at hand.
