what's a TACTICAL flashlight??

What makes one light tactical and not another??

Marketing departments.

Tactical lights are usually a single mode with a momentary tail switch (not a clicky).

They are usually used in conjunction with a weapon system.

For example of using one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyS2K7I3Hvk&feature=youtu.be

The term is completely open to interpretation. To some it means a tail-switch, to others it means having instant access to Strobe, to a few it means having a strike bezel. Pretty much what ever you feel makes it 'tactical' is its definition.

Around here, the commonly accepted definition of 'tactical' is a light used in a military/police/personal defense situation to illuminate/stun/disorient/disable an opponent. It usually involves some combination of bright light and/or strobe, usually with the ability to operate the light while also operating a firearm of some sort.

FULLY TACTICAL BRO

Tactical:



Not tactical:




Nuf said?

I'm diggin it, Byk!

Most lights I see advertised as 'tactical' usually mean they have a strobe, tail switch and crenellated bezel and a bump in price. I work in law enforcement and am yet to see someone use a strobe or crenellated bezel against another person.

From my point of view strobe is not suitable to use in a critical incident because it can affect others besides the suspect and has no guarantee of having any effect. I think crenellated bezels are a waste of time when other more effective options are available that are less likely to get you in trouble for using non-issued equipment as a weapon.

XR6Toggie said:

I work in law enforcement and am yet to see someone use a strobe or crenellated bezel against another person...

I think crenellated bezels are a waste of time when other more effective options are available that are less likely to get you in trouble for using non-issued equipment as a weapon.

Click to expand...

As always, your perspective as an LEO is welcome and appreciated. I'm just a regular dude who likes flashlights, but being cognizant of what you've said, I don't carry flashlights with strobe functions, crenelated bezels, or extended battery tubes that might resemble a baton. I figure there's no need for trouble and certainly no need to explain my chosen flashlight to a street cop.

I do have a 3D cell Maglite, but it's just for fun in the neighborhood.

I work with LEOs and sell a few lights here and there and I can tell you 99.3% of the time the strobe function is only used in HQ messing with each other.

Kestrel said:

Marketing departments.

Click to expand...

I agree. :twothumbs

What-makes-a-flashlight-tactical? > http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...ght-tactical&p=5164345&viewfull=1#post5164345

richbuff said:

"What makes a flashlight tactical?"

When the Marketing Department decides to market the product to law enforcement.

When the Marketing Department decides to market the product to people who want a product that is marketed to law enforcement.

Click to expand...

I think a true "tactical" light should fit a specific use... Generally the more complicated and jam packed with featues the less "tactical" it seems to me.

But as others have said, tactical is mainly a marketing thing. My Malkoff Hound Dog with a momentary tailcap is very "tactical" in my book but not advertised as such.

Modernflame said:

As always, your perspective as an LEO is welcome and appreciated. I'm just a regular dude who likes flashlights, but being cognizant of what you've said, I don't carry flashlights with strobe functions, crenelated bezels, or extended battery tubes that might resemble a baton. I figure there's no need for trouble and certainly no need to explain my chosen flashlight to a street cop.

I do have a 3D cell Maglite, but it's just for fun in the neighborhood.

Click to expand...

Obviously there are some differences with laws but I think that's a sensible option to take. There are other devices you can legally own in the US that are far more effective for self defence and a flashlight with a crenellated bezel could technically be illegal in my part of Australia.

People that are likely to be involved in confrontations due to their field of work will usually have access to better tools than a strobing flashlight with a crenellated bezel too.

Roger Sully said:

I work with LEOs and sell a few lights here and there and I can tell you 99.3% of the time the strobe function is only used in HQ messing with each other.

Click to expand...

Strobe can actually be useful for signalling traffic, particularly with a wand or diffuser.

"Tactical" is a term that have been diluted so much by various companies that the term doesn't bear any relevance anymore.

For me, the tactical flashlight should at least be:
* Quick access to high / low output - like the malkoff md2 with the hi/lo bezel or Elzetta with the hi/lo tailcap

* Extremely durable - reliability is a must. Also should be able to endure the recoil if it's mounted to a weapon.

* Simple - no multi click modes going from low/med/hi/sos/strobe

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tactical_light?wprov=sfti1

I guess everyone has their own idea.

BillG said:

What makes one light tactical and not another??

Click to expand...

The ability to use the flashlight primarily with a hand gun. The light provides a high lumen output with the press of a rear tail button. The light goes out when the tail button is released. The light does not lock in the on position unless there is a separate adjustment specifically for that purpose. This momentary on/off allows the user to illuminate an armed target instantly but disappear quickly into the dark to re-position for advantage. In addition, the one button push and release requires only gross motor skills so when you are full of adrenaline the light is still easy to operate. Further, if the user is struck with a bullet and drops the light the light will go out. This ensures that the users position is not given away to the armed target.