In this short video, Michael from ASP covers everything you need to know about choosing a tactical flashlight. ASP is an industry leading manufacturer of expandable batons, restraints and other police gear. For more than forty years, ASP has had a single-minded focus on providing law enforcement officers with the finest tools for the safe performance of their duties and industry-leading training on the proper use of those tools. Learn more about how to choose a tactical flashlight here.
Video Transcript
Hi I'm Michael from ASP and we partnered with TacticalGear.com to talk you through how to choose a tactical flashlight.
Handheld tactical flashlights have come a long way since the days of the incandescent bulb powered by four D batteries in a baseball bat-sized housing. Modern LED law enforcement lights are sophisticated electronic devices that are much brighter, much smaller, and much more reliable than ever before. But with seemingly limitless choices on the market, it can be hard to sort through the specs and find the light that's best for you. So, here are a few things to look for and think about.
First, think about the performance you're looking for. Do you want absolute maximum brightness for mostly outdoor use? Then you probably want to look at a light with at least 800 lumens, or even nearly 2000, like this ASP Raptor. If you're looking more of a general purpose duty light, the 400-600 lumen range is ideal. Remember that brighter isn't always better, especially indoors, where too many lumens can work against you. One good option is a light that offers multiple light levels so you can step the brightness up or down as needed.
Next, consider power sources. Quality primary cells, also known as disposable batteries, offer excellent performance and can be bought just about anywhere when replacements are needed. Look for lithium batteries, like these CR123A's for maximum performance and stable output. More and more flashlights, however, are going to rechargeable power sources like this 18650 battery, and that technology gets better and better every year. Some flashlights offer dual-fuel flexibility allowing you to swap between rechargeable and disposable batteries for ultimate backup confidence.
A third consideration is size. If you're carrying the light on a duty belt, a full-size duty model typically with a flared head, is the most common choice. If you are in street clothes or otherwise carrying in a pocket, a slightly smaller straight-barreled design — what we call a transitional light — might be more practical. And every officer should carry at least one backup light. Slim, compact everyday carry lights are perfect in this role.
Of course, materials and construction matter a lot. Most tactical flashlight housings are made of either aluminum or polymer. In a good-quality light, either material will be durable, lightweight and reliable so it's largely a matter of personal preference. You might save a little weight and perhaps a little money with a polymer light, whereas an aluminum light might be a little tougher, have a more high-end look and feel and depending on the design, may be better at dissipating the heat generated by modern high-performance LED's. If you do select a metal light, make sure to look for one that's made of a high quality alloy like 6061 T6 aluminum. And definitely make sure it's hardcoat anodized for long term durability, corrosion-resistance and a high quality appearance that will last.
Some of the quality touches that might be harder to identify but are worth researching are top brand led's from companies like CREE paired with quality electronic drivers and circuitry, ideally with gold-plated connections. And of course, safety features such as advanced battery and heat management are critical when dealing with high-performance lighting tools.
These are just a few of the key considerations when buying a police-grade flashlight. As I said earlier, there really are countless options and variables out there. So one of the best decisions you can make is to select a light from a reputable manufacturer, especially one with a track record in the law enforcement and military communities. Look for suppliers who adhere to and display the PLATO FL1 industry performance standards and be at least a little skeptical about lights that look too good to be true at prices that seem too cheap to resist. While there are many good value lights out there, more often than not, you do get what you pay for in this category. So take the time to do your homework, check out the many great lights available at TacticalGear.com and choose the one that's best for you.