We believe the best tactical flashlight, in addition to being a well-rounded flashlight, gives consumers a significant advantage in a potentially deadly encounter.
Tactical flashlights typically have a tail-activated switch to allow users to quickly turn them on under stress.
They are bright enough to momentarily blind an attacker and are designed to withstand harsh environmental abuse.
Best Tactical Flashlight Under $100
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA
I’ve tried a few different brands of EDC flashlights and have a few favorites.
The Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA is a favorite of mine that I reach for on a daily basis. It runs on a single AA battery, which can be found virtually any place, or a single CR123 battery.
For EDC tasks, the light produces enough light (up to 350 lumens on high and 40 lumens on low). The flashlight can also be used as a self-defense tool for striking. The Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA is an excellent combination of performance and longevity.
The Streamlight 1L-1AA is hard to kill. Drop-proof to 2 meters, waterproof to 1 meter, and covered by a lifetime warranty. Aluminum that has been hard-anodized is lightweight and durable, scratch-resistant, and difficult to crush. It’s an excellent material for a light that will be your constant companion.
Specs
- 1x CR123A:
- High: 350 lumens – 1.5 hours
- Low: 40 lumens – 14 hours
- Strobe: 3 hours
- 1x AA battery:
- High: 150 lumens – 1.33 hours
- Low: 40 lumen – 7.5 hours
- Strobe: 3.5 hours
- Dimensions:
- Length: 4.25 in. (10.8 cm)
- Head diameter: .950 in. (2.41 cm)
- Barrel diameter: .850 in. (2.16 cm)
Streamlight ProTac 2L-X
The Protac flashlight line is meant to give a budget choice for tactical and everyday carry applications, and for just under $50 on Amazon, the low-cost 2L-X fits right in.
To be fully honest, it falls between an EDC light and a duty light: it strives to deliver more power than most EDC lights while not being completely enormous and hard to carry in your pocket.
The Protac 2L-X offers to provide users with a high-quality light choice at a reasonable price.
Specs
- LED: C4 LED
- Power Source: 1 x rechargeable USB Li-ion battery(included) or 2 x CR123A Lithium batteries
- Peak Beam Distance: 165 meters (541.33 ft.)
- Peak Beam Intensity: 500 Lumens, 6,800 Candela
- Brightness Outputs/Runtime:High: 500 lumens – 3.25 hours (18650) 2.75 hours (CR123A)
- Low: 40 lumens – 30 hours (both battery types)
- Strobe: 4.5 hours (18650) – 3.25 hours (CR123A)
- IPX Rating: IPX7 waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes
- Impact Resistance: 2 meters (6.56 ft.)
- Dimensions:Length: 5.14″ (130.55 mm)
- Head Diameter: 1.06″ (26.92 mm)
- Body Diameter: 0.940″ (23.87 mm)
- Weight: 4.4 oz. (125 g) with 18650 battery
Olight Warrior Mini 2
The Olight Warrior Mini 2 is still compact and EDC-ready, with a maximum lumen output of 1750 and a beam throw of 240 yards.
The Warrior Mini 2 has five brightness settings, including a dedicated strobe mode. Its built-in proximity sensor dims the light automatically to minimize overheating.
The Warrior Mini 2 is waterproof to 2 meters and drop safe to 1.5 meters. You can rely on this tiny, high-performance flashlight to get the job done in any circumstance.
The Warrior Mini 2 is under five inches long and weighs a little over four ounces with a battery, making it ideal for EDC. With a bi-directional pocket clip, detachable lanyard clip, and carabiner-style ring, there are many ways to carry it.
The Warrior Mini 2 is an amazing EDC flashlight, an emergency light for a glove box, and a devoted toolbox workhorse.
Specs
- Light Source: 1 x High-Performance LED
- Color Temp: 6000 – 7000K
- Max Throw: 722ft / 220m
- Peak Intensity: 12,300cd
- IP Rating: IPX8
- Drop Resistance: 4.9ft / 1.5m
- Switch: Tail and Side Switches
- Material: Aluminum
Fenix UC35 V2
The Fenix UC35 V2.0 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight, newly enhanced from its 2014 edition, is the ideal everyday carry light for law enforcement and other tactical professionals.
At only 5 and a half inches long, this light fits nicely in your hand and conveniently stores in your pocket or clips to your belt, making it easy to carry wherever you go.
Despite its small size, the UC35 V2.0 is a powerful illumination with a maximum brightness of 1000 Lumens and four dimmer outputs. The revolutionary dual-switch interface of the flashlight enables full and momentary activation, as well as rapid access to the flashlight’s blinding Strobe mode.
The UC35 V2.0 is prepared to take on whatever you or the elements throw at it. The tough tactical light is made of solid aluminum alloy and coated with a hard-anodized finish, making it highly resistant to scratching and impact damage.
The tenacious flashlight is O-ring sealed, making it completely dustproof and waterproof, making it suitable for usage in almost any environment!
Specs
- LED: 1 x CREE XP-L HI V3 LED
- Power Source: 1 x 18650 (Included) Or 2 x CR123A
- Peak Beam Distance: 266 meters (872.7 ft.)
- Peak Beam Intensity: 17700 cd
- Brightness Outputs (Using Included 18650):
- Turbo – 1000 Lumens – 2 Hours 15 Min.
- High – 350 Lumens – 4 Hours 10 Min.
- Medium – 150 Lumens – 10 Hours 40 Min.
- Low – 50 Lumens – 28 Hours 10 Min.
- Ultralow – 1 Lumen – 800 Hours
- Strobe – 1000 Lumens – N/A
- IP Rating: IP68 (Dustproof, waterproof and submersible up to 2 meters)
- Impact Resistance: 1 meter (3.28 ft.)
- Dimensions:
- Length – 5.51″ (140 mm)
- Head Diameter – 1.00″ (25.4 mm)
- Body Diameter – 0.93″ (23.5 mm)
- Weight: 3.13 oz. (89 g)
SureFire G2X
Based on the success of the original single-output model, the black Surefire G2X-D LED Tactical Flashlight now has two outputs to boost utility and adaptability.
The G2X-D has a high of 600 lumens, similar to the single-output version, for lighting vast areas to clear rooms, search, or deliver emergency medical aid from first responders. A low 15-lumen output is suitable for checking IDs, reviewing reports, or filling out paperwork while preserving battery life.
Its lightweight and corrosion-proof Nitrolon polymer body is designed to withstand the punishment that an EDC light is subjected to, while O-rings keep moisture out, allowing it to be used in driving rain and snow.
In cold and rainy conditions, the body will also maintain a stable neutral temperature, making it comfortable to use without gloves. When used alone or with multiple light/pistol grips, a push/click tail-cap switch makes it simple to operate.
Specs
- Illumination Source: 1 x White LED
- Lumen Output: 600 Lumens
- Battery: 2 x CR123A
- 1.5- to 52-Hour Runtime
- Material: Plastic
- Dimensions:
- Length: 5.2″ / 13.2 cm
- Bezel Diameter: 1.25″ / 3.2 cm
- Body Diameter: 1″ / 2.5 cm
- Weight: 4.4 oz / 124.7 g
Conclusion
The search for the best tactical flashlight under $100 reveals a range of options, each with its unique features and specifications.
From the versatile and durable Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA to the compact and powerful Olight Warrior Mini 2, these flashlights offer reliability and performance suited for various situations, including everyday carry (EDC), tactical applications, and emergency scenarios.
The Fenix UC35 V2.0 stands out for its high lumens and user-friendly design, while the SureFire G2X offers adaptability with its dual-output feature.
Each flashlight, meticulously designed to be robust and efficient, caters to different needs and preferences, ensuring that there is an ideal option for everyone.
Whether you’re a law enforcement professional, outdoor enthusiast, or seeking a dependable EDC flashlight, these tactical lights under $100 promise to deliver quality and functionality, enhancing safety and preparedness in any circumstance.
READ NEXT
- EDC Flashlight Recommendations From an Executive Protection Professional
- SureFire Scout Pro Weapon Light
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