Tactical Lights - Recommendations?

[milsurplover]

I need to get a good, compact light to carry with me. I don't want to spend more than $60-75. Any recommendations and/or things to consider?

Thanks!

[bu-bye]

Well for that price it might be hard to find a quality light. You could always go with the classic Mag light. They are built like tanks, bright, and don't cost much.

[milsurplover]

Well for that price it might be hard to find a quality light. You could always go with the classic Mag light. They are built like tanks, bright, and don't cost much.

Ok..so what do y'all consider a very quality light? Regardless of cost?

[kAnJii]

Go with a Surefire 6p. I think they are under $70 and I think you can put them on your riflr and handgun too.

[paradox]

take a look at Inova LED flashlights. They are very bright, well built, nearly indestructable and last quite a while on a set of batteries. They are also in your price range.

[MikeK]

take a look at Inova LED flashlights. They are very bright, well built, nearly indestructable and last quite a while on a set of batteries. They are also in your price range.

I have the X5 and I love it.

[TonyM]

Ok..so what do y'all consider a very quality light? Regardless of cost?

Out of the price range, but I like my SureFire M4-CB Devastator:



Very bright @ 350 lumens, if need be the front bezel will hurt a bad guy real good like.

[donger]

A Surefire for under $40?

You bet:

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/878/sesent/00

[VeryCoolCat]

Go with a maglite. Can't beat a maglite for reliability. Its like the AK47 of flashlights.... cheap for its quality and reliable with so many variations!

[Patriot]

Surefire and Streamlight are generally considered to be the premiere production lights in that price range (SF tend to be brighter and run hotter for less time). Keep in mind for a tactical light that a sharp blow to the light can potentially bust most conventional bulbs (not really an issue w/ LEDs).

Cheaper but still nice are Fenix lights. Inovas are nice too. There's a handful of threads at THR about this; if you're really serious google 'flashlight reviews' and 'candlepowerforums'

If by tactical you mean practical light that can be carried, don't buy all that blinding hype. IF your eyes are adjusted to the dark, and IF your light is really intense (Candlepower is a better indicator than total lumens), you MIGHT temporarily flash blind someone for <10 seconds. Don't count on it though. My 1xxx lumen Mag does a pretty decent nice job, but that is not a pocket light.

If you get past all that 4" long light that can blind and stun at will in broad daylight hyperbole, realize that you don't need any more than 20-40 lumens for normal use. Less lumens = cheaper, cooler running, longer runtime.

[Patriot]

The Streamlight Strion is a nice light - personally handled and tested it. Great pocket light+ rechargeable = no $$$$ batteries. If you shop around you can find it in or near the upper end of your price range (esp. if you count the savings on batteries - it comes with a recharger)

[Pokey]

I'd say Surefire is the way to go. Check out the Nitrolon, last I checked they were about $45.

[Mute]

If you want to save some cash checkout Pentagon Light. I've had a chance to test some of their products and the quality is quite good. A great value.

[milsurplover]

Wow! What a great response with so much good info and several recommendations! This is what I really love about this site: good info without a lot of BS and sugarcoating.

Thanks for the responses.

[EBWhite]

problem with some of these lights are low battery time, expensive batteries and bulbs. That should weight in on your purchase. Do you need something blinding- then go with some of the surefire lights. However, these have expensive bulbs, harder to find and more expensive batteries.
If you need something for everyday, get a regular bulbed AA maglite....Easy to find parts and batteries for, cheap and bulletproof....It all comes down to what you are going to use it for.