Small Tac light recommendations?

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KodeFore

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i'm looking for a light with defensive potential. It should be bright enough to Blind someone, just big enough to fit an average size fist for use as an impact weapon but still small enough & light enough for convenient daily and of course it should be reliable. I tend to like stream light stuff but even within their line there are a plethora of options. Preferable under 50$ I hate those Chinese lights that make cycle though several modes every time you hit the on switch

Thanks in advance
 
I'm a Streamlight fan as well, so why not just pick the ProTac that fits your hand and pocket.

For EDC I like the 1L/1AA runs on either AA or CR123 which ever is handy.

For serious tactical how about the the HL or the HL-X USB? A little big for lightweight EDC but a good handful for
I realize this isn't <$50 but it's a serious flashlight.


Oh do what I do, get them all.
 
I have carried MiniMags, Surefire's and Streamlight's. I always have a flashlight on me, in every vehicle, several places around my home, wherever I have a firearm strategically hidden, etc.

I am a big fan of the previously named brands, as well as OLight's,

https://www.amazon.com/Flashlight-V...1,p_36:1253529011&rnid=1243644011&s=hi&sr=1-1

but my EDC light for the last three years and still going strong is this cheap ass Thorfire:

https://www.amazon.com/ThorFire-Fla...?keywords=thorfire&qid=1557449061&s=hi&sr=1-1

It has NEVER failed me other than the battery going dead from using the heck out of it. For $17, it is a winner!

Next to my bed and near my guns are Streamlights and Surefire's, as well as in my vehicles. but the flashlight that is always in my pocket and I use every day is that little Thorfire.
 
C45010D3-0D6B-4594-BA22-0726E9499592.jpeg The single greatest flashlight I’ve ever owned is a Surefire 6P and a Malkoff Device drop in LED module.

Just the plain push button tailcap.

Every light I’ve ever owned with a multifunction clicker switch eventually crapped out.

For a pocket light, the Peak Eiger AAA. In brass.
 
I'm a Streamlight fan as well, so why not just pick the ProTac that fits your hand and pocket.

For EDC I like the 1L/1AA runs on either AA or CR123 which ever is handy.

For serious tactical how about the the HL or the HL-X USB? A little big for lightweight EDC but a good handful for
I realize this isn't <$50 but it's a serious flashlight.


Oh do what I do, get them all.

I agree, plus in between those two is the Protac 2L-X which takes either 2 CR123 lithium batteries or one 18650 rechargeable. This is the one I use the most for a work light or for carry during the winter when the nights are longer. The HL-X is kind of big for EDC but still fist size and is my bedside and by the entry door light for investigating things outside or going for walks.
 
i'm looking for a light with defensive potential. It should be bright enough to Blind someone, just big enough to fit an average size fist for use as an impact weapon but still small enough & light enough for convenient daily and of course it should be reliable. I tend to like stream light stuff but even within their line there are a plethora of options. Preferable under 50$ I hate those Chinese lights that make cycle though several modes every time you hit the on switch

Thanks in advance

I was in a similar situation regarding EDC lights. I found the budget light forum and did some research. Ended up getting a BLF A6. This light is 1600 lumens and has memory function as well as different modes. Since I got it I have it on me every day. 15574917953778836888857970859436.jpg

My hand size is large glove, but not huge. This light can be found online for $17-26 depending on what you get with it. It does take one 18650 battery, so you will need to invest in a charger too.

I really like the moon mode, as I tend to wake up in the middle of the night when I hear something, and it provides just enough light without losing your night vision, then the brightest mode is just a long tap away, or you can increment up to the brightest mode through 7 different level with each short tap.

Good luck with your search.

Lnk
 
I have
I'm a Streamlight fan as well, so why not just pick the ProTac that fits your hand and pocket.

For EDC I like the 1L/1AA runs on either AA or CR123 which ever is handy.

For serious tactical how about the the HL or the HL-X USB? A little big for lightweight EDC but a good handful for
I realize this isn't <$50 but it's a serious flashlight.


Oh do what I do, get them all.

I have been pleased with my streamlight.
Carry it every day.
 
These are the three I’ve used ...
9CA0648F-D9B8-45CF-8AFC-83E46B85B12E.jpeg E6440BC9-515C-4A03-A1B3-1BACD6861549.jpeg 7DE91AF0-CD96-46AC-BBB5-4C801331C830.jpeg

• The Streamlight Protac 1L - 1AA (operates off one AA battery)
• The Streamlight Protac 2L (operates off of two 123A batteries)
• The Fenix LD-20 (operates off of two AA batteries). This one is no longer made, but Fenix now makes another one just like this (I forget the model) or you might find an old stock example sold or a used one off of eBay.

For work and for most daily carry the Streamlight Protac 1L - 1AA gets the nod simply because it’s the smallest, I could still use it as a fist pack/impact weapon and most importantly it operates off of a single AA battery. AA batteries are found anywhere. Gas stations, a Walmart, a Walgreens or CVS pharmacy or pretty much wherever. Being able to find batteries for flashlight is pretty important.

123A lithium batteries seem to last longer and the length of the Protac 2L would make it a better impact weapon. On the shorter 1L-1AA you have to adjust it in your hand until it’s flush with the thumb side to have it jut out if you have big hands.

However there’s something to be said for the sheer availability and price of AA batteries.

AC0E3152-676A-45AD-AFCD-660B86F93C66.jpeg C303A054-3B61-4B62-BDD7-3FCDABFA3C4F.jpeg 82B8DC24-0623-4732-8C64-D3EF41D53B9A.jpeg 472483FE-84F8-4BA9-8B32-B93A09DA9DF7.jpeg 8D4513EB-FBAB-46C3-A5FD-E784D8079240.jpeg
 
Just replaced my EDC light with a Thorfire VG-15S. It is made in China but they have a good customer service base in the US that I have used before. It runs off one 18650 battery and has an advertised brightness of 1040 lumens. Although it seems slightly under that, around 800 would be my guess. It does have 5 modes, but a memory feature. So it turns on to the last mode used when you shut it off. Measures right at 4.8 inches long on my calipers and easily slips or clips to my jeans pocket.
 
This what I ended up getting. I was hoping to replace my kubaton keychain with the mini mag. AAA. It turns out the lanyard hole is too small for my keyring. Oh well its a good light so i will keep it ( I already have a aa mini mag wich would make a great kubaton tool but is just too bulky for keychain use )

The first light I bought is the streamlight protact 1L this light suits my needs perfectly and is now my primary edc flashlight.

Finally I bought the Thorfire THO6S. Amazon currently has a coupon code that lets you get the bundle with a battery and charger for just 4$ more than the light alone. For 21$ i think thats one of best taclight values out there. That battery works perfectly with the streamlight giving a brightness equal to the c123 in the SL.

As for the thorfire itself the quality and design seem easily the same as the streamlight. It is about 25% smaller than the SL. If was any smaller it would be too small. There is no momentary on function like the streamlight but it does offer more modes of operation. The streamlight is rated at 300 lumens and the thorfire is rated at 500 lumens but to my eyes the streamlight looks a little brighter. At about 1/2 the cost of the streamlight including a battery and charger i dont think you cant beat the value of the thorfire.
Ok iI got that out my system. EDC taclight itch = scratched.
20190518_153256.jpg
 
Finally I bought the Thorfire THO6S. Amazon currently has a coupon code that lets you get the bundle with a battery and charger for just 4$ more than the light alone. For 21$ i think thats one of best taclight values out there. That battery works perfectly with the streamlight giving a brightness equal to the c123 in the SL.

Almost the exact light I got with the VG-15S. Only difference is mine uses a 18650 battery instead of 14500. So slightly bigger and more lumens. Still a very pocket able light in my case. I ordered the VG-15S without the battery, as I have plenty of spare 18650s floating around.
 
Surefire 6P for me.

My wife is a huge Surefire fan. I can't justify paying that price anymore now that I keep flashlights everywhere and I've put the less expensive options through hell and back and they still run fine.

But if I ever go back to Iraq, AStan, or any other God-forsaken hole, I'll most likely be carrying a pair of Surefire lights (and a couple cheaper Thorfire AA's)
 
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