Contents
In this day and age, there is a lot to choose from when it comes to electronic devices and flashlights. While there are different types of flashlights the one that search and rescue teams, as well as civilians, can make the most out of is called a tactical torch light. If you want a model that will exceed your expectations and provide you with the best illumination possible, then a military tactical torch is what you should get. These types of torches are the most reliable since they are made with military-grade materials and have great features that can be the difference between life and death. Tactical or military torches are also used for self-defence. But what is it that makes a tactical torch, tactical?
What Makes a Flashlight Tactical?
Modes
One thing that tactical flashlights are abundant in are modes. There are different kinds of modes available to make your flashlight run more efficiently. All you need to do to activate a mode on your military tactical torch is to press a button or toggle between them with the tail switch. For example, low and medium modes are usually best for short-range illumination while high and turbo are made to illuminate across long distances. There is also an SOS mode which flashes in an SOS pattern to draw attention.
Zoom Features
Although visibility is not an issue with a tactical flashlight, with zoom features you get even more of it. If you want to focus the light beam on an object, you usually need to click a button to narrow down the width of the beam. This also makes the torch illuminate further. While simple explorations won’t really require you to use this feature if you’re going hunting or camping it can be quite useful.
Durability
Something that every tactical torch light is known for is its durability. One common material used for the body of most military torches is anodized aluminium. Type II is the standard with type III anodized aluminium being the tougher and more durable counterpart. There are also tactical torches made of stainless steel and titanium with the latter being the least common in today’s world of tactical torches. Titanium is as strong as stainless steel but it is much lighter which makes the torch much more expensive.
Battery
Most tactical flashlights are powered by high-voltage lithium-ion batteries. These batteries usually allow you to use the torch well over 12 hours. If you turn on the low power mode this could even last for days or weeks. This depends on the battery’s capacity and lumens the flashlight is going to output. There are also tactical torches powered by AA or AAA batteries but they don’t have a long lifespan and nearly as enough power as lithium-ion batteries.
Lumens & Beam Type
Something that every adventurer yearns for when buying a tactical flashlight is optimal brightness. This is dictated by the number of lumens. While you would think a flashlight with the highest amount of lumens is the best, it is not always the case. More lumens mean an increase in brightness but that doesn’t mean a better performing flashlight.
Usually, for a flashlight to be considered tactical it needs to have over 300 lm as this is the minimum level of illumination required for outdoor use. For more serious users, a flashlight with over 700 lm is recommended all the way up to the 5000 lm mark which is extremely bright. This is where you want to consider the type of beam you want on your military torch. Do you want your flashlight to be able to “throw” or “flood”? Tactical torches that “throw” are better for long-range illumination while those that “flood” are best for up-close activities. You can have both beam types on a tactical flashlight but that usually rams up the price.
Other Features
Firearm Attachment
There are other features found on military tactical flashlights that are not as prominent as some of the aforementioned ones but are still as important. Take, for example, a tactical flashlight with a firearm attachment. If you are serious about hunting at night, it’s important to get a tactical torch with an attachment for your firearm. This allows you to mount the torch on your gun and save some money that you would otherwise spend on a new one meant just for your firearm. Not all torches can work as firearm lights so make sure to look for one that is compatible with your firearm’s rail.
Magnetic Base
While most of you would use this type of flashlight for exploring the wild, if you need to fix something on your caravan or ute it can come quite handy too. The magnetic base allows you to attach it to the side, on the tip of the bonnet and even beneath it. This allows you to work without having to hold the torch with one hand.
