Not all flashlights are created equal. While the “regular” utility flashlights you can find at any garage sale, gas station, or hardware store serve a wide range of purposes, tactical flashlights are specialized tools designed for demanding environments and specific applications in high intensity scenarios. This article explores the key differences between a regular flashlight and a tactical flashlight, using the INFORCE brand as a primary example to highlight the features that set tactical flashlights apart.
Regular/Utility Flashlights
Regular flashlights are the go-to tools for everyday illumination needs. They come in various sizes, shapes, and brightness levels, designed for a wide range of activities from household use to camping trips. Here are some typical features of regular flashlights:
- Construction: Often made from plastic or lightweight metals.
- Durability: Generally durable for casual use but not built to withstand extreme conditions.
- Water Resistance: May offer some level of water resistance, but not typically designed for submersion like a tactical light or a dive light.
- Power Source: Commonly powered by AA or AAA batteries. These typically have a reduced power output compared to CR123A batteries. However, since the LEDs of a utility flashlight don’t emit as much light as those on a tactical flashlight, the power consumption is greatly reduced.
- Light Output: Adequate for general use, with varying lumen outputs to suit different needs.
Regular flashlights are versatile and accessible, making them a staple in homes, cars, and outdoor kits. However, they lack the specialized features that tactical flashlights offer for more demanding scenarios.
Tactical Flashlights
Tactical flashlights, such as those made by INFORCE, are engineered for high performance in challenging environments. They are favored by military personnel, law enforcement, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts who require reliable illumination in critical situations. Here’s what makes tactical flashlights stand out:
- Construction: Tactical flashlights are made from hard coated anodized machined aluminum, providing exceptional strength and durability.
- Durability: Designed and constructed to withstand MIL-STD-810 environmental testing, INFORCE tactical flashlights are built to endure harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration.
- Water Resistance: Rated to be waterproof up to 66 feet, these flashlights are suitable for use in wet and underwater conditions. (60 feet is the limit for recreational SCUBA diving.)
- Power Source: Powered by CR123A batteries, offering incredible power output.
- Light Output: Using cutting-edge LEDs with high lumen density for superior brightness and custom optics designed to produce a high candela beam, tactical flashlights are capable of inflicting flash blindness on those who look directly at the beam, making it viable as a deterrent.
INFORCE tactical flashlights also feature several unique features that make them appropriate for use in high intensity scenarios such as:
- Recoil Resistance: Tested to withstand live fire recoil when mounted to firearms, INFORCE lights are built to keep running even in intense firefights.
- Mounting Options: Equipped with mounting accessories that allow for universal mounting on Picatinny or M-LOK rails, providing versatility in attachment to various gear and weapons.
- Efficiency: Proprietary electrical circuits drive the LED for maximum efficiency, prolonging battery life and maintaining consistent light output.
- Standards Compliance: Performance specifications are ANSI/NEMA FL-1 compliant, ensuring reliable and standardized measurements of brightness, runtime, and other key metrics.
While regular flashlights are indispensable tools for everyday use, tactical flashlights like those from INFORCE offer specialized features designed for demanding conditions. Their superior durability, advanced optics, efficient power management, and versatile mounting options make them the preferred choice for military, law enforcement, hunters, and serious outdoor enthusiasts. When the situation calls for a reliable and powerful light source, a tactical flashlight stands out as the tool of choice.