Flashlights have come a long way from their humble beginnings as simple handheld devices emitting dim, short-range yellow beams. In today's market, there is a distinct difference between ordinary household flashlights and the more robust tactical flashlights. While both serve the purpose of providing illumination in the dark, tactical flashlights offer a range of features and capabilities that set them apart.
One of the most noticeable differences between tactical flashlights and their non-tactical variants is their construction and durability. Tactical flashlights are built to withstand the rigors of challenging environments and rough handling. They are typically constructed from high-quality materials like aircraft-grade aluminum, which not only adds to their sturdiness but also makes them lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
INFORCE, for example, utilizes glass-reinforced nylon for its TFx and WML flashlights. This lightweight material is chosen for its ability to endure wear and tear while maintaining high-temperature strength. It's an ideal choice for products intended for rough handling, making INFORCE flashlights a solid, dependable choice for demanding situations.
Another standout feature of tactical flashlights is their exceptional light intensity. While many flashlights focus on high lumens, tactical flashlights like INFORCE prioritize high candela counts. Lumens measure the total amount of light emitted by a source, and high-lumen lights are essential for illuminating larger areas. On the other hand, candelas measure the intensity of a light beam.
To illustrate the difference, consider a fluorescent light bulb with a lot of light (averaging around 1700 lumens) but low intensity (135 candelas). Its light can fill a room, but would not be intense enough to cause harm to the eyes. In contrast, an INFORCE TFx flashlight shines a concentrated, high-powered beam with a high candela count (12,000) and relatively low lumens (700 on high), making it a viable self-defense tool. This intense beam can disorient or temporarily blind an assailant, providing a crucial advantage in self-defense situations.
Tactical flashlights are designed with portability in mind. Unlike the large, heavy Maglite flashlights of the 80s and 90s, modern tactical flashlights are highly compact and easy to carry. While they may not be as substantial as dedicated self-defense weapons, they are certainly not to be underestimated.
Many modern tactical flashlights feature a crenellated beveled edge. This feature serves a dual purpose – it can be used as a makeshift self-defense tool in emergencies, providing a means to strike or deter an assailant, while it can also help protect the flashlight's bulb from environmental damage by preventing it from coming into contact with hard surfaces like tables or walls.
In conclusion, tactical flashlights distinguish themselves from ordinary household flashlights through their durability, light intensity, compact design, and self-defense capabilities. Whether you need a reliable source of illumination in challenging conditions or seek an extra layer of personal security, a tactical flashlight can be an invaluable tool. When choosing a tactical flashlight, consider your specific needs and priorities to find the one that best suits your requirements.