Why Tactical Flashlights are Dumb

Linked ABOVE is a detailed list of lights in multiple categories. Below is the "short list", of a few top contenders. If you are shopping at Neals Gadgets, the coupon codes on the right specifically for that light, are typically the highest value. For all other purchases at NG use code: Lumencraft15 for 15% off your shopping cart.

Brightest Overall
(Large) BLF GT4 with Batteries/Charger

Everyday Carry

Brightest Medium Size

Best Throwers (Non Laser)
(Large) BLF GT 70

Best Throwers White LASER Flashlights (LEP)

Pop Can Lights
Fireflies R0T66

Best Tactical

Headlamp

0:00 Why they're dumb
1:20 A good compromise
1:46 How it works
4:24 Beam shots
6:24 An accessory that works
6:51 Taking one for the team

[billbush]

Full agreement on leaving strobe out of the "duty" mode. It is something I have never wanted, and I am distinctly non-tactical. Leave it in the "tactical" mode.

[sanjaykhatana]

Now THAT'S what I have been missing. I'm sure others have missed you too.

[sloanNYC]

I do like on my Fenix TK20R that the main button is whatever your last setting was, so you can half press to have temp light. Or you can use the smaller, secondary button for instant strobe. So much “tactical” and “EDC” is just for marketing… find what you like!

[noshoes]

Absolutely agree about the tactical light stuff and with Oswald on the dinning table your credibility with me is at its utmost and highest. God bless you brother!

[timothydean]

I fell like that dummy when he punched it.
Laughing!!!!

[hullinstruments]

Followed you for a long time Matt and I know you've made some changes lately, and I hope things are working out well for you and your channel and business.

Just an idea... There are a lot of us out there who would love more in-depth circuit board type electronics troubleshooting, modifying, built from scratch, repairs, all that stuff.

If it's something you're interested in I'm sure there's an audience.

I'm not really into flashlights but got drawn in because I work in electronics engineering (mainly with metrology and test equipment diagnostics.)And have always been interested in the development of technology in regards to LED die chemistry and topologies. So that kind of brought Me In And even though I don't own any nice lights... I enjoy the community.

On unrelated note.... One thing good about covid is how quickly and far it advanced UVC LED technology 😁 I've enjoyed that a lot. Buying and characterizing dozens of new diodes every few months. Since the very beginning of the pandemic February 2020. UVC technology would have never made so many huge leaps and bounds in advancement this quickly without the pandemic

[paranoiia]

I was never fan of strobe mode but one time when I was younger I realize that strobe is not for user to light something... its to distract/confuse hostile person. It even work on some animals. And damn strobe is amazing for that as few times I got hit by it when training with friends.
So for me tactical flashlight would need to have momentary switch to just light something without playing with modes, and that strobe, rest is just gimmick.

[dragonrider]

I hate those flashlights, hold on i have to go through several stupid option before i can turn this thing off. Why cant they just have a freaking simple on/off switch.

[Proudloser]

I love gas pedal surefires, yet I don’t. They are too hard to keep on high. I’ve been leaving a dead cr123 in the light with the tail cap screwed all the way down. Hoping somehow it will make it easier to keep on high on edcl1-t. I could do without the horrible green tint too. Idk why I can’t get a 2700-3200k high Cri emitter in them. You’d think the very most important thing with a “tactical light” I’d identification, especially things like what people are holding in their hands.

[Martin]

Matt, what about a SR32 review next time ?

[kodiaktangent-Wallzbnice]

Keepn shit real brother! Awesome down to earth "rare" sense type coverage 👊

[nextorch]

Thank you for your fantastic review, Matt! 😃

[hitchpost]

You sure do make entertaining videos 👍

[PiercingTheDarkness]

Charles?....is that meant to be Charles Bridgtek? 🤣

[tomb]

Would make a good scope mounted flashlight for night hunting!!

[pehenry]

Using the term "Tactical", unless talking about "tactics", is dumb. Using the term "Tactical" do describe an object is dumb.

[cpufrost]

07:57 "That light has a light of punch" 😀

[kencreten]

What?!?! Why last night I went on a mission to the store and had to get diet soda! Who KNOWS what might have happened or which secret agents would have come out of the woodwork?! I might have had to pull out some Jujitsu moves! I NEED those tactile flashlights... because, I mean, how else am I going to be - tactical?! ;)

[jamesguralski]

I like the flashlights 🔦 with the 26650 batteries! There are several good options...

[KenNet]

While having a flashlight in Sweden during the summer is fun, but totally unnecessary. Fun always come first, even before CCT and CRI. A bit early, but Happy midsummer 🎉