Hi all,
Last week, I spent a little time researching some best tactical led flashlight for the money my next camping trips.
Compared to what I used before, I finally picked out the top 5 best tactical flashlight reviews which I am so eager to review and share with you today.
Most of these flashlights run on 18650 batteries and have an affordable price – under $50. So you won’t break the bank.
Let’s get started.
What is the BEST tactical led flashlight for camping?
When looking for tactical flashlights, I set some criteria for them. That helps me save time and have a clear purpose in mind.
Here are my criteria for the best tactical flashlights for the money:
- Runs on 18650 batteries (have a larger capacity than AA batteries)
- Must be waterproof and drop-resistant.
- Nice looking and feels solid in hand.
- At least 500 lumens and long runtime.
- Has SOS & Strobe mode (I rarely use these modes but better have than none)
- Has good throw/floodlight output.
- Has a good warranty and comes from reliable brands.
- and UNDER $50
The best affordable tactical flashlight under $50
If you’re looking for the best affordable tactical flashlight for camping and other light-needing purposes, I researched, used some and picked out top-rated 3 best flashlights for you to consider.
All of them are under $50 but do not think that cheap means junk. Believe me, you are going to waste money if you keep that in your head.
If you don’t focus so much on brand but quality and durability, these flashlights are worth to consider first.
1. J5 Hyper-V Tactical Flashlight review – 400 lumens
The J5 Hyper-V Tactical Flashlight is one of the best small tactical flashlights for a reasonable price in the market.
It is small enough for your pocket, and best for EDC use.
You may think max 400 lumens of J5 Hyper-V tactical flashlight is too low, right?
Max 400 lumens may be J5 Hyper-V’s downside if you use the flashlight for outdoor activities.
However, the 300 to 500 lumens are suitable for most cases and consume much less energy than over 500 lumens.
In short, the flashlights have a high lumen (above 500 lumens) mode is good for outdoor activities.
J5 Hyper-V Tactical Flashlight
- Max 400 Lumens
- Zoomable feature
- Modes: Low, High, and Strobe
- Uses 3 AAA or one 18650 rechargeable batteries.
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Size: 5*1.25*1inch
It is nice looking, durable and the most interesting thing is the low price with great features.
I think the price is low because the brand is still new and that means you won’t have to pay for the brand name itself.
2. Eastshine T25 Tactical Flashlight review – 1000 lumens
The EASTSHINE T25 CREE XP-L HI V3 LED tactical flashlight is a premium flashlight but with reasonable price. This is the best affordable tactical flashlight for beginners.
It is a well-made flashlight, very nice looking, and comes with many accessories such as a sheath, lanyard, holster, clip…
…and the box is beautiful. The EASTSHINE T25 tactical flashlight is wonderful as a gift for someone.
EASTSHINE T25 CREE XP-L HI V3 LED
- Max 1000 Lumens
- Modes: Moonlight, Low, High, Strobe, and SOS
- Uses 1x 18650 rechargeable batteries (button top and flat top).
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Size (L*D): 5.5*1 inch
Top-rated 3 best tactical flashlights under $100
Do you need a premium tactical flashlight which is not just PRACTICAL for camping trips and EDC using but also has COLLECTION value?
Here is a list of the best led tactical flashlights & reviews that meet two factors above with under-$100 price.
In this list, I ended up going with Fenix PD35 and Nitecore P12, I will tell you why I like them at the review below.
1. Nitecore P12 Compact Tactical LED Flashlight
The Nitecore P12 has mode-memory, that means it remembers the last mode you used.
For example, the last mode is strobe, when you turn it on again, it will show strobe light again.
I like this feature most because I prefer to “preset” the mode that I often use rather than changing mode for each use when the mode I like is not the default starting-mode.
Nitecore P12 Compact Tactical LED Flashlight features:
- Max 1000 Lumens
- Memory function mode
- Modes: Eco, Low, High, Strobe, and SOS
- Uses 1x 18650 rechargeable batteries
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Waterproof: IP8
- Size (L*D*W): 5.47’’*1’’*3.1oz
As for the lumens, the Nitecore P12 has a set of lumens for versatility but I rarely use max light (1000 lumens).
The mid light (240 lumens) and moonlight (1 lumen) are best suited to me in general use.
2. Fenix PD35 2016 TAC Edition 1000 Lumen
The Fenix PD35 is a little bit similar to Nitecore P12 in body-shape and functions. I like Fenix PD35 because of the neutral-warm-white light emitters, whereas P12 has cool white light emitters.
The tail clicky on the Fenix PD35 is longer than Nitecore P12 which makes it easier to press, but it can’t tail stand. It can be the pros or cons, depends on your purpose.
Fenix PD35 2016 TAC Edition features:
- Max 1000 Lumens
- Memory function mode
- Modes: Eco, Low, High, Strobe, and SOS
- Uses 1x 18650 rechargeable batteries
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Waterproof: IP8
- Size (L*D*W): 5.5’’*1’’*3oz
3. ThruNite® TN12 EDC LED Flashlight
When comparing finish, functions, reliability and durability between ThruNite TN12 vs. Nitecore P12 vs. Fenix PD35…
… all of them are similar and have a solid feel in your hand, but the ThruNite TN12 is friendlier with the budget than the other two.
If you like the higher lumen rating (1100 lumens), tail stand (using flashlight as a candle) and best CHEAP tactical flashlight, you won’t regret buying the ThruNite TN12.
ThruNite TN12 XP-L Neutral White features:
- Max 1100 Lumens
- Memory function mode
- Modes: Eco, Low, High, Strobe, and SOS
- Uses 1x 18650 rechargeable batteries
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Waterproof: IP8
- Size (L*D*W): 5.6’’*1’’*3oz
So, the ThruNite TN12 vs. Nitecore P12 vs. Fenix PD35 – Which one is BEST for?
Here is the comparison table of them which helps you be clear about their features:
Check the PRICE: | Nitecore P12 | Fenix PD35 | ThruNite TN12 |
- Memory function: Remember the last mode used before turning off
- Waterproof (IPX-8): Waterproof to 6.5 feet/2 meters for 30 minutes
- Impact resistant: Dropping from 1.5 meters.
Why are the best 18650 tactical flashlights?
I chose the tactical flashlights to run on 18650 batteries rather than other flashlights because:
- Tactical flashlights are hard and durable than others since they’re made of aluminum alloy,
- They have built-in strobe flash and SOS flash for emergencies.
- The 18650 batteries have a larger capacity than AA batteries do, it means your flashlight runs longer.
The last words
With what I shared in the review: best tactical flashlight reviews for the money, you’ll get the practical and useful information before buying.
Hopefully, you will buy the best affordable tactical flashlight for your camping trips
Thanks for stopping by.
Leave a Reply