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What Is The Brightest Flashlight Of 2015?

Are you looking for the brightest flashlight? For this massive article we decided to organize the brightest flashlights by battery type and quantity. But, before we get started we need to cover the different ways that light output is measured for flashlights and decide on one of the measurements. One more side note is that we try to provide both the brightest LED Flashlight based on battery and a budget alternative that is particularly bright but at a better price point. For this particular article that was not always possible since the most powerful flashlight was also in the lowest general price range and any of the considerably lower priced options were not bright for the category.

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How Is Brightness Measured?

The flashlight industry is quickly trying to standardize how flashlights are rated with the ANSI FL1 standards. In the FL1 standards there are 3 different ways that light output is measured. The three methods are Light Output which is measured in Lumens, Beam Distance which is measured in meters and measures the distance a beam will travel before it reaches 0.25 lux which is the brightness of the full moon on a clear night. Lastly is Peak Beam Intensity which is measured in candela and tells the brightest point of the beam.

To determine the brightest flashlight we chose to use the overall Light Output measurement of Lumens. Both the Beam Distance and the Peak Beam Intensity can be greatly changed based on the angle and size of the reflector that is used. Lumens is a straightforward level of the overall light output. With that said the flashlight with the most Lumens will not necessarily be the flashlight that will shine the farthest. If you are specifically looking for a flashlight to shine a far distance check out our throw flashlight article. Remember that flashlights are tools and when you are looking for a flashlight you need to first consider what you want it to do. Some bright flashlights are too bright for some jobs.

The last thing to consider when looking at a the Lumen number that a flashlight has is that FL1 standards measure the amount of light that comes out of the front of the flashlight not the theoretical max output of the LED emitter. Some of the not as reputable flashlight manufacturers will either completely lie about the amount of Lumens that their lights produce or they will state the maximum output of the LED emitter as listed by the LED manufacturer. For this guide we only use independently measured out the front Lumen measurements.

Types Of Flashlights Considered

There are a few different types of light sources that can be used in flashlights. Currently the most common lights are LED emitters. Most older lights were incandescent which means that there is a metal filament that heats up and produces light, most of these are not as bright as the current generation of super bright LED emitters and they are not as durable so we did not use any of these flashlights. The third type are HID lights which stands for High Intensity Discharge. These bulbs have gas trapped in a quartz capsule and when electricity passes through it the gas lights up. If you want more specific information about HID bulbs check here. The only reason we did not consider HID flashlights is because they are very expensive, the cheapest quality HID flashlights start around $300. With all that said this article is completely made up of LED flashlights.

Brightest Flashlight By Battery

Brightest AAA/10440 Flashlight

There are many reasons why you might want a flashlight that runs on AAA Batteries. The main two are that the batteries are easy to find and that they are also very small. Most manufacturers do not recommend the use of 10440 batteries in AAA lights and in fact so actually say it is dangerous. A AAA Alkaline battery will run at 1.5 Volts while a 10440 Li-ion battery is 3.6 Volts. If your flashlight can handle the power of the 10440 battery it will have a significant boost in its Lumen output. Before you buy some 10440 batteries check out candle power forums to see what others have experienced with the same flashlight that you have.

Since you are looking for the brightest flashlight you might also be interested in some batteries to go with that new flashlight. Here are our recommendations for AAA size batteries. First decide if you are going to go with rechargeable or non-rechargeable (primary) batteries. For rechargeable batteries in this size the best battery by far is the Eneloop AAA Ni-MH and as long as you are spending money on good batteries you should also have a good charger. For Ni-MH batteries we like the La Crosse BC-700. This charge is high quality, easy to use, and works with AA and AAA batteries. If get a cheaper charger the main thing is to make sure that it charges each battery independently and not in pairs. For primary (non-rechargeable) batteries the best are the Energizer L92 Lithium batteries, not to be confused with Li-ion these are not rechargeable. The L92’s are all around superior to standard alkaline batteries.

1 x AAA

Brightest: Thrunite Ti3

If you are looking for a small, yet super bright led flashlight that can easily fit on your key chain, the Thrunite Ti3 is the perfect choice for you. The Thrunite Ti3 offers users a Cree XP-G2 R5 LED that will easily last for more than 20 hours with normal use. With how small the Ti3 is you might be surprised to learn that it puts out a maximum of 120 lumens, which makes it one of the smallest brightest flashlights powered by a single AAA battery. The body of the flashlight is made from aircraft quality aluminum coated with an anti-abrasive finish, allowing it to withstand drops with minimal damage. The flashlight requires only one hand for operation thanks to its twist switch to power the flashlight off and on. The Thrunite Ti3 offers users the choice of four different modes, firefly, low, high, and strobe.

  • Weight: 0.42 oz. w/out battery
  • Dimensions: 2.76 inches long and 0.55 inch diameter
  • Lowest Setting: 0.04 lumens for 115 hours
  • Highest Setting: 120 lumens for 21 hour
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2 x AAA

Brightest: ThruNite Ti4

The Thrunite Ti4 is a great flashlight to have around the house. Its penlight style makes it easy to hold, as well as store, because it is both lightweight and compact. The lightweight design allows the Thrunite Ti4 to be used for a variety of applications, no more having to worry about hand fatigue from holding a flashlight for an extended period of time. This is one of those flashlights that feels great to hold in the hand. The Ti4 is one of the most dependable penlight flashlights you are going to find; it is also the brightest one around. Like the Ti3 the Ti4 is made from an aircraft grade aluminum with an anti-abrasive finish to offer superior protection from accidental drops and ordinary wear and tear. The Cree XP-G2 LED is powered by two AAA batteries and will last for over twenty years with regular use. The Thrunite Ti4 has four different modes to choose from, strobe, high, low, and firefly. For convenience the Ti4 is designed to start in Firefly mode, which is bright enough to use as an endoscope.

  • Weight: 0.79 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 5.23 inches long and 0.56 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.3 lumens for 137 hours
  • Highest setting: 252 lumens for 1.5 hours
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Brightest AA/14500 Flashlight

In this battery size we still recommend using Ni-MH instead of 14500 Li-ion batteries since most manufacturers of these size lights do not equipment with the ability to handle the higher voltage. Again if you choose to put a 14500 battery in one of these lights please to research to see if others have had success. For the AA size batteries are recommendations are exactly the same as for the AAA batteries except in a different size. For rechargeable the Eneloop AA Ni-MH batteries are the best and we like to match that with the La Crosse BC-700 charger. And for primary batteries we like the Energizer L91 AA Lithium Batteries.

1 x AA

Budget: ThruNite Neutron 2A v2

The Thrunite Neutron 2A v2 has the ability to run on either 1 AA or 2 AA batteries thanks to the extension tube that comes with the flashlight. In this category we are going to focus on using the flashlight with a single AA battery. The reason the Neutron 2A v2 is listed as the best brightest flashlight on a budget is because it is available at an affordable price, plus it can put out up to 408 lumens with a single AA battery. The Thrunite Neutron 2A v2 is perfect for an every day carry flashlight, as its compact design allows it to fit comfortably wherever you decide to store it. The Neutron 2A v2 is operated via a side switch, which makes it rather simple to access the various modes. The Neutron offers users the choice of 5 different modes, including Moonlight, Turbo, High, Medium, and Low.

  • Weight: 2.01 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 3.76 inches long and 1 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.04 lumens for 288 hours
  • Highest setting: 408 lumens for 1.63 hours
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Brightest: Zebralight SC5

One of the first things you will notice about the Zebralight SC5 is just how small it is, which makes it an ideal choice for an EDC flashlight. With the Zebralight SC5 its small size doesn’t affect the quality of the light at all. The flashlight is able to emit up to 535 lumens on a single AA flashlight, although after 5 minutes that will drop to 325 lumens, which still isn’t bad for a EDC light. Even better is that when the battery reaches a low point the SC5 will automatically switch modes. For example, if you are in high and the battery is low it will move you down to medium. The Zebralight also features a battery capacity indicator, which will flash anywhere from 1 to 4 times depending on how much power is left in the battery. To use this feature all you need is to do 4 short clicks of the soft touch switch. And to prevent battery drain, all you need to do is loosen the tailcap slightly. This can also prevent the flashlight from accidentally being activated. The SC5 does not have a momentary on mode, just an on/off mode, but the smart user interface gives you quick and easy access to all modes and brightness levels.

  • Weight: 2.0 oz w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 3.2 inches long and 1 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 3.2 lumens for 96 hours
  • Highest setting: 535 lumens for 0.05 hours
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2 x AA

Brightest: ThruNite Neutron 2A v2

The Thrunite Neutron 2A v2 is the brightest LED flashlight in the 2 AA category, as well as the best budget option in the 1 AA category. It fits into both of these categories because unlike other flashlights it has the ability to run on either 1 AA or 2 AA batteries thanks to the extension tube that comes with the flashlight. The Neutron 2A can put out 730 lumens when it runs on 2 AA batteries, a lot brighter than what you can expect with just a single AA battery. The Neutron 2A v2 is operated via a side switch, which makes it rather simple to access the various modes. The Neutron offers users the choice of 5 different modes, including Moonlight, Turbo, High, Medium, and Low. No obviously using the extension tube is going to make a difference in the size and weight of the flashlight because you have the extension tube, plus you have added one more battery to the flashlight. With the extension tube the flashlight is not as compact as without the extension tube, but it is still compact enough to fit comfortably inside your pocket. At such a low price this is definitely one of the brightest flashlights for the money.

  • Weight: 2.58 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 5.7 inches long and 1 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.04 lumens for 288 hours
  • Highest setting: 730 lumens for 3.53 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

3 x AA

Budget: Lumintop SD10

The Lumintop SD10 operates  on 3 AA batteries and can easily reach a brightness of 800 lumens for roughly 15 hours, making it one of the brightest EDC flashlights on the market today. The Lumintop uses a CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED , which has a lifetime of 50,000 hours. What this means for you as a user is you should be able to go years without having to replace the bulb. The bulb is protected by a micro-textured reflector that also provides users a smooth, steady beam of light. One of the biggest disappoints with bright flashlights is that they lose their brightness as the batteries lose power, but the SD10  features a digitally regulated circuit that prevents the brightness from fading even as the battery drains. The SD10 features a front side switch that does more than just power on the flashlight. The front side switch allows users to use the torch with one hand, plus provides users access to all of the functions the SD10 provides. The Lumintop SD10 offers 4 modes, including high, medium, low, and strobe. The SD10 has a memory function that recalls the last mode used, with the exception of the strobe mode.

  • Weight: 4.05 oz. w/batteries
  • Dimensions: 4.72 inches long and 1.57 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 10 lumens for 280 hours
  • Highest setting: 800 lumens for 15 hours
 Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest: EagleTac GX25A3

The Eagletac GX25A3 is one of the brightest flashlights powered by 3 AA batteries. That you can use as an EDC light. The GX25A3 comes with two different modes, regular mode and tactical mode. Inside each of these modes are different brightness levels: regular mode has turbo, high and low, while tactical offers turbo, medium, and strobe.  In regular mode you have access to three brightness levels, while in tactical mode you have the option of two brightness levels. To switch between the two different modes you will need to use the dial found on the flashlight body. The flashlight also comes with seven different auxiliary levels, Strobe I, Strobe II, Flash, SOS (fast), SOS, Beacon, Flash (low), and Turbo, that can only be accessed by loosening and tightening the flashlight head in a particular pattern, which can be found inside the manual. The Eagletac GX25A3 also offers consumers an energy saving mode that lowers the output by 45% after the flashlight has been on turbo mode for 200 seconds.

  • Weight: 5.2 oz
  • Dimensions: 4.3 inches long and 1.5 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 9 lumens for over 100 hours
  • Highest setting: 915 lumens for 1.3 hours
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4 x AA

Brightest: ThruNite TN4A

The Thrunite TN4A runs on 4 AA batteries, which might not seem like a lot, but those 4 batteries allows the flashlight to put out 1150 lumens for a short period of time. Being powered by 4 AA batteries also means that if you use the flashlight in the lowest setting, the batteries are going to last longer than flashlight being powered by only 1, 2, or 3 AA batteries. The 4 AA batteries allow the Thrunite TN4A to offer 6 different modes to choose from firefly, strobe, turbo, high, medium, and low.  One of the greatest things about the TN4A is that it uses the latest LED technology and because of that the flashlight offers consumers better efficiency in terms of lighting. In addition to the LED technology the flashlight uses a tempered glass lens that is ultra clear with an anti-reflective coating to provide the best light possible. The orange peel reflector allows for a high quality beam of light from the LED bulb. The TN4A is completely silent when being used, no noisy clicks as you turn the flashlight on or off, as this model offers an electronic switch that comes with a low voltage indicator. And to prevent the light from overheating, which is a concern with the high lumen output, Thrunite uses ITC (Intelligent Temperature Control) technology.

  • Weight: 7.71 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 4.39 inches long and 1.8 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.5 lumens for 1920 hours
  • Highest setting: 1150 lumens for 2.5 hours
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Brightest CR123A Flashlight

Moving into flashlights that are designed to run on a higher voltage these lights can handle both the lithium and Li-ion batteries and get a considerable boost in Lumens because of it. CR123A batteries are the standard camera battery size and they are about half the size of the 18650 Li-ion battery. Because of the sizes of these batteries most flashlights that take and even amount of the CR123A batteries can take 18650 batteries. When shopping for CR123A batteries stay clear of any of the manufacturers that have ‘fire’ in their name, these are usually cheap and poorly made. We generally try to stay with U.S. manufacturers since they have a more consistent quality. Our current favorites are the Streamlight CR123A batteries since they are made by a flashlight maker and they are U.S. made. For 18650 Li-ion batteries we stick with batteries built around the Panasonic cores. Our current favorite is the Orbtronic 3400 mAh protected top button batteries. You will also need a charger if you choose to go with Li-ion batteries, we like the Xtar VP2 Li-ion battery charger. The VP2 is a great charger at a good price and it also has a USB connection and use it as a battery pack.

1 x CR123A

Budget: ThruNite Archer 1C V2

If you are looking for a flashlight that can be used as a tactical flashlight or an EDC flashlight, the Thrunite Archer C1 v2 is an amazing choice. What makes this flashlight an ideal choice for both  is that at only a little over 3 inches it is the perfect size to carry around with you every day, but its stainless steel bezel makes a great weapon in case of an emergency requiring you to defend yourself. To make it even more of a tactical flashlight the Archer’s aluminum body features tactical knurling to provide you with a firm grip, plus the archer comes with a tactical switch.  Many people are concerned about the brightness of the flashlight since it only requires a single CR123A battery, but it can put out 500 lumens and thanks to the new reflector being used the beam is top notch. The bulb itself is protected by clear tempered glass, so the lens will not affect the quality of the beam, plus the anti-reflective coating helps improve the beams quality. The Archer C1 v2 has reversed polarity protection to protect the flashlight from damage in case batteries are installed incorrectly, plus thanks to the wide working voltage the Archer C1 v2 can use either a single CR123A battery or a li-ion 16340.

  • Weight: 1.83 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 3.70 inches long and 0.91 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.055 lumens for 168 hours
  • Highest setting: 500 lumens for 0.83 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest: Lumintop ED11

The Lumintop ED11 earns its title as the  brightest handheld flashlight in the single CR123A series because it can put out over 500 lumens off the one battery. Not only that, but the flashlight comes with a variety of features that aid in the light’s ability to maximize its output of light. The lens is coated on both sides with an anti-reflective coating, plus it offers a tempered window that lowers its chance of shattering upon impact. The lens itself is built to maximize the flashlights transmission of light. The reflector that comes on the Lumintop ED11 is labeled as ultra-precise because the manufacturer claims it allows the beam’s distance to be longer than any of its competitors. And the digitally regulated circuit ensures that the flashlight maintains a constant level of brightness even as the battery’s life begins to fade. The ED11 can easily be used with one hand thanks to the push button tail switch. The switch not only turns the flashlight on and off, but it also provides you access to everything else that the flashlight has to offer, including its various modes. The aluminum alloy body features a HAII military grade finish to help protect it from scratches, plus the stainless steel clip that comes with the flashlight is extremely durable and holds the ED11 securely in place.

  • Weight: 1.58 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 3.29 inches long and 0.88 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 5 lumens for 80 hours
  • Highest setting: 560 lumens for 2.5 hours
 Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

2 x CR123A/ 1 x 18650

Budget: ThruNite TN12

The Thrunite TN12 does not come with batteries, but you can use either 2 CR123A batteries or you can purchase a single rechargeable 18650 battery and get the same results, thanks to its wide working voltage range.  No matter which style of battery that you choose to use the TN12 can put out up to 1050 lumens with a CREE XM-L2 US LED. That same bulb will last for about 50,000 hours, so you should be safe for a few years even with regular usage. One complaint people have with flashlights is that they can be a bit difficult to use, the switches don’t always respond like they are supposed to. To help solve this problem the Thrunite TN12 has an upgraded switch that makes it easier to operate, as the switch is more sensitive than previous switches. With the TN12 the switch is stainless steel and located on the side of the flashlight rather than the tail end. The body of the TN12 is aircraft-grade aluminum with a Type III anti-abrasive finish to offer improved protection in case of accidental falls. To protect the light from operator errors the TN12 offers reverse polarity protection.

  • Weight: 2.89 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 5.63 inches long and 1.00 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.4 lumens for 1776 hours
  • Highest setting: 1050 lumens for 1.58 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest: Zebralight SC600 Mk II

The Zebralight SC600 MkII is the worlds brightest flashlight that runs off of 2 CR123A batteries. The light puts out around 1100 lumens for 2 hours, which can cause people to worry about the light itself overheating. To protect the light from damage at such high outputs the Zebralight SC600 comes with PID thermal regulated outputs. The SC600 also has a built-in over discharging feature that protects the light from the batteries discharging too much juice. The feature has a 2.7V cutoff. The SC600 MkII offers users 4 different modes to choose from low, medium, high, and beacon-strobe. All four of these modes are accessed via the soft-touch switch that connects to a user interface to provide you with access to not only the different modes, but the various brightness levels as well. The worst thing that can happen with flashlights is the batteries suddenly dying on you. To extend battery life so this hopefully doesn’t happen once the battery begins to run low the torch has a step down feature that lowers the brightness levels. The SDC600 also happens to have a battery indicator mode that alerts you to battery life. 4 short clicks starts the process and the LED will flash anywhere from 1 to 4 times based on how much power the battery has left.

  • Weight: 2.75 oz w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 4.00 inches long and 1.18 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 0.01 lumens for 4018 hours
  • Highest setting: 1100 lumens for 2 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

4 x CR123A/2 x 18650

Budget: Nitecore P36

If you are looking for an affordable flashlight that is not only bright, but also easy to use the Nitecore P36 is the ideal choice for you. The flashlight is one of the easiest to use on the market thanks to its multifunctional rotary switch, no more having to worry about how many times you have to click the switch or how long you have to hold the switch down to enter into various modes or brightness levels. Even better is if you are using the flashlight in regular output modes you can use the intelligent memory function,  which starts the flashlight back up in the mode you were using last. The Nitecore P36 features ATR (advanced temperature regulation) technology to protect the flashlight from damage during use, which is a nice bonus because it can put out up to 2000 lumens. The P36 is waterproof up to IPX-8 standards and is also impact resistant up to about 5 feet. The body is made from a aluminum alloy that is aerospace grade, plus its core components are protected from damage by a stainless steel bezel ring. The lens that protects the LED is made from clear mineral glass that has been toughened to offer impact protection.

  • Weight: 8.89 oz
  • Dimensions: 6.81 inches long and 1.97 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 2 lumens for 325 hours
  • Highest setting: 2000 lumens for 0.75 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest: Fenix TK35 UE

The Fenix TK35UE is an updated version of the TK35 that was originally made by Fenix. The TK35UE now offers a longer beam, as well as increased output thanks to the new Cree XHP 50 LED. It is also the first of the Fenix flashlights to use the new Cree XHP 50 LED With the increased output the TK35 UE can put out up to 1800 lumens and features seven different output modes and various brightness levels. Output modes of this new and improved flashlight include Eco, Low, SOS, Medium, High, and Turbo. One problem users report is the light losing brightness as the battery gets older, which Fenix prevents from happening thanks to its digitally regulated output that keeps the brightness levels constant. The TK35UE comes with a low-voltage warning that is designed to alert users that the flashlight is running low on power. Battery installation isn’t difficult, but to protect from damage due to improper installation the Fenix TK35UE comes with reverse polarity protection. Operation is made easier thanks to the dual button switch located in the tail of the light. The TK35UE is impact resistant up to about 3 feet and has a waterproof rating of IPX-8.

  • Weight: 9.35 oz w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 4.50 inches long and 2.05 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 25 lumens for 150 hours
  • Highest setting: 1800 lumens for 1.5 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest 18650 Flashlight

For a flashlight of this size you are really going to want to use 18650 batteries, it may be possible to use 6-8  CR123A batteries but it would cost you an enormous amount of money to keep using these primary batteries. As previously mentioned we try to stick to batteries that are built around a Panasonic core and our current favorite are the Orbtronic 3400 mAh protected top button batteries paired with the Xtar VP2 Li-ion battery charger.

3 x 18650

Budget: Olight SR-Mini

The Olight SR Mini is one of the brightest compact flashlights in the 18650 category. The lowest that this flashlight goes is 200 lumens, but has a maximum output of 2800 lumens. Honestly you are not always going to need such a bright and compact light; sometimes you need more of a flood of light than a beam of light. The acrylic lens allows the Olight SR Mini to produce the floodlight needed for soft area light. The SR Mini features a side switch that allows you to easily and quickly cycle through the various brightness levels, plus turns on the momentary turbo mode and strobe mode. One of the great features included with the SR Mini is the built-in memory. What this means for you is when you put the flashlight away and you take it back out to turn it on the flashlight will automatically return to its previous mode, so if you left it on high it will be on high when you turn it back on.  Many consumers find themselves having to constantly recharge their flashlight because they accidentally turn it on. The Olight SR Mini has a lock-out feature that prevents you from doing this. To use it just click the side switch 3 times while in the off position.

  • Weight: 10.1 oz w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 5 inches long and 1.89 diameter
  • Lowest setting: 200 lumens for 16 hours
  • Highest setting: 2800 lumens for 2 hours
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Brightest: Fenix LD60

What makes the Fenix LD60 the best and most powerful  flashlight in the 3 18650 category is the fact that it offers consumers Triple LEDS and each one has its own circuit design. One of the biggest concerns consumer shave with a flashlight that offers not just one, but 3 LEDS, is how hot the flashlight can get. This can cause a problem with overheating; well at least it could if Fenix hadn’t already taken steps to remedy the situation. The LD60 uses intelligent thermal control technology to prevent the flashlight from overheating. The LD60 also offers other overheating protection so the flashlight body doesn’t become too hot to the touch, as we all know just how quickly the surface of the flashlight can heat up. The LD60 can put out up to 2800 lumens without any issues in maintaining the brightness, as its output is digitally regulated. To protect against unexpected impacts the LD60 is made from aircraft grade aluminum and is coated with a hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish. The lens protecting the 3 LEDS is a quality PC lens made from toughened glass that has been treated with an anti-reflective coating.

  • Weight: 12.8 oz. w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 6.1 inches long and 2.5 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 30 lumens for 150 hours
  • Highest setting: 2800 lumens for 1.5 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

4 x 18650

Budget: Nitecore TM06

If you are looking for one of the smallest and brightest flashlights for sale the Nitecore TM06 is an ideal choice. The flashlight is just under 5 inches long, but it can put out a maximum of 3800 lumens for a little under an hour before the batteries need to be recharged. The Nitecore TM06 can put out so many lumens because it is powered by 4 18650 Li-Ion batteries, but that is not all. To achieve such brightness the TM06 uses four CREE XM-L2 U2 super bright LEDS. The TM06 uses a tactical forward switch to access different brightness levels, as well as power on and off the flashlight, which the switch is located on the tail cap. The Nitecore TM06 offers a variety of modes and brightness levels, including Strobe, SOS, Low, Medium, High, Turbo, Lower, and Beacon Location. When purchasing the Nitecore TM06 you are purchasing a bundle that comes with a variety of extra goodies, including a Nitecore i$ charger and 4 Nitecore NL183 18650 rechargeable batteries.

  • Weight: 9.77 oz
  • Dimensions: 4.92 inches long and 1.97 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 3 lumens for 433 hours
  • Highest setting: 3800 lumens for 0.75 hours
Buy Now or Read More Reviews on Amazon

Brightest: Thrunite TN36 UT

If you are looking for the brightest flashlight in the world you have probably found it with the Thrunite TN36 UT as it has a maximum output of 7300 lumens, which far exceeds all of the other bright flashlights that we have included here. This flashlight is considered to be a compact flood light and thanks to the orange peel reflector it has one of the best quality beams around. To provide that much light the TN36 UT utilizes CREE XHP70 technology, which also improves its efficiency. With a maximum output of 7300 lumens, overheating is a very valid concern. To prevent any damage from occurring to the light itself the TN36 UT utilizes Thrunite ITC technology. The Thrunite TN36 UT offers consumers six different modes to choose from including strobe, turbo, low, medium, high, and firefly. All modes and brightness levels are controlled by the electronic switch that also features a low voltage indicator that alerts you as to when the batteries need to be charged. The best part is the electronic switch enables the TN36 to operate silently, no clicking of the switch as you turn the flashlight on or off or switch modes. The TN36 UT is made from aircraft grade aluminum and comes with a tempered glass lens to help prevent damage from unexpected impacts. The body also features knurling for a better grip.

  • Weight: 14 oz w/out batteries
  • Dimensions: 5.33 inches long and 2.52 inch diameter
  • Lowest setting: 2 lumens for 792 hours
  • Highest setting: 7300


This post first appeared on The Best Tactical Flashlight Buyers Guide: Free Flashlight Checklist, please read the originial post: here

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