The correct way to maintain your tactical torch

Have you ever been in the situation where you need to urgently use your tactical torch, but you discover it has stopped working or it is malfunctioning?

Don’t get stuck in the dark with a tactical torch that’s not working anymore! How do you avoid being caught up in this scenario? All you have to do is know the correct way to maintain your tactical torch at all times.

Use these important steps to ensure that your tactical torch is always ready to be used.

     1.       Clean away any dirt, dust or water off your tactical torch. You should never leave your tactical torch with any dirt on it as this will only damage your tactical torch. Simply use a cloth and wipe it clean before storing it away.

     2.       Be sure to check the battery compartment of your tactical torch on a regular basis to ensure there are no battery leaks or possible corrosion occurring.

  

     3.       Once you have used your tactical torch, take out your batteries. DO NOT leave the batteries in your tactical torch, especially if you know you are going to store your tactical torch away for a long period of time.

     4.       Are there any holes or damage to your tactical torch? Be sure to check if everything works on a regular basis to ensure when you need your torch that it works correctly.

     5.       The LED bulb and the glass on your tactical torch is vital too, so always wipe it and inspect the condition of the glass as well as the bulb for any possible cracks.

     6.       Silicone grease is your saviour when it comes to your tactical torch. If it starts to rust and corrode it is a bad sign, so it is best to always wipe your tactical torch with silicone grease when you can.

     7.       If your tactical torch is going to be stored away for a long period of time, always put it in a soft towel or box where it will be safe and sound until you need it again.

Visit the Klarus website www.klaruslight.co.za to take a look at the wide range of tactical torches and order yours today!

How to choose the perfect tactical police torch

Have you ever asked yourself why a tactical torch is called tactical? Well, it is because the tactical torch’s main job is to aide tactical forces and one of the most popular uses for a tactical torch is the police force!

In this day and age, tactical torches are not only used as police torches but also by regular people. However one of the most popular markets for a tactical torch is the police, military, hikers, etc.

So why does a police officer need his police torch to be a tactical torch? When you’re in the police force, your tactical torch needs to be of high-quality, plus it needs to be durable and easy to use under stressful situations.

What are the most important features when it comes to choosing the perfect tactical police torch?

Lumens – A police torch needs to be bright! Why? Because police officers need to spot criminals, assist in search and rescue missions and even potentially blind an attacker.

Beams – A police torch needs to have a high beam throw. If they are doing a general patrol then they won’t need the beam distance to be very far, however, if they are in a rural place, possibly searching a field, etc. they will need the beam distance on their police torch to be fairly far.

Battery – Police officers have long shifts, so they’ll need their police torch to last, especially if they do not have access to a charger.

Durable – A police officer has a dangerous job, so their police torch needs to able to resist possible impacts as well as not get damaged during tussles, different weather situations and being dropped from heights.

Size – A police torch needs to be the correct weight, not too heavy, as a police officer often has a lot of other items that he needs to carry with him on the job. Just because it is conveniently sized doesn’t mean it can’t be a powerful police torch! Take a look at the range on www.klaruslight.co.za

How to look after your Tactical Flashlight properly

Nothing is more frustrating when you really, really need your tactical flashlight and you find out that it’s not working anymore. To avoid being in this situation you have to make a routine where you look after your tactical flashlight properly so it is always ready at a moment’s notice.

Consider using these easy steps before storing your beloved tactical flashlight…

1. Always make sure all dirt, dust, grime and water are wiped off of the outside case of the tactical flashlight. Use a soft cloth and try not to dent or damage the material.

2. Check your tactical flashlight to ensure that all threads on the body of the light and the head are clean and dry.

3. ALWAYS check the battery compartment for signs of leakage or corrosion.

4. Its best to remove and inspect the batteries after each use. Never leave the batteries inside your tactical flashlight when you know you won’t be using it for a long time.

5. Check the overall condition of the flashlight. Are there any cracks or holes? Is the power switch damaged? For a quick fix, use tape!

6. The condition of the glass over the bulb is also important. Make sure to clean and polish it and check for any cracks.

7. Don’t forget to examine the bulb and LED itself. If there are any broken or discoloured wires, replace immediately.

8. Do you have a lanyard on your tactical flashlight? If so, check it for any frays and make sure it is secure. The cord is the only thing holding your flashlight from falling.

9. Rust and corrosion can really damage your tactical flashlight, so coat the outside of your flashlight with silicone grease when you can. 

10. If you don’t use your tactical flashlight on a regular basis, wrap it up in a soft cloth to protect it and store it somewhere safe. 

Even if you don’t often use your flashlight, make it a habit to check it and ensure that it is working properly. Maintaining your torch won’t take a lot of time and effort. You will be thankful you looked after it when you need it in an emergency and it works effectively!

Klarus creates and supplies some of the best LED torch technology on the planet. Visit the Klarus website today and order today!

Choosing the Perfect Tactical Flashlight for Police Work

There is a reason we call tactical flashlights tactical. Why? Because they are mainly used by tactical forces, one of the largest markets being the police force.

A police officer needs a dependable flashlight, one that is high quality, powerful and easy to use. So, what features are required of a tactical flashlight in the police force?

  n  High Lumen Output

Police officers need to be bright! Most police tasks, especially search and rescue operations need an above average lumen output in order to see victims or criminals.

  n  Beam Distance

When police officers choose how far their beam throw needs to be, they need to take into consideration how they will be using their tactical flashlight. If they are doing regular residential patrols then they won’t need a beam distance as long as police officers patrolling rural areas.

  n  Battery Life

An average shift for a police officer can last up to 12 hours without any access to a charger, so having a tactical flashlight that has a battery life that lasts long is a must.

  n  Impact Resistance

Working in the police force can be dangerous; you never know what conditions will be thrown your way. Police officers often tussle with criminals or get knocked down on the job. This is why it is important to have a tactical flashlight that can handle the impact and keep on functioning.

  n  Size & Weight

A police officer’s carries a lot of equipment on the job. When you think about the amount of weight they need to be carrying on a daily basis, a conveniently sized flashlight would be the best option, especially when they use their flashlight alongside their weapon.

A tactical flashlight is perfect for tactical work; this is why police officers are one of the largest groups of tactical flashlight buyers.

Looking for a high quality tactical flashlight? Visit the Klarus website, browse through the large range of affordable flashlights as well as accessories and place your order! Call 071 6136 777 or email sales@klaruslight.co.za

How to preserve your Night Vision when using a Tactical Flashlight

When using a tactical flashlight it can be frustrating as well as dangerous to have to wait a few seconds for your night vision to readjust again.

So what is the best colour to use with your tactical flashlight to preserve night vision?

Well, the answer is tricky because it depends!

For many years, all tactical flashlight owners believed that red light was the best colour to utilize in order to preserve their night vision (That’s why our vehicle’s tail lights are red in colour). However just because red light is used in dark rooms when developing film, and it is seen as a good preserver of your night vision, doesn’t mean it is as unquestionable as people once thought.

Let’s take a look at the theory behind our night vision…

The part of our eye that allows us to see in low lighting are called the rods. The rods are apparently not as sensitive to the colour red as they are to other colours, meaning that red light can be seen when using a tactical flashlight without giving up night vision. This theory is logical, but it actually doesn’t work like that.

The fact is that no matter the colour that is being used on the tactical flashlight – blue, red or green – the chemical in the eye that allows night vision to work is broken down immediately. The problem when it comes to preserving night vision is not the colour of the tactical flashlight, but instead the brightness of the light. The only way you can truly maintain your night vision is to change the intensity of the tactical flashlight’s beam.

But simply using your eyes instead of a coloured tactical flashlight can have its issues, such as:

  n  You cannot see directly in front of you

  n  You cannot see colours

  n  It is difficult to see and recognize details

What is the answer to preserve your night vision when using your tactical flashlight? You need a flashlight that is able to add coloured filters as well as change to different lighting modes.

Visit the Klarus website and take a look at the range of different tactical flashlights on offer. Many allow you to alter the intensity of the flashlight beam as well as add optional coloured filters.

Klarus Light designs and manufactures some of the most exciting, practical and innovative LED torches on the planet with ultra-high Lumen output.

Using a Tactical Flashlight for Hunting, Military and Police Work

You can use your tactical flashlight in many ways, including hunting, military work and law enforcement.

Below we will discuss how your tactical torch can assist you in each area...

Hunting Flashlights:

When you’re in the wilderness, your torch becomes your best friend! There are so many ways it can assist you – lighting up your aim, sending out an SOS and even blinding a predator or your prey.

The importance of your tactical flashlight is vital. Klarus provides compact, durable flashlights that fit snugly under or next to the barrel of your hunting weapon, so no problems will be experienced when you are busy hunting.

The Klarus XT11S is an ultra-compact, lightweight, super-bright tactical torch that has a special hunting mode, a whopping 1100LM output as well as the ability to attach colourful filters – visit the Klarus website and place your order today!

Military Flashlights:

These torches are specially made for forces such as the army and the military. Generally they are attached underneath or next to the barrel of the weapon, and can be used with other equipment such as a gun mount or a pressure switch.

A military flashlight will usually have three specific light signals Strobe, SOS and firefly. These light signals are used in emergency and combat situations.

A great tactical military flashlight is the Klarus XT1C or the Klarus XT30R.

Police Flashlights:

In law enforcement, you will always need a handy flashlight nearby. When mounted on a weapon it can be used by special forces or simply with a handheld weapon. A tactical flashlight is something can be used in self-defence by either striking the attacker or shining the light directly in their eyes to momentarily disable them.

A police flashlight needs to be sturdy, durable, impact resistant, and compact with a strong body, steel bezels and preferably a Strobe light setting. It should overall combine the use of a baton with a light!

Review - Klarus XT30R

Every so often I’m asked to evaluate a working tool that just jumps out from the rest and says “Take my money!”

The Klarus XT30R definitively fits within this category. When I received this well packaged torch, I immediately dove into the packaging to see what there was to fiddle with. Out came a slim, comfortable and well balanced torch that’s apparently suitable for hunting and tactical applications. Personally – I’ve found it to have many more applications than that.

Now it’s no secret I’m a Klarus fan through and through. The packaging is always attractive and well thought out. The contents of the goodie box is logical and practical at the same time. This was no exception. The first thing I noted was the magnetic charging port. With a lifestyle that means I often have to literally grab equipment and run, getting stuck to charging points isn’t one of my favourite passtimes. Much like the legendary Mac chargers, you push the magnetic contact to the torch and that’s it. No need to take batteries in and out at all.

I was patient and gave the batteries a full charge before putting this beast to the test. First off was the garden test. I like to wait till well after dark, then take a wander around the house and see what the usability would be at night in a home environment. To say that this beast and it’s 1800 lumen abilities lit up the garden is an understatement. Bearing in mind that my property is a good 600sq meters it literally lit up the entire side of the house. Dark little corners behind shrubs, the works. I even went as far as to challenge my son to hide in the garden and see if I could spot him – no problem there at all.

The box claimed to deliver 800m plus illumination – being the doubting Thomas that I am, I needed to see this for myself. I set off to the beachfront to get a nice cast of the beam straight down the beach which was in total darkness. Not only was I impressed by the very obvious 800m reach – I was amazed by the depth of illumination and the overall comfort. 

For a torch with a relatively large bulberous shape I was expecting a little clumsiness. Not so, it was well balanced, gripped well and worked exactly as promised. The programmable buttons are typically Klarus quality, 50%, 20%, 10% by my estimation in terms of power output.

I headed home quite impressed with the overall functionality and promptly left it on overnight in the study to drain the battery. Firstly the study was lit up like a beacon, secondly the battery was still holding 6 hours later.

This is definitively my new favourite torch for tactical applications, home use, camping and all manner of applications. A solidly built robust design that delivers on every promise it makes one by one.

Klarus creates some of the most sought after torches on the planet - Visit the Klarus Light website for a range of innovative tactical torches and accessories! 

Choosing a Flashlight for your Emergency Kit

When you choose your flashlight, the most important thing to ask yourself is when are you going to be using it?

From there you can see what the perfect size, style and type of flashlight you need.

Here’s how to find the perfect flashlight for your emergency kit...

* Heavy Duty

You never know what is going to happen during an emergency, so you need a flashlight that can take a beating. Go for a flashlight that has a heavy duty design, with features such as waterproof, high quality lenses and a casing that can withstand impact. Consider the Klarus XT12 GT tactical flashlight.

* Long Battery Life

How often do you use your emergency kit? Probably once or twice a year, or even less than that. It is easy to forget about your emergency kit until the time actually comes to use it, so make sure that your flashlight has a long battery life. Another option is to keep some spare batteries in the emergency kit as well. Consider the Klarus XT11S tactical flashlight.

* Brightness

If you are ever in an emergency situation, you may need to use your flashlight for more than just lighting up the dark. In some cases you may need to use your flashlight to signal for help (find out how here), so it is best that it is a high-lumen flashlight. Consider the Klarus G30 flashlight.

Always consider these options when you choose a flashlight for your emergency kit...

Visit the Klarus Light website and take a look through the wide range of tactical flashlights, most are perfect for your emergency kit!

Fun Things to Do with your Tactical Flashlight

When you think of a tactical flashlight, you think of an emergency tool with a variety of awesome features. With these features, we can not only use a flashlight to light up the dark, but also to do a lot of cool things...

Low Exposure Photographs – Do you have a DSLR camera? Shoot low exposure and you can use your flashlight to create amazing shapes that’ll come out beautifully in photographs.

Point it into the Sky – Your tactical flashlight can create a range of beautiful effects, simply point it upwards into the sky (this looks even better if it’s raining) and try take some photos, your friends will be amazed!

Take Silhouette Pictures – By turning off all the lights in the room and pointing the tactical flashlight into your camera while having a subject in front of it, you can take the coolest silhouette pictures ever.

Light up your Backyard – If you have more flashlights you can light up your entire backyard at night. This trick can be used for birthday parties, braais, pool parties or other occasions. The trick here is to hide your flashlight in the bushes so they light up the trees and the flowers. If you have your batteries fully charged you can go through the whole night without a battery replacement. 

Looking for a high quality, affordable tactical flashlight? Visit the Klarus Light website today and lace your order!

Cycling Light Regulations

Did you know that it is illegal to ride your bicycle on a public road after dark without any lights? If you are cycling in the early hours of the morning or riding home late at night, it is vital that you start using your lights again!

Obviously, lights are there to help you see, but more importantly they are there to help you be seen. If you’ve been close to knocking a cyclist down with your vehicle, you’ll know just how invisible a cyclist is with no lights on their bicycle.

There are many different lights available at the bike shop, so it can be hard to know which one to choose. Instead of buying a cheap main light that isn’t very bright and the battery dies after a few days, opt to rather buy a flashlight mount instead.

A flashlight mount allows you to clip in a high-quality durable flashlight to the front of your bike, meaning optimum brightness and visibility. 

Klarus Light has a range of tactical flashlights that can fit into a bicycle mount – take a look here.

Tactical Flashlights For Home Defence

If it were a nightmare, you could wake up and it would be over. But this is worse. It's real and it's just beginning. That noise that startled you from a sound sleep can mean only one thing. There's an intruder in your home. If you're smart, you have a plan for this kind of situation, like picking up the cell phone by your bed and calling the coppers. They're trained to handle this sort of thing.

Even so, with your family's well-being at stake, you feel an urgency to act--now. You reach for your trusty gun. But, there's another piece of defensive gear that's just as important--a tactical flashlight. Developed initially for Special Forces in the military and law enforcement, these lights, with their intensely bright beams, are also available to civilians. They offer protection by temporarily blinding an intruder. Unlike a room light or a conventional flashlight, which shows the bad guys where you are, tactical lights are designed to identify a target without turning you into one.

Tactical lights are designed specifically to be used either alongside a weapon (a handheld) or mounted on a long gun or handgun (a weapon light). There's little point in blinding an intruder to gain a momentary advantage if you can't follow up and get the drop on him. Bluffing is a dangerous game.

Handheld lights are compact, lightweight, and typically use a momentary switch in the tailcap. You grip the light as you would a hypodermic syringe, with your thumb on the switch. This grip helps you to interlock your hands to brace and aim your handgun, something you can't do with a larger flashlight. The momentary switch allows you to sweep a room with short, powerful bursts of light--a technique that makes it difficult for a bad guy to pick out your position.

Weapon lights, which usually can double as handhelds, attach to your gun by sliding into a rail mount that either comes as part of the gun package, or can be purchased separately. Remote switches on long-gun models let you activate the light while maintaining your grip on the gun.

Compared to conventional flashlights, tactical lights deliver more light from a more compact, lighter package. A conventional flashlight with two D batteries and a standard bulb puts out about 15 to 20 lumens. A tactical light cranks out a minimum of 60 lumens of solid beam with no holes or dark spots. It also can stand up to the shock and recoil of a firearm.

Tactical lights get their blinding ability from a high-pressure xenon-filled bulb with a tungsten filament. Power comes from a pair of 3-volt AA lithium batteries instead of conventional 1.5-volt cells. These batteries typically will give about an hour of continuous run time, and bulbs typically last 25 hours. The 6 volts of juice burns the filament hotter and whiter than that in a conventional flashlight. Precision tolerances between the bulb and reflector, and refractive coatings or finishes on the reflector, produce a solid, uniform beam of light.

Tactical lights come in an assortment of models and features – take a look at Klarus Light’s website to choose the perfect tactical flashlight!

How a tactical flashlight can protect you

So you feel you do not need to know how to use a tactical flashlight for self-defence? Ok!

You are walking back from a movie late at night. You start walking down the street to your car. Suddenly you reach a patch that is unlit and dark.

You hear footsteps behind you. You turn to see who it is. No one! You keep walking. Again there is some hustling noise from the tall grass on the roadside. You get Goosebumps and a chilling feeling down your spine.

You turn again but this time you are met by a blow to your face. The assailants steal your money, valuable clothing and your watch. Now you wish you had a self-defence tool. Trust me; there is nothing better than a flashlight.

If like most people, you feel flashlights are only to be stacked away in the kitchen drawers, you are mistaken. There are so many purposes they serve and one of the best is tactical purposes like self-defence.

Tactical flashlights can be used for more than just once a year camping tours and power outage scenarios.

These are a few ways in which you can use your tactical flashlight to get out of a dangerous situation alive.

1. A weapon:

There are some flashlights that come with a bezel. This can be used for various purposes. It is not intended by the makers that you use it to hit someone but then desperate times call for desperate measures. If you are under attack, you can hit back with the bezel – make sure to aim for the sensitive areas of the opponent, like the neck or the eyes.

2. In Darkness:

Most assailants use darkness as their strength to attack or rob someone. Do not let this happen to you. With a flashlight on you, you will always keep yourself safe. A tactical flashlight comes with very strong beam intensity and a long beam distance. Therefore, you will know you are in trouble from a secure distance and then you can do something about it.

3. Identifying:

Identification is another very strong deterrent. If a criminal feels that he or she is going to be recognized later, they do not risk attacking someone. Most robbers do so thinking that no one will be able to track them as they used the darkness to not let you see their faces. If you have a tactical flashlight with you, you will be able to see from far and also to far and so recognizing your attacker will not be a problem.

4. Disorientation:

The last two points were more about avoiding a bad situation but let us say you have landed in one already. Now your only chance is to fight back. Not everyone is trained in martial arts, so you can use the high intensity of the flashlight to blind the other person momentarily and hit them as hard as possible. This will render them helpless.

5. An Improvised Hitting Tool:

Most tactical flashlights are built to be long-lasting and sturdy. You can use them to hit the attackers head or nose. Also, when you are trying to block a punch, you can use your tactical flashlight to do so. Though some are small, they are very strong. So this will give you an advantage over you attacker at all times.

6. A Confidence Booster:

Just the knowledge that you have something that can help you survive will give you a confidence boost. This is very important in a dangerous situation. So always keep your confidence booster at your side.

7. Fend off Animals:

This is especially for those who often go camping, mountaineering; trekking etc. Animals are confused, blinded and disorientated by intense lights. So if you are ever under attack by a bear, wild boar or a vicious dog at night, a tactical flashlight is the weapon to use.

It is imperative that you keep your tacticalflashlight with you at all times. Invest in a good tactical flashlight, even if it means having to pay a bit more – nothing is more precious than your life.

The flashlight trick that will produce smoke!

This flashlight trick will teach you how to produce smoke (actually pressurized oxygen) from your mouth. This is fun to do when you're bored at a campfire with your friends or family

You will need for this mighty trick:

-- A flashlight (so you can see it better)
-- Hands (yours)
-- A mouth (yours)
-- Lungs (yours)

Step 1: Hold your breath

The key to doing this effectively is to hold your breath the whole time you’re doing the trick. It may sound stupid, but don't breathe, since like I said, the smoke is actually pressurized oxygen. This is also the time to put the flashlight on your chin. NEVER blow out your nose while you do this, since it will ruin the smoke and make it travel all the way back to your lungs.

Step 2: Click your tongue

Yes, close your mouth and while still holding your breath, click your tongue 10 times. The way that you're supposed to click your tongue is to put your tongue at the tip of your mouth.

Step 3: Put your fist to your mouth

Put your fist to your mouth and puff your cheeks out. Don't puff them out too hard since you obviously don't want exploding cheeks. This should take about 3-5 seconds to do this. Don’t breathe yet!

Step 4: Open your mouth

Open your mouth. But do not exhale out your nose as already said since it will ruin the smoke. Just open your mouth and the smoke will come out. Also, you know what they say: practice makes perfect! It takes a while to get the hang of it!

Do you know any cool flashlight tricks? Let us know!

Need a reliable affordable flashlight? Don't go for the cheap flashlight that'll last a few weeks - visit Klarus Light's website and browse through the wide range of tactical, durable flashlights that will last you a life time!

The key component that your flashlight always needs!

The design of your flashlight’s reflector affects both the beam’s strength and focus. Without a reflector in place, no matter how powerful the light, the beam would just diffuse everywhere – like a solitary candle sitting on a table. So, reflectors are important. Without them, you just bought a very expensive candle.

But you don’t want a candle. You want a mean and surly tactical flashlight, and for that, you need to understand reflectors.

Most modern flashlights allow you to adjust the reflectors – most of the time by twisting the bezel – to narrow or widen the beam. It’s when you perform this function that you truly notice the difference in the various types of reflectors: smooth, faceted and orange peel.

Let’s examine each of these:

Smooth Reflectors

Smooth reflectors have been around as long as flashlights. Actually, they were around before if you count lanterns as the precursor to modern flashlights. They are cheap and easy to make. That’s why they are typically found in lower quality flashlights. The problem with smooth reflectors is that they project patches of bright light and darkness. You may have noticed this when using a cheaper flashlight – there a big shadow right in the centre of the beam.

Now, some smooth reflectors are well made and can project a quality beam when tightly focused, but when you broaden the beam, the rings of shadow and light come back again. It’s just a design flaw.

Faceted Reflectors

This was the next evolution in reflector technology and eliminated the rings of shadows and light seen with smooth reflectors.  Faceted reflectors are comprised of hundreds – or even thousands – of tiny little mirrors that focus light in the same direction at a slightly different angle – this eliminates those annoying rings. Now, you do lose some of that tight focus you get with a smooth reflector, but many find the trade-off to be worth it. As a general rule, the more facets a reflector boasts, the cleaner and smoother the beam – no matter how tight.

Orange Peel Reflectors

This is the final evolution – thus far – of flashlight reflectors. Instead of facets, the entire surface of the reflector has a smooth yet textured appearance. The reflector – with the exception of colour – takes its name from its resemblance to an orange peel. Because it projects such a smooth light regardless of focus, this type of reflector is used in most high-quality flashlights like the ones found in our store.

As you consider your next flashlight, take into consideration the different types of flashlight reflectors.  Especially when you are evaluating the varying beam distances that are available on flashlights, take note of the reflector type as it just might impact which light accompanies you when the sun goes down.

For a wide range of flashlights, with a variety of quality reflectors - contact Klarus Light today!

Headlamp vs Handheld Flashlight

Which one is better – a headlamp or a handheld flashlight? Well, they both have their pros and cons and they both fill unique rolls with some overlap, so there really is no definitive answer. It is up to you to make your own choice.

Let’s evaluate the headlamp vs handheld flashlight features and benefits to help you decide which one is best for your next adventure.

Headlamps

A headlamp is essentially a hands free flashlight. These flashlights come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are of varying quality – all allow you the ability to use both hands while still shining light on your focus area.

Pros

- Operates completely hands free
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Difficult to lose while running, swimming or after a fall

Cons

- Generally not a powerful as a handheld
- Must be clipped or affixed in order to be efficient
- You must turn your head to turn the beam of the flashlight

Handheld Flashlights

These are what come to mind when someone says the word “flashlight”. Handheld flashlights cover a wide range of styles and power levels. Because of their versatility, handheld flashlights are the go to option for a variety of professionals and hobbyists.

Pros

- Extremely versatile
- Ability to alter beam strength, length and type
- Ideal for tactical uses

Cons

- Easily misplaced
- Must be aimed and does not automatically follow gaze
- Does not stay attached in the event of a fall

Regardless of which one you choose, or if you choose both, make sure you are investing in a flashlight that will do the job consistency and well. Don’t buy a cheap flashlight that cannot perform when you need it most, rather invest in a flashlight that will do the job for years to come.

Browse through Klarus Light’s website for a wide range of durable, innovative and affordable flashlights!

Flashlight lumens – How does it impact your light decision?

Choosing the right flashlight is all the about the light, and the ability to choose the amount of light you get is a key feature of a high-quality flashlight. The amount of light a flashlight produces is measured in lumens, and some flashlights even have up to 3000 lumens. That’s great and all, but you don’t always need that much light.

Let’s take a look at the most common settings you will find on most tactical flashlights and their uses.

 

1 – 20 Lumens
This is about the power level of a flashlight you would use to read a book under the covers. It is ideal for finding your car keys at the bottom of your bag, walking outside to take the garbage out and yes reading a book under the covers.

10 – 25 Lumens
This is the default setting for most flashlights. It is powerful enough to accomplish most tasks and not be overpowering in a closed space. Most “emergency” flashlights have this level of output. This setting is perfect for those random power cuts.

36 – 60 Lumens
If you like to spend time in the great outdoors, this is the setting that you will use most often. It is perfect for finding your way around a campsite or lighting your way on a late night hike through the woods.

100 + Lumens
A light that generates this much lumens is considered a tactical flashlight. This is the amount of light police officers and firefighters use when they are called to a scene. A flashlight that emits over 80 lumens has the power to temporarily blind an attack. Looking for a durable, affordable tactical flashlight? Take a look at Klarus Light’s wide range.

1000 + Lumens
This is the type of light that search and rescue parties use. It has the power to light up a forest and even further. It is ideal for finding the lost, but it is unlikely that you will ever need this output. However, it is still good to have just in case.

In addition to the ability to choose lumen output, many tactical flashlights offer the ability to select alternative lighting modes such as the strobe and SOS mode.

Don’t settle for a flashlight with one setting; choose a flashlight that will provide the perfect amount of light in all situations. At Klarus Light, you can choose from a variety of different flashlights!

Choosing a tactical flashlight for police work

Tactical flashlights are called tactical for a reason – namely, because they are used for tactical forces. One of the larger segments of the tactical flashlight consumer market is comprised of police officers.

Police officers need a quality, powerful and dependable tactical flashlight. It’s not an option for them. It is a requirement.

So, what features does a tactical flashlight possess that are important to a police officer?

High Lumens Output

Tactical flashlights for police officers need to be bright – and being able to adjust that brightness level is certainly a plus. In most cases, a flashlight with a lumen output of 100 is suitable for most tasks; however, there are instances where a police officer will need to conduct a search and rescue operation, in these cases, an output of 200 lumen or more is necessary. That is why the ability to change total output is a necessity for some officers.

Throw (or Beam Distance)

Throw is typically measured in meters. You can find the throw length on the packaging or in the specs list found in the product details section. Some tactical flashlights have multiple throw lengths listed – depending on if they have variable power capability. When considering throw, it’s important to consider the primary use of the flashlight. If your primary patrol area is residential you will not need a throw length as long as those who patrol a rural area.

Run Time

Police officers shifts can sometimes be 12 hours or longer. With such a long time away from a charging station, it’s important that your flashlight have a long battery life. Battery life is measured in hours – as it should be. This is measured by turning the flashlight on and measuring the length of time it takes the beam output to drop to 10 percent of its peak.

Impact Resistance

Police work can be a dangerous job, and there’s a pretty good chance that you will get knocked around a bit during the course of your duties. For that reason, you need a flashlight that can take a licking and keep on ticking. Impact resistance is measured by dropping the tactical flashlight from a set distance – measured in meters – six times. The maximum distance the flashlight can be dropped without losing functionality or showing any physical cracks is its impact resistance.

Waterproof and Water Resistance

There is a difference between waterproof and water resistant. A waterproof tactical flashlight can survive a complete immersion in water. Water resistance means it can continue working after exposure to splashing – say rain. If you work near water, investing the extra money to acquire a tactical flashlight that can survive a full immersion is a good idea; if not, it’s just a nice feature to have.  The best way to determine how resistant to water the light is, is to check the IPX rating.

Size and Weight

Police officers are required to carry a lot of gear. Given the amount of weight you will be carrying on your belt, a lighter flashlight can often make the difference between a footsore night and an easy one. There is a tradeoff. Lighter flashlights do not perform as well when used as an improvised baton. For that reason, smaller-pocket sized flashlights are normally carried by detective and larger flashlights are carried by those who expect to have several interactions with potentially dangerous suspects daily.

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What makes a tactical flashlight… tactical?

If you have spent any time at all researching high-quality flashlights, you’ve seen the term “tactical flashlight” more often than you can count. In fact, this formerly descriptive and specific term has become so overused; it has almost lost all meaning.

So, if everyone is using “tactical” to describe any flashlight with a black finish, what is a true tactical flashlight? What characteristics must a flashlight possess to earn that title? What makes a tactical flashlight…tactical?

There are a few features that every tactical flashlight will possess, in one form or another.

High quality – You won’t find a tactical flashlight in the clearance bin, it is a quality investment that will last you for years to come.

Variable modes – A tactical torch must have the ability to cycle between different brightness levels and modes of operation.

Easy to use user interface – This flashlight is designed for dark, dangerous and intense situations, so it makes sense for it to have an easy to use interface. Most tactical flashlights have a tail cap switch, but side switches are also common.

Interruption modes – The ability to quickly access either a high intensity beam or a strobe light is what is known as an interruption mode. This will allow you to disorientate or blind an attacker.

High max lumen output level – Not all situations call for a 300 lumen beam, but if a flashlight doesn’t offer a max lumens output that is in the hundreds, then it’s probably not a tactical flashlight.

Tough and durable construction – You’re probably going to use your tactical flashlight in less than ideal conditions so you need it to work even at the worst of times. Quality tactical torches use aero-grade or anodized aluminium.

Carrying options – Easy access to your flashlight is a tactical requirement. Many proper tactical flashlights will come with a high-quality holster, or an integrated clip that makes it easier to deploy and harder to lose.

Weapon mount compatibility – Tactical flashlights are designed to be used with a firearm. If you have to use duct tape to mount your torch on your weapon then it’s definitely not a tactical flashlight. Always make sure your tactical flashlight is compatible with your preferred mounting method.

Browse through Klarus light’s wide variety of different tactical flashlights and find the best light that suits your duties and adventures.