The Most Important Features of a Tactical Torch

You’ve heard the term “tactical torch” or “tactical flashlight” many times, but because it is used so often do you have any idea what its proper meaning is?

So if people are using the term more often than they should, what is the real definition of a tactical torch and what exactly makes it one?

Here are the most important features of a tactical torch:

High Quality – A tactical torch may be a bit on the expensive side, however it is a quality investment that will last you for many years to come.

Variable Modes – A torch is not tactical unless it has a range of different modes (often including an SOS mode) as well as different brightness levels.

Simple Interface – A tactical torch is designed to be used in high pressure, dark and sometimes dangerous situations. The user interface of the torch needs to be easy to use and simple to understand such as a side switch or a tail cap switch.

Interruption Modes – When you have the ability to quickly use your high intensity beam or strobe then you have a proper tactical torch. The interruption mode allows you to temporarily disorientate a potential attacker.

High Lumen Output – You won’t always need to use a blinding 2000 lumens, however if your torch doesn’t offer a lumen output that is at least in the hundreds then you can’t really call it a tactical flashlight.

Tough and Durable – A tactical flashlight is often used in tough conditions, like outside in the wilderness or in the pouring rain so it needs to work even during the bad times.

Carrying Options – A tactical flashlight needs to be easy to carry and to access. A lot of tactical torches come with a holster or a clip for easy access.

Weapon Mount – tactical torches are specifically designed to be used with a weapon. Always make sure that your torch is compatible with the weapon mount that you choose to use.

Take a look through Klarus Light’s wide range of high quality tactical torches! We recommend the Klarus G30 and the Klarus XT30R or take a look through the range of flashlight accessories.

Using your Tactical Torch for Self-Defense

When you use it in the right way, your average tactical flashlight can be turned into an amazing self-defense weapon!

Your trusty flashlight can be taken just about anywhere with you, from the shopping mall and the movie theatre to an airplane where weapons are banned, but your torch can still be kept by your side for personal defense.

Here are the most important ways you can use your flashlight to protect yourself…

Identify possible threats – Most attackers will use the cover of darkness as an advantage against you. A bright torch that has a high lumen output, such as the Klarus G30, with a whopping 2450 lumens is perfect for identifying anything dangerous in areas that don’t have much light. This enables you to spot dangers skulking in the shadows and scare them off.

Disorientate attackers – When someone shines a bright light directly into your eyes when it is dark it can really blind you for a few seconds, even minutes! Take advantage of this and use it against anyone who tries to attack you! The Klarus G20 has an output of a blinding 3000 lumens! This is enough to disorientate anyone that dares to confront you. Once your attacker is blinded you will have enough time to escape the situation and search for help.

Acts as a weapon – A lot of tactical torches such as the Klarus XT30R have a stainless steel strike bezel which is manufactured to be used in emergency situations. However it can be used as an improvised and highly effective weapon during an attack. After you’ve momentarily blinded your attacker by shining directly into his eyes, you have the opportunity to strike as hard as you can with your stainless steel strike bezel.

All tactical torches are different, however if you are looking for a torch that can also be used in a self-defense situation, it needs to have the following features:

      -          Small and easy to carry

      -          Simply buttons and functions

      -          Extremely bright

      -          Reliable

      -          Durable

      -          Established brand such as Klarus

When you think about self-defense a flashlight might not be the first thing that pops into your mind, however when you use it in the right way, it can very well be the best weapon for self-protection!

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!

What exactly is a Tactical Flashlight?

Your normal, everyday use flashlight is a lot different to a tactical flashlight. Why? Because tactical flashlights are designed with a different purpose in mind.

Tactical flashlights are usually made from durable, aluminium that can take a hit and still live to tell the tale. Designed to be mounted on a weapon and used in a range of different weather conditions, a tactical torch is created to withstand a lot.

If you have been searching for a flashlight that is easy to carry, bright and can also double as a self-defence weapon, then a tactical torch is what you’re looking for.

But, why exactly should you use a tactical flashlight? There are many reasons; here are a few of the most important ones...

Self-Defence

A tactical torch can really help when you are in a dangerous situation. If someone threatens your safety, a bright light with high lumens shining in their eyes can temporarily blind and disorientate someone enough to allow you to escape. Many tactical torches also have bezel edges which are supposed to help if you ever have to break through a window, however it can also be great to use it if you have to defend yourself. Take a look at the Klarus XT12 GT – it is small enough to carry around and it offers a high lumen output.

Identifying Threats

A tactical torch is after all, a torch! So if you are ever walking in a dark place a trusty flashlight is perfect. A torch is there to light up the dark, whether it is at home, in your car or in a dark alley. Tactical flashlights these days are extremely bright, so they can shine at a great distance. Check out the Klarus G20 with a massive output of 3000LM!

Emergency Situations

When the power goes out, the worst thing is to not have a trusty flashlight on hand. Having a tactical torch will mean that you instantly have light, bright light!

Looking to purchase a tactical flashlight? Place your order from Klarus Light today!

Review – Klarus XT12 GT

Are you looking for a tactical torch that can send out a large amount of lumens, but still have a battery that lasts?

The Klarus XT12 GT is a torch that sends out a whopping 1600 lumens of blinding power! Here are a few things that have really stuck out about this light...

Charge your XT12 GT like you charge your MacBook – with a magnetic charging interface that allows the charger to literally jump onto the charging port. When the torch starts charging the light will shine red and a green light will appear when it is complete. Even the light glows brightly enough for you to see if your flashlight is done charging from across the room.

On the tail of the flashlight is a mount which allows it to be attached easily to just about anything, e.g. your jeans, holster or key ring.  There are also great accessories that you can add onto the XT12, such as a remote pressure tail cap and multiple colourful filters.

The XT12 GT is able to work in even the most severe weather conditions with its hard aluminium body and ability to be underwater at depths of up to 2 metres. It is comfortable in your hand when you hold it, plus the charging connector even has a nifty light you can use!

You can buy the Klarus XT12 GT from www.klaruslight.co.za or take a look at the range of other tactical torches and accessories.

How to Properly Care for your Flashlight

Your flashlight is an important tool that can be used for a lot more tasks then you may think, it might even save your life one day. However, if you don’t care for your flashlight properly it won’t work when you need it the most!

Here are some great tips on how to care for your flashlight...

     ·         Always store your flashlight in a cool, dry area that is easy to reach – you never know when you’re going to be left in the dark!

     ·         Never leave your torch under your car seat or somewhere with the sun shining on it, rather keep it in your cubbyhole.

     ·         Make sure to replace your batteries with fresh ones monthly, especially if you haven’t used the flashlight in a long time.

     ·         In case you are ever in an emergency situation, keep a flashlight in every room in your house and one in your car.

     ·         Never keep your flashlight in an area that gets very hot, this could cause your batteries to leak!

Caring for your tactical torch or regular flashlight is an important part of owning one. Making sure it works when you need it the most is vital!

Looking for a high quality tactical torch? Klarus Light manufactures some of the most innovative flashlights in the world! Visit the Klarus website for a wide range of tactical torches and accessories.

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!