Topic: The Best Flashlights of 2023 (Read 36 times)
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If you want to harness the power of the sun in a pocket-sized flashlight, buy a Modlite. The 1,350 lumens are impressive, but the Modlite PLH‘s 54,000 candela is the real power. That candella means this light can easily spot objects at 100 yards, and in urban environments, you’ll have no trouble pushing past the ambient light to see into dark areas.
The beam has a bright center spot that spil*s out toward the edges. The intensity of that center spot can’t be overstated, and the crazy thing is that Modlite makes the OKW, which has even more throw. I don’t find the PLH to be too bright for inside use or everyday tasks. Whether I’m using it to look for things in my truck or work my way through a dark house, it performed well. But it isn’t ideal for reading or anything that requires close inspection. While using the PLHv2 for EDC, I found the rechargeable battery lasts about a week.
If you want an impressively bright flashlight that excels in everything but long run time applications, then a Modlite is for you.
I’ve had a Streamlight HLX on my rifle for years, and it has performed fantastically for that function. Its bright center spot and good throw make it perfect for spotting targets at distance, and those characteristics also make the handheld version impressive.
I’ve found the HLX to make a great light for hunting or just taking the dogs for a walk. It’s a large light, so you won’t want to pocket carry this beast—even though it has a pocket clip. When the light is in your pack, the recessed tail cap button prevents the light from accidentally turning on.
The rechargeable battery lasts 1.5 hours on high, which for me is about a week’s worth of regular use. You can cycle to the medium setting for a longer (3 hours) run time with a tap of the button. The low setting is just 65 lumens, but great for when you want to keep some of your night vision intact or just need to find something in your pack before dawn. If you want one of the brightest flashlights to carry in your pack, the ProTac HLX is for you.
For hunting, I don’t need a super bright flashlight; instead, I want something that will provide light for a long time. The G2X Pro’s 1.5-hour run time on high and 52-hour run time on low means that if I’m on a long blood trail, I don’t have to worry about the light dying on me. I also really like keeping a G2X Pro in my truck or by the back door because of its reliability and sub-$100 price tag.
The 600 lumens are on the dim side co*pared to the 1,000-plus lumen powerhouses featured in the best flashlights lineup, but it’s plenty bright for navigating through the woods. You will miss the extra high lumens for spotting objects at distance or seeing through thick brush. The SureFire G2X Pro’s beam has a fairly wide center spot that spil*s out. It’s a good general-purpose beam pattern that matches the light’s intended purpose.
The Streamlight MicroStream is just under 4-inches long and around $30, which makes it ideal for EDC or as a backup flashlight. This mini flashlight is incredibly easy to carry, and I really liked that it doesn’t print like some of the larger flashlights I carry. The 250 lumens is pretty good for the size of the light, and it provides enough illumination for anything you need to see inside 25 yards. It’s also rechargeable and can go from dead to fully charged in just a few hours.
One of the main drawbacks is that you can accidentally activate the light because the tailcap isn’t recessed. But, Streamlight did make the button stiff enough that those light ADs aren’t super co*mon while pocket carrying.
The Rapid L2 is right on the verge of being too big for EDC, but you can co*fortably carry it in a front pocket. Other EDC-friendly features include its recessed activation button and deep carry pocket clip. I did find the pocket clip to be a little too loose, and more grip would be my preference.
The beam is ideal for EDC use with nice even coverage over a wide area, and it excels at illuminating things 30 yards or closer. The 523-lumen flashlight is powered by two CR123 batteries, which is a co*mon battery for flashlights. But, it’s not a battery most people have rolling around their junk drawer, and they’re also pricier than typical AA batteries. The benefit is you can get a higher output and run time with CR123.