Topic: The Best Flashlights of 2023 (Read 34 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.
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This tiny powerhouse was one of the most exciting flashlights I tested. The Sidekick is the size of a key fob, but its 300 lumens is six times brighter than the flashlight on your phone and as bright as many full size lights. I started testing this light with close objects and was thoroughly impressed with its bright and even beam. I stepped back to 40 yards and couldn’t believe it still illuminated objects enough to see them clearly. It has a single, thumb-actuated button that turns the light on and cycles through the brightness settings. It’s also rechargeable and costs about $30. The Sidekick is an unbeatable value for its brightness and features, and its small size makes a great EDC, keychain, or backup light.
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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 a bright, versatile light to carry in your pack, the ProTac HLX is for you.
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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 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.
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The Streamlight MicroStream is just under 4-inches long and around $30, which makes it ideal for EDC or as a backup flashlight. This small 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.
