By: Kurtis | Last updated February 13, 2019 
Tactical flashlights are a special category of flashlights, which are useful for more than just giving you light. They can also be used as a self-defense tool. They are primarily used by police forces, but they have become more and more popular among civilians as well.
There are a few aspects that make them different from regular flashlights: one of them is the fact that tactical flashlights are more solid than regular flashlights, because their body is built from a weapon-grade aluminum. That’s what makes them stronger and more durable. Another difference is the emitted light. Tactical flashlights are more powerful and bright (100 lumens at least and with a pre-focused beam). These types of flashlights can be mounted on weapons. Tactical flashlights are more ergonomic and they allow a strong, firm grip. They are also small enough to be easily carried around (they usually come with a carrier or a pocket clip so that you can have immediate access to them).
How can you use a tactical flashlight to defend yourself?
Well, the first obvious use is that of identifying your potential aggressors. More often than not, attackers hide in the dark. If you have a flashlight on you, you can use it to pinpoint any possible threats. Sometimes it is enough to just expose someone and bring them to light and they will backdown.
Another way to use a tactical light for self-defense is to temporarily blind or disorient your attacker with the powerful light of your flashlight. That might just give you enough time to flee or take your next move.
Tactical flashlights can also be used as weapons, although let’s hope you’ll never have to use them in that way. But sometimes you might find yourself in the situation in which all you can do is strike back. Tactical flashlights usually come with a serrated bezel, which can be used to attack someone, if absolutely necessary. Manufacturers don’t necessarily encourage it and they claim the shape of the bezel is like that so that it can be used to break a car window in case of emergency. However, should you ever find yourself in a scenario in which the only thing you can do to defend yourself is to strike your attacker, you can use that toothed/serrated bezel as an improvised weapon.
Not all tactical flashlights are designed and built in the same way and they don’t all have the same features. In order for a tactical flashlight to be useful in self-defense situations, it should meet some requirements: as we’ve already mentioned it, the flashlight should be bright enough (anything below 100-120 lumens won’t be of too much help), it should be solidly constructed and if possible, it should be waterproof, so that you can rely on it in any conditions. Also, try to go with one that uses LED instead of incandescent bulbs, because the latter are more fragile and breakable. They also drain more power, so you’ll run out of batteries faster than with a LED flashlight.
