Best tactical flashlight: seven handheld picks
Our starting choice is the SureFire G2X LE when high-first operation is the priority. The tailcap starts on SureFire's rated 600 lumens (8,700 candela, 187 meters) before the 15-lumen low, in a 5.2 inch, 4.4 ounce light that comes with two 123A batteries. For more reach, compare the handheld ProTac HL-X: Streamlight rates 27,100 candela and 330 meters on CR123A, about three times the G2X LE's candela, at 5.7 ounces. Choose the ProTac 1L-1AA for a flexible battery plan: 350 lumens on one CR123A or 150 on one AA, at 4.25 inches. Our USB-C shortlist starts with the Nitecore P20iX (4,000-lumen turbo); our independent-switch shortlist starts with the PolyStinger DS LED, which rates 28,000 candela from 485 lumens, just above the HL-X's CR123A table figure.
We would compare the SureFire 6PX Pro for a low-first preference: SureFire publishes the same output, beam and runtime as the G2X LE in an aluminum body at 5.2 ounces. The Olight Warrior 3S is our magnetic-charging pick; its 2,300-lumen turbo holds full output for 2.5 minutes. For a carry-focused comparison, use our EDC flashlight picks; for a light mounted to a firearm, use our rifle light guide.
The pick labels are our editorial recommendations. Check price and availability on OpticsPlanet.
How we reviewed: we compared manufacturer documents, OpticsPlanet product descriptions and individual reviewer comments. Recommendations reflect documented features and our priorities; they do not represent measured editorial scores. Comments retain their dates and product context. See our methodology.
Tactical flashlights compared
| Our pick | Product and configuration | Max output | Peak beam | High runtime | Battery | Length, weight | Controls | Price reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best high-first handheld | SureFire G2X LE Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: G2XLE-BK; black | 600 lm (SureFire) | 8,700 cd, 187 m | 1.5 h | 2 x 123A, included | 5.2 in, 4.4 oz | Tail click, high first | around $95 |
| Best AA or CR123A choice | Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: 88061; black | 350 lm CR123A, 150 lm AA (Streamlight) | 6,400 cd, 160 m (CR123A) | 1.5 h (CR123A) | 1 x CR123A or 1 x AA | 4.25 in, 2.5 oz (CR123A) | Tail TEN-TAP, high first by default | around $60 |
| Best CR123A HL-X choice | Streamlight ProTac HL-X Handheld OpticsPlanet model: 88064; black; clam package | 1,000 lm CR123A (Streamlight table) | 27,100 cd, 330 m (CR123A) | 1.25 h (CR123A) | 2 x CR123A or SL-B26 | 5.43 in, 5.7 oz (CR123A) | Tail TEN-TAP, high first by default | around $110 |
| Best USB-C tail-switch option | Nitecore P20iX Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: FL-NITE-P20IX; black | 4,000 lm turbo (Nitecore) | 12,200 cd, 221 m | Turbo 30 min; Higher 1,700 lm 2 h | NL2150HPi 21700, USB-C | 5.57 in, 116 g | Dual tail switches, Tactical or Daily | around $120 |
| Best independent dual switches | Streamlight PolyStinger DS LED OpticsPlanet model: 76810; black; light only, without charger | 485 lm (Streamlight) | 28,000 cd, 335 m | 3 h | NiMH; no charger in 76810 | 8.64 in, 11.9 oz | Independent head and tail switches | around $140 |
| Best aluminum low-first option | SureFire 6PX Pro Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: 6PX-D-BK; black | 600 lm (SureFire) | 8,700 cd, 187 m | 1.5 h | 2 x 123A, included | 5.2 in, 5.2 oz | Tail click, low first | around $110 |
| Best magnetic-charge option | Olight Warrior 3S Flashlight OpticsPlanet model: 6972378125538; black | 2,300 lm turbo (Olight) | 23,000 cd, 300 m | Turbo 2.5 min, then steps down; High 800 lm 166 min | Customized 21700, MCC3 magnetic cable | 5.47 in, 6.21 oz | Side switch plus two-stage tail | around $120 |
Output, beam, runtime, length and weight are each maker's own ratings, on the battery named in the cell; the TEN-TAP defaults and the PolyStinger package contents come from the OpticsPlanet listings. Runtime is for the highest steady or burst setting the maker lists; the cards give the other modes.
Best high-first handheld: SureFire G2X LE Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: G2XLE-BK; black
around $95exact price on OpticsPlanet
SureFire describes the G2X LE as high-first: a momentary press or full click of the tailcap starts on the 600-lumen high, with the 15-lumen low second. Our pick is for someone who wants the bright setting before the task setting. On SureFire's figures it matches the 6PX Pro on output, beam and runtime, and it is 0.8 ounce lighter (4.4 against 5.2 ounces), with a polymer body and aluminum head where the 6PX Pro body is aluminum. Choose the 6PX Pro instead only if you want the low setting first.
Pros
- SureFire's current G2X LE ratings are 600 lumens on high and 15 lumens on low.
- SureFire lists two included 123A lithium batteries for the G2X LE.
- SureFire rates 8,700 candela and a 187-meter beam.
Cons
- We would choose a low-first light if the first task is reading or checking nearby gear. High-first is a deliberate preference.
- Its 8,700 candela is about a third of the ProTac HL-X's 27,100 on CR123A, so it is not the reach pick on this page.
Best for: high-first handheld
Key specifications
| Output | 600 lm high, 15 lm low (SureFire) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 8,700 cd, 187 m (SureFire) |
| Runtime | 1.5 h high, 52 h low (SureFire) |
| Battery | Two 123A lithium, included (SureFire) |
| Length and weight | 5.2 in, 4.4 oz with batteries (SureFire) |
| Switch | Tail click, high first (SureFire) |
| Water rating | IPX7 (SureFire) |
Best AA or CR123A choice: Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: 88061; black
around $60exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight lists the ProTac 1L-1AA for one CR123A or one AA battery, and the battery changes the light: 350 lumens, 6,400 candela and 160 meters on CR123A against 150 lumens, 2,750 candela and 105 meters on AA. Our recommendation is to start here when an AA fallback matters more than peak output. At 4.25 inches it is the shortest light on this page. We would still check how the clip sits in the pocket we use; battery flexibility does not settle carry comfort.
Pros
- Streamlight rates ProTac 1L-1AA high output with CR123A at 350 lumens.
- Streamlight rates ProTac 1L-1AA high output with AA at 150 lumens.
- Streamlight lists 2.5 ounces with a CR123A, the lightest light on this page.
Cons
- We would not judge both battery choices from the higher output alone. On AA the high setting drops to 150 lumens; Streamlight rates it for 1 hour 20 minutes on an alkaline cell and 4.25 hours on an AA lithium, against 1.5 hours at 350 lumens on CR123A.
Best for: aa or cr123a choice
Key specifications
| Output | 350 lm (CR123A) or 150 lm (AA) high, 40 lm low (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 6,400 cd, 160 m on CR123A; 2,750 cd, 105 m on AA (Streamlight) |
| High runtime | 1.5 h on CR123A (Streamlight) |
| Battery | One CR123A or one AA (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 4.25 in; 2.5 oz with CR123A (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Tail push button, TEN-TAP: High-Strobe-Low by default, High Only, or Low-High (OpticsPlanet) |
| Water rating | IPX7, 1 m for 30 min (Streamlight) |
“However, I wouldn't recommend this for an everyday carry. It is a little too big, and the clip is too lose to stay in your pocket.”
Liam D, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, October 5, 2025
Best CR123A HL-X choice: Streamlight ProTac HL-X Handheld
OpticsPlanet model: 88064; black; clam package
around $110exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight's current ProTac HL-X table rates CR123A high output at 1,000 lumens. Our reason to consider it is that Streamlight publishes separate ratings for each power source, and on the CR123A table it is the reach pick among the CR123A lights here: 27,100 candela and 330 meters, against 8,700 candela and 187 meters for the two SureFire lights. We would keep the handheld purchase separate from a rail-mounted light, even when a familiar family name appears in both descriptions.
Pros
- Streamlight lists ProTac HL-X power options as an SL-B26 pack or two CR123A batteries.
- Streamlight lists a TEN-TAP tail switch for the ProTac HL-X.
Cons
- We would pass if a small penlight is the carry goal. Do not treat the rechargeable package's headline output as the rating of every battery configuration.
- Its 1.25-hour high runtime on CR123A is shorter than the 1.5 hours SureFire rates for the G2X LE and 6PX Pro and Streamlight rates for the 1L-1AA on CR123A.
Best for: cr123a hl-x choice
Key specifications
| Output with CR123A | 1,000 lm high, 400 medium, 65 low (Streamlight table) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam with CR123A | 27,100 cd, 330 m (Streamlight) |
| Runtime with CR123A | 1.25 h high, 3 h medium, 20 h low (Streamlight) |
| Battery | Two CR123A or one SL-B26 pack (Streamlight) |
| Length and weight | 5.43 in; 5.7 oz with CR123A (Streamlight) |
| Switch | TEN-TAP tail switch: high/strobe/low by default, high only, or low/med/high (OpticsPlanet) |
| Water rating | IP68, 2 m (Streamlight) |
Best USB-C tail-switch option: Nitecore P20iX Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: FL-NITE-P20IX; black
around $120exact price on OpticsPlanet
Nitecore describes the P20iX with USB-C charging and dual tail switches, and rates it at 4,000 lumens on turbo with 12,200 candela and 221 meters. Our pick is for someone who wants those controls and plans to recharge. Read the turbo figure as a burst: Nitecore lists 30 minutes for turbo, tested without temperature regulation, while the next setting down, Higher, is 1,700 lumens for 2 hours. The 12,200 candela is less than half of the 485-lumen PolyStinger's 28,000, so this is the output pick, not the reach pick.
Pros
- Nitecore lists Tactical and Daily modes for the P20iX.
- Nitecore lists the NL2150HPi battery for the P20iX.
- The OpticsPlanet package lists a CR123 battery magazine; on CR123 Nitecore rates 1,060 lumens on high, with no turbo or higher mode in that table.
Cons
- Nitecore says ordinary 21700 and 18650 cells are not compatible, so plan a spare around the NL2150HPi Nitecore lists for this light or the CR123 magazine.
Best for: usb-c tail-switch option
Key specifications
| Output (21700) | Turbo 4,000 lm, Higher 1,700, High 850, Mid 300, Low 50, Ultralow 2 (Nitecore) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 12,200 cd, 221 m on turbo (Nitecore) |
| Runtime | Turbo 30 min, tested without temperature regulation; Higher 2 h; High 2.5 h (Nitecore) |
| Battery | NL2150HPi 5000 mAh 21700 (Nitecore); CR123 battery magazine in the box (OpticsPlanet) |
| Charging | USB-C, 3 h 45 min at 5V/2A (Nitecore) |
| Length and weight | 141.5 mm (5.57 in), 116 g (Nitecore) |
| Water rating | IP68, 2 m (Nitecore) |
“My only complaint is the highest lumens mode, u have to hold the button down and it doesn't stay on the brightest level when u release the button.. its not the most user friendly light when switching through modes, and pairing with the wireless pressure pad, that is unnecessarily complicated”
WettDoggTV, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, July 17, 2024
Best independent dual switches: Streamlight PolyStinger DS LED
OpticsPlanet model: 76810; black; light only, without charger
around $140exact price on OpticsPlanet
Streamlight says the PolyStinger DS LED's head and tail switches operate independently. Our choice is for someone who wants a switch at either end. It also rates 28,000 candela and 335 meters from 485 lumens, the longest reach on this page when the ProTac HL-X is read from Streamlight's CR123A table, and it is the longest and heaviest light here at 8.64 inches and 11.9 ounces. Check the charging equipment you already own before choosing this package.
Pros
- Streamlight describes the PolyStinger DS LED as rechargeable NiMH.
- Streamlight lists high, medium and low modes for the PolyStinger DS LED at 485, 240 and 120 lumens.
Cons
- The OpticsPlanet model description identifies this 76810 package as light only, without charger, for a rechargeable light. We would select a charger-included package unless we already own compatible charging equipment.
- Streamlight rates it IPX4, the lowest water rating among the seven lights here.
Best for: independent dual switches
Key specifications
| Output | 485 lm high, 240 medium, 120 low (Streamlight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 28,000 cd, 335 m on high (Streamlight) |
| Runtime | 3 h high, 5.5 h medium, 10 h low, strobe 7.5 h (Streamlight) |
| Battery | Rechargeable NiMH; this 76810 package has no charger (OpticsPlanet) |
| Length and weight | 8.64 in, 11.9 oz (Streamlight) |
| Switch | Head and tail switches, operating independently (Streamlight) |
| Water rating | IPX4 (Streamlight) |
Best aluminum low-first option: SureFire 6PX Pro Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: 6PX-D-BK; black
around $110exact price on OpticsPlanet
SureFire describes the 6PX Pro as low-first. On SureFire's figures it matches the G2X LE on output (15 and 600 lumens), beam (8,700 candela, 187 meters) and runtime (52 hours low, 1.5 hours high). The two differences are the low-first sequence and an aluminum body that weighs 5.2 ounces against the G2X LE's 4.4. Our recommendation is for task work that starts with the lower setting.
Pros
- SureFire lists an aluminum body for the 6PX Pro.
- SureFire's current 6PX Pro ratings are 15 lumens on low and 600 lumens on high.
Cons
- We would skip a low-first light when immediate high output is the main buying priority. Decide on the control sequence before comparing peak numbers.
Best for: aluminum low-first option
Key specifications
| Output | 15 lm low, 600 lm high (SureFire) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 8,700 cd, 187 m (SureFire) |
| Runtime | 52 h low, 1.5 h high (SureFire) |
| Battery | Two 123A lithium, included (SureFire) |
| Length and weight | 5.2 in, 5.2 oz with batteries (SureFire) |
| Switch | Tail click, low first (SureFire) |
| Water rating | IPX7 (SureFire) |
Best magnetic-charge option: Olight Warrior 3S Flashlight
OpticsPlanet model: 6972378125538; black
around $120exact price on OpticsPlanet
Olight's Warrior 3S manual describes an MCC3 magnetic charging cable and side plus tail controls. Our pick is for someone who prefers that charging arrangement and both control positions. Olight rates turbo at 2,300 lumens, 23,000 candela and 300 meters, but its chart holds full turbo for 2.5 minutes before stepping down; the 800-lumen High runs 166 minutes before its own step-down. The charging routine should fit the places we expect to use it, rather than becoming an afterthought.
Pros
- Olight lists a customized 21700 battery for the Warrior 3S.
- Olight's Warrior 3S runtime chart separates turbo into stages of declining output.
Cons
- We would not choose this on the assumption that turbo is constant output. Favor a different power arrangement if the magnetic cable is easy to leave behind.
Best for: magnetic-charge option
Key specifications
| Output | Turbo 2,300 lm, High 800, Medium 200, Low 15, Moon 1 (Olight) |
|---|---|
| Peak beam | 23,000 cd, 300 m on turbo (Olight) |
| Turbo runtime | 2.5 min at full output, then 160 min at 35% and 39 min at 11% (Olight) |
| Battery | Customized 5000 mAh 21700 (Olight) |
| Charging | MCC3 magnetic USB cable (Olight) |
| Length and weight | 5.47 in, 6.21 oz with battery (Olight) |
| Switch | Side switch plus two-stage tail switch (Olight) |
| Water rating | IPX8 (Olight) |
“Sleek design that’s sturdy, useful functions and ergonomic controls for an amazingly bright light.”
Richard, an OpticsPlanet reviewer, November 21, 2024
Reach: candela tells you more than lumens
Sort the seven lights by their makers' beam distance and the lumen figures fall out of order. The PolyStinger DS LED rates 28,000 candela and 335 meters from 485 lumens. The ProTac HL-X rates 27,100 candela and 330 meters from 1,000 lumens on CR123A. The Warrior 3S rates 23,000 candela and 300 meters from 2,300 lumens, and the P20iX rates 12,200 candela and 221 meters from 4,000 lumens. The SureFire pair rate 8,700 candela and 187 meters from 600 lumens, and the ProTac 1L-1AA 6,400 candela and 160 meters from 350 lumens on CR123A.
Each beam distance follows the candela figure, not the lumen figure. When reach is the job, compare candela; when it is lighting a wide area close by, the lumen figure is the better guide.
Streamlight's current ProTac HL-X table rates high output with CR123A at 1,000 lumens.
The feature list on the same Streamlight page gives one high rating of 1,300 lumens, 35,000 candela and a 374-meter beam for both the SL-B26 pack and CR123A batteries, so the maker's two sets of figures disagree. The OpticsPlanet model name for 88064 says 1,000 lumens.
We use the table figures (1,000 lumens, 27,100 candela, 330 meters) in the comparison above because they are the ones tagged to CR123A. Read from the feature list instead, the HL-X would out-reach the PolyStinger DS LED.
Opening mode: the G2X LE against the 6PX Pro
SureFire lists the G2X LE as high-first and the 6PX Pro as low-first. On SureFire's figures the two match on output (600 and 15 lumens), beam (8,700 candela, 187 meters), runtime (1.5 hours high, 52 hours low), length (5.2 inches) and batteries (two 123A, included). The G2X LE has a polymer body with an aluminum bezel and weighs 4.4 ounces; the 6PX Pro has an aluminum body and weighs 5.2 ounces. Choose by the first job the light does: a bright first activation for the G2X LE, a 15-lumen first activation for reading or checking gear with the 6PX Pro.
The two Streamlight ProTac lights, the 1L-1AA and the HL-X, use TEN-TAP programming instead; the OpticsPlanet listings give High-Strobe-Low as the 1L-1AA's factory default, with High Only and Low-High as the alternatives.
Turbo is a burst, so read the step-down
Olight's Warrior 3S chart holds turbo at full output for 2.5 minutes, then 35% for 160 minutes and 11% for 39 minutes. Nitecore lists the P20iX turbo at 30 minutes and says that runtime was tested without temperature regulation; the next setting down, Higher, is 1,700 lumens for 2 hours, and High is 850 lumens for 2.5 hours. For a sustained task, compare the settings below turbo (800 lumens for 166 minutes on the Warrior 3S's High, 1,700 lumens for 2 hours on the P20iX's Higher) rather than the turbo headline.
Compare a complete battery and charging plan
Four picks are built around CR123A cells: the G2X LE and 6PX Pro (two 123A, included), the HL-X (two CR123A or an SL-B26 pack) and the 1L-1AA (one CR123A, or one AA at reduced output). The P20iX charges its NL2150HPi 21700 over USB-C in 3 hours 45 minutes at 5V/2A, and its OpticsPlanet package lists a CR123 battery magazine; on CR123 Nitecore rates 1,060 lumens high with no turbo. The Warrior 3S uses a customized 5000 mAh 21700 and the MCC3 magnetic cable.
The OpticsPlanet model description identifies the PolyStinger DS LED 76810 as light only, without charger.
For hands-free outdoor work, compare our hunting headlamp picks. For a firearm-mounted option, our pistol light guide covers that purchase separately.
FAQ
What is the best tactical flashlight here?
Our starting choice is the SureFire G2X LE for a high-first routine: SureFire rates 600 lumens, 8,700 candela and 187 meters, in a 5.2 inch, 4.4 ounce light with two 123A batteries included. Choose the ProTac HL-X for more reach (27,100 candela and 330 meters on CR123A) or the ProTac 1L-1AA when an AA fallback matters more.
Does a higher lumen number mean a longer beam?
Not on these makers' own figures. The PolyStinger DS LED rates 485 lumens and 28,000 candela for 335 meters, while the Nitecore P20iX rates 4,000 lumens and 12,200 candela for 221 meters. Each maker's beam distance follows its candela figure, so compare candela when reach is the goal and lumens when you want more total light.
Should I choose replaceable batteries or recharging?
The G2X LE and 6PX Pro come with two 123A batteries, the ProTac 1L-1AA runs on one CR123A or one AA, and the HL-X takes two CR123A or an SL-B26 pack. The P20iX and Warrior 3S use their own 21700 batteries; Nitecore says ordinary 21700 and 18650 cells are not compatible with the P20iX. The PolyStinger 76810 package is light only, without a charger.
Is the G2X LE the same choice as the G2X Pro?
SureFire lists the G2X LE as high-first and the G2X Pro as low-first. SureFire rates both at 600 and 15 lumens, 8,700 candela and 4.4 ounces with batteries, so the opening mode is the decision. Keep the exact model name visible when choosing a configuration.
Can I use this guide to choose a weapon light?
Use the weapon-light guides for that purchase. A handheld comparison is about handheld controls and carry, while a firearm-mounted light has to be chosen from its own documented fit and configuration. A shared brand or product-family name would not be our reason to transfer a recommendation between those jobs.