The right equipment can either make or break your next hunting trip, and one of the things you should keep in mind is having the best hunting flashlight. Our picks will help you have the best possible experience. We tried choosing a wide variety of products for different types of users.
Deciding on the right hunting flashlight can be quite tricky! This is why we have compiled a list with our favorite picks. If you read on you will surely find which of these products will work best for you.
Reviews Of The Best Hunting Flashlights
1. Streamlight 88040 ProTac
Best overall
Extremely user friendly
The highest setting is quite powerful
Great durability
You need to replace the batteries often
The flashlight heats up if used a lot
The Streamlight 88040 ProTac is a small, compact tactical flashlight that has several outstanding features. It is extremely versatile, offering three different outputs, selected via a simple button press. These modes are high, low and strobe, just like in a lot of other products we will mention in the article.
This flashlight can withstand falls from several feet and is also waterproof for up to 30 minutes. This means you do not need to worry that it will malfunction if you are careless. The 88040 ProTac uses C4 LED technology that gives it a lifetime of 50,000 hours.
At its lowest setting of only 35 lumens, this flashlight can run for 18 hours straight. However, it can heat up quite a bit if you use it a lot. It can produce a lighting of up to 750 lumens, so this is a good flashlight for hunting at night.
When used in this highest setting, you can expect the batteries to last about an hour, so you should be ready to replace them. This flashlight uses two CR123A lithium-ion batteries, which are not rechargeable. This is something that might turn you away from this product, so keep it in mind.
This flashlight will suit you if you are looking for a relatively affordable product, but keep in mind that there are excellent cheaper options, like the J5 Tactical V1-Pro. While the 88040 ProTac is overall the best pick, it might not be suited for those on a budget. The fact that you need to change the batteries quite often is the biggest downside of this product.
While the V1-Pro also requires frequent changing of batteries, those are much easier to acquire, and also cheaper. Still, overall this flashlight would be our pick for the best hunting light, since it offers anything you can wish for at a good price.
2. J5 Tactical V1-Pro
Runner up
Great price
Focus is adjustable
Small size makes it easy to carry around
You need to replace the battery often
The zoom could be better
The main selling point of the J5 Tactical V1-Pro flashlight is the amazing value it provides for its price. However, saying that only users with a budget should get it would be an understatement. This product definitely offers all of the functionality of its much more expensive counterparts.
This sturdy flashlight produces a lighting of up to 300 lumens and can light up 600 feet. All of this is made possible by only a single AA battery. The V1-Pro features three lighting settings; high, low and strobe, so you can adjust it according to your needs.
One of the main characteristics of this product is its light weight of only 1.6 ounces. It is small enough to fit into your backpack or even your pocket. Its exact measures are 3.7 x 1.02 x 1.02 inches. As mentioned before, this flashlight is quite sturdy, and can survive a fall from 10 feet, and can even withstand small amounts of water.
Another thing worth mentioning is that this product comes with a 1-year warranty. Seeing as how this flashlight runs on only one battery, do not expect it to win any endurance contests, but given its size that’s not a surprise. It is made of aircraft aluminum and has a head that extends and narrows the beam pattern.
The support team that handles this product will solve any issues you have with ease, so that is another plus for the V1-Pro flashlight. The main selling point of this product is the affordable price, so we expected it to not be a perfect product. It still manages to impress with great functionality.
3. Feyachi FL-11 MB Tactical Flashlight
Best battery
Comes with two rechargeable batteries
Has high power of up to 12000 lumen
You can use it when it is raining
Can malfunction after extensive usage
The size is quite large
The Feyachi FL-11 MB is an affordable but powerful flashlight that offers a large number of features. It has a beam distance of over 600 feet, and produces a brightness of up to 1200 lumen. You won’t have to worry about immobilizing your game while hunting with this flashlight. The dimensions are 1.8 x 6.6 x 8.4 inches, so it is a bit on the large side.
One thing we liked especially about this flashlight is the fact that its 18650 battery can be fully charged in about 3 hours. A fully charged battery can provide you with 4 hours of usage, so you won’t need to keep track of time that often, which is always a plus. The flashlight comes with two rechargeable batteries, so you do not need to worry about that.
This flashlight is made of aircraft aluminum coated with an anodized matte finish which helps make it shockproof. You can use it even when it is raining, due to the waterproof O-rings added to its build. These rings have an anti-abrasive coating. This product is IP65 rated, meaning it is water-resistant.
You can attach or detach the offset mount of the Feyachi FL-11 MB extremely quickly, which is always a plus for hunters. Still, some people have complained that this flashlight can malfunction after extensive usage. Seeing as how this product is inexpensive, we expected that.
Overall, this is another affordable flashlight, with great design, high power, and rechargeable batteries. Its biggest downside is its size.
4. Gearlight s1200 LED Flashlight
Best handheld
Adjustable zoom
Is adaptable to various battery types
Extremely versatile with 5 modes of use
You can’t mount it on guns
Jack of all trades, master of none
This is a mid-size flashlight that features some amazing power. Not only can you use it for hunting, but it can also be quite useful in multiple other applications. Let’s get the bad out of the way first – you can’t mount this flashlight on guns, it is strictly a handheld model. However, it has plenty of great things going for it, so we had to include it on our list.
This flashlight features a powerful LED bulb that will have no problem illuminating the area around you. It is about 12 times brighter than a regular incandescent bulb, so power is not an issue. It is powered by 3 AA batteries, but is compatible with rechargeable batteries. This means you can use 18650 and 26650 batteries with this flashlight.
Generally, this product does not consume a lot of power, which means you will be able to use it for extended periods of time. It is also small, so carrying it around won’t be an issue. This might circumvent the pain of not being able to mount this flashlight on guns a bit, since you can easily carry it around anywhere.
This model can also zoom in and out on objects across large distances, which is a feature that can be useful while hunting. It comes with 5 different mode settings, meaning it can fulfill the role of multiple flashlights. It is made of aluminum and can survive falls from up to 10 feet.
It can get wet, even withstand being underwater for several minutes. This means that rain and snow are not an issue with this flashlight, which is always a major plus for hunters.
5. Odepro KL52Plus
Most resistant
Useable as a spotlight
Has four color LED modules
Ergonomic design
Not as bright as some other lights
Not budget-friendly
This flashlight has an adjustable zoom, which makes it adaptable to various situations, but is best suited for hunting. This zoom makes it possibly the best spotlight for hunting if you zoom out the flashlight. It also features four LED modules, including green and red ones. These modules are interchangeable, depending on the situation.
It is fueled by two 18650 batteries that can withstand extremely high temperatures. You can recharge these batteries more than 500 times, so you won’t need to replace them for a long time.
The flashlight also comes with a compact charger, which is a great feature that will make your life easier. This means that you can use this item as a rechargeable spotlight, so keep that in mind if it is something you need.
Both the batteries and the charger are protected against short circuits, overcharge and over-discharge automatically. This means they are safe to use in all circumstances. Similar to other flashlights on this list, the Odepro KL52 Plus is made of aircraft aluminum. However, this product has a premium type III military hard-anodized finish, making it extra durable.
Not only is this product shock-resistant, but it is also water and weather-resistant, with an IP68 grade. This means you can use this flashlight in basically any condition or season. The design of this flashlight is ergonomic, which makes it easy to use for just about anyone.
6. Streamlight 69266 TLR-1-HL
Widest beam pattern
Wide beam pattern
Adjustable strobe
Operates under a wide temperature range
Has only strobe and high lighting modes
Expensive for some users
This product will provide you with 800 lumens, which is enough for the majority of your illumination needs. The beam pattern it provides is wide and can easily help you identify any object in the environment. The aluminum construction of this flashlight is sealed with an anodized finish, which will prevent it from rusting.
It is waterproof to an extent, with an IPX7 rating. This means you can immerse it into water shortly, and it can survive smaller splashes, but no more than that. However, it is extremely shock-proof, due to its C4 LED technology. This gives it the possibility of over 50000 hours of lighting. It can also operate under a wide range of temperatures, from -40°F to +120°F.
It also features a BoroFloat glass lens. This lens can provide you with the perfect illumination. The illumination is also consistent across all battery levels.
Speaking of batteries, this flashlight uses two 3V CR123 lithium batteries. They are rechargeable and can last you up to 10 years. At 800 lumens, you can expect the batteries to run for approximately 1.75 hours before needing a recharge.
This compact flashlight also features a rail grabber that can mount easily on handguns. Another neat feature is the possibility to easily switch to strobe mode simply by double-clicking the push button quickly. The battery door has a latch mechanism that prevents the door from breaking and getting lost, which is a helpful addition. This model also has the brightest flashlight.
7. Maglite LED 3-Cell D Flashlight
Best for a variety of uses
Uses the latest LED technology
Easily customizable focus
The quality of its build is top-notch
Battery not rechargeable
Better hunting options available
This flashlight is well known for being durable and reliable, which is why it is often a popular choice among hunters. The quality of the construction is high, and it uses engineering designs that are implemented in all other Maglite flashlights.
The body is made of aluminum and has an anodized finish which helps prevent corrosion. The flashlight is sealed tight so no dust or water can reach any of the components inside. The grip has a diamond knurl design, meaning it is easy to focus the beam in any condition.
You can project the beam of this flashlight simply by rotating its head. This is why it is often used in hunting, but also camping and fishing. Since this flashlight utilizes the advanced Mag-LED technology, you can expect it to last you a lifetime. It uses a 3-cell D battery which you won’t need to replace for up to two years.
The quality of this product is guaranteed by the fact that it was designed and built in the USA, so it follows all of the highest standards of production and regulation. All of this is why this flashlight is often considered the standard in multiple uses. It is used by law enforcement officers, military personnel, but it is also great for hunting.
8. Streamlight 69420 TLR-7
Best for battery life
Great illumination
Strobe function that is easily enabled
You can mount it to any gun
It is difficult to maintain the battery
Switches are a bit hard to press
The Streamlight 69420 TLR-7 is safe to use in every possible outdoor condition, thanks to its IPX7 rating. It can operate between -40°F to 140°F so you won’t have any problems using this small flashlight no matter the weather. You can use it on both handguns and rifles, and given its size, you won’t have a problem fitting it anywhere.
This flashlight is also equipped with a save off feature that can prevent any unexpected activation that might drain your battery life. It has a rail clamp system which makes it easy to attach to different handguns. Detaching it is also simple, and you won’t need any extra tools. Like most other flashlights, it is constructed of aluminum, so it is durable.
This product features a 500 lumen C4 LED, which can reach quite far, up to 430 feet. The light beam is also highly customizable which makes it easy for you to regulate the amount of illumination you need. The flashlight has two switches that are easy to reach for right and left-hand users.
The light output of this flashlight is fantastic, and the ability to use it with various rifles, bows, and handguns is nothing to scoff at. You can also remove the battery from it without unmounting it, which is a nice QoL feature.
9. Surefire X300 Ultra Series LED WeaponLights
Most compatible
Easy to install
Batteries last for a long time
Resistant to rust and corrosion
Rechargeable batteries sold separately
No different brightness modes
The LED featured on this product can produce 600 lumens of lighting, which makes it a great fit for human vision. The lens is a high precision TIR lens, and it can create a continuous regular beam that will even light up the environment. It generates light of a green/yellow spectrum, which makes vision much safer, and prey is easy to identify.
It can withstand severe weather conditions thanks to its IPX7 rating, so you won’t have a problem bringing it anywhere. You can easily attach it to pistols, bows and rifles. It has a unique locking mechanism that is compatible with multiple types of rails. The quality of the build is high, it is made of anodized aluminum, which will prevent corrosion or rust.
Activating the light is extremely easy with either the left or right hand, simply by pressing the switch placed at the back of the flashlight. The battery used by this product is a disposable CR123A, and you will get two of them. You can however get rechargeable batteries and a charger for it, but those are sold separately.
This flashlight is good for deer hunting since the blood of a fleeing animal will glow under the light. All of its other features can also be helpful for the task, including the battery which has a long life.
How To Choose The Best Hunting Flashlight
Buying a hunting flashlight is not as simple as getting a regular flashlight for everyday use. It needs to fit the rest of your bow hunting gear, as well as several other factors that we will talk about next. Make sure you do ample research before buying a flashlight, and hopefully this article will be helpful to you.
Some of the things you need to keep in mind are the bulb type, the beam type, and the battery type. Any one of those factors can make or break a product for you, depending on what you are looking for in a flashlight.
Bulb Type
Since the LED technology has advanced so much, most other types of bulbs have become practically useless. Some models of hunting flashlights still use your classic incandescent bulbs but honestly, nothing can beat LED flashlights. They have the best brightness, impact resistance, and are efficient when it comes to energy usage.
These bulbs also have a higher run time than other types, which can drastically improve your experience. One impressive example we can mention is the LED bulb in the Maglite LED 3 Cell-D flashlight. This bulb uses an advanced technology that makes it last almost forever.
Battery Type
We’ve talked about the various types of batteries that each of our chosen products uses, so you should be aware of how important the battery type is. There are three main types of batteries, rechargeable, disposable and renewable.
Rechargeable batteries have a higher initial cost, but you will not need to buy them constantly. They usually charge through a USB port, a solar panel or other power outlets. When it comes to efficiency, nothing beats these batteries since you won’t have to worry about getting new ones repeatedly. The Feyachi FL-11 MB has a battery that charges extremely fast.
Disposable batteries have several options, such as CR123A, AA and AAA. Most of the products we mentioned that use disposable batteries use the CR123A type. They are the most expensive but also last the longest.
Finally we have the renewable batteries that are built into the flashlight and are charged by turbines powered by wind or solar energy. These are not as commonly used in flashlights, and are mostly designed for emergencies. As you can see, picking the flashlight with the right battery type can be extremely important and can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Beam Type
The beam type is important since it determines how you will use the flashlight. There are three options – fixed, focused, and adjustable. Fixed beam type is also known as the flood type, and features a single beam width that can’t be adjusted. This type of beam is mostly used for everyday applications, such as walking through nature or camping.
The focused type, also called the spot type, is a single beam that resembles a spotlight. It can penetrate through long distances, and is perfect for finding your way through unknown terrain. Naturally, it will also help you locate anything you want, even at large distances, which makes it good for hunting.
Finally, we have the adjustable type, which is extremely versatile. You can probably guess that the beam width of this type can vary, from focused to wide, depending on your needs.
The Lumen Output
As far as the lumen output goes, you should pick a flashlight bright enough for all of your needs. We have mentioned the maximum output for all of our picks, so it is easy to decide what exactly you need. The lumen output determines the maximum brightness of a flashlight, and it can be anywhere from 20 to 3500 lumens.
Do not go overboard, larger numbers do not always mean that the product is better. You need to pick carefully and read as many reviews as you can to determine what is the right output for you. Sometimes the numbers can be deceiving, so reading the reviews can give you a better insight into the exact brightness of a model.
Durability And Resistance
It is important that the flashlight you pick has the right durability and resistance according to your needs. Most flashlights are made from aluminum, combined with plastic. Various flashlights have different thickness levels that determine the durability and the weight of the product. The thicker ones are naturally sturdier and heavier than the thinner ones.
Thicker flashlights can survive falls from greater heights and are generally more durable. The majority of flashlights get tested by the manufacturers who give them a rating in distance that determines their chances of surviving a fall. Still, you should always try to avoid dropping your flashlight from large heights.
Water resistance is another important factor you should pay attention to when getting a hunting flashlight. Since you can’t control the weather, chances are your flashlight will get wet from time to time. This is an essential feature, and all products have a rating that determines how well they can sustain water.
An IPX4 rating means it can endure raindrops, and an IPX8 rating means it can survive being underwater for 4 hours. The Odepro KL52 Plus is one flashlight that distinguished itself for being extremely durable.
Various Modes
Most people will not require anything other than the most basic setting in a flashlight. However, when it comes to hunting, most will require different modes of operation. Some models might come with several operating modes like low, medium and high. These modes give you the option to determine how strong you want the light you cast to be.
Sometimes you might want to cast a light that is extremely strong, so picking a flashlight that enables this feature might be the best for you. However, one thing you need to keep in mind is that using a brighter mode will drain your battery life much faster. Some other modes included in flashlights are SOS or strobe capability, mode sequencing and more.
All of these factors need to be taken into account when buying a hunting flashlight. It is all up to you and your needs of course. For example, the Gearlight S1200 has five different modes. Your personal choice is what matters, but keep all of these factors in mind when deciding which product is the best for you.
FAQs
Conclusion
Naturally, the best hunting flashlight will heavily depend on what you need and the type of user you are. The top two spots were given to the flashlights that would make anyone happy. The number one spot goes to the Streamlight 88040 ProTac flashlight. It is not expensive, but its functionality and versatility can put most other products to shame.
Our runner up is the J5 Tactical V1 Pro, an affordable flashlight with amazing functionality. While it might not have the power of other flashlights, it is easy to use and only the most demanding users might find it lacking in some departments.