This article showcases our top picks for the Best Tactical Flashlight For Self Defense. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).
We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article This list is in no particular order.
VIPERTEK VTS-195 – 59 Billion Heavy Duty Stun Gun
This product was recommended by Tommy Pederson from Vekhayn
It’s the Vipertek Rechargeable Tactical flashlight. This thing is incredible, the flashlight is super bright, it’s rechargeable (so no matter where you go or travel you can plug it in or use a powerbank), and it’s a built in stun gun. The stun gun in it is VERY strong, I’d say almost the equivalent of a taser. I’ve carried this thing for a long time (since 2014 actually) and it’s always a nice thing to have, especially in dangerous areas.
Guard Dog Security Special Operation Flashlight
This product was recommended by John Woodruff from Fishermen’s Angle
As an avid fisherman I would often find myself on the lake as the sun was going down and I needed a flashlight to both help me see and protect me from strangers and wild animals. This flashlight is incredibly bright and includes a strobe mode that can be almost blinding. The stun gun feature is very intimidating when turned on – the loud electrical zapping noise alone has scared away its share of wild animals. The heavy duty construction makes it very usable as a baton as well, making this tactical flashlight well worth the cost.
Smith & Wesson Self Defense Tactical Penlight
This product was recommended by Muhammad Mateen Khan from PureVPN
Certainly most well known for their firearms, Smith & Wesson has more than a literal century and a half of experience making self-defense tools. So it should come as no surprise that they rank when it comes to self-defense flashlights. This penlight is a subtle and small addition to any everyday carry, has a decent output for daily illumination applications, but also includes a glass breaker tip for emergency and self-defense purposes. And it can even be turned into a real functional EDC pen.
Surefire R1 Lawman Flashlight
This product was recommended by Alex Thompson from Festoon House
I’ve been tired of using low quality flashlights and so I changed to Surefire. It didn’t disappoint. Its adjustable light levels (15 – 1000 lumens) and long battery life are one of its best features. The flashlight also determines how much light output to be used based on the environment. So far the best flashlight I’ve had.
Klarus A1 Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
This product was recommended by Velin Dragoev from Keen Fighter
I have over 15 years of experience in various self-defense oriented martial arts, chief among them being Eskrima (Filipino Kali). It focuses on the use of various blunt-force and edged weapons. I’ve seen more than my fair share of tactical flashlights, and I think that the Klarus A1 is a great choice. At a maximum of 1100 lumens, not only can it reach way over the minimum 120 lumens you’d need from a tactical self defense flashlight, but it’s also extremely sturdy, which allows you to use it as a blunt force weapon, as well.
J5 flashlight is the best flashlight that I have found on the market. It has five outstanding features: the strobe for both self defense and emergency support, a brightest illumination mode as effective as a spot lamp, a hard outer surface material with a ridged end cap for self defense, and twist feature to narrow the illumination range. Would definitely recommend, especially if you work in law enforcement, security, ems, or as a firefighter/search & rescue.