Can you remember how popular those long, heavy Maglites were in the 90s? Just about every driver kept one in their car, and it wasn’t just in case they needed to see something in the dark. While the largest flashlights are still physically imposing, the length and weight of a flashlight is no longer how its defense capabilities are rated.

Learn how a flashlight can help you to defend yourself in certain situations, and what features to look for when buying your next tactical flashlight. If you’re interested in protecting your homestead as well then feel free to check out the guide on Pointoptics.com.

Flashlights are for more than just helping you find your keys in the dark. A tactical flashlight can save your life when used as a defensive weapon.

• It can be used to break free from a wrist hold or wrist lock
• Used to add weight and rigidity to a punch
• Used as a threat of pain compliance tool
• It can add heft as an impact weapon
• It can temporarily blind your attacker
• It can cause the threat of violence to recede

That’s a lot of benefit coming from something that can fit on your belt or in your hand. By far the best thing about an EDC (everyday carry) flashlight, is that you are able to take it into non-permissive environments. This is why sales of flashlights continue to flourish in countries that have a ban on personal firearms, such as the U.K.

Suffice it to say, but these are more than just discreet, handheld lights and they definitely won’t attract as much attention as a gun or a knife.

Also, make sure to equip yourself with the sufficient knowledge about self-defense basics, especially when traveling.

What Size Flashlight Should You Buy?

The size of a flashlight is correlated to how it should be used for defense. It might feel safe to have a light the size of a baseball bat in your hand, like the Maglite 6-cell-D, but ultimately, using a light in that size takes the everyday carry option completely off the table. Also, if you plan on detracting attention away from the fact you are carrying a tactical flashlight, bigger is definitely not better.

On the other side of the argument, if you prefer to buy one of the smallest models on the market, such as the Olite-S1 with its mini 2.4 inch/6 cm length, and packing an impressive 500-lumen wallop, the Olite-S1 has a weight of around 1 ounce/28 grams. This kind of weight won’t add much heft to a knock on the head, however.

The tactical flashlight you choose must ultimately suit all the plans you have for it. If you want a light that you can carry around in a purse or a pocket but also take on camping trips, go for the smaller models. When your flashlight preference is for possible conflict resolution, you will need a handheld light that doubles as personal protection as well.

There was a lot of buzz in 2007, about a tactical flashlight that would dazzle someone and also render them so nauseous they would vomit. As there have been no updates on this gadget since 2010, it’s safe to presume that the tech has not made it to mass production or the science was flawed.

Small Penlight

Pros: The specs you should be looking at are 5 inches/12 cm or shorter. If it uses AAA batteries, it will be narrow and slim and you will be able to palm it easily. Any small light using AA or AAA batteries make a great fist-load weapon. It will add some rigidity and grasp to a punch, and an assailant won’t even know it’s in your fist. They also take up minimal pocket space.

Cons: A slim pocket-size penlight can’t be used as a baton. It’s not intimidating unless it comes with powerful lumen strength. Some penlight models have limited battery life.

Medium Size Tactical Flashlight

Pros: Most models between lengths of 5 to 7 inches (12cm to 18cm) are in the medium-size category. They are the perfect balance between portability and balance. Almost all flashlights of this size use CR123, AA, or rechargeable battery power. The CR123 and rechargeable types will generally have a wider diameter and greater weight. This also indicates more intense lumen capabilities with a longer battery life – not to mention a significantly higher blunt force power when used to strike.

As a defensive weapon, a medium-size flashlight isn’t very effective when held in a hammer-like grip (the grip you use to hit a nail with a hammer). You are just as likely to squash your fingers against the surface on impact, as you are to inflict any damage on someone’s head. The medium size model is most effective when held like an icepick (think the shower scene in the movie “Psycho”) and used to rain multiple blows down upon someone’s head.

What about if my assailant is taller than I am. Can I still hit them with a tactical flashlight? You might be asking yourself this question. If you are shorter than your attacker, you can strike upwards into the throat or groin. If you are on the ground or on one knee, you can punch at the kneecap.

Cons: You should check how many lumens the medium size flashlight has before you buy one. This will ensure it is still bright enough to render someone blind long enough for fight or flight. If your hands are small, you will have a bit of trouble hiding the fact you have something in them. There are some medium size EDCs that will only fit onto a belt with a clip or in a holster.

Larger Size Lights

Pros: Depending on your hand size, a larger flashlight can be between 7 to 8 inches (18cm to 20cm) and longer. The diameter and length is determined by the size of the LED housing and how many batteries it uses. Because large lights usually have multiple batteries or rechargeable cells, the increase in power means the lumens, beam throw, mode options, and runtime all get a big boost.

Large size flashlights deliver considerable blunt force trauma. The length and weight enables the carrier to unleash some punishing hits equivalent to a baton. The size also allows you to inflict a wider range of defense techniques and tactics. You can swing out using the hammer grip and connect with any body part with stunning impact. Even a hammer hold grip swing could break a person’s knuckles if they were lunging out for you.

Cons: There’s no getting around the laws of momentum. A large flashlight adds a sizeable weight to your backswing, which in turn slows down your return swing, and subsequently leads to a window of vulnerability. Plus, say goodbye to discreetness and portability.

Features to Look Out For

Your flashlight must have easy enough control buttons for you to be able to turn it on in a millisecond. Your light must also stay in one piece and operative after multiple impact hits. This is why it’s really important to buy a tactical flashlight, and not a simple penlight or handheld light.

Light: You need a LED – light-emitting diode – not a halogen or incandescent bulb, in the LED housing head. LEDs are extremely durable because they don’t contain a flimsy breakable filament. LED produce exponentially more lumens too. Remember that one of the most efficient defense tactics is your ability to blind an assailant.

N.B. Although the tactical flashlight is most effective at night or in the dark, it can still be used to blind an attacker in dimly lit underground garages and cellars during the day.

Body: Only consider buying a flashlight with an aluminum body. Aluminum is impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and conducts heat well. Some tactical flashlight manufacturers add an extra rubber over-mold to increase comfort, traction, and heat protection. High-impact, durable polymer works just as well, but anything else will crack the first time it makes contact with a hard surface (such as a head).

Bezel: Crenulated bezels (the pointy, sharp “crown” around the flashlight head rim) will definitely bring the pain. It can puncture skin, blind, and break teeth. The only problem is, what you gain in pain infliction capabilities, you will lose in discreetness. Also, expect hassles from the TSA. A smooth bezel will hit just as hard.

Just look at the crenulated bezel on this Jetbeam Jet II-Pro XP-L-Hi-510

Flashlight Fighting Tips

• If your Spidey-senses are tingling or you hear a noise downstairs, always point your light at the ceiling first before you switch it on. This will prevent blinding backsplash and diffuse the light into the rest of the room.
• Use your voice. Verbal commands such as “Don’t come any closer, you’ll regret it,” or “Stop now,” said in an authoritative voice and accompanied with a blinding light will be a forceful deterrent and even lead to a complete backdown. This is also a good way of alerting any nearby witnesses about a possible dangerous situation, in addition to provide you with a credible police statement.
• Strobe lights are the best way to disorient an attacker who doesn’t back off after a warning command. Spring into action the second you have turned it on as the strobe will hide the fact that your first strike is coming.

Now that you have a better idea of how to use a flashlight to defend yourself, you can pass on the news that these items are so much more than an illumination tool. You can use a tactical flashlight to see in the dark when you’ve dropped your keys, or you can give an attacker a headache for days. All that matters is that you have one on hand whenever you need it.