Throw flashlights can be a vital survival or tactical tool. And if you’re using it for these purposes, you want to make sure you have the best flashlight money can buy. We’ve done all the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best throw flashlights for 2020
But first, let’s take a minute to talk about what a throw flashlight is.
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What is a Throw Flashlight?
In essence, “throw” refers to the distance of the flashlight’s beam. Flashlights that have good throw characteristics typically have narrow beams that can illuminate objects off in the distance. In some cases, the beam can illuminate objects hundreds of feet away. There’s even a record holder for the longest ever flashlight throw
Flashlights with good “throw” are often referred to as “throwers” or “long throw flashlights”.
What makes these flashlights unique is that they don’t necessarily illuminate the area close to the flashlight (like how a lightbulb lights up a room). Instead, it throws out a concentrated beam of light to illuminate objects far away. It’s the distance, not the area, that’s most important.
Throw flashlights can be used for:
• Survival
• Tactical purposes
• Self-defense (it’s possible to temporarily blind someone with the flashlight’s bright beam)
Now that you know what a thrower flashlight is, let’s take a look at the best flashlights on the market.
The Best Throw Flashlight for 2020 | Top 4 Picks
1. Streamlight 88047 ProTac HL 3
Looking for the longest throw flashlight? The Streamlight ProTac HL3 may just be the right flashlight for you. With 1100 lumens and a 379-meter (approx. 1,243 feet) beam, this is easily one of the brightest tactical flashlights on the market. Many also consider it the best long throw flashlight around.
The ProTac HL3 offers three brightness levels: high, low and strobe. On low, the flashlight outputs 35 lumens and its beam distance is 69 meters. The strobe setting boasts a 1.5 hour run time.
Designed for serious users, this is a multi-function flashlight that allows for one-handed operation, removable pocket clip and an anti-roll face cap (Overall very good EDC Flashlight) . It’s powered by three lithium batteries that have a shelf life of 10 years.
VIDEO | ProTac HL3: Light Test
ProTac HL3 Specifications
• 50,000 hour lifetime
• Features an aircraft grade aluminum housing
• Gasket-sealed glass lens with anti-reflective coating
• Waterproof to one meter for up to 30 minutes
• 1-meter impact resistance
2. NITECORE P12
NitecoreP12 offers a maximum output of 1000 lumens. It uses a CREE XM-L2 LED and boasts an impressive throw distance of 232 meters (about 761 feet). Its peak density is 13,500cd. This flashlight runs on 18650 battery or two CR123
VIDEO | Nitecore P12: Light Test
Nitecore P12 Specifications
• This flashlight boasts the longest run time on our list of up to 520 hours on lowest setting.
• Waterproof (two meters submersible).
• Side switch interface allows for one-handed, easy operation and displays battery life.
• Stainless steel clip.
• Memory function stores your preferred brightness setting.
• Anti-reflective coating; clear mineral glass.
• Impact resistance of 1.5 meters.
3. Nitecore P16
The Nitecore P16 isn’t quite as powerful as the P12, but it’s a close second. This model features a 960 lumen output with Cree XM-L2 T6 LED.Using patented digital optics technology, this flashlight boasts a flawless long range beam with a maximum distance of 289 meters (about 948 feet).
Like the P12, the P16 is intuitive and smart. It features four brightness levels: high, medium, low and lower. The selected mode is memorized – even after you turn off the flashlight. Strobe and SoS functions are also included.
VIDEO | Nitecore P16: Light Test
Nitecore P16 Specifications
• Maximum 520 hours of runtime
• Mode switch allows for easy access to the flashlight’s function
• Titanium plated stainless steel clip
• Power indicator displays battery life
• IPX8 rated waterproof (up to 2 meters)
• 1.5-meter impact resistance
4. Sunwayman T20CS
On Turbo, the Sunwayman T20CS features a 658 lumen output and maximum beam distance of 276 meters (about 912 feet). The T20CS isn’t as bright as the other flashlights on our list, but its long throw is impressive.
This Sunwayman model features three constant output modes, a turbo mode, SoS mode and a strobe mode. Turbo mode boasts a runtime of 68 minutes and requires two CR123A batteries.
The three constant output modes are high (476 lumens;2.5 hour run-time), medium (92 lumens;11 hour run-time) and low (18 lumens; 82 hour run-time).
VIDEO | Sunwayman T20CS: Light Test
SunwaymanT20CS Specifications
• CREE XM-L U2 LED that boasts a 50,000 hour lifetime
• Side switch for easy mode selection
• Constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum alloy
• IPX8 rated waterproof
• Tempered glass lens that’s scratch resistant
Long Throw Flashlight Buying Guide
If you’ve never owned or used a thrower flashlight before, you may not know what to look for when buying one. There are a few important things you want to consider when looking at different models:
Beam Distance
Throw flashlights are known for having long beam distances. Most people assume that the longer the beam is, the better the flashlight is. But that’s not always the case. It really depends on what you’re using the flashlight for. If you’re only buying a throw flashlight to monitor activity in your yard, you may not need an extremely long throw.
Take the ProTac HL3 (listed above) for example. It features a beam distance of 379 meters. That’s about 1,200 feet. This a great option for security or tactical, but it may also be practical in survival situations. But if you’re using it to monitor activity in your yard, it may be impractical. A shorter beam distance will probably suffice.
The bottom line: choose a beam distance that’s appropriate for your flashlight use.
Lumen Output
The lumen output is also important. The higher the lumen, the brighter the light. In most cases, brighter is better – especially with throw flashlights. Chances are, you’ll be using your thrower flashlight outdoors. And you’re going to need all the help you can get if you need to illuminate long distances.
LED Lifetime
Another thing to consider is the LED’s lifetime. Some LEDs boast a 50,000 hour lifetime. This means you could leave the flashlight on for 2,083 days straight before the LED would die out. That’s more than efficient for any use. Just about every throw flashlight will list the lifetime of the LED in the product description.
The throw flashlights listed above are the best on the market with high lumen outputs and boast impressively long beam distances. No matter whether you plan on using it for survival or tactical purposes, these models are the most reliable and brightest you can buy.