There are many different flashlight styles for users to choose from, and it can be difficult to know which style will work best for you. Many tactical flashlights look similar to flashlights that are designed for everyday carry, or EDC, so what is it that makes a tactical flashlight different from an EDC flashlight? Here’s a quick guide to the three main things that separate the two flashlight styles.
Body Design
Tactical flashlights are built with tactical professionals in mind, which means they’re designed to give users the edge in a life-or-death situation. Tactical flashlights have a beveled edge around the lens for breaking glass or fending off attackers. Flashlights designed for EDC are flat, and while they may stand up to impact with a hard surface, they’re not designed to break those surfaces. Tactical flashlights are also designed to be used one-handed, with tail switches for immediate on/off functionality and lighting modes that can be cycled through without users having to adjust their grip. EDC flashlights are not necessarily designed with one-handed functionality in mind, but they do offer a lot of design variability. Users looking for a flashlight that works intuitively for their style will find an EDC designed to work the way they want it to.
Lighting Modes
EDC flashlights can vary in the number of lighting modes they offer. Some EDC flashlights have only one brightness setting, others have several that can be cycled through. Tactical flashlights have many brightness settings, as well as a strobe feature to confuse attackers or act as an emergency signal. Again, a tactical flashlight are designed with self-defense in mind. If you need a flashlight to light up a dark space, then both an EDC and a tactical flashlight will get the job done. For tactical professionals who expect danger in those dark spaces, a flashlight designed to disorient an attacker will give them the edge.
Carrying Style
Whether you prefer to carry your flashlight in your pocket, in your purse, or clipped to a keychain, there’s an EDC flashlight that is designed to work for you. Tactical flashlights might not be small enough to be clipped to a key chain, but they do offer users the option of integrating the flashlight into their tactical gear. Many tactical flashlights are built with a heavy-duty clip attached to the body so that they can be clipped to a belt, vest, or pocket. They are also designed to be used with tactical accessories, such as rail mounts and shoulder harnesses. If your safety depends on immediate light, then a tactical flashlight is sure to offer the quick access you need.
Can you use a tactical flashlight for everyday carry? Of course! Can you use EDC flashlights as tactical flashlights? You could, but it might not be the best choice. Now that you know some of the key differences between tactical and EDC flashlights you have the information you need to choose the best tool for you.
