Last week our team put together a list of flashlights that came out this past year that we’d love to get our hands on. After sharing our picks, we took to the comments and social media to see what you, the readers, were excited about too. In this guide we’ve listed the lights you’ve chosen, and we hope it gives you even more great flashlights to pick from as the year comes to a close.
Nitecore MH27UV
From the comments our reader Timothy Kevin McPike suggests the Nitecore MH27UV, a tactical flashlight that features power and utility in a rechargeable package. It comes with 1000 lumens across four main modes powered by an 18650 battery paired with a Cree XP-L HI V3 LED, but its alternate lighting modes are what greatly increase the light’s capability. Using the MH27UV’s side switches, you can toggle between its main LED and 3 colored LEDs, namely red (for night vision preservation), blue (verification), and ultraviolet (for inspection and forensics). On top of all that are features like built-in charging, IPX8-rated water and shock resistance, and an included clip, while a crenelated bezel and tactical ring give better grip and handling when carried or used in emergencies.
Olight M2R Warrior
The M2R is a distillation of Olight’s expertise in flashlights across all their models, putting together power, features, rechargeability, and an EDC-friendly sleek design in one tactical flashlight. Suggested by readers Karl Hicks and Garrett, it’s an exciting light that shows how far Olight have come, pushing forward their key features like the side switch UI and impressive magnetic charging tail switch while discarding unpopular features like proprietary batteries. There’s plenty to like from an EDC standpoint, and included freebies like a high-capacity 18650 battery, neutral white LED option, reversible 2-way clip, and custom holster just sweeten the deal even more.
Lupine Lighting Systems Piko TL MiniMax
While this light suggestion from reader @geekMarmota may not be as familiar as other mainstream brands, its specs are certainly enough to make us take notice. Most notably the fact that the palm-sized light comes with 1200 lumens in a unique, CNC-milled aluminum body. The Piko TL is also designed to be a biker’s and photographer’s best friend, offering compatibility with bike mounts and tripods to be a handy addition to the EDCs of either profession.
Nitecore TIP 2017 CRI
Nitecore knew they had a hit on their hands with the original TUBE, a pocket- and wallet-friendly keychain flashlight that was a great addition to any EDC. Generations later its big brother, the TIP, gets a few bold upgrades while still being as keychain-friendly as its predecessor. The 2017 CRI upgrade suggested by reader Yogi features a new Nichia 219B LED that gives an eye-pleasing beam for up to 240 lumens across 4 modes. A removable clip/switch protector from earlier models makes a comeback, along with rugged anodized aluminum construction while remaining light as an AA battery. And an underrated feature: the TIP comes in 7 colors to best match your EDC, whether clipped to your pocket or hanging out with the rest of your keychain essentials.
TorchLAB BOSS 35 Clicky
Last, but certainly not the least, is this suggestion from reader Barry Allen. It’s hard to know where to start when describing this light, given that’s a custom-made flashlight from top to bottom, but its unique features and exclusivity more than make up for its formidable price tag. The BOSS 35 takes a rechargeable 18350 battery and manages to push out up to 1900 lumens when paired with its Cree XPL LEDs. It comes in lightweight 7075 aluminum or other exotic materials, and features TorchLAB’s signature triad tail shape for ease of use and anti-roll capabilities. Sure, there are even more custom features like a McClicky switch, custom titanium screws to hold its AlTiN-coated stainless steel pocket clip in place, and extra thick Acme threads for top-tier fit and finish, but its most impressive feature is its programmability. While it’s too long to explain in detail, simply put, you program the BOSS 35 by pointing it at a screen playing back a pattern of flashing lights. Yeah, we know.
Thanks for your recommendations! We’ll be back next week for more staff picks, and we’d love to hear from you again then.
