5 Blinding Flashlight for Self-Defense [Best Recommendation]

Finding the right self-defense weapon means striking a balance between effectiveness, defensive abilities, and practical application. Firearms are effective but challenging to use in some situations and are not allowed in many public places.

Mace and pepper spray can be capable but limited in their application and not useful for anything else.

One interesting option that is gaining in popularity is the self-defense flashlight that temporarily blinds potential assailants and stops them in their tracks.

If you are wondering what the best blinding flashlight for the money in the market is, we have selected the top 5 below (after hours of research). You can always check the latest price and buy a suitable one.

What is A Blinding Flashlight?

This flashlight puts out at least 300 lumens of light on the high setting, which is enough to blind an intruder or attacker, or even a bear, temporarily. Generally speaking, this type of light is compact, easy to use, and lightweight. It can be easily carried in a purse, pocket, or on your belt in a special holster.

Many tactical flashlights are mounted on pistols, rifles, and shotguns to provide powerful illumination and blind a potential attacker without giving away your position. If you want reviews about the top tactical flashlights, click here.

How to Use A Self-Defense Flashlight?

Using the blinding flashlight for self-defense is a two-step process. The light is used to blind temporarily or disorient a potential attacker, which buys you at least a few seconds to plan your next move. At this point, you will have several options depending on the circumstances.

• Get out of the area
• Strike the attacker with the flashlight
• Use your weapon if the flashlight is attached

Since blindness is temporary, you must take some form of action that the disorientation has allowed. If you can run away from the attacker may be the best move, particularly in a public place where you can get help fast.

The same goes for a bear. A bear can run from 25 to 40 mph, and you can’t beat this velocity. So, it is better to use a tactical flashlight to disorient the bear for some time and move to a sheltered place.​

 However, if you cannot get away, striking the attacker is the next best move with the flashlight or the butt of your weapon.

Firing your weapon should be of last resort. However, if they have their weapon drawn and intend to use it, shooting them may be your only course of action.

Buyer’s Guide

In purchasing the best tactical blinding flashlight, you must find one that meets certain standards before purchasing.

• Output of at least 300 lumens
• Can be used to strike physically in
• Lower settings for use as navigation at night
• Uses common batteries

The brightness is critical when purchasing this type of flashlight since it needs to be powerful enough to blind a potential attacker. Plus, it should be big and tough enough to strike that person if escaping is not an option physically.

Since the chances of using the tactical light in a self-defense situation will probably be rare, it should have other settings so that you can use it to navigate in the darkness. It also makes for a great flashlight when you are lost at night since it can shine bright to attract attention. Finally, it needs to use conventional batteries so that you can have replacements around when needed.

Can a flashlight blind you? The answer is yes when you choose a tactical light.

Lumens are Not the Only Factor in Buying a Flashlight

Too many people focus on the number of lumens to the exclusion of everything else when purchasing a flashlight. While lumens are important in terms of brightness, they are still just one factor you should consider in getting the right flashlight for your needs.

Other important aspects include, but are not limited to, the following;

• Purpose
• Size
• Number of Modes
• Waterproof
• Filters

Why you are getting the flashlight is the most important factor to consider. From self-defense to simple illumination during a power outage or being out in the woods, why you want the flashlight is the first consideration. This is followed by getting the right size and having different modes or settings for personal use. Whether it is waterproof for outdoor or indoor use. And the number of filters for different color settings. What you decide on purchasing should fit your needs for the flashlight to get the most out of it.

How Many Lumens are Needed to Blind an Attacker?

For self-defense flashlights, about 300 lumens are needed to blind an attacker temporarily. Anything above 300 will do the job perhaps faster, but 300 is generally adequate to blind them enough to get away or at least put some distance between you and them.

Why have a Strobe on a Flashlight?

The strobe setting offers two advantages. The first is that it can be used to disorient an attacker, especially after hitting them with the full brightness setting. The second is that a strobe light gets attention, so if you are lost outdoors, a strobe light can alert nearby rescue to your location.

Top 5 Blinding Flashlights for Self Defense

So, you are looking for the best affordable blinding flashlight in the market? We have done the job for you. Here are our top 5 picks for 2023.

Product	Lumens	Power Source (Battery)	Price
Outlite A100 LED	450-900	1x 18650 Rechargeable or 3x AAA
PeakPlus LED	300-1000	1x 18650 Rechargeable or 3x AAA
SWAT LED	400	1x AA or 1x 14,500
Streamlight ProTac HL 3	1100	2x CR123A
J5 Hyper V	400	1x 18650 Rechargeable or 2x CR-123

1. Outlite A100 LED Flashlight

Feature Highlights

• Adjustable Focus
• 5 Light Modes
• Uses Rechargeable or Standard Batteries
• Illuminates up to 600 Feet

Pros

• Durable Casing
• Bright Light for Self Defense
• Versatile
• Many Different Uses
• Intuitive to Use

Cons

• Not Waterproof
• Mode Settings May Malfunction
• Too Small for Use as Weapon

Verdict

The Outlite A100 offers a small but durable casing and plenty of bright light to ward off an attacker. Also quite portable, making it perfect for carrying for emergencies.

2. PeakPlus Super Bright LED Flashlight

Feature Highlights

• Illuminates up to 600 Feet
• 5 Light Modes
• Durable Casing
• Water Resistant
• Uses Rechargeable or Standard Batteries

Pros

• Powerful Light
• Zoom Features
• Highly Versatile
• Five Modes for Greater Flexibility
• Uses either one 18650 or three AAA batteries

Cons

• Burns Through Battery Quickly
• Not Waterproof
• Small for Self-Defense

Verdict

All things considered, the PeakPlus Super Bright LED Flashlight is versatile, durable, and more than bright enough for your needs.

3. SWAT LED Tactical Flashlight

Feature Highlights

• 400 Lumens
• Durable, Hard Aluminum Casing
• Illuminates up to 100 yards
• Designed for Self-Defense
• 3 Lighting Modes

Pros

• Powerful, Blinding Light
• Compact Size
• Resists Water, Shock, & Cold
• Versatile Features
• Atomic Bear Lifetime Warranty

Cons

• Burns Out Battery Quickly
• Belt Clip is Fragile
• May Be Too Small for Use as Weapon

Verdict

The SWAT LED Tactical Flashlight is strong, sturdy, bright, and inexpensive, making it a good purchase, but there are better ones on the market.

4. Streamlight 88047 ProTac HL 3 Flashlight

Feature Highlights

• 1100 Lumens
• Impervious to Shock
• 3 Different User Selectable Programs
• CR123A Lithium Batteries w/10 Year Shelf Life
• Includes: Anti-Roll Face Cap, Holster, and Pocket Clip

Pros

• Durable
• Powerful Light
• Long-Lasting Use
• Versatile
• Shock Resistant

Cons

• A rechargeable Battery can be a Hassle
• Somewhat Pricey for its Features

Verdict

Overall, the Streamlight 88047 ProTac HL 3 Flashlight lives up to its promises but is somewhat expensive for what it does. Still, for those who hike or camp outdoors frequently, this is the perfect flashlight for your needs.

5. J5 Hyper V Tactical Flashlight

Feature Highlights

• 400 Lumens
• 300 Feet Throw Distance
• High/Low/Strobe
• Hard Casing
• Uses Standard Batteries

Pros

• Compact
• Durable
• Multiple Settings
• Aluminum, Rust-Resistant Casing
• Three AAA Batteries

Cons

• Not Waterproof, Only Water-Resistant
• Can Burn through Batteries Quick if not Careful

Verdict

The J5 Hyper V is a solid, durable LED flashlight with plenty of features and a blinding 400 lumens top setting. It also makes the perfect gift and is quite affordable. It offers exceptional quality, excellent design, and several features that make it attractive to those looking for a powerful, affordable LED flashlight.

Which is the Brightest LED Flashlight of 2023?

Numerous LED flashlights really put out the lumens, but few match the combination of power, versatility, and options like the following;

Klarus XT11GT: With a throw of over 300 meters, this great LED flashlight leads the industry in performance. Different settings, single-touch strobe, and safety features keep the LED intact and prevent it from overheating. The rechargeable battery is excellent, but I would prefer standard batteries instead.

Imalent DT70: This incredible LED flashlight puts 16,000 lumens in the turbo setting. The flashlight will last up to 50,000 hours on the lowest setting. Small, handy, and powerful enough to attract attention, only the price of over $300 is an issue with me. Also, the batteries are rechargeable instead of replaceable.

OLIGHT X7: For a compact flashlight, it’s a bit pricy at $200, but it is also the most powerful compact LED flashlight I’ve seen, thanks to the 9,000 lumens at the highest setting. While, again, the batteries are rechargeable, I like the low voltage indicator and the different settings to choose which one works best for my needs.