In This Article

Time passes and electronic devices are shrinking. This seems to be the natural progression. Gone are the days of brick-sized cellphones, 20-pound laptops, and TVs that are thicker than they are wide. Despite the smaller sizes, today's gadgets have more capabilities than ever before. The same holds true for flashlights — with modern battery technology and high-output LEDs, you can get an astonishing amount of power from a tiny light.

However, small flashlights have some substantial downsides. They're easy to drop or misplace, they have limited battery life, and they're often fragile. Also, in a self-defense scenario, these miniature lights have limited use in fending off an attacker. Conversely, large flashlights excel in all these areas, making them a top choice for law enforcement, military, and security professionals.

Traditionally, large flashlights used three or more C- or D-cell alkaline batteries. Some lights are still available in that configuration today, but there's also a growing variety of models with rechargeable lithium-ion and nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) cells. Whatever the power source, these big-battery flashlights offer long run time, potent light output, and sturdy construction — a combination you can rely on whether you're at home, at work, or in a survival setting.

We took a look at six big-battery flashlights from leading manufacturers, so read on to see which one fits your needs.

Big-Battery Flashlights

Coast HP17

Make & Model - Coast HP17
Max Lumen Output - 970
Max Runtime - 200 hrs.
Overall Length - 13.1 in.
Weight with Batteries - 2 lbs.
Battery Type - D (three, included)
Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
Output Modes - High, medium, low
Special Features - Slide focus with twist-lock, anti-roll tail cap, lifetime warranty
MSRP - $110
URL - http://www.coastportland.com
Coast's Long Range Focusing System allows adjustment of the beam pattern from flood to spot by sliding the light's head forward or backward.
Fenix RC40 2016 Edition

Make & Model - Fenix RC40 2016 Edition
Max Lumen Output - 6,000
Max Runtime - 125 hrs.
Overall Length - 10.7 in.
Weight with Batteries - 2.7 lbs.
Battery Type - 7.4V 7800mAh lithium-ion (one, included)
Controls - Dual push-button switches with 0.5-second delay. Left controls strobe/SOS, right controls power and output level. Hold both buttons to toggle lockout.
Output Modes - Turbo, high, medium, low, eco, strobe, SOS
Special Features - Rechargeable via wall outlet or cigarette lighter adapter, USB output port, 4-LED power gauge, IPX8 waterproof to 2 meters, shoulder strap, spare O-ring and dust covers
MSRP - $221
URL - http://www.fenixlight.com
This light is a monster, with extra-large dimensions and staggering light output.
LED Lenser P17.2

Make & Model - LED Lenser P17.2
Max Lumen Output - 450
Max Runtime - 300 hrs.
Overall Length - 12.1 in.
Weight with Batteries - 1.7 lbs.
Battery Type - D (three, included)
Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
Output Modes - High, low
Special Features - Slide focus, belt holster, IPX4 water-resistant
MSRP - $110
URL - http://www.ledlenserusa.com
With its patented Advanced Focus System that combines a reflector and a sliding lens, the P17.2 produces a beam pattern that's crystal-clear and smooth.
Maglite ML300LX 3-Cell

Make & Model - Maglite ML300LX 3-Cell
Max Lumen Output - 625
Max Runtime - 117 hrs.
Overall Length - 11.7 in.
Weight with Batteries - 1.6 lbs.
Battery Type - D (three, not included)
Controls - Low-profile push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
Output Modes - High, low, eco, strobe; four selectable activity-based function sets
Special Features - Twist focus, three available matte finishes (black, urban gray, foliage green), IPX4 water-resistant
MSRP - $76
URL - http://www.maglite.com
Maglite is one of the pioneers of this category; the company produced its first D-cell flashlight in 1979. The ML300LX still resembles that original design, but with a modern LED and digital internals.
Pelican 8060 LED

Make & Model - Pelican 8060 LED
Max Lumen Output - 803
Max Runtime - 69 hrs.
Overall Length - 12.6 in.
Weight with Batteries - 1.5 lbs. Battery Type
Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
Output Modes - High, medium, low, strobe, flashing; four selectable mode sets
Special Features - Rechargeable via cradle and wall outlet, optional 12V cigarette lighter adapter and hardwire kit available; polymer body with aluminum head, low-battery indicator LED, IPX4 water-resistant
MSRP - $241
URL - http://www.pelican.com
This light features a tough Xenoy polymer body attached to an aluminum head; the combination of materials keeps weight at a minimum.
Streamlight UltraStinger LED

Make & Model - Streamlight UltraStinger LED
Max Lumen Output - 1,100
Max Runtime - 16 hrs.
Overall Length - 11.8 in.
Weight with Batteries - 1.3 lbs.
Battery Type - 6V 2200mAh NiMH (one, included)
Controls - Push-button switch with constant-on and momentary modes
Output Modes - High, medium, low, strobe; three selectable mode sets
Special Features - Rechargeable via two included cradles and wall outlet or cigarette lighter adapter, optional 2.5-hour 120V fast-charger available; IPX4 water-resistant, 3-meter impact resistant
MSRP - $261
URL - http://www.streamlight.com
As the saying goes, ounces equal pounds and pounds equal pain; this is an attractive choice for those who are looking to reduce the load of a daily carry pack or duty belt.

More From Issue 19

Don’t miss essential survival insights—sign up for Recoil Offgrid's free newsletter today!

Read articles from the next issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 20

Read articles from the previous issue of Recoil Offgrid: Issue 18

Check out our other publications on the web: Recoil | Gun Digest | Blade | RecoilTV | RECOILtv (YouTube)

Editor's Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.

STAY SAFE: Download a Free copy of the OFFGRID Outbreak Issue

In issue 12, Offgrid Magazine took a hard look at what you should be aware of in the event of a viral outbreak. We're now offering a free digital copy of the OffGrid Outbreak issue when you subscribe to the OffGrid email newsletter. Sign up and get your free digital copy