Handheld Spotlights and Searchlights Buyer’s Guide

Written by John Teator on

Those who carry a pocket-sized flashlight on them every day (which should be everyone) understand the benefits of having access to light at a moment's notice. But what if your needs go beyond illuminating the dark corners of a room? What if you need to see well beyond the reach of your everyday-carry (EDC) light? EDC flashlights are convenient to carry and use, but the distance their beams cover can be limited — especially when compared to dedicated spot-beam-style flashlights.

Why pack these larger torches? Perhaps you need to see what's going on across a field or to investigate movement on the roofline of a multistoried building. Lighting up areas at greater distances doesn't necessarily mean that the flashlight needs to be large and unwieldy. A recent boon in lighting and battery technology means that lights are constantly getting smaller, brighter, and more efficient than ever before. Many different lights of differing shapes and sizes on the market can fill a spotlight or searchlight role. Let's explore a few of the options.

Handheld Spotlights and Searchlights Buyer's Guide

  • Fenix TK35 Ultimate Edition

    Make & Model - Fenix TK35 Ultimate Edition
    Colorway - Black
    Lumen Output - Turbo 1,800 / High 750 / Mid 250 / Low 25 / Strobe 1,800 / SOS 250
    Beam Options - Turbo / High / Mid / Low / Strobe / SOS
    Runtime - Turbo 1 hr 30 mins / High 4 hrs / Mid 13 hr 30 mins / Low 150 hrs
    Bezel Diameter - 2.05 in
    Overall Length - 6.5 in
    Weight with Battery - 12.9 oz (with two 18650 Li-ion)
    Battery Type - Two rechargeable lithium ion 18650 (not included) or four CR123A Lithium (not included)
    Controls - Momentary and constant-on tail-cap push-button switch, output selection switch
    Accessories - Nylon holster with belt loop
    MSRP - $130
    URL - http://www.fenixlight.com

    Check out the Fenix TK35 Ultimate Edition flashlight that is light as a feather, weighing in at just under a pound, and is perfect for any what if situation where you need light.

  • Gerber Myth Spotlight

    Make & Model - Gerber Myth Spotlight
    Colorway - Brown/black
    Lumen Output - High 600 / Low 100
    Beam Options - High / Low
    Runtime - High 2 hrs / Low 10 hrs
    Bezel Diameter - 2.75 in
    Overall Length - 4.75 in
    Weight with Battery - 11.1 oz
    Battery Type - Rechargeable lithium ion 18650 (included)
    Controls - Momentary trigger switch, high/low selector switch, on/off trigger lock
    Accessories - Red and green lenses, optional mountable belt clip
    MSRP - $84
    URL - http://www.gerbergear.com

    If you're ever lost or stranded and need a spotlight, the Gerber Myth Spotlight is right for you! Light enough to carry around with you just in case...

  • Olight SR52 Intimidator

    Make & Model - Olight SR52 Intimidator
    Colorway - Black
    Lumen Output - High 1,200 / Mid 600 / Low 100 / Strobe 1,200
    Beam Options - High / Mid / Low / Strobe
    Runtime - High 4 hrs / Mid 7 hrs 30 mins / Low 40 hrs / Strobe 8 hrs
    Bezel Diameter - 2.5 in
    Overall Length - 6.3 in
    Weight with Battery - 1 lbs 3 oz (with three 18650 Li-ion)
    Battery Type - Three rechargeable lithium ion 18650 (not included) or six CR123A (not included)
    Controls - Constant-on programmable push-button side switch
    Accessories - Nylon holster with belt loop, USB cable, battery charger, lanyard, extra O-rings
    MSRP - $120
    URL - http://www.olightworld.com

    The Olight SR52 Intimidator is a torch that packs a powerful punch. With a high of 1,200 lumens this spotlight only weighs in at just over a pound!

  • Streamlight Waypoint Rechargeable

    Make & Model - Streamlight Waypoint Rechargeable
    Colorway - Yellow (shown), black
    Lumen Output - High 370 / Low 30
    Beam Options - High / Low / Emergency Signal
    Runtime - High 5 hrs / Low 50 hrs / Emergency Signal 35 hrs
    Bezel Diameter - 3.75 in
    Overall Length - 7 in
    Weight with Battery - 1 lbs 8.5 oz
    Battery Type - Rechargeable lithium ion (included)
    Controls - Momentary and constant-on trigger switch, high/low/strobe selector switch
    Accessories - Mountable plastic holder, battery charger, lanyard
    MSRP - $204
    URL - http://www.streamlight.com

    Check out the Streamlight Waypoint Rechargeable flashlight, the perfect flashlight to keep in your car or backpack for the guy whose always prepared.

  • Sunwayman T60CS

    Make & Model - Sunwayman T60CS
    Colorway - Black
    Lumen Output - Turbo 2,394 / High 1,915 / Mid 410 / Low 22 / Strobe 2,394
    Beam Options -Turbo / High / Mid / Low / Strobe / SOS
    Run Time - Turbo 5 minutes (then reverts to High) / High 2 hrs / Mid 9 hrs / Low 60 hrs
    Bezel Diameter - 2.36 in
    Overall Length - 5.75 in
    Weight with Battery - 1 lbs 0.8 oz (with three 18650 Li-ion)
    Battery Type - Three rechargeable lithium ion 18650 (not included) or six CR123A (not included)
    Controls - Constant-on programmable push-button side switch
    Accessories - Nylon holster with belt loop, lanyard
    MSRP - $226
    URL - http://www.sunwayman.com

    The Sunwayman T60CS is a powerful little pocket light that is brighter and has a longer range than most, with an impressive turbo of 2394 lumens!

  • SureFire ARC-2

    Make & Model - SureFire ARC-2
    Colorway - Type III hard anodizing
    Lumen Output - High 4,500
    Beam Options - High
    Runtime - High 1 hr 20 mins / unlimited when plugged in
    Bezel Diameter - 4.5 in
    Overall Length - 15 in
    Weight with Battery - 4 lbs 4.8 oz (with 80-minute battery)
    Battery Type - Rechargeable (included)
    Controls - Constant-on push-button side switch
    Accessories - AC-to-DC plug-in power supply/battery charger with integrated cable
    MSRP - $2,820
    URL - http://www.surefire.com

    The Surefire ARC-2 is pretty large at 15 inches and a little over 4 pounds, but that's nothing compared to the 4,500 lumens of light this thing can give off!

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RECOIL OFFGRID thumbnail Written by John Teator
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