Olight Warrior X Pro VS Nitecore P12 VS Fenix PD35TAC

The battery-operated flashlight has come a long way since its introduction in 1898. Essential during a power outage, these household items can help with nighttime safety checks, such as flashlights that are not only brighter and more reliable than ever, but also more compact and lighter

There are hundreds of flashlights on the market, and we're always looking for ones that are really worth buying, so we put them to the test. Brightness is important, of course, but so are other considerations such as ease of use, weight, battery type, and more.

Whether it's a nightstand, drawer, workshop, or emergency kit, there should be a tactical flashlight on hand. Read on to learn how to choose the best tactical flashlight, and find out how the following models performed in our tests

Best Tactical: Olight Warrior X Pro 2100 Lumen Tactical Flashlight

The Olight Warrior tactical flashlight is not weak at all. After unpacking, I can say that the Warrior is a quality flashlight. Its sleek anodized aluminum body is a little heavier than some portable LED flashlights at just under 8.5 ounces, but the extra few ounces give it a solid feel. The Warrior features a thumb side on/off switch for one-handed operation. The switch is also a strong magnet that allows me to hang the fighter under the steel table.

The Warrior only has two modes, high and low, selected with a thumb button, and it's powered by a rechargeable 5,000mAh 21700 lithium-ion battery. Charging the battery is as simple as placing it on the magnetic charging pad that plugs into the USB port. The Warrior might be too bright in neighborhoods with houses nearby, but it's great for camping, hunting, and hiking where it needs to be seen from a distance in the dark.Olight Warrior X Pro Features

Lumens: 2,100

Power supply: 5000mAh 21700 Li-ion battery

Run time: up to 8 hours

Weight: 8.43 oz

Light source: high power LED

Headlight range (m): 500

Maximum output (lumens): 2100

Charging type: MCC3 magnetic charging cable

Applicable battery: customized 5000mAh 21700 lithium rechargeable battery

Operation mode: end cover switch

Waterproof: IPX8

Weight (grams): 239

Length (mm): 149

LED: High performance neutral white LED

Uses: Search and Rescue, Security, Military, Police, Fire, Self-Defense, Hunting, Emergency Services, Tactical, OutdoorNitecore P12 Tactical Waterproof FlashlightThe NITECORE P12 Tactical Flashlight, which stands out with its powerful 1,000 lumen beam, allows me to illuminate objects up to 180 meters away. It features an ultra-rugged, industrial-grade housing with an IPX8 rating that can be submerged in 6 feet of water for up to 30 minutes.

This flashlight is very lightweight, weighing only 3 ounces, and has a strong steel clip that attaches to your belt or pocket. At maximum intensity, the battery is said to last about 1.5 hours, reducing the beam to 70 lumens, for a battery life of up to 28 hours.

The NITECORE P12 impresses with its strength, yet its light weight, small size and small size (less than 6 inches) make it easy to carry in your pocket or purse. It is powered by one 18650 Li-ion battery (included) or two 3-volt CR123A batteries.

NITECORE P12 Features

Smart memory function saves preferred brightness settings

The help function of the power indicator shows the battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)

Side switch interface provides one-handed operation and easy access to all functions

Peak beam intensity of 13,500 cd with a throw distance of 232 meters

Body material: aluminum alloy

Maximum output: 1000 lumens

Battery: 1 x 18650 or 2 x CR123A

Light source: LED

Mode Operation: One-handed operation of the side switch for easy access to all functions.

Waterproof level: IPX8 (2 meters underwater)

Weight: 3.10 oz (88 g) (without batteries)

Dimensions: 5.47" (L) x 1.00" (Body Diameter) (139mm x 25.4mm)

Uses: Military, Law Enforcement, Search and RescueFenix FX-PD35TAC Flashlight, 1000 Lumen

At first glance, the Fenix FX-PD35TAC looks like any other pocket tactical flashlight, measuring less than 6 inches long and weighing 3.1 ounces, but it has more output settings than most. It's IPX8 certified, so the Fenix was soaked in a bathtub for 30 minutes before further testing along with other waterproof flashlights, and immersion didn't affect its functionality in the slightest.

The Fenix puts out a bright 1,000 lumens of light on its strongest setting, which allowed me to see my assistant clearly at a distance of up to about 175 meters. The flashlight has two main modes, Outdoor Mode and Tactical Mode, selectable via the rear thumb button

In outdoor mode, the Fenix offers six output settings (via the side buttons), allowing me to adjust exactly the level of lighting I want. Most LED torches I've seen have relatively few output options. Three additional output modes are available in the tactical settings, including Turbo and Strobe. The Fenix comes with a strong steel clip to attach to your belt or pocket, and the flashlight runs on two CR123A batteries (not included).

Fenix FX-PD35TAC Key Features

Lumens: 1,000

Power supply: 2 CR123A batteries

Run time: Up to 1 hour and 10 minutes at maximum power

Weight: 3.1 oz

Light source: LED

Power switch location: Thumb button, end of flashlight

Material: black aviation aluminum

Case: Canvas holster with Velcro closure

Independent mode buttons on the side

A total of 9 initial settings

Lightweight at only 3.1 oz

Steel clip (removable)

Fenix FX-PD35TAC Cons

The box is thin and fragile

without battery

Does not include charger

Learn about all olight tactical flashlights: click here