Best Throw Flashlights of 2020 – Buyer’s Guide

| Last Updated: January 14, 2022

Nowadays, no matter what you are looking for, you will always find at least a dozen different variations for it. You'll find that the same holds true for flashlights, as well. There are several different types, and even within those types, you will find a variety of options to choose from.

However, for this article, we'll be focusing on only one type of flashlight and that is a throw flashlight.

This article will be the complete buyer's guide for all the best throw flashlights you can get today, so you can decide which one suits you best. Let's dive right in!

Comparison of the Best Throw Flashlights

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It can cover an area of approximately 1,243 feet
  • It has different settings that are easy to understand and adjust
  • This flashlight has a total output of 1100 lumens which makes it the best overall
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  • It has a throw of approximately 1000 feet
  • The runner-up has a maximum output of 900 lumens
  • It also has a long-lasting battery which makes it reliable in emergency situations
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  • The unit has a very good range as well
  • It provides an output of 1000 lumens at the maximum
  • It has all the great features and a feasible price, making it the best for the money
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  • The main material used for making it is aluminum alloy
  • The LED lamp lifespan for this flashlight is 100,000 hours
  • This flashlight uses professional T6 LED, which provides a really powerful light
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  • It covers a distance of 750 meters
  • The LED has a lifetime of 20+ years
  • It is very lightweight and easy to handle
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What is a Throw Flashlight? 

A throw flashlight is not like your average, everyday flashlight. It is a purpose-built flashlight that provides a very high beam of light. The light from a throw flashlight can reach farther than any other type of flashlight, hence the name "throw."

With any other flashlight, you may be concerned with how much area it illuminates. Well, that is not the case for throw flashlights. This type is very commonly evaluated by how far it can illuminate. In addition to that, it is easy to carry around since it is usually lightweight.

What Are The Best Uses for a Throw Flashlight? 

Previously, it was mentioned that throw flashlights are purpose-built. Well, it is time to shed some light (pun intended) on those purposes.

Security

Since throw flashlights can illuminate a considerable distance, they are ideal for security purposes. They make it easier to spot your target from a distance, giving you more time to react.

Surveillance

Surveillance is another purpose a throw flashlight can serve. It helps in covering more distance without having to move around much. The high beam also makes it easier to keep an eye on a particular area.

Self Defense

The beam of a throw flashlight is very intense. So much so that it can easily blind someone temporarily. It helps to disorient the attacker and buys you time to make your move. That is why it is quite a handy device when it comes to self-defense.

Characteristics of Our Favorite Models

The following are a few characteristics that all good throw flashlights share. They are certainly present in our favorite models and can definitely make or break a deal. Let's take a quick glance at what these characteristics are.

Lightweight

These flashlights are meant to be a practical option and they cannot achieve that unless they are lightweight and easy to carry, especially for security or surveillance purposes.

Distance of the Beam

This aspect needs to be present without a doubt. The main function of a throw flashlight is to illuminate farther than an average model. If it cannot accomplish that much, then it definitely is of no use to anyone. Therefore, it's important to keep this factor in mind.

Total Run-time

This is another very important characteristic that needs to be kept in mind. A good throw flashlight will not have to be charged often. It can work for a good amount of time without dying on you.

Review of the Best Throw Flashlights

In this section, we will review the best throw flashlights. Each product has been sorted into particular categories that highlight what it is best at. So, without further ado, let's get started.

Best Overall:
Streamlight 88047

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Pros

  • Has three settings; high, low, and strobe
  • Made from aircraft-grade aluminum housing, making it very sturdy
  • Water-resistant for up to one-meter and can last for up to 30 minutes
  • Glass lens is gasket-sealed and is protected with an anti-reflective coating
  • Can run for 36 hours on low setting and 1.5 hours on the high setting

Cons

  • Finding a rechargeable battery option for this flashlight can be difficult

What Recent Buyers Report

This little flashlight has many, many fans. It is often called one of the highest-tier throw flashlights available. It is widely praised because it fulfills the criteria for what a good throw unit should have. The vast majority of buyers are happy with their purchase of the Streamlight 88047.

Why it Stands Out to Us

With all the qualities this little fellow has, how could it not stand out to us? The beam of the flashlight is powerful, it has different modes to choose from, and above all, it also illuminates a good distance. In addition to that, its lithium batteries have a shelf-life of 10 years and the unit itself has a 50,000 hour lifetime.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a great product, and as mentioned earlier, it is the best overall in this review. Therefore, it is not limited to one specific category. It can be used as a tactical device, and can also be used by security personnel. In both cases, it would provide stellar performance.

Bottom Line

It is very hard to fault the Streamlight 88047, as it really has some great features and does not fall short performance-wise either. Because of this, it has built a name and reputation for itself that it certainly knows how to keep.

Runner-up: 
Anker Super-Bright Tactical Flashlight

No products found.

Pros

  • Multiple light settings make it very versatile
  • Body is made out of aluminum which makes it lightweight
  • Easy to use and can also fit into your pocket without any trouble
  • Shock, water, and dust-resistant, so it can be used in rough conditions
  • Batteries are rechargeable, so there is no need to change or buy new ones

Cons

  • Light output drops very quickly after the first 10 minutes

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers of this torch have a lot to say about it and they are mostly good things. The reviewers comment on how easy it is to use and how simple the controls are. Some have also compared this unit to others to show how much better the Anker flashlight performs.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are several reasons why this flashlight steals the spotlight. First of all, it has a total of five light settings. These are high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS. It also has an option for both a wide and narrow beam. In addition to that, it can withstand some really rough conditions, which is always a welcome feature.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a small, lightweight flashlight, which is easy to carry. Therefore, it can be used for various sports, for example, cycling, climbing, etc. Furthermore, it is also well-suited for those who are often in harsh weather conditions like heavy rain.

Bottom Line

To tie things up, this flashlight has very good specifications when it comes to maximum output and battery life. In addition to that, the batteries are also rechargeable, which is very convenient.

Best for the Money:
PeakPlus Tactical Flashlight

No products found.

Pros

  • Can easily fit into a pocket
  • Aluminum alloy used primarily for constructing the body
  • Anti-skid grip makes it easier to hold and also makes the grip steadier
  • 5 different light modes, including high, medium, low, strobe, and SOS
  • Zoom option lets you zoom in for floodlight mode and zoom out for spotlight mode

Cons

  • Batteries tend to take a very long time to charge
  • Charger is made from average material and does not last that long

What Recent Buyers Report

Most reviewers only have good things to say about this pocket-sized flashlight. Its intensity is highly appreciated and the battery life is also mentioned often. Moreover, the zoom function is another factor that is a favorite amongst buyers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This pocket-sized flashlight has a lot of different features that make it stand out from the competition. The inclusion of features like the zoom and SOS light mode makes it a very attractive choice. Furthermore, it provides a bright LED light, which fulfills its purpose.

Who Will Use This Most

This flashlight is the best option for anyone who wants a good quality unit on a budget. Furthermore, the SOS feature makes it great for people working in pairs or teams so that if anything goes amiss, they have a signal ready at hand.

Bottom Line

The PeakPlus is a wonderful throw flashlight. It covers all the important areas and comes at a great price, too. It is sturdy and will last you a long time, unlike some other high maintenance flashlights.

4. BESTSUN Tactical Flashlight

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Pros

  • Batteries included within the flashlight
  • Easy to use and compact so that it can be carried anywhere
  • Zoom function enables you to set the flashlight as you prefer it to be
  • Charger comes along with it, so you do not have to purchase it separately
  • Includes five settings for the light, namely; full, medium, low, strobe, and SOS

Cons

  • Takes a while to get fully charged

What Recent Buyers Report

Mostly, the reviews for this flashlight are positive. Its performance has been praised along with its other features. However, some of the reviewers have encountered problems with its functioning.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This flashlight uses a high-quality LED which provides a bright light. Furthermore, its batteries work splendidly. It also has five different light modes, which are yet another great feature. Lastly, it has a lamp lifespan of 100,000 hours, which makes it stand out.

Who Will Use This Most

The BESTSUN Tactical Flashlight is marketed as a multi-purpose unit. This means it can be used for various tasks such as hunting, camping, climbing, cycling, and a number of other outdoor activities. In addition to that, it is also great for self-security as well.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a very handy flashlight that shares many features with some of the best flashlights out there. It is bright and has a good throw, as well. With that, it fulfills its main function as a throw flashlight.

5ThruNite Catapult V6 Mini Thrower

No products found.

Pros

  • Can resist powerful impacts up to 1.5 meters
  • Waterproof for up to 2 meters, which is the IPX-8 standard
  • Six light modes; Turbo, High, Medium, Low, Firefly, and Strobe
  • Batteries come included in the flashlight and changing batteries is easy, as well
  • Able to work in extreme temperatures from -20 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius

Cons

  • Flashlight gets hotter than average

What Recent Buyers Report

This little flashlight by ThruNite has made its mark with many buyers. The majority of the reviews show how satisfied people are with the product and how well it works for them. In addition to that, its sturdiness is another thing that has been complimented in many reviews.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Well, this flashlight may be tiny, but it certainly is no less than the other flashlights mentioned in this review. It can cover an area of 2,400 meters and has a maximum beam output of 1,700 lumens. That is certainly quite a lot when you consider its size.

Who Will Use This Most

This little flashlight can be used by absolutely anyone and everyone. It has enough light settings to satisfy professionals and intrigue others. It covers a good distance, so it can be used for security purposes, as well. Its lightweight build would be perfect for tactical use, too.

Bottom Line

If you want to judge this flashlight, do not judge it by its size. It may be small, but performance-wise, it can blow you away. The added features of this light make it an even greater choice than it already is.

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

We talked about some characteristics that all our favorite models have before starting the review. Now, it is time to expand on other aspects you should consider before buying a throw flashlight. 

Maximum Lumen Output

This is a very important feature you must be aware of. A good flashlight will have a high lumen output. The greater the lumen output, the brighter your light will be. However, with throw flashlights, distance is an important factor. You must be able to make out what you are looking at. 

Type of Beam

You will find two types of beams with a throw flashlight. There is the spotlight beam which is more concentrated and can travel a longer distance. The other is floodlight. This is wider than the spotlight and not as concentrated either. You can find lights that have an adjustable setting which allows you to make use of both beam types.

Design

Yes, the inside is what matters. However, we cannot ignore the exterior, especially when talking about flashlights. A good flashlight will have an easy-to-handle design and be easy to grip, as well. It will be sturdy, and if it has little additions like clips, that is even better.

Conclusion

Throw flashlights can be essential when it comes to jobs like security or even for tactical use. These are designed to let you see farther in the dark. Therefore, it is important to choose one that you can rely on. With that, we hope our buying guide has been able to help you pick the best throw flashlight for your use!