Throw flashlights are vital to those needing a long beam for hiking, hunting, or security purposes. These flashlights tend to be brighter and provide a longer, steadier beam than other flashlights. If you need a flashlight with a great throw, take a look at our compiled list below of some of the best throwing flashlights available on the market. You may find one that is perfect for you.
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ToggleWhat is the Best Thrower Flashlight?
We have compiled for you the top 6 Best Thrower Flashlight in 2024. In this article we go through the products that we have used ourselves, checked what other users thought about them and we ranked them accordingly.
With years of experience with flashlights for throwing and having used several thrower flashlights you can trust our review.
Moreover, you can scroll to the end of this review to see our mini buying guide as well as the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about thrower flashlights.
1. Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight
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Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.27 pounds (0.12 kg) Size: 5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches (12.8 x 3.3 x 3.3 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion Brightness (Lumens): 400 Type: LED |
Bolder LC40 packs a powerful punch in its small dimension. It produces 400 lumens at the brightest setting that can be diminished to 120 and even 20. Strobe and SOS modes come next. Hold the switch for a little longer, and it quickly turns off.
The battery is amazing. It’d exhaust after 20hrs of medium-level output and require six hours to be able to join the field again.
The industry-leading XPG2 bulb has a 50000hrs lifespan. Its dedicated IC supplies non-fading brightness consistently. Also, LED’s rubber wrapping makes it water-impregnable to an extent. It has your back in extreme conditions, whether polar chilly or desert dusty.
Pros
- 20hrs average runtime,
- Integrated pocket clip,
- Weather-resistant,
- 18-month warranty
Cons
- Slow charging,
- No adjustable focus
2. OLIGHT Marauder 2 Rechargeable Flashlight
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Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.66 pounds (0.75 kg) Size: 7.5 x 6.2 x 3.6 inches (19.1 x 15.7 x 9.2 cm) Batteries: built-in lithium ion battery Brightness (Lumens): 14000 Type: LED |
The OLIGHT Marauder 2 Rechargeable Flashlight is the go-to flashlight for hiking, hunting, and security pros. This large flashlight is heavier and longer than other flashlights on this list, but it is definitely the king of all flashlights. To make up for its large size, it has an incredibly strong beam of 14000 lumens that can easily light up any room or path. It also has a spotlight version for a more direct beam or a floodlight version for a wider beam. Many pictures and reviews show just how easily this light can illuminate an entire room or yard even on lower settings! Though the batteries cannot be removed to be charged, a full charge takes only 2.5 hours and allows the light to function for nearly 59 hours on lower settings. This flashlight, though the most expensive on the list, is by far the best-quality emergency flashlight for any home, camping, hunting, hiking, or security situation!
Pros
- strongest flashlight beam available at 14000 lumens,
- has both a spotlight and floodlight mode,
- rechargeable battery has over 59 hours of runtime,
- includes a rotary knob to turn on the light and circle through 7 levels of light output
Cons
- heavier and larger than some flashlights,
- built-in batteries means they cannot be swapped out for fully charged ones
3. MOLAER Rechargeable Magnetic Flashlight
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Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.34 pounds (0.15 kg) Size: 5 x 1.3 x 1.3 inches (12.7 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Brightness (Lumens): 1000 Type: Magnetic |
MOLAER set headlines for its flagship flashlight with a magnetic base some time ago. Its aluminum body can endure a five-foot drop and occasional wear-and-tear.
The upgraded lamp bead maximizes brightness to 1000 lumens at the high setting. You’re free to light it up at medium, low, or strobe as well. Each mode has to be sequentially flicked on to turn off the torch which is not quite tactical. The average runtime is incredibly six hours. A green flash reminds you to recharge it punctually. And micro-USB is up to rejuvenate its 18650 battery in a snap.
Pros
- High-quality lens,
- Ease of operation,
- Grip-enhancing handle,
- Fast-charging, long-lasting battery
Cons
- Focus is non-adjustable,
- No memory
4. NITECORE MH12S Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight
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Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.17 pounds (0.08 kg) Size: 5.5 x 1 x 1 inches (14.1 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm) Batteries: 1 lithium ion battery Brightness (Lumens): 1800 Type: LED |
The NITECORE MH12S Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight is a high-performance flashlight for hunters and officers alike. Though it is a bit more expensive than other flashlights, its nearly blinding beam definitely makes up for it. It is also extremely lightweight at less than a single ounce, and is small in size compared to other security or tactical flashlights. It has a lithium ion battery that is rechargeable using the included charging port and has over 1200 hours of runtime on low power mode when fully charged. Those using this tactical flashlight don’t have to fear running out of power with this light! This bundle is also unique as it includes the flashlight, charging port, tactical holster, battery case, spare O-ring, metal clip, and a lanyard. With all of these items and how high-quality the flashlight itself is, this is a great deal for those willing to spend a few more bucks on a great flashlight.
Pros
- Incredibly bright beam of 1800 lumens designed for high performance,
- 1500 hours of runtime on low power mode,
- includes a rechargeable battery and charging port,
- includes a hard holster, pocket clip, and lanyard to carry it
Cons
- on/off button flush to surface so hard to find sometimes,
- can become hot if consistently used on highest light setting
5. CSNDICE 35W Handheld Spotlight
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Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.13 pounds (0.06 kg) Size: 7.7 x 4.1 x 4.1 inches (19.5 x 10.5 x 10.5 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Brightness (Lumens): 6000 Type: Spotlight |
The removable shoulder strap and sturdy handle are contoured to hold fast.
This lightweight flashlight has a 35-watt bulb that sweeps a 6000-lumen beam. The second mode lowers the output three times. With a whole day runtime and 800m drop-off, it can beat any rival searchlight due to its affordable price.
The long-lasting battery works as a portable power bank and gets charged with an included USB cord. It’s also impervious to 1m deep water if the battery compartment is tightly closed.
The manufacturer warns of persisting soldering issues. File for a replacement. And you’ll receive a brand new unit without return.
Pros
- Ultra-bright and dual-mode,
- 9000mAh unending battery,
- Free USB lights,
- Quick customer service
Cons
- Made of ABS plastic,
- Not a floodlight
6. ThruNite Catapult V6 Rechargeable Flashlight
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Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.04 pounds (0.47 kg) Size: 6.1 x 3.3 x 2.8 inches (15.4 x 8.4 x 7.2 cm) Batteries: Rechargeable Brightness (Lumens): 2836 Type: Spotlight |
Catapult V6 is good at throwing cool white torch as far as 692m. You can use it for emergency cases, rescue and search missions, off-grid ventures, and night security. It has special modes alongside three-staged brightness. You’ll get a turbo for over 2500 lumen output, strobe for disorienting effect, and firefly for 70-day runtime. Having a single controller for all settings reinforces one-hand operation.
In contrast to heavy-duty flashlights of this stature, it is extremely portable. Water immersion or unexpected drops of a few feet will not affect its performance.
However, heed the low battery signal. The unprotected cells have a safe limit!
Pros
- Bright portable flashlight,
- Three special modes,
- All-in-one control switch,
- Fully waterproof
Cons
- Seems costly,
- Unprotected battery
Verdict
To summarize, we have gone through dozens of thrower flashlights and decided that 6 are worth your consideration. Out of these, the absolute Best Thrower Flashlight is Anker Bolder LC40 Flashlight which we highly recommend as our overall best.
If money is not an issue, you can consider OLIGHT Marauder 2 Rechargeable Flashlight as this is our Premium Pick.
Otherwise, there’s no shame in spending prudently, MOLAER Rechargeable Magnetic Flashlight is the Budget Option.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying thrower flashlights
Lumens and Light Output
Lumen is a measure of the flashlight light output – so the ideal lumen number will depend on your situation. Usually, a flashlight with 300 to 1000 lumens is considered versatile enough for everyday use and frequent nightly tasks. But the number can go up for certain tasks that require more light output.
For reading or random everyday tasks, you will find a 300 lumens flashlight to be useful enough. For camping or similar outdoor activities like nightly walks or running, a 300 to 900-lumen flashlight will work well. If you’re hunter or military personnel, you may need to spot your prey or a threat from a considerable distance – for such situations, pick a flashlight with a light output of 1250-2500 lumens.
Flashlights with a higher light output than 2500 lumens are usually used in search and rescue operations as such operations require a much-focused illumination.
Battery Type
The best battery type for your flashlights depends entirely upon your use. Whether you want it to be rechargeable, or disposable. Do you need to use them right away or after a while? The size and the weather in which the flashlight will be used also matters. The most common rechargeable batteries are alkaline batteries. Found in AAA, AA, C, and D types, their nominal voltage is 1.5V and they have a self-discharge rate of approx. 2-3% per year, making them an excellent and easily available choice if you want a disposable battery for an emergency flashlight that is stored most of the time. If you want better performance in rechargeable batteries, go for lithium batteries. With a nominal voltage of 3V per cell and extreme weather endurance, they are perfect if you are looking for a disposable battery with a lower discharge rate than alkaline batteries. The only con is that they are more expensive than alkaline batteries.
If you want rechargeable batteries, as they are far more cost-effective in the long run, there are two options available – Lithium Ion and NiMH batteries. NiMH can be found in standard alkaline battery sizes but Li-Ion batteries come in their own standard sizes like 18650. NiMH batteries last longer than standard alkaline batteries despite having lower (1.25V) voltage owing to their lower discharge rate.
With a nominal voltage of 3.7V per cell Li-Ion batteries beat every other battery in terms of energy density, although its prices are reflective of that. Read the instruction manual of your flashlight to pick the best battery option for yourself. Also, consider your requirements and the use of your flashlight (emergency use, everyday use, etc.).
Beam Intensity
Many people confuse lumens for the measure of flashlight brightness or beam intensity. Lumens are merely the measure of total light output generated by a flashlight. The beam intensity depends mainly upon candelas. Different candela settings provide different beam intensities – from highly focused to wide and dispersed. Purchase a flashlight with a higher candela rating if you want a long-distance or more focused beam. Alternatively, get a flashlight with a low candela rating for more uniform illumination. Other factors that affect beam intensity are the size and shape of the lens or reflector.
Run Time
The run time of a flashlight primarily depends upon its batteries. Li-Ion batteries have the highest energy capacity and they are also rechargeable. While alkaline and lithium are long-lasting disposable batteries. Other factors that affect the run time of a flashlight are its power draw i.e., its brightness setting, light output, and the number of batteries. A flashlight will last longer on a lower brightness setting than on a higher one. Flashlights with the lowest lumens will last the longest. Also, the higher the number of batteries the longer the run time of a flashlight. Choose the variables that best suit your situation.
Built Quality
The quality of a flashlight depends upon several factors like impact resistance, water resistance, and brightness. The impact resistance of a flashlight is measured in meters and tested by dropping the flashlight up to a certain depth. Water resistance of a flashlight is measured by IP ratings – the higher the rating, the more water-resistant the flashlight is. The brightness and the total output light of a flashlight can be measured through its candela rating and lumens. You will find all this information either written on the flashlight itself or its manual.
Questions and Answers About thrower flashlights
What is a thrower flashlight?
A thrower is flashlight lingo for flashlights that are optimized to get the longest throw distance or the longest distance that a single, focused beam can hit. Factors such as reflector design, LED type, and lens optics affect throw distance. Without going into specifics, you’ll want to look for an elongated, smooth, parabola-shaped reflector. The lens must be smooth and the LED rating must be of higher lumens rating.
How many lumens is a good flashlight?
This depends on what function you want the flashlight to fulfill. An EDC (everyday carry) used to illuminate the indoors and maybe even outdoor camping activity only requires 20-150 lumens. If you require a longer throw and better light, such as required in a search-and-rescue, it can go up above 1000 lumens.
How do you signal SOS with a flashlight?
The way to signal SOS with a flashlight is to use morse code. Three short and rapid 1-second flashes followed by three longer 2-second flashes and finished with three rapid 1-second flashes again. This spells out S-O-S in morse code and is universally recognized to be a distress signal.
What is the strobe function on a flashlight for?
Bright, flashing lights are disorienting and can be used as a self-defense measure. Flicker vertigo or Bucha effect is a result of flashing pulses of relatively bright light which can induce disorientation/vertigo/nausea. The strobe function can also act as a distress signal as a secondary function.
Can LED flashlight bulbs be replaced?
Yes, LED flashlight bulbs can be replaced as long as you manage to find a brand/model that you can replace with the one you have. It needs to fit within the receptor and have the proper voltage capacity to work with the batteries within your flashlight.