What you need in a tactical flashlight in order of importance 1) Replaceable battery. You need to be able to swap power source instantly in event of battery damage/drain 2) Durable 3) Not too heavy 4) Lumen output
sorry I forgot to translate. Hello Sir, I have the P23i and the SRT7i and I love it. The P23i as an EDC and the SRT7i when I'm out for longer. I find both to be brilliant to use. I would also like to have the selector ring of the SRT7I on the P23i. I use the remote switch RSW2i WL when I ride my bike, and the P23i is then mounted on my helmet. Make the suggestion to your colleagues. Greetings Wolli
Hallo Sir, ich habe die P23i und die SRT7i und bin begeistert. Die P23i als EDC und die SRT7i wenn ich länger unterwegs bin. Beide finde ich genial zu bedienen. Den Wählring der SRT7I hätte ich auch gerne auf der P23i. Den Fernschalter RSW2i WL benutze ich beim Fahrradfahren, die P23i ist dann auf meinem Helm montiert. Machen Sie den Vorschlag einmal bei ihren Kollegen Grüße Wolli
I have to challenge your definition of "Tactical". Here's a better one. 1) Long lasting on a single charge - "missions" of 1st responders and military need to rely on a light that can live from soup to nuts in the duration of most missions 2) replaceable battery - in the event that criterion 1 is impossible, the battery must be easily swapped when the situation allows. 3) one-handed operation - a tactical light and all of it's features MUST be fully controllable using a single hand without needing to switch grip or create a break in use. 4) silent signaling - a tactical flashlight must have the ability to transmit Morse code and accomplish other tasks that require a momentary switch, which must also be silent. 5) NO memory mode option - high tempo situations in the field cannot afford for a light to come on by accident in a high or alternative mode inadvertently due to having a saved memory mode. they must either; come on in the highest possible setting OR the lowest possible setting upon activation to ensure familiarity and predictability - while not potentially compromising the individual by either being ineffectively dim or giving away a vital position, depending on the scenario for that particular purpose. 6) one step strobe mode - If the light cannot engage a strobe without a single press, it is not tactical. This is because when a strobe would (rarely) ever be needed, it is important that the user be able to enter it instantly, and not have to fumble with the light or cycle through any other modes to que or bide time for the target to respond. 7) IPX8 water resistant at minimum. 8) Minimal battery indication mechanism (but not absent). The light must not have any bright or extensive means of indicating the state of charge. However, it must not be absent completely. Therefore it must be minimal and intuitive.
So, in my experience, a 'tactical' flashlight has a decent amount of spill without being overbearing, and TONS of throw. Decent runtime is an added bonus, as is a strobe mode. Part of the big issue I see with most modern flashlights is that the lumen rating is WAY too high for the level of throw it has. Bounceback (or flashback) is a substantial problem, and the brighter the flashlight, the more bounceback/flashback there is, which in turn reduces your night-adapted vision. A strobe is useful, but it doesn't have to be 4000lumen to be effective. I have an older CR6 that tops out at 440max lumen, and its been PLENTY. I usually keep it on medium mode, which is like 150-ish lumen, because anything more and the bounceback becomes problematic. Now, if you have a light that throws over three quarters of a kilometer, sure, you can go brighter, but even then, an LEP flashlight is going to be a better idea anyways.
Nice review, very informative. However, all the flashlights mentioned are too expensive for me. May I suggest you do a video reviewing "budget" tactical flashlights? Thanks! ☺
I am a die hard Nitecore fan, I couldn’t wait for this flashlight to come out with the new awesome features, but unfortunately with the battery being a built in non replaceable battery it is a deal breaker for me, I’m really disappointed because this flashlight has so much to offer. Hopefully Nitecore will come out with a version that has replaceable battery. I’m so disappointed.
What are the main reasons why the p23i is more suitable for law enforcement while the srt7i is more suitable for hunting? and Which one is more suitable for self-defense?
Both are going to be pretty good for self-defense and law enforcement like pretty much all tactical lights. I chose to highlight the P23i as more law enforcement viable as it has a bit of a wider FOV close-up and is a good middle ground for everything while being affordable for departments. The SRT7i is also good for law enforcement but is a tad bit more niche as most officers I believe deal with traffic stops, wellness checks, and emergency calls, Most of these do not need as focused as a beam shape from my impression, but I am not a cop, so use your best judgment for your needs!
