You use a flashlight every day, even if you do not think about it: the dark parking lot, the dropped keys under the truck seat, the walk into the duck blind at 4:30 a.m. A good EDC flashlight is small enough to carry always and bright enough to matter when you need it.
Lumens vs. candela
Lumens measure total light output. More lumens means more light overall.
Candela measures intensity in the brightest part of the beam. More candela means a tighter, farther-reaching beam, which is often called throw.
A 1,200 lumen light with a tight beam can reach farther than a 2,500 lumen light with a wide flood. Decide what you need: lighting up a room or reaching across a field.
Throw distance
Throw is how far the beam is useful, usually listed in meters. For EDC, 150 to 250 meters is plenty. For searching a tree line or a riverbank, more helps.
Batteries
- 14500: AA-size lithium rechargeable. Very compact lights.
- 18650: the standard for full-size EDC and tactical lights. Much more capacity for longer runtimes.
- 21700: bigger still, for high-output lights.
Rechargeable lithium cells save money and outperform disposables in cold weather. More on that in our upcoming 18650 battery guide.
Features that matter
- Instant strobe: a disorienting defensive mode you can reach without cycling through modes.
- Tail switch: fast, intuitive activation, especially under stress.
- Crenellated or scalloped bezel: a textured front ring for self-defense and to show when the light is on if set face-down.
- Pocket clip: it only helps if you carry it.
- Water resistance: rain and dunks happen.
Size vs. output
The best light is the one you carry. A sub-5 inch light disappears in a pocket. A full-size light is better for a vehicle, a boat or a pack.
Our lineup
Powertac WOFT: 1,200 lumens
The WOFT is a 4 3/8 inch subcompact self-defense light built with the WOFT personal safety training facility. It puts out 1,200 lumens and 14,400 candela with a 240 meter throw on a single 14500 battery, with a quick-access strobe and interchangeable bezels.
Powertac E9R GEN4: 2,550 lumens
The E9R GEN4 balances EDC size with tactical output: 2,550 lumens, instant strobe and a crenellated bezel, powered by an included 18650 battery.
Spare cells: 3200mAh 18650 and 2600mAh 18650. Keep spares in a sealed waterproof admin pouch.
FAQ
How many lumens do I need for EDC?
For most people, 500 to 1,500 lumens covers everything. More is useful for searching outdoors or for defensive use.
Is a tactical flashlight different from an EDC flashlight?
Tactical lights add features like instant strobe, tail switches and defensive bezels. Many modern EDC lights, like the WOFT and E9R, are both.
