There are a lot of flashlights on the market today and shopping for one can be confusing. Some people think that for as long as the flashlight emits light, then that should already be okay. But the truth is, there are some things that you need to consider, including the brand. Cree flashlights are becoming popular because of how reliable their flashlights are. But what are the top 10 best Cree flashlights? Well, we’re going to find out below.
What Is Cree?
Cree was established at North Carolina State University in the year 1987. Their primary goals were to provide efficient and cheaper ways to produce light. Cree specializes in handheld flashlights, wherein they have become a word in every household today. They are the leader in bringing the best flashlight devices in today’s century.
As you all know, our world is saturated with nothing but Chinese knock-offs and other products aftermarket. So it is always best to invest in products that are made out of high-quality materials, just like the Cree flashlights.
So Why Choose Cree LED?
A lot of people are choosing Cree LED because of the high performance that it has at a very affordable price. They are also known for their XLamp series which are all cost-effective, mainly when used in consumer flashlights. The reason behind this is because of the consistency that it has. The variety of colors and applications, and as well as the long lifetime are the reasons why Cree LEDs became the leading in the industry.
As you all know, the bulb’s lifetime is one of the most crucial parts when it comes to purchasing the latest flashlight. Majority of the offering of Cree LED are all rated 100,000 hours or even more. This means that you can surely be able to enjoy tons of cycles for a small amount of money.
Comparing Cree LED to Others
Factories in China produces different flashlight brands without any consistency when it comes to quality compared to Cree. In fact, the market is popular with its designs that are a knock-off, wherein the genuine ones are becoming indistinguishable already. Maybe some of the components are found in these knockoffs, but you’re never going to be sure about the bulb.
Quick Tip Before Purchasing
If you are planning to buy online, always remember that if it reads too good to be true, then most probably, it’s not worth your money. It is still better to stick with the best brands today with reviews that are made by the best critics. So without further ado, let’s start talking about the top 10 best Cree flashlights.
So now that you’re all ready to purchase your first Cree flashlight, it would be best to know which ones are the best in the market today.
Best Cree Flashlights
Now we know a little more about choosing Cree flashlights, let’s take a look at some of the best picks out there.
1. 1TAC TC1200 Pro
Lumens: 1200
This small yet powerful bright flashlight is very tough and very compact. It is used by the US Military, Police & First Responders for a very good reason. It is made from aircraft grade aluminium making it extra strong… heck its even been to space and back in testing with no issues at all.
It has a magnetic base so it can be used hands-free and has a built-in clip for attaching to trousers while on the move.
This flashlight comes with high, low and intelligent strobe modes. The TC12000 has a rechargeable battery but can also be used with normal AA-batteries. I would suggest stocking up on non-rechargeable batteries because if the power grid goes out you won’t have much luck charging them.
The incredible brightness gives an intense 1200 lumen beam that can reach up to 2 miles in distance.
This TC1200 Pro is now available to the public for the first time which is amazing news for outdoorists like me.
This flashlight truly is the best flashlight available. I have tested hundreds of flashlights and none others come close.
Here are some key factors why it is my highest rated survival flashlight:
- Lighting – Brightest and Highest Visibility – 1200 lumens and 2 miles in distance.
- Durable – Made From Aircraft Aluminium – Light and Durable
- Waterproof – Fully Waterproof sealed casing of the lamp and power box.
- Fireproof – Yes it is fire proof for up to 5 minutes
- Real Life Uses – This flashlight is used by the country’s emergency teams and military.
2. Fenix PD35 TAC Edition 1000 Lumen Cree XP-P LED Tactical Flashlight
Lumens: 1000
The Fenix PD35 TAC Edition flashlight is the newest edition of the Cree LED with a total lifespan of 50,000 hours. A lot of users love how bright this flashlight with its 1000 lumen. It is comfortable to use, lightweight, and compact, which means that you can bring this everywhere with you.
This flashlight is known as IPX-8 waterproof, wherein it can be submerged for 30 minutes in up to 6 and a half of water. So even if it rains, you don’t have to worry about anything at all. It has an indicator which will let you know when it’s already time for it to be re-charged. When it comes to its battery life, it can last for an hour when using the highest setting. But it can also last for 140 hours when using the eco setting. It is priced under $90, which is pretty reasonable considering that it comes with two CR123A EdisonBright lithium batteries.
3. Streamlight 88060 Flashlight
Lumens: 2200
The Streamlight 88060 is a compact flashlight, which is the best one a security guard can have. Of course, it is also ideal as a hiking and a handy camping flashlight. The reason behind this is because it is made out of a sealed and aluminum case construction, which makes it fully resistant to dust and water damage. This also means that this flashlight can surely take a beating in your hiking and backpack equipment.
This flashlight’s ambidextrous switch is what people love about it. It also has a LED bulb, which can produce an extremely bright light. You can use rechargeable batteries, which means that you can save on purchasing disposable batteries now and then.
When it comes to performance, the Streamlight 88060 is 8 and a half inches in length and has a barrel measurement of one and one-fourth inch. It runs on 18650 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries or CR123A batteries. This flashlight can produce 2,200 lumens while the beam can reach 346 meters. If you are going to use the flashlight at its highest setting, it can last for 1.75 hours and a maximum of 43 hours when used on its lowest setting. At $100 it will surely be worth it with its reliability and brightness.
4. ThruNite TN36 Flashlight
Lumens: 7300
If you are looking for a flashlight that can be used in a big space that is enclosed, then ThruNite TN36 flashlight is the one for you. It has 7300 lumens and can reach 300 meters in length. This means that checking big spaces will be easy because of the light that it illuminates. The flashlight is also impact resistant and waterproof for up to 1.5 meters. It is also considered as one of the most durable ones because it is made out of aircraft grade aluminum.
When it comes to performance, we definitely can’t deny the fact that it is considered as the brightest today. It is consists of six modes, which will give you different lighting options. All of the modes are user-friendly and can help conserve the life of your battery. Another good thing about this flashlight is that there is a memory mode, wherein the device can remember the last setting that you used before turning it off. There is also an indicator, so you will know if you need to recharge your batteries.
This flashlight is known to be 96.5% energy efficient, which means that it is protected against overheating. It also has a LED bulb that is durable and a battery lifespan that is exceptionally long., What’s good about this flashlight is that it also comes with an O-ring and a holster so that you can carry it around with you. With its $300, you will surely be able to illuminate a wide area since this is a device that can produce a lot of light.
5. SureFire P3X Fury Tactical Single-Output LED Flashlight
Lumens: 1000
The SureFire P3X Fury is compact wherein you can easily carry it on your belt or as a pistol. It measures 10 inches in length and only weighs 10 ounces. It has a knurled design, which means that you can easily grip it during cold climates and even if it’s wet. The switch is located at the tailcap, which will make turn the light on and off easier. But don’t worry because it will help prevent the flashlight from being activated when it is on your belt. Typically, a police officer or a security guard has this.
When it comes to performance, it can generate 1,000 lumens and the flashlight’s Intellibeam Technology will help adjust the output of the light according to your current environment. The lights LED bulb is indestructible, and so is the glass that is covering the bulb. Lastly, the SureFire P3X Fury has a textured reflector which will help enhance the output and give a consistent and smooth beam. Its durability and compactness are indeed worth $200.
6. J5 Tactical V1-PRO 300 Lumen Ultra Bright Flashlight
Lumens: 300
The J5 Tactical V1-PRO is perfect for police, security, and military use. But don’t get me wrong, because this flashlight is perfect for almost everyone. If you want a flashlight that you can carry around anywhere and something that has a strong beam, then this is for you. It has a design that is heavy-duty, which makes it impact, dust, water, and damage resistant.
When it comes to performance, it features strobes, low, and high. It also has a strong light beam, as mentioned above. This flashlight is compact and lightweight, but has a powerful 300 lumens, wherein it can produce beam of up to 600 feet long. At $11, you will surely get a high impact and reliable flashlight.
7. Streamlight 75458 Stinger DS LED High Lumen Rechargeable Flashlight
Lumens: 800
The Streamlight 75458 Stinger is your best friend when it comes to tactical purposes, but of course, it is also great for your everyday use. You can easily tuck in under your arm or carry it around with you. This flashlight is designed to last for an extended period and is known to be the most powerful flashlight to date. In fact, it is considered the best police flashlight of police officers today.
When it comes to performance, the Streamlight 75458 Stinger has a bright LED light, rechargeable, portable, and definitely, very dependable. You can quickly cycle through its different settings, which makes this flashlight user-friendly. This flashlight’s C4 LED can last for up to 50,000 hours before you need to change it. If you are using the torch at its lowest setting, then the battery can last for 5 hours and 90 minutes on the highest setting. At its price of $146, it can be worth an investment.
8. Eagletac GX30L2-DR Flashlight
Lumens: 1700
The Eagletac GX30L2-DR is another bright flashlight that is useful for first responders who are arriving at the scene of injury or accident. This flashlight will provide you the light that you need to illuminate even the darkest place. It also has a built diffuser beams, which can also double as a traffic illuminated wand. It will not only give you the light that you need but as well as a reliable flashlight.
When it comes to performance, the Eagletac GX30L2-DR can generate 1700 lumens because of the Cree LED bulb that it has. It also comes with five levels of brightness, which you can easily access when needed. The light has a button, where you can pre-set the output of view once you switch the flashlight on. When it comes to the runtime, you can have 200 hours runtime when using the torch at its lowest setting, and a maximum of 2 hours for the maximum setting. At the price of $145, you will get a flashlight that’s versatile which you can use during emergencies.
9. ThruNite Archer V3 Flashlight
Lumens: 500
If you are looking for an affordable flashlight, then ThruNite Archer V3 is the one that you are looking for. You can easily carry this flashlight in your briefcase, backpack, and even in your purse. If you have a belt, then you can quickly secure it using the clip that comes with it. This flashlight has a high light output, an excellent battery life, and different settings for your needs.
When it comes to performance, the ThruNite Archer V3 has an output of up to 500 lumens and 118 meters of beam distance. This flashlight runs a double A battery and will give you a run time of a total of 17 hours when running through the highest setting and 100 hours when running on the lowest setting. At the price of $30, you will surely see how it operates the same as the higher priced ones in the market today.
10. ETpower 1800 LM XM-L T6 LED Zommable Flashlight Bundle
Lumens: 1800
The ETpower 1800 LM XM-L T6 LED is perfect for people who need to have a reliable flashlight in their toolboxes. It features a Cree XM-L T6 LED, which offers a fantastic balance of battery life and performance. It is made out of 6061T high-quality aluminum alloy, which makes this flashlight durable and sturdy. This flashlight is also waterproof, which means that this is suitable for the outdoors and as well as weather conditions that are adverse. The adjustable focus that it has will help you under different circumstances. Of course, the internal wiring that it has applies the booster circuit which is highly efficient. Another good thing about the ETpower 1800 LM XM-L T6 LED is that it has a zoom out and zoom in functions, and you can easily access this by pushing the head. For you to easily carry it, a lanyard is included.
Verdict
These are the top 10 best Cree flashlights that you can find in the market today. But of course, in every review, there will always one that will stand out. For this review, one that stood out is the TC1200 Pro LED flashlight. The reason behind this is because the Cree LED that produces an extremely bright light. It is also built to last, so you no longer have to purchase another flashlight again. And of course, the zoom feature and the different settings are a great catch at $49.
So with this list of the top 10 best Cree flashlights, you no longer have to think too deeply on which ones to get. You can get all the features that you need from the Cree flashlights mentioned above. All you have to do is to choose one that will provide you with nothing but the best feature that you can get to use.
