6 Tactical Flashlight Self-Defense Techniques
If you saw our previous article on What is a Tactical Flashlight, you know all about how critical a flashlight is for survival. If not, go ahead and check it out now. There are so many uses for well-made tactical flashlights, but you may not know the self-defense techniques you can use them for.
Which Tactical Flashlight is the Most Useful in Self-Defense Scenarios?
There may be no single best tactical flashlight to buy for self-defense, and really people should have more than just one anyway. Here are some features to look for:
- Get more than one tactical flashlight- If you can, get at least two flashlights. Really you can never have too many lights.
- Find a large, heavy and robust flashlight- It’s smart to have a large flashlight as well as a small one you can carry in your pocket.
- Lumens-Choose one that’s bright, at least 120 lumens. It needs to be bright to disorient someone.
- Waterproof- A good tactical flashlight works in all conditions, especially the rain and snow
- Durable construction- You don’t want a flashlight that’s too flimsy and can’t take a beating. Hard anodized aluminum is an excellent material for the toughest, lightweight tactical flashlight. A machined light is the best because of the sturdy grip.
- Incandescent vs LED- Incandescent bulbs tend to break when dropped, and there’s nothing worse than a broken bulb when you need your flashlight the most. Incandescent bulbs aren’t as energy efficient as LEDs either. You’ll burn through batteries and lightbulbs quicker than LED lights.
Most people don’t carry large flashlights with them when they jog or leave the house, so keep that in mind as well. Many of the tactics we’re discussing can all be done with a small flashlight.
1. Identify Threats
Identifying threats is one of the primary purposes of light. Those threats may be human or animal. If you need to check on farm animals in a remote area, you definitely want a flashlight with you to identify possible predators. If you’re walking through a dark parking lot to your car, a flashlight can find the suspicious person lurking in the dark.
Pro Tip: If you’re maneuvering in a low or no-light environment and you’re pretty sure somebody’s lurking in the dark, don’t leave your flashlight on the entire time. You’ll give your position away. Turn your light on and scan for threats and then turn it off. Move and repeat the same light on, scan, and light off sequence.
2. Use a Tactical Flashlight to Blind Your Attacker
The next easiest way to use your flashlight for self-defense is blinding your attacker with the light or strobe. Some tactical flashlights have different modes so you can increase the power of the light or use a strobe or other distracting light to temporarily blind your attacker. It should be enough for you to run to safety, whether that’s your car or a nearby open business.
3. Punch an Assailant with Your Flashlight
Even small flashlights can be used to punch an attacker. Especially, a small one that fits in the palm of your hand. Close your fingers around the flashlight like you’re making a fist and leave it sticking a little bit out between two of your fingers. This punch is much more effective, and anyone attacking you will definitely feel it.
4. Use the Exposed Bulb Area to Jab Your Attacker
Another self-defense trick is to unscrew the lens of the flashlight to expose its bulb. You can then use this end to poke or jab your assailant. The bulb’s heat and possible raggedness, if it shatters, can do some damage to any attacker.
5. Use it as an Impact Weapon
If you’re carrying a larger flashlight, it can make an excellent impact weapon that can really do some damage if it’s heavy enough. While holding the flashlight in your dominant hand, raise it up high and bring it down on them. Try to strike sensitive areas such as the head. You can even use it to jab an assailant in the genitals.
6. Create a Jagger or Knife-Like Weapon from the Flashlight
Depending on the thickness of the light and the material it’s made from, you can make a jagged tool to slice or stab an attacker. When you’re in a life or death situation, you improvise with what you have.
A tactical flashlight is a must-have tool for survival and self-defense. There are many ways you can use it to defend yourself, whether that’s an impact weapon or slashing and cutting an assailant. Keep these tips in mind, practice good self-defense tactics, and always remain vigilant. Always carry some type of tactical flashlight with you.
