Last Updated on November, 2024
Wouldn’t it be great if the light beam reached just a bit far instead of you having to walk there?
I know all of us are the same page on this one; that’s why long-throw flashlights exist.
However, you need to be careful as these are a bit more expensive than EDC lights, thanks to their capacity. You don’t want to spend on the wrong product.
You’re in the right place if you’re looking for the best long-throw flashlight; I have featured seven of the best.
Read through and pick what you love the most.
But why trust me?
Table of Contents
Why Trust Me?
I bought over fifteen long-throw flashlights just for this purpose and tested one by one day.
So, what I mention here comes from real experiences.
I also properly browsed product details and several social media threads on Reddit, Quora, and even YouTube comments to ensure there was no room for error.
That’s why you’re in the right place. Without further ado, let’s start with the best: the Speras M4.
7 Best Long Throw Flashlights
1. SPERAS M4 (Editor’s Choice)
All top-performing flashlight brands are China-born, so are SPERAS’s flashlights.
Their M4 offers compelling features that competitors struggle to match — let’s see what makes it the #1.
This long-throw flashlight works with one innovative S50 LED. It emits a peak lumen output of 1320 lumens, even though not the brightest enables an impressive beam distance of 652m.
This 650+m beam distance is achieved by a TIR lens, which enables an optimal light beam. This long throw is also complimented by high-transmittance PMMA materials.
In the lowest Eco mode, SPERAS M4 has a peak runtime of 220 hours; that’s more than 9 days if you keep the light turned on the whole time.
So, practically speaking, the peak runtime is even longer than 9 days. M4 is a multi-work flashlight that works in seven impressive modes.
Here’s how they work:
Turbo
- Output: 1320 lumens (and 1111 lumens after 30 seconds)
- Runtime: 1h 10mins
- Beam intensity: 106,400cd
- Beam distance: 652m
High
- Output: 450 lumens
- Runtime: 1h 15mins
- Beam intensity: 37,500cd
- Beam distance: 387m
Medium
- Output: 220 lumens
- Runtime: 2h
- Beam intensity: 17,000cd
- Beam distance: 261m
Low
- Output: 60 lumen
- Runtime: 7h 45min
- Beam intensity: 4250cd
- Beam distance: 130m
Eco
- Output: 0.5 lumens
- Runtime: 220h
- Beam intensity: 75cd
- Beam distance: 17m
Apart from these five main modes, there are three special modes: Eco, Strobe, and SOS.
Strobe
- Output: 1320 lumens
- Runtime: –
- Beam intensity: 106,400cd
- Beam distance: 652m
SOS
- Output: 220 lumens
- Runtime: –
- Beam intensity: 17,000cd
- Beam distance: 261m
I want to emphasize the brightness distribution of these modes. For instance, the lumen drop from turbo to high is over 50%. It’s the same with medium to low and much more from low to Eco.
Why is it significant? It makes the M4 an all-in-one long-throw flashlight.
While most long-throw and everyday carry flashlights have only one special mode, the M4 has two for two specific needs.
SOS mode comes in handy when you want to send out quick distress signals. Conversely, the strobe mode is amazing for close-quarters disorientation, making it a great defense tool.
Holding this light is pretty easy thanks to its palm-friendly dimensions: 3.07’’ x 1.59’’ x 1.02’’ with a net weight of only 3.07oz. These numbers are great, as most long-throw flashlights tend to be quite huge.
Speras has prioritized overall safety and protection while handling their M4 in multiple ways. There’s a lock function that avoids false triggers that would overheat the flashlight if otherwise.
You can count on M4’s resilience; its built material is aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. The icing on the cake is the type III hard-anodized body, which makes the M4 suitable for several environments.
The flashlight also has a 1.5m drop resistance with an IP68 rating to complement that. The IP68 rating makes this long-throw flashlight not only waterproof but also dustproof.
You can fully charge your new Speras M4 with a USB-C charging method in just 2 hours. An LED charging and battery indicator ensure you always know the present battery status clearly.
Speras M4 typically comes in black and sand (brown), and I love how it looks. It looks even better when you realize you get free shipping. The cherry on top is the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty — what more can you ask for?
Pros
Cons
2. Sofirn IF22A (#2nd Best Choice)
If not for the Convoy L8, I’m sure you’ll like the Sofirn IF22A. Let’s see what makes it special.
The IF22A is an extremely bright flashlight whose brightness changes across five lighting levels: moonlight, low, med, high, and turbo.
At the highest ‘turbo’ level, the beam throw is close to 700m (697m to be precise), with an impressive output of 2100 lumens for 1.9 hours.
After that, here’s how the performance varies,
- High mode: 1000 lumens at 482m for 2.3 hours
- Med mode: 320 lumens at 257m for 5.5 hours
- Low mode: 30 lumens at 91m for 41.5 hours
- Moonlight mode: 1 lumen over 400 hours
That’s a peak runtime of over 16 days; that’s why Sofirn is flexing its brand strength with the IF22A. Remember that you get two light groups, including ramping and a strobe mode.
This makes the IF22A an all-rounder portable lighthouse.
This powerful flashlight uses an SFT40 6000-6500K LED bulb and a TIR lens. When combined, that makes the light beam comfortable for your eyes, too.
It’s convenient that the IF22A is USB-C rechargeable and fully charged in under 2.5 hours. Not only that, you can also charge devices from your flashlights.
No more 1% battery panicking!
The UI is simple with one button — from OFF, double click for turbo, triple for strobe, 4x clicks for lockout, and single click for last used mode. Press and hold for the moonlight mode.
With all these performance stats, the Sofirn IF22A is built with Aerospace grade Aluminum with a type III hard anodized finish with an anti-abrasive body. If you don’t speak the flashlight language, that’s as great as it gets.
That’s not all; this flashlight is fully waterproof with an IPX8 waterproof rating AND 1m impact resistance.
All things considered, if not for the Convoy L8, this would be the best long-throw flashlight.
Key features of the Sofirn IF22A
- 2100lm maximum output
- Has five lighting modes with two main operational modes
- Has 1lm moonlight mode
- 16 days of peak runtime
- Light source is a 6000-6500K LED bulb
- TIR lens
- USB-C rechargeable
- Single button operation
- Made from aerospace-grade aluminum
- IPX8 waterproof rating
- 1m impact resistance
- Hard anodized surface
Pros
Cons
3. Acebeam K30-GT (#3rd Best Choice)
Acebeam has always been a dependable flashlight brand, and their K30-GT is a little beast.
The flashlight boasts a peak beam distance of 1024m at the highest ‘Turbo’ mode, with 5500 lumens, which runs for (impressive) 1h 15 mins.
The secret to this performance is its Luminus SBT-90 GEN2 LED, backed with an anti-reflective coating on its ultra-clear mineral glass lens.
But how does it operate as the output drops? It has two main modes: POWER mode and ECO mode.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the power mode,
- High mode: 624m with 2000 lumens and 1h 30 mins runtime
- Mid 2: 435m with 1000 lumens and 5h runtime
- Mid 1: 288m with 400 lumens and 11h 45m runtime
- Low: 192m with 150 lumens and 24h 45m runtime
- Ultra-low: 134m with 50 lumens and 42 hours runtime
The only difference between the power and eco modes is that the eco turbo mode emits only 3700 lumens for 863m of beam throw.
You can double-click the simple single button for turbo, triple-click for strobe, and long press for mode selection.
The strobe mode emits 3700 lumen that runs for 2h 15 mins.
This versatility is backed by the K30-GT’s aerospace-grade build with 1m impact resistance and IP68 waterproof resistance. In other words, the flashlight is built to last in tough environments.
You can easily handle this flashlight with a 16.9oz weight and dimensions of 155.5mm Length x 44.5mm Tube Diameter x 57mm Head Diameter. That convenience further increases with the detachable carrying handle, too.
The icing on the cake is the lockout mode that prevents accidental activation. When turned on, there’s a green/red light power indicator too.
It’s also convenient that the flashlight works with rechargeable Li-ion batteries. You can use the K30-GT with rechargeable batteries and always be informed
In conclusion, it’s a dependable long-throw flashlight second only to the Sofirn IF22A.
Key features of the Acebeam K30-GT
- 5500 lumens max output
- Max runtime of 42 hours
- Luminus SBT-90 GEN2 LED light source
- Five lighting levels with two main operational modes
- Single switch operation
- Has a strobe mode
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 1m impact resistance
- Aerospace-grade aluminum body
- Has a lockout mode
- Has a power indicator
- Works with rechargeable batteries
Pros
Cons
4. Thrunite TN42 V2
The thrunite TN42 V2 is made of AL T6061-T6 aluminum with a premium type III hard anodized surface finish. The lens is made of anti-reflective coated ultra-clear toughened glass.
This build quality gives the flashlight an IPX8 waterproof rating and an impact resistance of 1.5 meters.
This flashlight uses the powerful throw SBT 90.2 LED as the source of light. This LED gives an extreme combo of thrower light and flood light.
On the highest brightness setting, it gives you a monster performance.
A Maximum light output of 4848 lumens with a beam intensity of 864000 cd over a maximum beam distance of 1860 meters is delivered.
This LED flashlight is powered using four thrunite 4000mAh IMR 21700 rechargeable batteries. It is rechargeable using the USB-C charging port and can last up to 180 days in the lowest lighting mode.
This rechargeable flashlight features five lighting levels in the general mode and a strobe option. The capacity of the flashlight on each brightness setting is as follows;
- Turbo setting- 4848 lumens lasting 125 seconds, then downshifts to 1737 lumens and lasts 160 minutes
- High setting- 1863 lumens for 3 hours
- Medium setting- 425 lumens for 15 hours
- Low setting- 80 lumens for 82 hours
- Firefly setting- 1 lumen for 180 days
It has a length of 7.5″, a head diameter of 4.1″, and weighs 648g without batteries. So it is a bit larger and heavier on the scale, unlike a regular EDC flashlight.
It is equipped with ITC technology, where the light automatically lowers the current when the temperature in the LED or driver rises to 80 degrees centigrade. This protects the flashlight from overheating, thereby extending the battery life span.
It also has the memory function to recall the last accessed mode.
Key features of the Thrunite TN42 V2
- Five lighting modes + strobe mode
- Max output on the highest mode- 4848 lumens
- Beam distance on the highest mode- 1860 meters
- ITC technology
- Memory function
- Mighty powerful LED source
- Impact resistance- 1.5 meters
- Water resistance- IPX8
Pros
Cons
5. Nitecore TM39 5200 Lumen Long Throw Rechargeable Flashlight
The Nitecore TM39 flashlights employ the state-of-the-art SBT-90 GEN 2 LED to deliver a throw reaching almost a mile.
The throw it gives makes it ideal for hunting, exploration, search, and rescue.
The TM39 is considered to be a part of the tiny monster series of the Nitecore. And is one of the most powerful long-distance flashlights available.
It gives out a monstrous power of 5200 lumens that stretches over a beam distance of 1640 yards with a peak beam intensity of 562500 cd at the highest setting.
It has four brightness levels along with strobe, SOS, and beacon mode options. The run times and max lumen output on each mode are as follows;
- Turbo brightness- 5200 lumen light lasting 1 hour 30 minutes
- High brightness- 2000 lumen light lasting 4 hours
- Mid brightness- 800 lumen light lasting 10 hours
- Low brightness- 200 lumen light lasting 36 hours
The TM39 runs on a rechargeable mega battery management system, NBP68 HD battery, with an ultra-high capacity 98Wh of power. You can either directly charge the battery pack or the TM39 LED flashlights via the AC adapter. You can also use a power bank for recharging.
It weighs 48.01oz and has a length of 10.87″ with a head diameter of 3.54″. It is heavier and larger than a standard EDC flashlight.
It is built using aluminum alloy with a type III hard anodized finish giving it an impact resistance of 1 meter and a waterproof rating of IP68. The optical system is combined with crystal coating and PDOT to reach high-intensity peaks.
It has a dual button simple user interface where the power button is used to ON/OFF the flashlight, and the mode button allows you to cycle between brightness settings.
It features a multi-function OLED display that gives real-time information on output, battery status, estimated runtime, and operating temperature.
It has the memory function to recall the previously used brightness level (turbo and special modes not included). And the lockout mode prevents any accidental activation, thereby making it easier to store or transport it.
Key features of the Nitecore TM39 Long throw Rechargeable flashlight
- Four brightness levels + three special modes
- Max lumen output on highest brightness- 5200 lumens
- Max beam intensity on highest brightness- 1640 yards
- LED source- SBT-90 GEN 2
- Ultra-high power 98Wh battery pack
- OLED display
- Memory function
- Optical system with crystal coating and PDOT
- Impact resistance- 1 meter
- Water resistance- IP68
Pros
Cons
6. Fenix HT30R White Laser Flashlight
The Fenix HT30R long-distance flashlight employs a 10W high-performance white class-1 laser module to produce a high-intensity beam of 600000 cd.
The class-1 laser emits a broad spectrum white light, similar to the LED spectrum.
But it eliminates the harmful beam a monochromatic light produces. This laser produces a highly focused spotlight beam with little spillover light.
This helps in precise positioning, signaling, and target acquisition.
It offers two brightness levels and a strobe mode. The brightest mode can give out a 500-lumen output for a beam distance of 1500 meters.
The run times and maximum output on each brightness setting are as follows;
- High mode- 500-lumen output for 2 hours 20 minutes
- Low mode- 100-lumen output for 7 hours 15 minutes
The HT30R flashlight is built using high-strength A6061-T6 aluminum with a premium type HA III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
The sturdy finish gives it a waterproof rating of IP68 and an impact resistance of 1 meter. The build quality of this laser flashlight makes it withstand bitter colds and extreme heat from -35℃- 45℃.
This long-distance flashlight measures 7.05″ in length, 1.57″ in head diameter, and weighs 264g, including the battery. So it is smaller, lightweight, and carry-friendly.
It is powered using a single 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable Li-on battery that can give a maximum run time of 7 hours and 15 minutes on the lowest brightness setting. The battery level indicator shows the remaining battery percentage.
The USB-C type charging port of the flashlight is hidden in the head as a dustproof and waterproof seal. You can twist the head to reveal the port to recharge.
The battery compartment of the flashlight has a double spring structure to keep the battery in place. This effectively negates any external impact that may lead to momentary power failures or unit damages.
It is equipped with an intuitive dual rear switch for smooth and effortless operation: a tactical tail switch to switch it ON and a functional switch to cycle between the brightness levels.
This long-distance flashlight comes with extra accessories to enhance the light’s capabilities. The included rail mounts, remote pressure switches, and filter adapters make it possible to use a tactical flashlight too.
Key features of the Fenix HT30R white laser flashlight
- Two brightness levels + strobe mode
- Maximum output on the highest setting- 500 lumen
- Maximum beam distance on the highest setting-1500 meters
- Class-1 laser
- Intuitive dual rear switch
- Hidden charging port
- Can withstand temperatures from -35℃- 45℃
- Impact resistance- 1 meter
- Water resistance- IP68
Here’s the complete Fenix HT30R Review.
Pros
Cons
7. Olight Javelot Pro 2 Long Distance Flashlight
The Javelot Pro 2 gives you a maximum output of 2500 lumen.
On the lowest setting, it can last up to 12 days on a 15-lumen output. The lighting levels are;
- Turbo mode- 2500 lumen for 5 minutes, then downshifts to 1000 lumen for 180 minutes and again downshifts to 600 lumens for 27 minutes
- High mode- 600 lumens for 420 minutes and 150 lumens for 42 minutes
- Med mode- 150 lumens for 32.5 hours
- Low mode- 15 lumens for 12 days
This long-distance flashlight is powered by an integrated battery pack that includes two 3.6V 5000mAh 21700 rechargeable Li-on batteries. It is rechargeable using the Olight proprietary MCC3 USB magnetic charging cable.
It uses the high-performance cool white LED to provide a beam distance of 1050 meters and a max light intensity of 271,400 cd.
This LED flashlight has a metal reflector and is made using aluminum alloy. This build is strong enough to handle a 1-meter drop test and gives it an IPX8 rating at the waterproof level.
These LED flashlights weigh 423g, including the battery pack, and measure 10.20″ in length and 2.48″ in head diameter. It is large in size but lighter in weight compared to the other long-distance flashlights on this list. You can use it as a handheld or mountable light.
It has a dual-switch interface. The side switch is to access the brightness levels, and the tail switch is like in a tactical flashlight to access the turbo or low modes. It has visual indicators on the body to let you know the battery and brightness levels.
The intense beam and ultra-long throw make it a perfect long-distance flashlight for hunting, search and rescue, and property perimeter checks.
Key features of the Olight Javelot Pro 2 Long-distance flashlight
- Four brightness levels
- Maximum output on highest mode- 2500 lumens
- Maxim beam throw on highest mode- 1050 meters
- Tail switch and side switch operation
- MCC3 USB magnetic charging
- Impact resistance- 1 meter
- Water resistance- IPX8
Pros
Cons
How to Measure the Throw Distance of a Flashlight?
You can calculate the throw distance of a flashlight in three easy steps;
- Measure the lux
- Calculate the candela
- Calculate the distance in meters (yards, miles)
Note: You will need a reliable lux meter, a tape measure, calculator and a flashlight for the beam throw.
Step 01- Measuring the Lux
- Choose an object to focus the beam on. A large wall works best.
- Use the tape measure to set the flashlight around 15 meters away from the wall.
- Use a tripod (or some support) to place the flashlight at this point.
- Slowly move the sensor of the lux meter through the beam until you find the highest lux reading.
Step 02- Calculating the Candelas
Calculate the lux numbers at 1 meter using the formula below;
Lux numbers at 1 meter = Lux x Distance x Distance
For example: If you measured the lux at 25 meters to be 1600 lux;
1600 lux x 25m x 25m= 1,000,000 lux
The lux measurement at one meter equals the candela rating;
Therefore 1,000,000 lux = 1,000,000 cd = 1000 kcd.
(You can use an online calculator to help you with this)
Step 03- Calculating the Distance
Use the formula below to calculate the beam distance in meters using the candela count calculated above;
What to Consider When Choosing a Long-Distance Flashlight for You?
Getting a flashlight to match your style and needs is essential. Consider the following factors when making your decision to make you buy the best flashlight for you.
Light Output
The light output is measured in lumens. The brighter the light, the higher the lumen count.
Long-distance flashlights should have a considerably high lumen output in order to shine over a long distance. The long-distance flashlights that made it to our list have a range of 1- 6300 lumen strong light.
A bare minimum of 1 lumen light on the lowest setting can last up to 180 days, and the 6300-lumen output on the highest setting can last up to 1 hour 45 minutes.
You can refer to the below brightness chart to help you choose;
- 4000-2000 lumens: Extreme brightness- equal to most car headlights
- 2000- 1000 lumens: High brightness- ideal for military use during search and rescue missions
- 1000-500 lumens: High-medium brightness- good for tracking animals at a distance
- 500- 200 lumens: Medium brightness- to follow blood trails
- 200-50 lumens: Low-medium brightness- good for hiking and camping
A long-distance flashlight with high- medium brightness is suitable if you are choosing it for hunting or similar activities. Similarly, different brightness settings are ideal during different situations.
Beam Distance and Intensity
The distance of the beam throw is measured in meters, and the intensity of the beam is measured in candelas.
Spotlights and focused beam flashlights have large throws, but floodlights will have wider beams with short throws.
A good long-distance flashlight should have a strong, focused beam with a minimum throw reaching at least 350 yards.
Run Times and Battery Life
Flashlights with higher lumen emission mean lower run times. Those that have multiple brightness levels will have different run times.
Battery type and life is a must consider when choosing a long-distance flashlight. Knowing what they work on will help you prepare for recharging or replacing with extra batteries.
You don’t want to struggle with fading lights amidst any of your activities.
Most of the long-distance flashlights on this list run on rechargeable power sources. So having a power bank to recharge during urgent situations will come in handy.
It would be best if you chose a long-distance flashlight that will last you long enough through your activities.
Size and Weight
In general, no one wants to add weight to what they carry. Everyone tries to keep it as light as possible. So the weight and size of the long-distance flashlight matter.
Long-distance flashlights are usually big and bulky in size. So choose a model with a reasonable weight range. Do not choose a heavy light unless you can commit to it.
Quality of Waterproofing and Shock Proofing
Durability, weather resistance, and shock proofing are essential to consider, especially if the long-distance flashlight is to go through different weather conditions, extended environment exposure, or rough use.
Most long-distance flashlights on this list have at least a minimum rating of IPX6 in waterproofing, meaning it is extremely waterproof and impenetrable by weather, making them perfect for outdoor use.
And obviously, you don’t want a light that will break when you drop it. So your long-distance flashlights should have gone through drop tests and have at least a 1m impact resistance.
Price
Finally, the price. Long-distance flashlights are expensive for the features they offer. Some can be super expensive, and some will fit right into your budget. Even if you’re willing to spend lavishly, you need to choose a flashlight that will offer you the best features for the price you pay.
Conclusion
So what’s it going to be? Are you going to grab our top recommendation, or are you going to explore your options with the other flashlights on this list?
No matter what you choose or what drives your deciding factor, we hope this review has simplified the process for you and helped you make your purchase.
We hope the flashlight you choose fulfills your requirements safely and successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this article helpful?