When seeing in the dark is critical, it is important to have the right gear.
Soldiers and law enforcement personnel do not need to light up everything in the area to make adjustments on equipment or cut the right wire.
Keeping things quiet and efficient are more important.
There are many different types of tactical lights that help to achieve the proper illumination for the job.
Choosing the right one depends on the type of situation and surroundings.
Headlamps Being able to see the intricate details of something just a few inches away in the dark sounds simple enough.
Doing it while the enemy is not far away might be risky.
Trying to hold a flashlight with one hand and doing a two-hand job with the other is not only challenging, but dangerous.
Headlamps solve all of these types of problems.
Using a hands-free light eliminates some of the risk.
Models offer different features, such as a three-directional strap versus a single headband, a flashing light or different levels and colors of lighting to attract attention or move through an area without disturbing the wildlife.
Flashlights Heavy duty flashlights are helpful for finding people and things.
They can illuminate the enemy with nowhere to hide, or shed light on a seemingly deserted area.
More than a garden variety flashlight, most tactical lights have a strobe function to send a signal that it is time to be picked up at a rendezvous point or that someone needs help.
In the middle of nowhere or in areas without power due to natural or man-made disaster, lighting is crucial, especially at night.
Hand-held models can direct a bright beam to the right spot.
Some have a dimmer switch capability to avoid giving away position or disturbing people and wildlife.
Versatile in transport, they can be mounted on Modular Lightweight Load Carrying Equipment (MOLLE) systems, key chains or put in pouches strapped to a belt.
Weapons Weapon lights make it easier to find a target.
They can direct a strong beam to a distinct location or light up a wider area.
Weapons lights have a variety of mounting options, depending on the type of gun.
They also offer light emitting diode (LED) lamps in an array of colors and widths.
Search Bright spotlights used for search and rescue can make the difference between life and death.
Whether hand-held or mounted on a boat or chopper, spotlights pierce the darkness and find people or vehicles with ease.
Whether the missing person is a fugitive or a member of the team, it is equally important to have a broad beam as bright as daylight.
Certain models also come with a strobe function to send a visual signal.