7 Best Firefighter Flashlights

Chris HuntAbout the Author: Hi! I'm Chris Hunt, and I wrote this article. With years of experience as a former firefighter and knowledge of combustible materials, I have personally researched and compiled the information presented here. Please note that the content provided is solely my opinion and should not be construed as professional advice. Additionally, I do not guarantee the quality or performance of any of the products featured. Please be sure to review the website's Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions before using the site. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases (without additional cost or expense to you).

Firefighter flashlights are essential tools in a firefighter’s turnout gear. In addition, most firefighters carry a helmet flashlight, handheld flashlight, or a right-angle flashlight to aid them in their work.

In case you’re curious, our selection criteria are at the end of this article. It outlines the features we look for in our search for the best firefighter flashlights.

The best firefighter flashlights

  • Streamlight Knucklehead LED Light – (Best Overall)
  • Streamlight Survivor LED Light
  • Streamlight Vantage 180 X – (Best for Helmets)
  • Pelican Right Angle Fire Flashlight
  • Streamlight Fire Vulcan LED Light
  • Nightstick Helmet-Mounted LED Light
  • Nightstick Intrant LED Light

Best Firefighter Flashlights Comparison Table

1. Streamlight Knucklehead Work Light with Charger – (Best Overall)

Bottom Line: This flashlight appears strong, versatile, and can mount on anything. It’s known to be top quality, but this comes at a cost.

Streamlight 90757 Knucklehead Spot Light with 120-Volt AC/12-Volt DC Charger, Orange - 180 LumensCheck Price on Amazon

The Streamlight Knucklehead is an impressively strong flashlight. The biggest ‘pro’ feature above competitors is that you can control the beam’s angle through the articulated swivel head. This feature can help set the flashlight on the ground and shine it at your work – which could be good in a medical call-out.

You can attach this lamp to your turnout gear via a spring-loaded clip. Or, place it on flat surfaces with its sturdy flat base. Then, using the removable rare earth magnet, you can adhere it to metal surfaces. This flexibility can be great because it’s usable as a floodlight for lighting a whole room.

You can operate this lamp in 3 modes – High, low, and Midnight. Midnight mode is very dim for up to 20 days between charges. Whether you want a wide or narrow beam, there’s the choice to buy it as a ‘floodlight or ‘spotlight.

Consumers can select the charging option that’s right for their needs. It can come with a 12V vehicle fast charger, a 120V wall charger, or the 4x AA alkaline batteries model. We prefer either the vehicle or wall charger model.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Swivel Head to Direct the Beam: The swivel headset is apart from the competition – it makes using this flashlight easier than many competitors.
  • Variety of Charging Options: You can buy it with AA batteries, a wall charger, or a vehicle charger.
  • Attachable to turnout gear: There is a spring-loaded clip for attaching to it. We love that the head can swivel while it’s hanging.
  • Mounts on steel: It can be set against a steel beam using a powerful magnet. That allows you to attach it to cars during vehicle rescues or to stand on a flat surface.
  • Easy to operate when wearing gloves: The simple large button operation means you can handle it even when wearing gloves.

Keep in Mind:

  • Not the Cheapest: This model is one of the best flashlights for firefighters, so it comes at a cost.

2. Streamlight Survivor – (Little Brother to the Knucklehead)

Bottom Line: This is the smaller version of the Streamlight Knucklehead and is a little more affordable. It’s solid and durable but has fewer features.

Streamlight 90509 Survivor LED Flashlight with DC Charger, Orange - 175 LumensCheck Price on Amazon

Overall this is a high-quality flashlight as durable and robust as possible. Still, it loses some additional features like the swivel head of its big brother, the Knucklehead (listed above).

The Streamlight Survivor is a powerful, lightweight, and resilient flashlight. Its beam is about as solid and robust as the Knuckleheads. In addition, it provides the choice of Low, High, and Moonlight options to regulate the strength of the beam.

For example, the ‘High’ option is good when working in darkness. Instead, the narrow beam makes it an excellent choice for a personal flashlight which is common when searching through the smoke.

It can be attached to turnout gear and advertised as easy to operate with firefighting gloves and a simple large dome button on top.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Affordable: This flashlight is a cheaper alternative to the Knucklehead, the next step up in the Streamlight brand.
  • Lightweight: This flashlight is about half the weight of its bigger brother, the Streamlight Knucklehead. Partially this lower weight is achieved through the loss of some great features.
  • Variety of Charging Options: It comes with either AA batteries, a wall charger, or a vehicle charger.
  • Attachable to turnout gear: It has a spring-loaded clip for attaching to turnout gear.
  • Gloved Hand Operation: One large button for cycling through modes is big enough to be handled while wearing gloves.

Keep in Mind:

  • No Swivel Head: We’re huge fans of the swivel head of the Streamlight Knucklehead, which isn’t available on this Streamlight Survivor model.
  • No Magnet: It’s not possible cannot magnetically attach this flashlight to beams, while the Knucklehead has this option.

3. Streamlight Vantage 180 X – (Best for Helmets)

Bottom Line: Our top pick is the best helmet light for firefighters. It’s got an intense beam, durable, and easy to operate.

Streamlight 88901 Vantage 180 X with Lithium Batteries, Wrench, Helmet Bracket - OrangeCheck Price on Amazon

The Streamlight Vantage is our pick as the best flashlight for firefighters in the helmet-mounted category.

It is much smaller than the other Streamlights on this list, but it still packs a punch. In addition, it’s incredibly lightweight and only 5.3 inches long, meaning it doesn’t add bulk to a kit.

You can use this as a handheld light and swivel the head 90 degrees, turning it into a right-angle flashlight. However, we prefer to use it exclusively as a helmet mount because other Streamlight options (above) are best for turnout gear. Nonetheless, it’s still our top pick for a dedicated helmet light.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Best for Helmets: It is a nice small but solid, durable headlamp.
  • Compact: Just 5.3 inches long.
  • Handheld Flashlight: Given its size, you can comfortably hold it in your palm for use as a handheld flashlight.
  • Right Angle Option: The head can swivel into a right-angle flashlight. The secondary LED shines down in right-angle mode, a design feature to help users see right in front of their feet while walking.
  • Gloved Hand Operation: One large button for cycling through modes is big enough to be handled while wearing gloves.

Keep in Mind:

  • Non-Rechargeable Batteries: It comes with non-rechargeable CR123 batteries. Streamlight notes you can use rechargeable CR123 batteries in this model, but these sell separately.
  • Not the Best for Attaching to Turnout Gear: The turnout gear clip sometimes doesn’t fit when in right-angle mode. This restriction makes it sit a little awkwardly on turnout gear.

4. Pelican 3715 Right Angle Fire Flashlight

Bottom Line: This lightweight, thin, and powerful right-angle flashlight to attach to turnout gear.

Pelican CVPKG Presents Yellow 3415M Right Angle Flashlight with Magnetic Clip.Check Price on Amazon

The Pelican 3715 Yellow right-angle flashlight is another product designed specifically for attaching to turnout gear. It can be attached either with a hook or a clip. However, we find clips aren’t the best for sticking to turnout gear. In addition, the weight distribution often leads to the flashlight pointing downward too much.

We like that it’s thin and simple, making it less likely to snag on anything.

We like the excellent ‘downcast’ mode that you can cycle to easily (even when wearing gloves). This mode points the beam downward, so you don’t blind your team in the middle of a call-out. It’s similar to turning off the high beam in a truck.

This one is easy to use while wearing gloves with a large button.

The Pelican 3715 is the older version of the 2nd generation Pelican 3765. The 3765 is rechargeable and comes with a charging station, which we love. In addition, it has a much-improved clip for attaching to a coat. However, we still personally prefer the 3715 because we can’t justify the much higher price point of the 3765 for the slight improvement.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Attachable to Turnout Gear: It can be attached to the hook or clip.
  • Battery Status Indicator: We love this feature. It’s visible right next to the operating switch (and we don’t like that some others on this list don’t show the battery status).
  • Downcast LED: We like the downcast LED option, which points the beam down, so you’re not blinding the rest of your crew. Cycle through the modes to reach the Downcast way before stopping for a debrief with your team.
  • Gloved Hand Operation: One large button for cycling through modes is big enough to be handled while wearing gloves.
  • Super Lightweight: It comes in at an impressively light 0.68 pounds.

Keep in Mind:

  • Non-Rechargeable: Runs on 4x AA alkaline batteries.
  • Non-Adjustable Head: We prefer the Knucklehead because the head can swivel for ease of use.

5. Streamlight Fire Vulcan 180 – (Most Powerful)

Bottom Line: We feel this one is the most powerful and durable flashlight on the market today – and it’s for firefighters.

Streamlight 44305 Vulcan 180 System Vehicle Mount, Yellow - 1200 LumensCheck Price on Amazon

Power! This one is powerful! It can light the place with the power of 1200 lumens.

The second generation in the Vulcan model is a considerable step up. It probably is the most powerful dedicated firefighter flashlight on the market today.

The remarkable thing is that they increased their intensity and battery life.

They had to include a larger battery to keep up the battery life with the higher power. So, there is a slight tradeoff in weight. It’s not the lightest flashlight in the world, but it’s not all that heavy.

Plus, it can be worn on a shoulder strap, making the weight issue less of a concern.

It has a battery dock to be mounted and left to recharge when not in use.

Moving through the features is much more accessible than in its previous version. For example, they’ve considered the need to cycle between high and low settings while using gloves. So now it’s as simple as a click of a button.

This one has an articulated swivel to turn the lights in the direction of the subject (like the Streamlight Knucklehead reviewed earlier). Again, you can set the light on the ground, and the head can swivel to point it at the subject while at work.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Extremely Powerful Beams: It has three separate and powerful LED beams.
  • Use as Floodlight: It can be placed on the ground and swiveled.
  • Battery Dock: Buyers can choose between a 12V DC dock for the car or a 120V AC dock for a wall mount.
  • Easy to Handle with Gloves: It’s easier to toggle through the modes while wearing gloves with the upgraded version.
  • Easy to Carry: Despite its weight, it has a good handle and shoulder strap, making it easy to carry around.

Keep in Mind:

  • Hand-Held Only: It operates in the hands (or on the floor), but you can’t hang it on turnout gear.
  • Heavy: We don’t mind, but it is one of the heavier flashlights. They needed to make it serious about getting the power and long life.
  • The Price: As it’s top of the range, it’s more expensive.

6. Nightstick NSP-4650B Helmet-Mounted

Bottom Line: It’s an alternative helmet flashlight to the Vantage 180 X. While not as versatile, you can secure it to the helmet and leave it there.

Nightstick NSP-4650B Helmet Mounted Multi-Function Led Dual-Light Flashlight, One Size, BlackCheck Price on Amazon

This model is a dedicated helmet light and part of our review of the top gifts for firefighters. However, it’s below the Vantage 180 X because it doesn’t double-up as a versatile handheld and right-angle light. Instead, its design focuses on helmet use.

But that gives it a few advantages, too. It locks sturdily to the helmet, for example. Also, it attaches to the underside of the helmet bringing a secondary light. This light points down at the feet, so users can see better and know exactly where they’re walking.

Unfortunately, it operates with replaceable CR123 Lithium cell batteries. This restriction is annoying, as we feel people should be moving toward internal rechargeable batteries in this day and age.

The other big worry we have is that it’s pretty bulky on the underside of the helmet. When placing your helmet on the ground, the helmet’s balancing on the light rather than sitting flat. The flashlight can sometimes curl inwards, which can get annoying when you want to put the helmet back on.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Dedicated Helmet Light: It’s designed specifically for the helmet. So you can hypothetically attach it to your helmet and leave it there forever (or until you need to replace the battery!)
  • 45 Degree Downlight to see where you’re Going: We love the downlight that makes it easy to know where you’re walking.
  • Adjustable Light Settings: Set it to higher and lower light settings with a button.

Keep in Mind:

  • Non-rechargeable Batteries: Operates on two CR123 batteries. Like the other significant helmet light on the market, the Vantage 180 X.
  • Bulky Under Helmet: It may get in the way when you try to lay your helmet down after taking it off.

7. Nightstick Intrant

Bottom Line: We feel this model is an excellent alternative to the Streamlight Knucklehead. It has a rotating head on one axis and a recharging dock.

Nighstick XPR-5568RX Red Intrant Intrinsically Safe Permissible Dual Angle Light Rechargeable, One SizeCheck Price on Amazon

The Nightstick Intrant is an excellent alternative to the Streamlight Knucklehead. It’s got an articulating head, but only on one axis.

We like the clip-and-hook at the back – both of which appear pretty solid and easy to use. The hook is placed at a suitable location, minimizing sag, so the light points forward rather than down.

But, there’s a dedicated downlight for lighting up the ground in front of the user. The two lights have an intuitive design. The forward-facing light has a tight beam for long distances. But, at the same time, the low light floods the area and the feet for a wider field of view.

We appreciate that this flashlight is relatively lightweight. With the swivel head, you can quickly turn it into a handheld flashlight that should fit comfortably in the palm.

In terms of operation, it’s got the standard easy-to-click button for use with gloves to toggle through light modes without much drama.

Overall, it’s an excellent no-fuss light for wearing turnout gear.

Why this Flashlight:

  • Attach to Turnout Gear: It can be attached to the hook or clip.
  • Articulating Head: Great for when you’re crawling but still want the light to point forward.
  • Recharging Dock: We like that it comes with a recharging dock rather than non-reusable batteries. There’s the option of non-reusable batteries for a reduced price.
  • Gloved Hand Operation: There’s one large button for cycling through modes, which should be big enough to be handled while wearing gloves.

Keep in Mind:

  • Single Axis Swivel Head: The head only swivels on one axis, whereas the Knucklehead rotates on two axes.

What we Look for in a Firefighter Flashlight

Gear Mountable

Most firefighters want a flashlight that they can mount on their gear. This setup gives them the flexibility to use their hands to fight fires, operate rescue knives, etc.

The two main options are: wearing it on your chest (with a hook or spring-loaded clip) or putting it on your helmet.

If you get one for wearing on your chest, it’ll need to be a right-angle flashlight. These are useful because you can quickly unclip the mount and switch to using it as a handheld flashlight.

We like right-angle flashlights that have articulated heads. You can swivel the head of the flashlight, so it can point in any direction you prefer. This added versatility can come in very useful.

The other option is a helmet flashlight. You can wear the flashlight above or below the brim of your helmet. These can be great because the light always points in the direction you face. Something we like to see in a helmet flashlight is a downward-facing floodlight, so you can see in your peripheral vision where you’re walking. You’ll need to mount it below the helmet’s brim for it to work.

We like to see a helmet flashlight that can be quickly unclipped from the helmet and used as a regular handheld flashlight.

Gloved Hand Operation

You want to be able to change the settings of your flashlight while you’re still wearing your gloves. Since we feature firefighting equipment, you can’t have small or fiddly buttons or switches. So it’s a good idea to look at the buttons on the flashlight you’re about to buy. Check to see if they’re nice and big so that they are easy to operate while wearing gloves. We think both Pelican and Streamlight have done a great job in their range of firefighter flashlights to cater to this requirement.

Rechargeable

Our personal preference is for a rechargeable flashlight. However, most firefighter flashlights have rechargeable and non-rechargeable options. So naturally, you’d expect to fork out more money for the rechargeable option and docking bay. Still, it saves a lot of hassle and expects the battery to run low sooner or later. So if you’ve got a rechargeable one, place it back in the charging dock at the end of your shift. That way, it’ll be ready for use next time you need it.

Beam Power and Shape

Handheld flashlights are generally available with the most power, and helmet flashlights tend to have the least power. Therefore, we look for the Lumens – we always want one with a high rating.

We go for a thin beam of LED light in terms of shape. But, on the other hand, we want a nice robust, focused beam to cut through the smoke and other debris floating in the air.

We’re fans of flashlights with a second beam pointing to the floor. This secondary beam should be wider for flooding your peripheries with light. In addition, this feature can help alert you to trip hazards as you move through your zone.

Water, Heat, and Shock Resistance

We’d personally stick with a dedicated firefighter flashlight for heavy-duty use. However, we’re fans of the Streamlight brand for these purposes (you can probably tell!). They’re designed with firefighters and are usually water, heat, and fall resistant.

Final Thoughts

The best firefighter flashlights have intense beams and are resistant to abuse – including dust, water, and heat. Most people get one that comes with its recharging dock. Depending on your preferences, you’ll want a helmet-mounted, chest-mounted, or handheld flashlight. We tend to favor Streamlight’s build quality and features throughout its product range.