TAC48 Niton Tactical Flashlight & Torch

For the last couple of months we’ve been looking at the TAC48 Niton Tactical L.E.Professional Operator 5 Flashlight and the TAC 74 Niton Tactical Backup LED Torch.
These two lightweight and compact torches could serve for lamping on a rifle/scope with a suitable mount, or as back-up hand torches when using larger lamping rigs, but where they would really excel is for duty use and as everyday carry, home or camping. They’re also the perfect torch for stashing in your vehicle glove compartment for emergency use. At less than £35 each, you could arguably buy more than one.

L.E.Professional Operator 5 Flashlight

The Operator 5 is packed with features including a tail cap that can be easily operated to quickly switch through the fi ve function modes available. This is a powerful light, with a 100 lumen output, but it almost certainly does not need to be used at 100% power for most tasks. Therefore the Operator 5 can be quickly dimmed from 100% to 50% or even 25% to allow only the amount of light required, saving the life of the batteries (and also saving money!). The other two functions are Fast Flash – which can be used as a warning signal or beacon, and a slower SOS Signal – for use in an emergency especially where there is a need to draw attention over a long period time. This function could prove invaluable in a remote location, when try to attract rescue teams or the emergency services. The batteries will last 8 times longer when using the SOS mode rather than Fast Flash.

The bulb used is an impact resistant 7W LED, with no fi lament to burn out or break, and with a claimed life of 100,000 hours. The high quality refl ector and polymer lens allows for an ultra bright focused white light, with an approximate 100 meter range. Power comes from two CR123 lithium batteries (supplied). A handy power saving feature automatically switches the torch off after 15 minutes to save battery life if the torch is accidentally left on.

The high grade aluminium body tube is lightweight and resistant to corrosion. The dimpled edge of the lens housing means that the torch won’t roll on most surfaces and O-rings are used to seal the body for water and weather resistance. A steel pocket clip allows an easy carry on belts, webbing or baggage, but with a length of just 130mm, diameter of 30mm and weight of 120g it will easily slip into most pockets.

Niton have designed this torch for maximum power maximum range and maximum function all in the palm of the hand. Price of the Niton Tactical L.E.Professional Operator 5 Flashlight is just £30.

Backup LED Torch

The Backup is claimed to be 2 flashlights in 1 with 3 modes, and it’s easy to see why. New to the Niton Tactical L.E Professional Flashlight Range, the Backup can be used with either one CR-123A Lithium Battery or one AA 1.5 Volt Battery using the tube extender supplied. Head diameter is 3.75”, and total length of the torch is 3.5” with one CR-123A Lithium Battery or 4” using a AA 1.5 Volt Battery. The head and the tail sections both have chequered surfaces for a good grip when in use and for easy assembly/disassembly. The head is an octagon shape, so has anti-roll properties, and the body tube has a sprung pocket clip for an easy carry.

The tail cap is used to switch the torch On or Off and to operate the following features; one press of the tail cap switches the torch On giving the standard 100% brightness, a lighter tap on the cap (while On) drops the power to 50% light, two light taps (when On) switches the fl ashlight to a strobe mode. A fi rmer push on the cap turns the torch off.

Other features include: White Cree LED, Smooth Aluminium Refl ector, Max 190 Lumens brightness with a range of 100 metres, and a runtime of approx. 40min. Price of the TAC 74 Niton Tactical Backup LED Torch is £34.99

Both these torches seem robust and reliable, and give out a good light with multiple power levels and functions. You can also get carry pouches and other accessories as extras. It should be noted that Niton don’t recommend the use of rechargable batteries in either of these torches.