My wife asked a great question recently – are there any flashlights still being made in the USA? Yes, there sure are!
One thing to note is that most LED flashlights will have some imported components or parts. LED emitters, for instance, are usually sourced from different countries, depending on the brand and type.
Because of this, unless a maker specifically says their LED flashlights are 100% made in the USA – and I don’t know of any that does – it is best to consider that they are built here with domestic and global components.
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Does it matter whether there are any LED flashlights still built in the USA? To some people and organizations, absolutely. Personally, I do have a special interest in USA-made products, although not exclusively. It’s not the made in USA aspect that makes the following brands of flashlights special, but also their generally exceptionally good product quality.
Following are 6 high-quality American flashlight manufacturers that enthusiastically stand by their products.
Maglite LED Flashlights
I’m sure you’ve heard of Maglite, and recognize their iconic metal-bodied flashlight design.
I own a fair share of Maglite LED flashlights, and one or two incandescent flashlights that I converted over with LED emitters, and will hold onto them forever.
Maglite’s classic flashlights have been outshined by modern designs which are smaller, lighter, and brighter.
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Maglite has come out with new lights over the years, and continues to show signs of life and even momentum.
They are a safe bet and with a strong warranty policy.
Interestingly, Maglite has a new Marvel collaboration, with Spider-man, Venom, and Punisher themed decorations.
If you’re unsure what to buy, I recommend the Maglite Mag-Tac 2-cell CR123 LED flashlight. It’s compact, weather-resistant, and highly durable.
At the time of this posting, you can buy the grey Mag-Tac with plain bezel for ~$46.
Buy Now via Amazon
See Also: Mag-Tac in Black
See Also: Mag-Tac w/ Crowned Bezel
If you want a solid USA-made LED flashlight for under $20, the Maglite Mini 2xAA is your best bet, currently priced at $18 via Amazon.
I have a small collection of older Maglite 2xAA and 3xAA LED flashlights, but they don’t see use anymore. I won’t part with them, but I now have better-performing options from other brands.
Surefire LED Flashlights
Surefire is a hugely popular brand of LED flashlights, specializing in models for military, law enforcement, and EDC (everyday carry) applications.
Generally, if an LED flashlight is designed to be durable and reliable enough for tactical use, it will be strong enough for general everyday use. On this note, some tactical LED flashlights are suited for everyday use, but there are usually some design factors that could make them less than ideal.
I have had some great experiences with Surefire LED flashlights, and continue to use the G2L I purchased at least a decade ago. I remember the purchase too, I used a gift card to snag one from Lowe’s. That flashlight delivered 80 lumens of light, and I recently upgraded it with a new 3rd party emitter to keep it useful.
Surefire has some interesting designs, and being a popular law enforcement and military supplier, they have tried to keep up with the times.
I bought my first nitrolon-bodied Surefire G2-series LED flashlight to save on cost, as their aluminum-bodied 6P flashlights have always been higher priced, and have been surprised at just how durable it has been. There’s still the option to get aluminum-bodied lights, but Surefire’s nitrolon flashlight construction is mature – tried and true. Regardless of the body construction, their nitrolon lights have metal bezels to help dissipate heat.
The G2X is a good EDC light, powered by 2X CR123 lithium batteries. It’s offered in pro, tactical, and combat styles, with the pro being a good everyday choice with dual output high and low brightness modes. The Pro or Tactical models are priced at ~$60.
Elzetta LED Flashlights
I haven’t tried Elzetta’s newer LED flashlights, but I have been very impressed with the sample they supplied for review years ago. I recently bought a 3rd party drop-in emitter upgrade for it, and was surprised to find that it wasn’t as much of an improvement as I had anticipated, meaning the Elzetta light hasn’t been pushed into obsolescence in the same way as many older flashlights.
Elzetta’s new models allow for customization, where you select the flashlight size (number of cells), tailcap style (user interface), bezel ring (plain or crenelated), and lens (standard or flood light).
My Elzetta sample is still going strong after 9 years, and I expect it to keep on going.
Similar to the other LED flashlights here, Elzetta’s Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie LED flashlights are powered by 1x, 2x, or 3x CR123 lithiu, batteries, respectively.
Elzetta’s lights still seem to be predominantly aimed at law enforcement and military users, but are versatile enough for civilian use as well.
Although I have not (yet?) tried any of their newer models, Elzetta continues to have a great reputation (from what I’ve seen).
The “standard” EDC model would be the Bravo with high/low tailcap and standard (non-crowned) bezel ring. With metal body construction, fully-potted electronics, and modular components, a Bravo as described will set you back $210.
Malkoff Devices LED Flashlights
I have known about Malkoff Devices for a very long time, with their claim to fame being drop-in modules for quick Surefire LED flashlight upgrades. Indeed, I purchased an M61 “mod” and in an instant my old Surefire G2 LED flashlight was much brighter.
Malkoff Devices also makes several series of LED flashlights, with the MD2 shown here.
I have purchased a couple for review purposes, and have been impressed with their construction.
Malkoff Devices’ LED flashlights are made in the USA, with some parts not domestically sourced. They’re not pretty, but extremely sturdy.
Many (if not all) Malkoff LED flashlights are modular, and so you can customize a flashlight to your choosing or change parts out later on.
As Malkoff Devices specializes in drop-in modules, you have a wide selection when it comes to beam tint and brightness options. They offer several pre-built flashlights, but you can also piece together a flashlight to suit your needs and wants.
Their warranty policy deserves being quoted:
Our products are built tough for real world use. We offer a lifetime warranty. If a Malkoff product ever fails in use. Please return it. We will repair/replace for no charge.
I would consider their M61 high/low switch MD2 flashlight to be a good starting point. It’s priced at $137, and signing up for Malkoff’s newsletter will knock 20% off that price.
HDS Systems LED Flashlights
I have been curious about HDS Systems for a while, and I added their Rotary to my editorial wishlist after Anthony wrote about it here.
HDS Systems kicks things up a notch and to a higher price level. Their compact EDC LED flashlights are mostly centered around a 1x CR123 form factor.
The most compelling aspect of HDS System’s USA-built LED flashlights are their brightness controls. The Rotary allows you dial in the brightness to match the task at hand, and you could reprogram the light for greater customization options.
Their flashlights aren’t the brightest. They don’t come in bright colors or emblazoned with comic book character logos. And they certainly aren’t value-priced.
But what you do get are carefully designed LED flashlights highly suited for EDC and general use, available in EDC, executive, bicycle, tactical, and specialty variations among others. You can order a custom-built flashlight where you have added body and LED emitter options.
An off-the-shelf HDS Systems Rotary will set you back $294.
McGizmo LED Flashlights
McGizmo’s LED flashlights are the pinnacle of USA-built EDC LED flashlights.
What do you want in an LED flashlight?
First, select the LED. If you don’t know your preference, research the options and go for a cool (bluer) or neutral or warmer (yellower) tint. I think ~4000K or 4200K is a good neutral-white color for everyday LED flashlights.
Then determine what head style you want. Do you want a floodlight? Spotlight? General purpose light?
How do you want to power your LED Flashlight? Choose your battery style and body size.
Ordering a McGizmo flashlight is done through email with the owner/maker, Don McLeish. This isn’t done in a “click and buy” fashion. If you want one of these lights, you do your research and follow instructions (provided in the ordering info link below).
McGizmo lights are modular, and so you could change things up later on if your needs change dramatically. As with Malkoff Devices, you do need to be careful about battery configurations, as different light engines have different voltage requirements and compatibility ranges.
I should also mention that the HIVE light engine allows for extensive programming, if you’re interested in something like that. It’s optimized for rechargeable batteries, but you can reprogram it for CR123 lithium cells and a lower cut-off voltage.
Here are two possible configurations:
119V/AA/SunDrop/1xAA/tapped
- Nichia 119V LED
- AA converter/light engine (1.5V)
- SunDrop head and lens (medium flood light)
- 1xAA battery body “pak”
- Added 1/4″ x 20 hole in the pocket clip
XP-G2/HIVE/Haiku/1×123
- XP-G2 LED emitter
- Hive (3V) converter/light engine
- Haiku head module (general wide spot light)
- 1x CR123 (or RCR123/16340) battery body “pak”
Component prices are shown in the CPF ordering info page, and the two light configurations above should come out to be $445 and $460, plus shipping fees.
McGizmo LED flashlights are premium products that you don’t need. They’re beautifully machined from titanium, expertly designed, and if you customize it just right, it’ll serve all of your lighting preferences. This one is strictly for enthusiasts, meaning there are plenty of other workhorse flashlights out there.
As with other enthusiast-level products, these flashlights seem to have a high resale value. I have also seen 3rd party services for refreshing or modifying the appearance of well-used McGizmo flashlights.
More Info via CPF
Ordering Info via CPF
Pricing
From $45 to $450 (and up), none of these LED flashlights are inexpensive, but most options seem to be affordable for what you get.
If you ask me, the Malkoff Devices MD2 would be among the best choices as a heavy duty workhorse model. You could change its configuration down the road, but I think the high/low model is the most versatile choice to start with. If you want to save on money, you could go with a single brightness output model, but having a low brightness mode is usually a very useful feature.
The Maglite Mag-Tac is a great value, and the Surefire G2X is also a good choice.
Frankly, I don’t think that $50 is too much to spend on a flashlight that sees frequent use, or one that is expected to see hard use. I’ve spent less, both with and without regrets.
You can get decent LED flashlights for less money, but the point of this post was to show you competitive and cuztomizable USA-built LED flashlights.
Built in USA LED Flashlight Recommendations
If I had to pare it down, I would say:
Good: Maglite 2AA LED Flashlight (~$18)
Better: Surefire G2X LED Flashlight (~$60)
Best: Malkoff MD2 LED Flashlight ($137 before coupon, $110 after)
The Maglite Mag-Tac is a good option, but the Surefire’s G2X user interface might be better for most people.
There are also very many quality flashlight brands that fit between, above, and below these offerings. If there’s a brand or particular model you think should be included in a follow-up or update down the road, please let me know!
Batteries
Surefire CR123 Lithium Cells
Eneloop AA NiMH Cells
Eneloop AA + Charger Kit
CR123 lithium batteries hold high capacity, and the chemistry gives them a long shelf life. Lithium batteries hold up well in colder temperatures as well.
I’m done using alkaline batteries in flashlights where possible, after one too many products destroyed by leaking batteries. NiMH batteries last longer (in my experience), and in addition to being rechargeable, they are better at delivering the higher output needed to drive today’s brighter and more powerful LED flashlights.
Wayne R.
Anyone with AA or AAA Maglites should immediately upgrade to Lithium cells for those stashed lights. Eneloops are great too for the EDCs.
Our newest AA Maglite was wrecked recently, one still perfect cell, the other totally ruined the tube & end cap.
No more alkalines.
John
More flashlights. Drop the mic.
Joatman
My apologies. Don’t want to change the subject, but is this the same Hart that Walmart sells
https://www.homedepot.com/p/HART-Mixed-Screwdriver-Set-16-Piece-HSD16MIX/304141628
Stuart
Essentially, and with Hart now a Walmart exclusive, that’s why Home Depot has it on clearance.
Joatman
I didn’t realize it was around before Walmart. Thanks for the response. Again, sorry for the tangent , Stuart.
Stuart
You’re welcome, no problem!
Home Depot only had limited Hart tools before, and I remember asking and being told they would start transitioning out of stores. That should have taken place by now, and if not there’s probably a flexible timeframe.
Joatman
I see. Probably just found some lost inventory.
Koko The Talking Ape
Great tip! But out of stock. 🙁
Mike (the other one)
I’ve modified quite a few old Maglites to LED, or high output incandescent. (ROP Mod).
I also tend to put tail-cap switched on MiniMags, which makes them easier to operate with one hand, and I can have them pre-focused. The cost of the switch is a factor though. It may be more economical to go with a different brand.
Mag-lite also makes some very good rechargeable flashlights.
I believe the Surefire 6p is out of production, unfortunately. I upgraded mine, and it’s one of my favorite lights.
Stuart
Yes, but there’s still the 6PX in various formats. $77 via Amazon for the Pro interface.
Rob
I still have my ROP! It is the flashlight I break out when I really want to show off being a flashlight nerd.
Looking at some of the lights mentioned, it was like taking a walk down memory lane from candlepowerforums. It’s good to see some of those same makers are still making!
bj
Roar Of the Pelican… now that’s a name I’ve not heard in a long time.
pignock
I have a Malkoff MD2 high/low flashlight that I’ve carried in my left front pants pocket for about five years now. The only wear is a little of the anodizing is worn off the edges of both ends. It’s built like a tank. I paid around $150 for the flashlight, 2 18650 batteries, a charger and a pocket clip and I believe it’s one of the wisest purchases I’ve ever made. I’m thinking of getting a spare but the last time I looked at the website, they were between production runs.
Stuart
I have found that they’ve been and in and out of stock of different components or flashlights for a couple of months, but they’ve been very responsive with sharing ETAs when asked via email.
With smaller tool makers like these, you sometimes have to wait a bit to get what you want.
HDS Systems, for example, currently looks to have a 2 week wait for custom-built flashlights.
At the moment, Malkoff has 4 of the MD2 flashlights with high/low switch in stock, 2 with tricap, and a total of 3 with crenelated head with standard or tricap tailcaps. There looks to be a total of 8 bodies with different configurations for users who want to select a different drop-in LED unit than the standard high-powered cool white variety, and several single-output fully-assembled flashlights.
Right after this post went up I received notification about their an MDC rechargeable light head coming back in stock. It was maybe a month ago that I clicked the “notify me” button.
Nathan
Nice to know. I might have to buy a new light soon
Fazal Majid
Maglites are not flashlights. They are billy clubs with plausible deniability.
As for HDS, most overrated brand ever. I had purchased a Rotary, and the knurling on the body was so badly done it was literally gouging my hand raw. Back it went, to be replaced by a Zebralight (US company, made in China).
Surefire are ultra-reliable but they haven’t kept up with the times.
Elektrolumens used to make in the USA a very good 18650 EDC light, the EDC-XML. Then Wayne limited his sales to first responders. He does have models for sale to the general public, but they are way too exotic for most.
There is Muyshondt, but they are more jewelry than lights, and I wouldn’t recommend them (I have 2). The Oveready B.O.S.S. is also in the luxury category, but actually usable. Many of Prometheus Lights’ models are also made in USA.
Stuart
I ordered an HDS Rotary as well, and so far it’s okay. There’s hype behind the brand, but I don’t have any complaints other than the packaging confusing me about its built-in programming. Apparently the packaging card is no longer accurate and to get some of the older modes you need to reprogram the light. They’ve been very responsive with my questions, and the knurling on my light isn’t at all similar to what you experienced.
I looked at Muyshondt a couple of times, but have heard a lot of negativity about the company.
I also looked at Prometheus, after buying one of their keychain-sized lights from Lee Valley a while back.
I could only justify trying one or two single premium flashlight makers, to experience the full spectrum from budget to “you spent HOW MUCH?” and that’s how I ended up with HDS Systems and McGizmo.
With Prometheus, you have to look carefully to see where different models are made, and that’s also something that Muyshondt doesn’t seem to be very clear about at all on their website.
Prometheus acquired FourSevens and has been redesigning the lights, and so I’ll likely pay more attention to them after the smoke clears.
I’ll take a closer look at the Overready B.O.S.S., thank you! A quick glance looks interesting, and I see something I haven’t seen on any other store’s website before – they tell you who designed the light, who machines it, and who will assemble it. I have the feeling that I looked at these before and determined they were impractically too bright for everyday use given the pricing.
I feel compelled to add that for review and editorial purposes, I try to remain in the $20 to $75 range, as that’s what I would be most comfortable spending. Above say $150 is generally unnecessary – as with pocket knives – with more premium tools generally aimed at enthusiasts.
Mopar
I’ve been carrying a Surefire L4 Lumamax every day for 15+ years. It was a gift from my wife; an upgrade from the Surefire E2D Defender Xenon light I had been carrying.
I keep thinking the L4’s 100 lumen light output is pretty lame by current standards, but I use it pretty much every single day and the damn thing just keeps working.
dll932
I bought a Mag Light AAA LED light a few years ago. I was disappointed to find it didn’t have intelligent electronics-it just runs till it cuts off with no warning, and the LED is too blue for my taste.
tmedina
I don’t know if they upgraded the electronics, but Maglite does have a new AAA Solitaire with a warm tint. Almost too bright, in my opinion, but definitely a nice warm tint.
Clay
Being made in the USA matters less to me than having whomever handles the warranty claim be located in the USA.
After being instructed to ship a flashlight back to China for a warranty replacement, I decided not to buy that brand any more.
Koko The Talking Ape
Heh. The campus security at my college (they were called “proctors” for some reason) carried Maglites that were at least 18″ long. They would hold the head with one hand and rest the body on a shoulder. If somebody needed subduing, they could just swing the flashlight down on their head like a hammer.
Paul
1. Why not 100% USA made? The fact is that one of the largest suppliers of white LED’s is Cree. Their entire plant is in Durham, NC. Talk about security! Most “high security” government sites have less security. Second need I mention Deka or anyone else in the battery business? No need to go overseas.
2. Completely disagree with all those goofy batteries but I think it’s a usage factor. See Stu is buying flash lights to use as counterwights in the drawers in his house. Flashlights are an everyday TOOL that I carry in my main bag that goes onto every job. I tried Streamlights but at around $20 for a CR123 even though it lasts a while, it is outrageously expensive. Then we get into batteries. Current alkaline batteries are around 2800 mAh, same as the rechargeable NiMH batteries. But the NiMH batteries are only 1.2 V so they don’t last as long as the “bigger” 1.5 V alkaline batteries. So they’ve gotten better but hardly have surpassed alkalines. Plus I don’t have to find a charger, plug them in, or recharge the ones sitting on the shelf. I just pop in batteries and go.
Stuart
Not all of Cree’s production is in the USA. I can’t tell you exactly why flashlight makers can’t produce their products 100% here. I think maybe Elzetta is the only one that advertises a made in USA head unit, the others have general “built in USA” or “made in America with domestic and global components” claims without getting into specifics.
True, I have way more flashlights than I really need. There are some days I go a couple of days without using a flashlight, other times I’ll use it every day for a month.
CR123 batteries have their benefits, but I would agree with you that rechargeable are better for everyday use.
There are a lot of tradeoffs. RCR123/16340 cells are lowish capacity compared to non-rechargeable CR123. 16650 can replace 2xCR123 batteries in some cases, but it’s not as popular or common a form factor. Some flashlights are large enough to accommodate 18650 batteries, and that’s a good choice for daily users. But if you’re recharging a flashlight daily, then built-in charging is desirable, and that sometimes forces proprietary batteries.
That’s one of the reasons I like the Malkoff MD2 so much – it can be used with 2x CR123 batteries, or an 18650 cell.
NiMH can last longer than alkaline, depending on what the light engine was designed for. The higher output also causes a greater voltage drop and increased heating in alkaline cells, and so you have a performance difference. Even if an alkaline cell is rated at 2800 mAh and a NiMH at say 2450 mAh, that’s not what you’re going to see at higher output and power loads.
What do you use as your daily flashlight?
Chris Fyfe
I have a number of US made lights ( HDS , Surefire , old skool McGizmo ) , great products ! HDS ( my old skool EDC 140 clicky ) are very well crafted , as is Surefire . I basically can’t afford Mc Gizmo ( since Don went to Ti products . My fave Penlight is a 2 xAAA Peak Led solutions product ( has double switching , either twistie , or a momentary tailcap switch ) . I tend to avoid a lot of the offshore stuff , inflated output claims , crappy switches , cold solder joints etc.
Simón Torres
Maglite are very good, I have had several of them, at the same time the 2-AA ones do not last that much.
Just Commenting
Koehler Bright Star also produces flashlights Made in the USA( I presume in PA )
They seem to specialize in flashlights for safety use such as mining work.
Zion
Maglite works well