Tac Light Review (Bell & Howell): Does it Actually Work?

[@woodrat2296]

I bought one of those Bell and Howells when they were first introduced to the market, thinking it would be a handy tool to have as a security guard. I was disappointed. It ate batteries like candy, and didn't provide adequate lumens. I tossed it and bought a cheap, Chinese made flashlight at an overstock store for $5.00. Surprisingly, it's held up and is still working very well after 10 years of use. I've also tried other Bell and Howell products in the past. All have been overpriced junk.

[@jamesjames4652]

Your review was relaxing honest and clear.... Keep this style. It was like getting advise from a good buddy.

[@silkmilk8128]

I saw one of the commercials and instantly wondered if the depictions they were making were true. I love how you got straight to the point and didn’t say anything unneeded in the video. Thanks for fulfilling my question.

[@budgetlightph7814]

I hope the runtime doesn't suffer much with that 3xAAA setup. There are single 18650 flashlights that could give you a good 50 to 100 lumens that lasts overnight which is more important than being submerged in boiling water or being run over by a car. I'm more worried with my light out of juice after 3 hours of use than accidentally falling on a pit of boiling water. 🙂🙂🙂

[@jm9371]

Thank you for a good, honest review. I will NOT be buying one of these. I would just spend the money on something more hardcore.

[@henryhill6126]

Their commercial showed a man cooking eggs and lighting fires with his led torch. The one you used did not look able to do those things. Good vid. Thank you.

[@KellyAMR]

I didn't put it through all that got it for Christmas from Hubby and love it for getting me to my car at work!Since I travel 55 miles to work everyday I like it for the sos if I break down too. Keeping safety in mind all the time!

[@oldmandave56]

Good job....you really helped me make up my mind...I also saw reviews about waterproof but will not be around water... only need it for back yard use...price at BJ's is $11.99 so will try it for that price...again thanks for a very well run review....

[@defective1331]

why, why did you buy the tac light when you could have bought a letion 2 in 1 for the same price? the letion has a 395 nm uv light mode as well as the high white light low white light and high strobe white light. you do not need that sos junk.

[@joesmith389]

It’s actually not that bad of a flashlight. It’s small, super bright, fairly tough, cheap, and you can buy it at Walmart for like $13. Much better value than a $200 Surefire. Let’s be honest, no one is taking this into war or scuba diving in boiling water.

[@thedocochoco]

Thanks, Brother! I really like your level headed approach and not prejudging. I’ll definitely see if you have any other reviews for lights and other law enforcement tools. Again, Thanks!

[@lunajayde_xx]

0:50 “Run it over your car.” I’m sorry; I know that was probably a tongue tie, but it made me smile. It’s nice to see that you have some “mistakes” in your videos, clearly indicating that you’re only human like the rest of us.

[@rainbowdeep9234]

Now I know he's human . Thanks

[@gabrielalv4043]

I had one of these and it fell from my dresser and broke. smh I wouldn't recommended this flashlight at all.

[@rashidsuhaili9442]

Thanks for this feedback, im planning to buy this for my bike.

[@rainbowdeep9234]

So, you don't recommend it because you broke it. smh

[@rainbowdeep9234]

@Ed Eduard --- It's heavy, anything with a little weight to it dropped on a solid surface would probably crack or break .

[@robroberts1473]

Well they never claimed impact resistance. Lol

[@justpassingthru3186]

Just bought the pro version,brand new in the package at Goodwill for $3.99, I love it! I won't even need candles if the power goes out, just plenty of batteries,lol😂

[@scottbennett3119]

Hi, great review. I went ahead and bought a Bell + Howell Taclight after seeing your review. I have a question: does your taclight toggle thru each mode when you fully depress and release the button or only when you partially press and release? Mine toggles every time I fully depress or partially depress the button, I find this really annoying. Is my light defective? (Follow-up: 11-17-16) After about 5 minutes after being switched off, the switch automatically resets to the high setting so it will be on "high" the next time you use it. This is a nice flashlight!

[@Freakinreviews]

Hi Scott. The instructions confirm that pressing it fully toggles it on and off, while partially pressing it toggles through the different modes. Thus, it would appear that yours is not operating correctly. Does anything happen when you partially press the button?

[@DeyuAndreyu]

I have this and it's a lot brighter than my dad's regular flashlight. This is very useful during power outages or exploring very dark places

[@waterschannel7987]

Way too much hype on this flashlight, cheap made switch. I thought maybe there was a better, more durable design on that type of push button switch by now.

[@MrSATism]

Atactical A1S should work for you, in the same price range, better features and design, same protection (although you shouldn't run over it with a car in the first place)

[@unocarb]

Waters Channel In the latest gen they fixed the switch..and the extremes of the tests will NEVER be in RL so this beefy little light is a keeper

[@joemcmurray]

Well I know it's just one more scribe but you got mine, years was the third video I came across I'm beginning to think some of these people on here just hate everything and hate the world it is have something bad to say about everything without even possessed in the product so thank you for your real and honest review

[@lilspikes81]

The best 20$ flashlight I ever bought. I only wish it had a usb charger and rechargeable battery.

[@sheillanarsico573]

Yeah mine too got moistures inside the lens is ok? Wont gone short circuit if the moist will touch the led? And also when i open the body to see the battery then theres a moist inside . Im thinking if i soak this in water for about an hour maybe the water will got into volume inside???

[@timothybright7064]

Good review. I'd like to know the name of the Deluxe Model or a Flashlight that could be More powerful.

[@scroopynoopers3864]

Great video! I love watching your reviews.

[@bigmike9486]

Got one to use as a self defence tool in a pinch but I dislike having to cycle through all the modes to turn it off. All I will ever use is high and low modes

[@morenoarts4759]

i actually ordered 1 and got 1 free as a limited offer for 39euros including postage & handling im satisfied with the product.

[@unocarb]

I bought one for a backpack carry light..works for me..I got the latest gen tho so its actually a cree LED and they fixed the faulty switch..

[@cinchmclaughlin1179]

I don't know why I love flashlights but I'm not scared of the dark

[@Jojos18]

Thank you for this review. I appreciate it. 👍☺

[@watchalot919]

The adds in the uk claim this torch can burn holes in anything, as well as heat a pan for cooking

[@edwinnassar3699]

I replaced the 3 AAA batteries for a single 18650 battery and works great

[@MadNerve]

Flat top or button top 18650 battery? I'm looking to purchase one.

[@ohana40]

Battery died after 2 days?!?! I push buttons to go from high- SOS , then what I thought was off-batteries dead next time I went to use?? Do I keep pushing button after SOS??

[@grizmt7779]

I just bought the Taclight (hmm, my box says 40x), put batteries in it and thought it was very bright. I was taken in by the Bell and Howell name. Color me gullible. I am not planning to boil up a cup of flashlight stew or make a flash-sickle out of it. I guess time will tell, but so far so good. After seeing your video, I’ll be more careful than I would have been. I am no doubt a bit ignorant about flashlights, but if it makes it a couple of years for the 14.88 I paid for it and it doesn’t eat batteries too quickly I will call it a win. Thanks for the video.

[@unknownuser38]

Hey man does the flashlight still work ?

[@grizmt7779]

Unknown User It does as a matter of fact

[@guntimes9908]

Love the wall decal above your stove.

[@abby10dh]

it wasn't a car it was a humvee which is alot heavier than a normal car

[@strikerdelta]

Not really. A Humvee is only about 1000 pounds heavier.

[@bradleyhollon6085]

@@strikerdelta but a thousand pounds is a huge difference in reality but the tires will disperse weight a little I would prefer seeing the equivalent weight set on the light to see how it would hold yp

[@GLOCKATTACK40]

Bought one at Walmart to test out. Has about the same brightness as my 350- 400 Lumen flashlights. Not bad for $20 Canadian I guess. My box says 40× brighter than an "Average Flashlight" whatever the he'll that means! New flashlights have gone leaps and bounds in last few years!!! Good House flashlight in my opinion. Would not mount it on my AR-15. LOL NICE REVIEW!

[@gusionlesley53]

In my place that is $2 only

[@gusionlesley53]

Or maybe$ 3-4

[@Guns_and_Saints]

Try putting gas on it and setting it on fire. Try that with the Tac Light, and see if it still works. LOL

[@Freakinreviews]

I'm surprised they didn't show that in the commercials.

[@rainbowdeep9234]

@@Freakinreviews Yeah, not on your carpet though, do it outside .

[@aarontomaselli4910]

I associate Bell & Howell with junk as seen on TV. I just received a Pen from Olight that I bought during their sale, kinda skeptical. I'm not a pen collector kind of guy, but this thing rules. The old version I would make a hard pass on. The PRO version has a 120 Lumen light built into the clip of the pen and a green laser coming out the top. Seeing this thing on camera and in real life are two very different things. Do a review on that. Olight has some really cool flashlights too.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Olight is B&H on steroids. Don't miss our flash sale!

[@aarontomaselli4910]

@@joshuagibson2520 I've got a good amount of Olights. Always checking out their newest products.

[@robertshanks3674]

Great review......i think im going buy a few for xmas gifts

[@vojtechmatusik483]

Thanks from the Czech Republic Finally the kind reviews I was looking for Carry on, please. BTW: nice collection of beers you got there - any of them from Czech? :)

[@Freakinreviews]

I don't think there are any up there at the moment, but since you asked, I'll see what I can find around town!

[@richardgomez3745]

The tack light ad that I watched claimed all these things but the ad also sais and shows that the elite tack can start a 🔥 and cook and claims its hot enough to cook an egg.

[@deborahetheridge5105]

The orange switch that turns it on and off won't stay in place. Won't turn on 🙄 tell me what to do.

[@thomasgronek6469]

I rigged it with extra batteries so it not only starts fires, I did a turkey in 20 minutes, and I can melt lead, for fishing lures in less than 10 seconds, It comes in handy for welding also. lol

[@TheOneMaverick]

I'd love to see a video of that happening

[@brienb1770]

so, the failure of the switch due to freezing.. allowing it to thaw breathes some unnecessary "life" into to product review since the claim was "works even when frozen in a block of ice". The fact that it suffers from water incursion is a failure in itself, let alone the matter of frozen tail cap. This light doesnt hold-up to the promises made. Period

[@thefinalroman]

in the commercial it was on frozen. not turned on after

[@InternetSavage]

Picked one up at Walmart for about $16, works great.

[@unknownuser38]

Hey hi does it still work?

[@InternetSavage]

@@unknownuser38 yeah

[@Oakami]

3:45 *That alcohol though* >.>

[@mikehoward8201]

I bought the Tac Light Pro, that has the lantern cobb light. You would think for $14.99 you would be furnished some aaa start up batteries...but no! That is the only thing I don't like about it. It is going in my truck for emergency use. I like the sos signal feature and the lantern feature. I would bet if you accidently let it get wet it would work fine and not leak say when used in the rain.

[@mikehoward8201]

Forgot to mention the magnet would be handy too for under the hood work otpr in my camper cap!

[@jpolar394]

Just to let you people know, I saw the exact same item at a flea market over the thanksgiving weekend and the seller was asking 10 bucks for them.

[@jdisdetermined]

They still have flea markets with Covid? Where do you live?

[@ArmaGuyz]

I got the one from wal-mart givent to me as a gift ,says Bell Howell and it is pretty good so far no complaints of course I wont be around boiling water I think the lights switch being froze can be contributed to water in the housing still that froze possibly. Either not a bad light for the bucks. These are a Knockoff of the real light called the Solaray Pro ZX-1

[@toddfranklin4063]

I was thinking the same thing about them not spending money on advertising - in a PAID KZbin ad. I bought a 588 lumen flashlight (says tactical) at Harbor Freight for around $10. It was on sale - it's regularly about $11.99. I'm sure it's the same light - just at Harbor Freight it's called the Quantum flashlight. It's a great flashlight, but it can't start fires or burn through metal - but I got a couple of torches for that, it's all good. They also have a 3,700 lumen flashlight for $40 - but it's just too bulky for me. Still it's a powerful light. So there are plenty of options other than this scam! Thanks for making it easier to check out unbelievable too-good-to-be-true deals. These crooks won't even put the lumens in their users manual and doesn't say a word about starting fires. Why don't they list the lumens if it's unbelievably bright?

[@davidgarner7948]

Your thinking of the elite tac that makes the burn through metal and no advertising. That one is a super scam.

[@junglewriter7300]

A flashlight is such a standard household item that we sometimes take it for granted. We don’t realize there are poorly made flashlights and well-made flashlights. But there are. Here are some tips to buying the best flashlight: 1. Avoid flashlights with low battery life. They might be the cheapest ones on the shelves, but you’ll simply have to make return trips to the store to replace the batteries. Especially if you plan on using your flashlight a lot, as opposed to reserving it for emergencies, you’ll definitely want a flashlight with a long battery life. And better yet, plenty of retailers and online stores offer rechargeable flashlights. These are ideal, as they will never require new batteries and usually last a lifetime! They are the most expensive of course, but in the long run you’ll be saving time and money. 2. The brighter, the better. There’s no reason to buy a flashlight that doesn’t shine brightly. Some bright-white flashlight bulbs can be a little hard on the eyes, but as long as you research the products, you can find one that shines perfectly! A powerful flashlight will be the most reliable and useful to you, so why not get one? 3. When possible, buy flashlights built with aluminum alloy or other durable material. If you plan on using your flashlight outdoors where the weather is unpredictable, make sure your flashlight is indestructible. 4. Shop online! There are so many brands and prices available to you that it would be a mistake to visit just one store. The Internet affords you the opportunity to compare all the different kinds of flashlights out there, and you can almost always find bargain prices. Flashlights are a necessity item and you will need one for your home, car, and likely elsewhere - so take some time to purchase a quality flashlight. WANT A FLASHLIGHT AT THE COST OF ZERO?? Check out the review of the Q5 Taclite flashlight and learn how you can get one for free >> medium.com/@jackie_sato/q5-taclite-review-the-perfect-edc-tactical-flashlight-is-now-yours-for-free-ec8c32720f42

[@arcadianwind]

wow this comment was great until the spam article

[@swabby429]

Right away, I noticed the lack of an O-ring on the lens cap. Worse than that, sometimes the flashlight turned itself on after an hour or so after being switched off. Eventually, whenever storing it, I unscrewed the tail cap so the flashlight wouldn't turn itself on when I wasn't nearby to supervise it. I do not recommend this light.

[@Freakinreviews]

Yeah it's pretty good when it works, but it's not really designed for easy repair.

[@toolstechandtoys5910]

A Prius is not a car!!!!

[@cameltoeinspector6015]

omg lmao

[@strikerdelta]

Shut up. Its still 3000 pounds of crushing force.

[@TeslaChan]

Well I mean. Yes it is indeed a car... at least last time I checked.

[@davidgarcia4579]

U forgot to drop it off the roof or something

[@rainbowdeep9234]

Just the taclight, not you and the flashlight .

[@nanookyful]

I bought the same one. It says 40 x stronger than a regular light. Yours says 22. I paid 21 dollars for one here in Ontario. Seems marketing varies.

[@Freakinreviews]

Maybe they found an even worse "regular flashlight" to compare it against, so they could bump it up to 40x! :-)

[@nanookyful]

Yeah, I hear ya. Great review BTW.

[@scottybarger4793]

The commercial I saw had it put in a deep fryer instead of boiling water

[@salrenzulli8473]

Nice review!

[@robertmitchum2972]

Bought the same exact flashlight on e-bay for less than eight dollars. Although not marketed as the Tac Light, it's the same exact thing,,,

[@jaserobert2758]

Is tac light the same as atomic beam flashlight

[@auxmike]

Should have put the light in the ice while illuminated and frozen it that way

[@franks.hansen6788]

The battery would have died before the water turned to ice

[@DTsteve45]

how did you remove the lens piece?

[@Freakinreviews]

The section containing the lens can be unscrewed, but I didn't actually get to the lens itself.

[@HFVidShotz]

Tac light tac light tac light. Say it again. Tac light! Aahhhh! Thanks for the review. I have one and it lasted 1 year. Damn it!

[@jebstephen101]

Problem i had was the case. The belt strap fell apart and the companu would not replace it because it was like 30 days beyond the 1 year. I dont recommend this light to anyone. The good thing is the flashlight out lasted the holster!!

[@marks4523]

I purchased my Bell & Howell tracklight about a year ago and used it on a regular basis. But today it failed. You see there are two o-ring rubber gaskets under the section where the silver part that covers the lightbulb screws off. They are in the area that you twist to change the light from a wide beam to a narrow beam. These o-ring gaskets are being rubbed against the inside housing every time you adjust the light. It's obvious that these gaskets are there to keep the insides free from water or moisture. But they're just standard rubber gaskets. today I noticed a difference when I turned the device to change the light beam. When I looked where the light bulb is, with it off of course, I saw part of one of these o-ring gaskets. Fortunately, the top silver part of the device does unscrew giving me the ability to look at exactly where these rubber gaskets go. If you use this device on a regular basis, overtime those gaskets will wear out and your device will no longer be waterproof. I removed both of the gaskets because they had worked their way out of their proper location. The device still works, but now the top part that turns to adjust the light beam slides freely and will not hold the beam of light in place. Whatever warranty this device has, eventually those o-ring gaskets are going to wear out, and I can't see a way to replace then unless I had a special tool, or there's some way to slide the entire inner workings out show the housing. Overall it's a good flashlight, but those o-ring gaskets it will wear out overtime.

[@howardsides5384]

You didn't drop it or use the lantern function. Once you do that all you have is a speed bump.

[@drtea3422]

waterproof or not? but that flashlight is freaki'n amazing

[@scottbennett3119]

(Follow-up: 11-17-16) After about 5 minutes after being switched off, the switch automatically resets to the high setting so it will be on "high" the next time you use it. This is a nice flashlight! Show less

[@speedf1688]

mine doesn't...it stays on its last setting which is annoying!!

[@MrSATism]

I would like to say mode memory would be a better feature on a flashlight, but that is a pretty nice feature

[@rashidsuhaili9442]

Does this flashlight is really bright?

[@TravisB2323]

The little flashlight that could

[@jessechacon8146]

where did u buy it

[@Freakinreviews]

+Jesse Chacon I bought it at Walmart.

[@elwoodsherman2386]

Jesse Chacon you can get em at Walgreens too.

[@Gunut02]

i ordered two one came with the lens broke the other is twitchy when i turn it on i wouldnt buy it again

[@mariaesposito274]

Wal-Mart has them 3 for $19.99 ..

[@mangeshgawari548]

Bhai mahin magai 629 ka battery mere ko chhoti battery Mili hai vah bhi charge nahin Hoti hai

[@stephenshea2088]

Just watching this video almost melted my screen....

[@TG-jw5mf]

YOU LEFT OUT STARTING A FIRE WITH IT

[@Zzazs]

mines dif its a black button and you HAVE to go through each before turning off-also Yes recharge does work-also mine has a magnet

[@bobbycole3968]

Do you think it could withstand an atomic blast?

[@marvflowers86]

I've had mine for about 4 years I paid like 40 bucks for it at Walmart it eats up batteries pretty quickly especially in cold weather couple hours I would have to recharge batteries it's pretty bright one day I accidentally dropped it in the sink and I'm like oh no problem it's supposed to be waterproof and supposed to last like that nope water got inside the ball of even though everything was as tight as it could be when I tried to contact Bell and Howell they sent me to another company and it was basically like a wild goose chase to try to maybe get a new flashlight considering they're supposed to be waterproof also I've noticed the two holes on the side of the cap where the magnet is supposed to be 10 to wear down like it's made out of sheep metal and now my tackle light doesn't even really turn on I just replaced them with new Duracell batteries and I went to go click the rubber back and it's kind of like a dim barely yellow light definitely won't stop any Intruders I've dropped it a few times accidentally because the string broke so I came up with another idea to strap it around my neck and when I dropped it on the concrete let's just say some of the corners kind of dented of the back of the flashlight so it's definitely I don't feel like it could be ran over by a big military vehicle without getting completely crushed and it does tend to get warm if you use it for long hours there might be a fire risk there definitely don't get it wet and if you freeze it overnight most likely the batteries will be dead if it doesn't like catch fire and milk most of ice it's definitely not terproof like you can't take it swimming with you if it gets wet just take it apart and put it in rice that way you're not writing 50 emails to try to have the company say there's nothing they can do when you're just going to have to buy another one anyways

[@JustJo25]

Who is here because of Danny Gonzalez

[@epynephrine]

Hello fellow Greg 👋

[@darkspectro100]

Thats the worst flashlight I've ever had . As a fact I ordered it directly on the phone instead they sent me the gen 1 with the orange button NON magnetic, overheating if used over 10n minutes. Spoke with customer service and got a $5 refund for a $30 order. Go ahead and get rip off from false advertisements and scammers.

[@CHER1943]

You forgot to do the frying the egg pan

[@theinformer762]

Maybe.... It's waterproof, BEFORE being run over by a car.

[@outside1234]

Great video thank you

[@ganon602]

Gravel yard, concrete block Wall, Arizona maybe?

[@jfinney225]

Isn't this the one that's supposed to light everything on fire? Lol shouldn't it have been able to melt the ice on its own as soon as you turned it on?

[@sparkywirenut]

The block of ice test is stupid advertising , water freezes at 32 degs , big deal - want to give it a real test chill the flashlight to minus 20 degs or so , { that's how cold it gets in the north country sometimes }

[@pamelaparkhurst7685]

I have a Tac light-dropped it on the floor and it quit working.

[@jaredharris1970]

I bought one and returned it a week later because it turns on when it feels like it the first time I used it was fine used it 3 times total the second time I had to beat it to get it to turn on then it wouldn’t turn off when pressed the button again I had to unscrew it to turn it off the button is so wishy washy I gave up on it

[@sandraeleam5656]

I can't even decide how to open it to put in batteries Help please

[@KengJeeThao]

U didn't test if the light can light a paper on fire...

[@hardstuckiron1106]

but they said it could light fires??

[@samserios6428]

The flashlight isnt too bad if you buy it directly from China (look for Meco flashlights at gearbest, banggood etc.) for 3$. For 15$ you can already get a nice Convoy S2+ flashlight that is way better in every aspect.

[@NetRolller3D]

Sam Seriös Actually this one is better than the Meco, as it comes with an XM-L2 LED (probaby genuine Cree, as AFAIK LatticeBright doesn't make XM-L2 replicas, only 1st-gen XM-L). The Meco contains a confirmed LatticeBright (fake) XM-L.

[@samserios6428]

Thanks for the info, I didn't think about that. It could give the TacLight a small advantage in terms of light color and efficiency, but I doubt that it justifies the much higher price. Apart from that theres still the Convoy S2 and other chinese flashlights that are just better.

[@kiloton1920]

Man I hate it when people decorate their homes with recycling

[@e.palmer4297]

whats with the square?

[@Freakinreviews]

Yeah that's kind of an odd feature.

[@necessaryevile]

I'd rather have long lasting life in the battery, I'm not going to be run over or boiling anytime soon

[@whatimsupposedtohaveaname5120]

why does he look like keemstar if he shaved his beard with glasses on

[@EasternSunset007]

But will it light fires 🔥 and cook 🥚 eggs as they claim!?

[@robertfarquharson3606]

Any flashlight with the same design does the same thing.

[@UrAvgRasian]

I bought a knock off two flash lights on eBay for $9 comes with a charger & 2 18650’s. I put them to the test by shinning them down my block 30 houses each one have 60’ property width that comes to around 1800’. Not only can I see the square light I can see my neighbors house or car depending where I shine it. Either way, cheap but effective.

[@jimwilliams9382]

😱

[@traceycotter8169]

freakin reviews are you in new zealand

[@Freakinreviews]

No, I live in Las Vegas. Why do you ask?

[@elwoodsherman2386]

you can put two 3v lithium camera batteries in and its much brighter. battery type 123 3v.

[@Freakinreviews]

Great tip - thanks!

[@EiLSeL_OcetOs]

Elwood Sherman or use 18650 Li-ion. much brighter and longer power

[@cpt_mrn]

+Freakin' Reviews mine is magnetic too its a good product ....

[@jamesquinlan2110]

my tac light is stuck on strobe mode.

[@trossk]

You forgot the burn thru metsl test

[@juliogonzo2718]

I got one for Christmas one year and used regularly at work for a few months because I didn't have the heart to throw it in the garbage. The switch eventually came unglued. Better then nothing but for the same or a little more money you could buy better. Cringy af commercial too