There are tiers to your everyday carry. There are the necessities: Wallet, keys, phone. There are the items that, while not necessary, sure come in handy often: Notebook, pocket knife, pen. And then there are those that are useful depending on your job or daily activities. A pocket flashlight could easily fit in this last category. We tested out the 5.11 TMT PLx Penlight to see if it’s the pocket light you should get if you need a flashlight on a daily basis.
WHAT IS IT?
A pocket-sized flashlight that casts a 40 meter cone of light. One that is durable and tough enough to take a beating and also make it a viable self-defense weapon.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Late night workers, campers, and anyone looking for a light to keep in their glove box. Ideal for everyday use, but also perfect for tossing in a toolbox next to a fresh set of AAAs.
HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Like a piece of military or police equipment. While it’s lightweight, you can tell it could do some damage if used as a weapon or to break glass.
WHAT WE LIKED:
The price. The TMT PLx is not the most powerful pocket flashlight on the market, but for under $30, we’d be hard-pressed to find one better. Plus, it’s compact, fits in the hand, and offers some tactical applications.
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE:
We love us a good click feature. Clicking a pen or flashlight on and off is addictive and bizarrely fun. The click button on the TMT PLx, however, is oddly uncomfortable.
COOLEST FEATURE:
Drop it a few feet and it will work. Use it in the rain and it will work. It’s just as durable as it looks.
WOULD WE BUY IT?
If we were serious about buying a high-performance pocket flashlight, we might consider investing in something slightly more powerful from 5.11. If, however, we wanted to save a few bucks and get a tactical flashlight that will stand up to daily use, we’d buy it in a heartbeat.
