J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight Review

We purchased the J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full product review.

The J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight is an inexpensive flashlight with a durable, metal body and three light functions. Its small size and sturdy, weatherproof build make it great for taking out into the elements or into a dusty garage. We put it to the test around the house so we could tell you how well it stands up.

Design and Setup: Zoomable light and a compact design

The J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight has an all-metal body that feels quite nice to hold. Its compactness makes it feel very tough. Everything is so tightly attached together that it keeps out dust and resists water intrusion when splashed. The head of the flashlight acts as a scope, diffusing the light over a circle or focusing it to a narrow square. A metal clip on the side fixes it firmly to belts or pockets. The button on the base is protected by metal bezels.

When we used the flashlight, we discovered that it gets warm when left on for around ten minutes. The flashlight has a relatively low battery life, anyway, so it isn’t suited to hours of use. Using it for several minutes at a time is no problem. Becoming warm is a bit of a problem, but we still suggest this flashlight for the average user who only needs it occasionally.

Battery: A rechargeable option and weeks of daily use

The V1-Pro has two battery options. A single AA battery can power the battery for a few weeks of occasional use. If you prefer a rechargeable battery, it can run with any 14500 lithium-ion battery, such as the Sanyo-Panasonic. Neither of these are included with the flashlight.

The flashlight completely died after around an hour and a half of continuous use on the brightest setting. It isn’t a very long battery life, but we think it’s great for the size and price.

Performance: Indestructible performance with a great range

The V1-Pro is a great flashlight for dusty conditions like basements or, for our testing, the Texan desert. Dust didn’t get into the flashlight during our testing, and splashing it with water also did not affect performance. Even dropping this little flashlight on the cement garage floor didn’t so much as ding the body. The 300 lumens light was visible from around 700 feet away.

There are three lighting options: high, low, and strobe. Cycling through the functions is very fast using half-presses of the button. Unfortunately, it was impossible to reliably choose the function we wanted.

Price: Reasonably priced for daily use

The V1-Pro flashlight costs under $15 on Amazon, though MSRP is $29.95. We think the price is reasonable for a flashlight this durable. There are cheaper options on the market, but every part of this flashlight’s design feels durable and high-quality.

Competition: The best option for occasional use

If the battery life of the J5 Tactical V1-Pro Flashlight is a problem, another option is the slightly-more-expensive Anker Super Bright Tactical Flashlight has fnearly six hours of battery life. At only $25, it is a convenient choice for light daily use, and it can be recharged, so you will never be left searching for another AA.

If you need a flashlight intended for hours of use at a time, such as spotting deer then you might consider the Romer Handheld Rechargeable Searchlight. It is only $25, lightweight for packing through the outdoors, and rechargeable.