Original Article: Best Spotlight for Hunting – Top 5 of 2020
Having the right gear for the job is an important thing to consider. Night hunting and spotting is a great strategy for hunting where it’s legal, and the options to make this possible are bountiful. It is hard to recommend one specific hunting spotlight, but we will break it down to a few simple options for you.
Hunting spotlights come in a variety of options such as the handheld we are all familiar with, but you can also get a scope-mount spotlight and a permanent spotlight that can be mounted.
Depending on the laws where you are hunting and the game you are pursuing a color option may be beneficial. A color option will light up your game with a lower chance of spooking and running off your quarry.
When shopping for a hunting spotlight you need to consider things like your environment and your use of the spotlight itself. As a rule of thumb, you should opt for a water-resistant and durable option but if you are in a humid environment you should look towards a waterproof option. Consider things like power options as well. Battery and rechargeable options each have pros and cons that we will discuss in this article.
Spotlights are also extremely useful for camping and other applications as well. These uses should be considered in your decision.
Let us have a look at what is out there to help you make a good decision on this especially important piece of hunting equipment.
SPIKA USB Rechargeable 1200 Lumen Spotlight
Most generators and vehicles nowadays can work with USB devices making this a handy spotlight for maintaining a charge while hunting. The SPIKA 1200 Lumen hunting spotlight offers a durable and completely waterproof design for high moisture environments and great durability for a reasonable price. The timeframe that this spotlight can operate at maximum capacity is 2.5 hours which is not that great compared to other brands, however, the USB charging makes it easy to charge while in the field. This spotlight also comes with a wall charging option, so you do not have to charge in your car exclusively. As with most spotlights, this unit offers an ergonomic handle for comfort and control while holding for extended periods of time. The 1200 lumens are put out by 15W ultra-bright LED for a great, bright, output. The diameter of the reflector reaches 140mm which is a bit large and can make stowing and transporting a bit awkward.
FEATURES
- Waterproof design
- Ergonomic handle
- USB and wall charge compatible
- 15W ultra-bright LED
- Durable design
- USB charging can be done in the field
- Dust-proof design for low humidity environments
- Short battery life
- No color options
GOODSMAN 4500 Lumen Rechargeable Spotlight
The GOODSMAN 4500 offers a lower profile in size compared to their other models for easy storage and carrying which is convenient when carrying all your other gear over a distance. The 4500 lumens offer a huge punch in terms of brightness and range of light making it a solid choice for any hunting application. This spotlight also comes with a USB car adapter for charging on the go making it very versatile. The price for this spotlight is on the higher end of the spectrum but the durability and the brightness speak for themselves making it a spotlight you should look twice at. The body of the spotlight itself is coated in a rubber and PVC material which is superior for preventing shock damage when dropped or knocked around with the rest of your gear. This spotlight also comes with a great 1-year warranty which is wonderful when compared to its competitors. Sometimes when hunting, you will not need your spotlight to operate at maximum capacity and that is where this spotlight comes in. This spotlight offers three different settings for brightness output for situations where less is more. This feature also will make it easier to conserve battery life for extended hunts.
FEATURES
- USB car charger
- Rubber coated design
- 3-mode lighting
- 251P Lithium batteries
- Durable design
- Excellent warranty
- Lightweight design
- Customer reviews suggest that the stock battery is poor
- Small diameter minimizes depth of light
VASTFIRE Predator Light
The VASTFIRE Predator spotlight is a great spotlight for mounting to your gun or scope, which can be especially useful for non-stationary hunting by eliminating unnecessary gear to pack in. This scope also offers a multi-color option for different uses while hunting in the colors red, green, and white. The length of battery life is determined by color with red being the longest at 5 hours and green being only 2.5 hours. Because this is a small unit made for mounting on a firearm, the battery life will always be less than a handheld unit but the benefit is that there is less gear to pack in and the convenience of having your spotlight ready at a moments notice. One thing that can be an issue with this spotlight is the fact that changing colors requires the removal of the entire lens which can be a hassle to do if you change colors frequently. Durability is on the lower end on this product because it designed to be mounted on a firearm which will likely not take a beating as will other gear. All of this can be outweighed by the simple convenience of this unit and the small size.
FEATURES
- Multi-color feature
- Water-resistant
- Center beam for aiming
- Rechargeable batteries
- Lightweight design
- Rechargeable batteries
- Easy mounting system
- Spotlight is not waterproof
- Short battery life
BIGSUN Q953 6000 Lumen Spotlight
The BIGSUN Q953 offers a few features that the other brands do not such as the tripod feature that offers a large range of motion and angles for getting the light where it is needed most. Another feature of the tripod that is very useful is the female USB port located on the back of the unit that is used to charge the spotlight itself and can also be used to charge other devices using the spotlight as a source. A side light is mounted to the side of the handle as well which serves as a lower lumen light for smaller projects such as getting your gear ready in the dark before the hunt or working on your vehicle. This side light also has 3 different brightness settings which is always great for conserving your battery life. Durability seems to be on point when compared to other brands of the same design. This spotlight is made from a high-grade aluminum which is durable and resists shock and drop damage.
FEATURES
- Tripod for hands-free use
- USB port for charging
- USB port for use as a power bank
- Multi-position swivel design
- Great battery life
- Side light for smaller tasks
- Simple positioning for any angle
- Weighs more due to tripod when attached
- Side light drains battery
GOODSMAN HID Portable 2000 Lumen
In areas where it is legal to road hunt with a spotlight, you may want to opt for a spotlight that is corded and does not need to be charged. The GOODSMAN HID 2000 is a great option for a spotlight that does not leave the vehicle that offers a good number of lumens. This spotlight is simplistic in design that can be operated easily and can be maneuvered easily with a coiled cable that reaches both sides of the vehicle with ease. One feature that is useful is the attachment hook at the back of the spotlight for simple hanging inside the vehicle for easy access. With a multi-brightness setting, this spotlight switches from a spotlight to a floodlight at the flip of a switch which is good for different situations.
FEATURES
- Floodlight and spotlight settings
- Nylon storage bag
- White and blue light matches daytime light
- 12V car adapter
- Corded design does not need charging
- Coiled cable reaches all parts of the vehicle
- HID lighting is brighter than other corded spotlights
- Corded design that cannot leave the vehicle with you
- Material that is used is weaker than other similar products
Things to Consider When Buying
Spotlights are not created equal and all have advantages and disadvantages depending on how and where you are using them.
Portability
A handheld wireless spotlight is great for hunting when you are headed away from the truck and for those who travel a great distance to a hunting spot might want a scope mounted spotlight instead.
Durability
Consider the durability of the unit itself regarding how hard you are on your gear, the climate of where you are hunting, moon phases of when you decide to hunt, water-resistance and waterproofing.
Color
Color options are to be considered as well for game and the simplicity of switching those colors. Overall, it will come down to your needs on your hunt and your anticipations.
Always look at what you need minimally and buy just a notch above that. That way you always have what you need and a little more without breaking your wallet. The best spotlights for hunting are often what suits your needs and brightness can go up or down depending on those factors. We hope that this article will help you in your decision of what you need and starts you on the journey of buying the gear you need to enjoy what you love.
