When it comes to utility and tactical flashlights, the German Armytek GmbH firm may have not yet acquired the rank of household name like other big players such as SureFire, Streamlight, Olight, Nitecore or Fenix. And yet Armytek – also active in north America through its Canadian HQ – takes pride in being on the cutting edge of technology. Armytek flashlights are engineered in Germany and manufactured in China in a plant owned and operated by the Company (not by a third-party supplier!) and make extensive use of state-of-the-art electronics manufactured in Japan and in the United States.

This combination gives Armytek flashlights a great edge over the technological content of its most direct competitors, and the Armytek Predator Pro Magnet USB tactical light is a prime example of this: a versatile, high-performance product that can dub as a handheld flashlight or a tactical gun light without batting an eye.

The Armytek Predator Pro Magnet USB tactical light is based on high-intensity LED technology and improved electronics and firmware, and as such it offers the highest range in Armytek’s product line: the light beam has a 5-degrees hot spot and a 40-degrees spill – think a 9 meters hot spot at 100 meters, or 29.5 feet at 100 yards for those of you who use Freedom Numbers – and a maximum throw ranging between 494 and 501 mt (540 to 547 yards) at the maximum output level of 1500 lumens.

A two-stage tail button – half-push for momentary activation, full click for constant light – offers 20 times the service life of a standard switch; the head of the flashlight can then be turned to switch between output levels and modes of use (Tactical mode or Hunting mode, with a strobe option also available).

A memory system will automatically recall the last selected mode next time the light is turned on again. The LED, reflector and anti-reflective coated tempered glass lens are protected by a steel bezel, which also allows the Armytek Predator Pro flashlight to be used as an impromptu blunt instrument or glass breaker in case of an emergency.

The body of the Armytek Predator Pro flashlight is 16 cm / 6.29” long overall, weighs in at 136 to 186 grams (4.79 to 6.56 oz) depending on whether the battery is installed or not, and is machined from a single piece of 6061-T6 aluminum with a special anti-abrasive matte black titanium-based coating and no rough knurling, allowing for a comfortable and convenient hold even with wet hands.

The Predator Pro is powered by a rechargeable 18650, 3500 mAh battery, held in place in its seat by two improved springs. The battery seat is topped by the flashlight’s electronics, which are contained in a reinforced capsule filled with a protective compound, allowing the Armytek Predator Pro flashlight to dub as a gun light for rifles, carbines or shotguns, and withstand any recoil.

When the battery is low, the LED will flash twice 30 seconds after switching on to signal that it’s about to die; the USB-powered magnetic recharging base issued with each Predator Pro will fully charge the battery in 3 hours and 40 minutes.

The user can monitor the recharging phase through the colored LEDs embedded in the recharging base: green means battery fully charged, red means battery under charge, orange means low tension on the USB power source, blinking orange means bad contacts, blinking red means dirty contacts. Additionally, an embedded temperature control system automatically lowers the output when bezel temperature reaches 58°C (136.4°F) to prevent damage.

The magnetized tail cap allows the Armytek Predator to be attached to any metal surface for hands-free use.

The Armytek Predator Pro Magnet USB flashlight is IP68 certified for resistance against dust and will withstand immersion in water up to 25 meters (82 ft) in depth for 5 hours, drops and falls from the same height, and extremely high or low outside temperatures (-40°C to +40°C, or up to 104°F).

Each Armytek Predator Pro Magnet USB comes issued with a single 18650 battery and its USB recharging magnetic base; a wrist lanyard and a steel belt clip; a black neoprene grip; two spare black O-rings; a black nylon belt holster; and a detailed instruction manual in eight languages. Accessories such as colored lens filters, remote switches and gun mounts are sold separately.

The Armytek Predator Pro Magnet USB can be purchased directly on the official Armytek website at a retail price of 115€ in Europe and $105.00 in the United States. A full kit, issued from factory with some accessories that would otherwise be aftermarket, is available for 185€ in Europe and $170.00 in the US.