Last Updated on October, 2024
I realized I was doing something wrong with my flashlight on my 5th hunting trip. Even with a strong flashlight, the blood trails seemed to stop sooner.
At that point, I had already lost a considerable amount of time AND money.
For my friends who use the best blood tracking flashlights had none of MY problems.
So, the problem was my CHOICE of flashlight; I needed a blood-tracking flashlight.
Eventually, I did find the best one. But why should you trust me on the recommendations?
Table of Contents
Why Trust Me?
Simple, I’ve tested all the flashlights I’m about to discuss here, and that, too, not in the typical fashion.
See, finding a good blood-tracking flashlight isn’t easy, mainly because there are not many options available. So, for testing, I got my hands on a multi-color flashlight with Red, Green, and Blue colored LEDs.
Along with that, I went with a cool white low CRI, warm white high CRI, two UV flashlights with varying NM, and, most importantly, a bottle of blood from a slaughterhouse nearby for the test.
That’s pretty much all of the flashlights proven to be reliable when it comes to blood tracking, according to my research. However, after the test, there was only one clear winner, and there was no competition. Even the the ones I expected to work failed miserably.
Continue reading to know which took the cake and is the Best Blood Tracking Flashlight for you to get.
Best 5 Blood Tracking Flashlights
This best blood tracking lights list is in no particular order for the time being. Once you read about them, I’ll help you pick one from the best three.
1. Olight Array 2S Headlamp (Editor’s Choice)
This might be surprising, but yeah, the Olight Array 2S, with its cool white 5700K color temperature and 65 CRI, performed better than all the other lights.
It separated blood from the background perfectly without any issues.
However, that is not the only reason for the headlamp to perform that well; another reason is the light’s Spot + Flood beam, which helped too.
Focusing the hotspot on the correct area made things even clearer, and that was not something the competition was able to pull off.
I thought the high CRI flashlight would take the top spot, but it was the complete opposite. All in all, as a whole, not just for blood trailing, the Olight Array 2S is a flashlight you can rely on.
The features it brings to the table are excellent for hunters. One of those is hand gestures, You can simply wave your hands at the light and change the brightness modes. If you’re not a fan of gestures, you can still use the e-switch.
Speaking of modes, the Array 2S has Low, Medium, and High. That gives you the luxury to choose the correct brightness when needed.
Battery runtime is excellent. Using the flashlight in low brightness mode can give a maximum of 30 hours, as claimed by Olight. That’s great, but I tested the light on Medium most of the time, and the max runtime I got was 4h 33mins.
Design and build is another area the Array 2S shines. It’s smaller than many other headlamps at just 2.40 inches in length, and as for the weight, it’s 131 grams with the battery.
The quality of the build is solid; the anodized aluminum is built to last; moreover, it’s IPX4 rated, which means it can withstand splashes of water without any problems.
All that said, if you want a blood-trailing flashlight that’ll actually track blood, go for the Array S2. With Olight’s reliability and everything it brings to the table, you won’t be disappointed.
Pros
Cons
2. Manker E14IV Pocket EDC (#2nd Best Choice)
https://flashlightreviewers.com/go/manker-e14iv-pocket-edc-8/If not for the Olight’s ground-breaking headlamp, the best alternative is the Manker E14IV Pocket EDC.
Being an EDC (everyday carry) light, this doesn’t have hands-free control. However, being a handheld light, it’s very powerful.
For starters, you can buy this in 3 variations, although what I recommend is the 4x SAMSUNG LH351D LED, which emits 2800 lumens, WITH the external red filter.
The price change is only $2, and you need this light for blood tracking.Manker boasts a light quality of 90 CRI, and the color temperature can be between 3500°K and 5300°K.
In my experience, this is typically 3800°K. This bright white light is amazing in the outdoor setting as it doesn’t mask colors.
In other words, you can use this high CRI and white light for blood trail tracking too.
Like most high-end EDC flashlights, the Maker E14IV has four general modes: eco, general, turbo, and special. Let’s see how each mode performs.
Eco mode:
- In 18350 battery
- Moonlight: 0.1 lumens for 50 hours
- Ultra-low 1: 20 lumens for 45 hours
- Ultra-low 2: 55 lumens 27 hours
- In 18650 battery
- Moonlight: 0.1 lumens for 160 hours
- Ultra-low 1: 25 lumens for 125 hours
- Ultra-low 2: 60 lumens 83 hours
General mode:
- In 18350 battery
- Low: 90 lumens for 6 hours
- Medium: 460 lumens for 1h 25 min
- High: 750 lumens 1h 8min
- In 18650 battery
- Low: 100 lumens for 17 hours
- Medium: 470 lumens for 3h 20 min
- High: 800 lumens for 2h 30 min
Turbo mode:
- In 18350 battery
- 2100 lumens for 55 mins
- In 18650 battery
- 2800 lumens for 2h 10 mins at 126m peak beam throw
Special mode (strobe – beacon – SOS)
- In 18350 battery
- 3300 lumens
- In 18650 battery
- 4000 lumens
That covers all the modes of the Manker E14IV Pocket EDC, which can be accessed with one stainless steel side button. Let me also remind you that you can use ALL of these light modes in the red color, making the E14IV a dependable blood-tracking flashlight.
The power of the EDC’s light is not merely lumen-dependent. Similar to the Olight’s headlamp, this also uses TIR optics, optimizing the light distribution. Not only that, but you can quickly switch to the most recent light mode thanks to the mode memory.
The flashlight also features a battery check mode, which lets you check the battery charge status quickly and easily.
As the convenience factor rises, the safety factor rises with it; the Manker E14IV Pocket EDC comes with an IP67 waterproof rating, which makes it dustproof too. The icing on the cake is the 1m impact resistance.
Not only that, it also has heat dissipation fins that ensure your hand doesn’t get too uncomfortable holding it in higher modes. Together, it makes this EDC perfect for the outdoor setting.
Similar to the Olight’s headlamp, you can charge the Manker E14IV Pocket EDC conveniently with type-C USB, which comes with a high drain-protected 18350 li-ion battery. The package also contains a lanyard and one O-ring.
You can buy this EDC with a 7-day return period with a one-year warranty.
All things considered, I’ll definitely recommend the Manker E14IV Pocket EDC for blood trail tracking just as much as everyday work.
Pros
Cons
3. Brinyte T28 (#3rd Best Choice)
If not for the first two, the second best alternative for Olight’s headlamp is Brinyte T28. Let’s see what makes it special.
All you need is a high CRI light with cool white (or similar) light temperature, and you can distinguish blood trails in almost any terrain.
Surprisingly, despite what Google says, green and blue can also be used to track blood in darkness.
This is the design philosophy of the Brinyte T28, where the flashlight has red, white, and green lights. You can easily switch through the colors with the easy tri-color instant switch.
When you do, you also have the luxury of adjusting the focus. In other words, you get a spotlight and a floodlight in all 3 colors.
I know some hunters and outdoor enthusiasts aren’t fans of stepped brightness levels, which means low, medium, high, and so on. If you’re one, you’ll love the Brinyte T28’s stepless brightness control that lets you fully adjust the brightness from 2% to 100%.
Here’s where it gets better. You can adjust brightness conveniently with the tail cap switch from 2% to 100%.
Here’s how the output performance changes for each mode in the Brinyte T28 based on the light color:
- White
- Highest output: 650 lumens
- Runtime: 135 mins
- Beam distance 525m
- Beam intensity: 69600cd+
- Red
- Highest output: 140 lumens
- Runtime: 220 mins
- Beam distance: 255m
- Beam intensity: 16480cd+
- Green
- Highest output: 130 lumens
- Runtime: 270 mins
- Beam distance: 340m
- Beam intensity: 2910cd+
These impressive runtimes are achievable thanks to the 21700 5000mAh rechargeable battery. Recharging convenience is high thanks to the Type-C USB port. You also get a Brintye branded charging cable for that.
The downside is that you’ll have to remove the battery to charge it, which requires some effort. I understand some hunters don’t like that inconvenience, and that’s another reason why the Brinyte T28 isn’t the absolute best.
The BRM12 Scope Mount is another unique feature that makes the Brinyte T28 phenomenal. With this, you can directly attach the flashlight to your weapon.
Now, there’s a question: how can you quickly adjust brightness?
This is why the free additional remote switch exists. After attaching it through the tail cap, you can use it to externally control the brightness and switch between colors without having to extend your arm, which will hinder your momentum. To me, that’s smart design.
The design team has also not forgotten the safety aspects of this brilliant blood trail tracking light. The Brinyte T28 comes with an IP66 waterproof rating that would perfectly sustain in the outdoor setting.
Furthermore, the flashlight also has a decent 1m impact resistance. With that, you don’t have to be distracted about safeguarding the flashlight overly.
I understand Brinyte isn’t as reputed as Olight. However, that doesn’t make the T28 any less better. After all, you get a 30-day free replacement (or will repair for free) and also offer a 2-year free repair guarantee. The cherry on top is that you get free shipping.
In conclusion, the Brinyte T28 can be recommended for blood trail tracking at night, as long as you’re okay with its downsides.
Pros
Cons
4. Primos Bloodhunter HD Flashlight
The Bushnell blood tracking light we just discussed is a brand directly involved with Primos.
So, although this was the first time I bought something from them, they did not let me down.
Their Bloodhunter HD was a referral from a pro hunter. It didn’t take long for me to realize why this flashlight was so recognized in the field.
Let’s start by talking about the design, dimensions, resistance capacity, and maximum mode settings.
Made out of premium aircraft grade aluminum, this flashlight sure has a very ergonomic shape, with a side switch. The flashlight uses CREE XM-L (U2) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours.
The proprietary HD Bloodhunter lens increases the design value of the product.
Weighing only 8 ounces (227g), excluding the batteries, the flashlight has the dimensions of 8 x 5 x 3 inches.
The Bloodhunter HD blood tracking light comes with the IPX4 rating. Which means it is weather resistant but is not waterproof.
There are two main operational modes; intense HD tracking and low illumination WITH white light for regular use.
In the high intense HD tracking mode (maximum mode), the lumen output is 600 and will run for 2 hours by design. Mine ran just above 1 hour and 55 minutes, so the numbers are accurate.
The lumen count drops to 100 when CR123A lithium batteries are used.
Let’s move to operational modes, package details, and special characteristics.
I told you there were two operational modes.
Interestingly, the Bloodhunter comes with an optical filter that reduces background colors to amplify blood.
The filter works in both modes. The only difference is the brightness and the runtime of the light.
In the low illumination mode, the lumen count drops to a runtime of 8 hours.
Here’s how to switch between the modes:
- The red button controls the power ON/OFF and the brightness mode.
- Press the button repeatedly to cycle between high and low modes
- The mode defaults to high if the button presses are too slow
- The first single press turns the Bloodhunter HD power on (high mode)
- The second single press down turns it off
- The third single press turns the flashlight on in the low mode
- The fourth single press turns it off
- The cycle repeats itself
Primos is very specific about the operational temperatures. The reason is to maximize the efficiency of their optical technology. That’s why you’re recommended to operate the flashlight in temperatures between 20 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
That’s why blood will be easily visible in all types of terrain.
The package includes a holster with belt straps and 4 CR123 batteries.
A low voltage protection alarm is one unique feature seen in this flashlight. The light blinks slowly ON and OFF when the battery voltage gets low; this means you should change the batteries.
You already know the blood tracking feature in the Bloodhunter HD, the Primos optical technology.
Pros
Cons
5. Rayovac Sportsman 3-in-1 Flashlight
The Sportsman was my first purchase from Rayovac. It wasn’t a referral or anything; I found it myself.
After all, you feel reassured when it’s a US-based company that has a history of over 100 years.
So, let’s start off by talking about the design, dimensions, resistance capacity, and maximum mode settings.
By now, you should predict that all the reliable blood tracking lights are made of premium aluminum and have an anodized body.
Because that’s precisely what you get with the Sportsman flashlight.
The dimensions are 4.6 x 1.34 x 1.12 inches. The flashlight weighs 5.9 ounces right in the dot.
The Sportsman is impact resistant up to 7 feet. However, there is no mention of an IP waterproof rating. Because the flashlight did perform well, I decided to use it extra carefully.
There are three modes, and you get a maximum light output of 18 lumens in all three modes. I’ll tell you what these are in a moment.
But you should remember; the average battery life is 22 hours.
Let’s move to operational modes, package details, and special characteristics.
As mentioned earlier, this 3-in-1 blood tracker flashlight comes with 3 modes: white (standard) mode, night vision, and blood tracker mode.
The product comes with a holster and the 3 AAA batteries in the package. That’s proof of how Rayovac maintains professionalism for all of its products.
I personally love the lifetime warranty.
This is the most underrated flashlight on this list, and I personally love how cost-effective it is.
Pros
Cons
Top Factors to Check for the Best Blood Tracking Light
- The nature of the design and material
- Dimensional compatibility
- Resistance capacity in terms of water resistance and impact resistance mainly
- Presence (or absence) of a standard bright white light mode
- Whether it is only a color light
- The number of operational modes and their variety in terms of,
- Light output in lumens
- Runtime
- Beam distance
- Light intensity (in candela)
- Availability of RGB colors and ultraviolet light
- Does it run with replaceable rechargeable batteries or otherwise?
- Warranty Policy
Note: Here’s the guide to Identify Animal Eyes At Night By Flashlight.
UV Lights vs Blue LED Flashlights: What’s More Effective?
Red lights can’t reveal blood trails since the color red is already occupied in the wavelength form.
But it necessarily doesn’t mean that every other color is able to reveal blood too. Because green lights only darken blood marks.
UV light is typically used for forensic operations. They perform fantastically as blood trail lights in controlled environments. But the situation is the opposite when you track blood in a forest.
That’s why you need blood lights consisting of blue LED light. The wavelength makes the blood glow, making it easier to notice.
So, incidentally, a good blood tracking light will have either one of these lights.
The Best blood tracking lights will have both of them and more.
Related article: What is a Blue Light Flashlight Used for?
Are Blood Tracking Flashlights Effective for Hunting?
You could always take a bright LED flashlight for tracking blood, yes?
No.
Bow hunting to typical shooting yields the best results when you do it at night. But with the diversity of the vegetation, it’s impossible to track blood with white light, let alone a blood trail. Checkout the best flashlights for hunting here.
Not to mention, you’ll chase away potential preys BEFORE you take your first shot.
This is when the best blood tracking light should come to the best. Whether it was UV lights or blue lights, the purpose was to make the blood stand out. Does this mean you should not use a flashlight with white light?
Absolutely not.
The best blood lights in the market let you switch to the blood tracking mode. Such a color light will not only help you track the wet blood of a wounded deer, but you can also use it for regular use.
So, as a matter of fact, having the best blood tracking light increases the effectiveness of any hunting trip tremendously.
Here’s the list of the best LED flashlights out on the market
Best Blood Tracking Flashlight — The Conclusion
Tracking blood in any environment is not an easy task. Even if you have the best blood tracking light, you could fall short with a lack of practice.
But you surely miss ALL of your chances if you didn’t have good light to begin with.
So, it’s clear how OLIGHT ARRAY 2S HEADLAMP comes in the first place. Its win is based on nothing but its blood tracking and supporting features.
However, now you also know the 5 best blood-tracking lights in the market.
If you make the right choice, your next trip’s hunting pack will change everything.
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