Defensive flashlights

[Bob Mayne]

I've heard from Alex Haddox on his light choice, now I'd like to hear from you.  If you've listened to Episode 78 yet, you'll know I need to get a better light!  I'm talking handheld lights, not gun mounted lights.  I know what I'm going to get there.  I'm not the type that likes to carry a light on my gun on my belt.  Perhaps I should change that thinking?

I like the fact that a flashlight has some distinct advantages when carried in the hand, and it can go anywhere I go legally.

Your recommendations and why?

[Bob Mayne]

I have a Glock mounted light, but it doesn't seem like it's even 85 lumens.  I really don't like it except that it snaps on and off easily. 

[Aaron L]

I haven't got to listen to the podcast yet

I have a couple of the Streamlight PolyTac LED lights and at around $37 for 130 Lumens that's pretty good for the money.
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=159

The equivalent in the SureFire is at $69 for 120 Lumens. (their comparison chart it says 80 Lumens for 12 hours so you may want to check first to see which is correct) http://www.surefire.com/FlashlightSpecChart
http://www.surefire.com/G2-Led

According to each website the Streamlight has a run time of 3 hours and the SureFire a run time of 2 hours. Eventually when finances get better I do want to pick up one with an aluminum body and a Crenellated Strike Bezel.

Hope that helps.

Aaron

[halesb]

I'm a big Surefire fan, I have a a few of them. My favorite is the E2D. It's pretty small, but very bright.

My only complaint is the CR123A batteries cost a lot.

I'm looking into something like a Fenix LD 10, which is supposed to give off 120 lumens from one AA battery !

[Bob Mayne]

Good point Recon, thanks.

[YearZero]

I have one similar to the Streamlight PolyTac LED that I generally have with me but I still really like my 2 D-cell maglite.
http://www.maglite.com/productline.asp

Granted this won't be one you can carry with you but you can have it in a car or in your luggage to have in hotel room, etc. Why do I mention this -- well if you live in the "great" state of Illinois, you have to get creative when *legal* firearm carrying is limited. And I actually live in an apartment that got bought out by the University of Illinois and I am waiting on the Chief of University police to approve (assuming it gets approved - nothing in my background would prevent it - only the chief not wanting to approve it) me to store a firearm in my apartment.

[Aaron L]

I have one similar to the Streamlight PolyTac LED that I generally have with me but I still really like my 2 D-cell maglite.
http://www.maglite.com/productline.asp

Granted this won't be one you can carry with you but you can have it in a car or in your luggage to have in hotel room, etc. Why do I mention this -- well if you live in the "great" state of Illinois, you have to get creative when *legal* firearm carrying is limited. And I actually live in an apartment that got bought out by the University of Illinois and I am waiting on the Chief of University police to approve (assuming it gets approved - nothing in my background would prevent it - only the chief not wanting to approve it) me to store a firearm in my apartment.

Yeah I carry a 4 D cell Maglite in the truck with me just in case.

Aaron

[CarsonH.]

I have a Streamlight Stinger DS C4 LED. http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=123. It's a little big for everyday carry but this thing is awesome and WOW is it Bright.

[gitt1]

Maglites might be good for whoop'n on people but I have probably 25 years history with various 2,3,4 cell models which says don't use them for survival defense. With only one exception  on C and D models the switch has always failed before the first light bulb. Of course now you can buy them anywhere and they are cheap, but don't make it the only one available.
Larry

[Aaron L]

Maglites might be good for whoop'n on people but I have probably 25 years history with various 2,3,4 cell models which says don't use them for survival defense. With only one exception  on C and D models the switch has always failed before the first light bulb. Of course now you can buy them anywhere and they are cheap, but don't make it the only one available.
Larry

Yeah the Maglite stays in the truck for that reason, however I always have my PolyTac LED flashlight for the survival purposes.

Aaron

[rhuber9]

You can't go wrong with Surefire hand held lights.  I have a Streamlight mounted on my bedside pistol but also leave a 'Surefire Backup" on the night stand.  It uses just one litium 123 3V and puts out enough light for it's intended use.

[MOP3.0]

I've heard from Alex Haddox on his light choice, now I'd like to hear from you.  If you've listened to Episode 78 yet, you'll know I need to get a better light!  I'm talking handheld lights, not gun mounted lights.  I know what I'm going to get there.  I'm not the type that likes to carry a light on my gun on my belt.  Perhaps I should change that thinking?
I like the fact that a flashlight has some distinct advantages when carried in the hand, and it can go anywhere I go legally.
Your recommendations and why?

When it comes to deffinsive flashlights I have to admit I am partial to maglights, and part of it has nothing to do with their construction, police usage, or the fact that they are made in the USA. One thing the Maglight company does do is offer free self defense training using their flashlights to all Maglight employees and their family members; It is the same training that police officers get. The company also offers their employees free maglights each year of the different sizes, including the ones that they only make for police officers. I found this all out about 12 years ago when I helping one of their employees learn to ice skate. As pro-self defense person I can't help but be partial to company that is that commited to its employees and their families.

[Kingofthehill]

Its more of a lesser known brand but i am a flashlight whore and i really like the "Solarforce" stuff.

They had a sale on one that was 110 lumens, programmed tail cap so you could do regular light/strobe andif you hold it down it will reduce power gradually until you find the desired output you like.

I get mine on Ebay and they come from HongKong.  But i tell ya, they are amazing!... every bit as nice and durable (so far) as my Pelican's, Surefires, and streamlights.

My .02c

[Bob Mayne]

What's the model number?  Good suggestion king

[Kingofthehill]

What's the model number?  Good suggestion king

Hey bob,

This is new and from the original seller for $46 free shipping
http://cgi.ebay.com/Solarforce-L2X-R5-XP-G-Cree-320-Lumens-Flashlight-/270635642229?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item3f03242d75

I didn't really care for the looks at first, but the grip on it is amazing and it really won me over.


here is a video showing it a little bit.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/oTIMjN1rz48&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/oTIMjN1rz48&rel=0</a>


This is the L2 with a 5 output tail cap shipped for $28.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Solarforce-5-Output-Sand-L2-300-Lms-R2-CREE-THead-Torch-/270490677956?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item3efa8032c4

Standard Length (2 cell)



Shorty




They run them on sale from time to time for $35!!! I have 3 of them and a couple other solarforce lights like the L2 which is their bread and butter like the Surefire 6p...  The Skyline holds a regular price of between 45-55 , the L2's are between 25 and 30 shipped..  I had 1 shipped to me without the bulb but customer service was top notch and they sent me out a bulb and they sent me a set of batteries for the trouble. 

They have all the parts available and they are big on the "Mix and match" stuff.  Different strike bezel's, or smooth bezel, short 1 cell body, 2 cell body, different tail caps.... I have a total of 6 of them now and they have been great.  1 is mounted on my AR with over 4,500 rounds through it and its never flickered.

I also like how you get the same light in different battery sizes.  AAA, AA, Cr123 and the rechargeable 18650 (replaces 2 cr123's)

anyways.  Im a fan.  Im not a total flashlight geek but im getting there.  I am a member of Candlepower forum (flashlight forum, LOL).  They have held up very well, the machining is great, the customer service is awesome, the price can't be beat and they are just as bright or brighter than most of my other lights.  I wish they made a pistol mounted one.  The only thing that im not 100% crazy about is the fact that they are from Hong Kong.   I prefer US products but sometimes the foreign stuff grabs my attention.