Delaware Concealed Carry Forum
CCW Methods & Issues => CCW Equipment => Topic started by: lems902 on December 28, 2013, 06:57:15 PM
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I'm looking to spend some Christmas money on a new flashlight. What is your #1 choice, and why?
Thanks, as always for your input - it always is helpful!
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Are you looking to attach a light to your firearm, or something hand held?
If you are looking for hand held, here are a few thoughts of mine that might help you narrow down your choices:
- 1. above 200 lumens...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 2. strobe feature...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 3. gnarled bezel...provides self-defense striking capabilities and glass breaking capabilities if necessary
- 4. step down brightness...extends battery life during normal usage
- 5. easy access buttons...consider how you might hold the flashlight, and ensure the buttons are located in the most logical and convenient spot
- 6. ease of use...be able to step through the different features easily to activate the setting you need for that moment. Some lights remember the last setting and return to that setting when the light is turned on again. Others always turn on to the same setting every time
- 7. batteries...there are quite a few different types of batteries that these high level torches use. Make sure you are happy with the type of battery yours uses, and the availability of that type of battery. Also, consider rechargeable batteries and a charger for them...may not be worth it, but it doesn't hurt to look into it.
With all of that said, I have the Klarus XT-11 (http://www.klaruslight.com/plist_show.php?id=2&lge=en)
I also have a few cheaper torches ($10.00 - $20.00 range), and they work fine. But, the higher quality of this torch, when compared to the others I have, is extremely noticeable. There are lots of quality manufacturers out there...hopefully others will chime in with their experience and suggestions.
Also, this web site might be helpful: Candle Power Forum (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php)
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Suggest a Mini-Maglite. 6" long, puts out a strong adjustible beam and comes with a belt holster. Tough as nails.
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I like the Streamlight series. I have one of their large rechargeable flashlights (Stinger DS LED HP), as well as a small pistol mounted battery light (TLR-1). I also have one of their large floodlights (E-Flood LiteBox). Amazing. Website below, but Optics Planet also sells them.
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/default.html?hid=2
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I stick with Surefire, has exceeded my expectations.
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I'm kind of partial to a hurricane lamp hanging off the end of a double barrel shotgun. I think I saw that in Django Unchained.
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There's an app for that. Swipe up from the bottom of your iPhone screen, and click the flashlight icon...
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Suggest a Mini-Maglite. 6" long, puts out a strong adjustible beam and comes with a belt holster. Tough as nails.
I love my minimags....but would you believe they are only 14 lumens? :-)
I don't have one....bit pricey...but the Nitecore SRT7 (http://www.nitecore.com/productDetail.aspx?id=83) looks like a really decent light.
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I stick with Surefire, has exceeded my expectations.
I carry a sure fire as well I believe I paid 70 or 80 dollars for. It extremely bright and the batteries have lasted considerably longer than my mag lights. It also a bevel that can be used for self defense.
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I stick with Surefire, has exceeded my expectations.
I agree. I have 2 and will be getting a third soon.
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Before this goes further, Lems902 never did say wether he wanted a light for hand carry or for the accessory rail on his carry gun?
What say Lems902?
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Ok, I'll share a story, and in the telling, will let you know about the most important rule for carrying a flashlight. Many years ago, as a rookie cop in Wilmington I was given my first chance to patrol in a marked unit alone. It was a Sunday in the summer and there was little going on during day work. Our regular officer working the western side of town (19 car) had called in sick. I caught the tour and cheerfully went out on my own for the first time. Around mid day I was dispatched to a small street near Delaware Ave and Union. It was a miscellaneous complaint, no emergency. I arrived and in front of the address was an older lady. She told me she hadn't heard from her sister who lived at this address. She was concerned enough she had purchased a pane of glass matching the glass panes of the back door. She asked I force entry as it was really not like her sister to loose contact. I broke the glass and unlocked the door. The home was neat and tidy. No signs of trouble. Upstairs the sister looked into the closet and found her sisters luggage. This concerned her greatly because if her sister was in town she always stayed in contact. We returned to the first floor and she asked I check the basement, cautioning that the only light was from a draw string fixture to the right of the bottom of the stairs. (now about flashlights). It was mid-day Sunday on a bright summer day. I did not have a flashlight. I started down the basement steps, feeling my way with my hands as I inched along. At the bottom I came in contact with a cement wall. I called to the sister at the top of the step asking which direction to go. She said there were two steps to the right and then one step to the pull string. I turned to the right, (it's pitch black) and found the first step. I paused and listened - nothing. I stepped forward for the bottom step and - nothing, broken step, falling forward- into something solid that went away as soon as I hit it. I listened - nothing - and it came back and crashed into me. I struck out at it but it left again. Again no noise. And again it hit me and I grabbed at it and ended up grabbing a cold hand. The cold hand pulled out of my grasp. Still I heard nothing. NOTHING!
Now I'm not sure if my watching "Children of the Corn" the night before had anything to do with it. but......
I broke several fingernails going up the steps and the poor lady who had originally called later said I had screamed like a little girl coming out of the basement. (If memory serves me, she fainted when I entered the kitchen.) I do not remember screaming.
Later we found “the woman of the house” had hung herself at the bottom of the steps. When I fell on the last step I set the body in motion. As it swung back and forth it was hitting me, in the dark) and when I grabbed her hand, the swinging pulled it from my grip.
From that day forward I had a flashlight. I have had many flashlights! If we are ever together and the room goes dark, do not touch me, until I turn on my flashlight. Cause I’m armed and will shoot you if you don’t wait. Once was enough.
So to make a long story short (I know – too late). The only good flashlight is the one you can easily have with you all the time. 300 Lumens in your trunk is not helping right away.
Whatever light you choose, make sure it is easy to carry and can suffice until you get to your mega beam. Rumor has it mag lite has come out with a 230 lumen 2 AA mag-lite. (Mag-Lite plus). Waiting for mine in the mail.
fred
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Great story, and good advice!
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Before this goes further, Lems902 never did say wether he wanted a light for hand carry or for the accessory rail on his carry gun?
What say Lems902?
Sorry folks! I think a hand (or pocket) carry light for now!
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I ordered that MagLite this afternoon from Amazon and should be here on Friday. Been looking for a good, strong and bright flashlight that had momentary, full on and strobe from a good name that didn't break the bank... and ...lasted longer then 1.5-2 hours. We've had Mags for years but I've been wanting more. Finally broke and ordered this one. Going to order a few sets of rechargeables and I'll see just how long it lasts this weekend. I got the Coyote colored one for something different from black.
http://www.amazon.com/MagLite-Mag-Tac-LED-Flashlight-Scalloped/dp/B009SKX17C
I've also been looking at a number of the SureFire lights but they certainly have a markup due to their Brand and I've heard from a few people their run-times are typically reaching.
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Just got an email saying they shipped my mag lite plus. wooohooo. Can't wait for 0-dark thirty after I receive it. (kid in a candy shop)
Recently I bought a Black and Decker SL3WAKB 4 AA spot light for $20 at Wally World. It has a terrific beam out to 100 yards plus, and a lesser beam for walking etc, but it doesn't fit on the belt and is bulky for the pocket.
I also got some of the 200 lumen 3AAA flashlights from Sam's Club for $27 + - dollars and they put out a great beam, working beam, and strobe, and do fit in the pocket, but I'm excited about this Mag lite.
Got my fingers crossed.
If someone could share how to post pictures I could do so.
thanks
fred
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I think a flashlight is really important to carry for the reasons in the story given. I carry an ultrafire with defense edge on it. I forget the brightness level, but it will blind you. I think I paid like $15 or $18 for it.
There is also a cheap Chinese min flashlight that depending on when they are on sale go from $4-$9. It has the flashing option for signaling, defense bezel and lights up. Anyone needs a basic light I sell the ones I have for $8 or $5 with a knife purchase.
(http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag131/ljbarmsstock/KGrHqJlwFIVNWzdOUBSIp-Qqy60_12_zps630e1204.jpg) (http://s1302.photobucket.com/user/ljbarmsstock/media/KGrHqJlwFIVNWzdOUBSIp-Qqy60_12_zps630e1204.jpg.html)
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UPS just dropped it off and although it is daylight out, it still is bright. I can't believe I actually looked at the high beam. I have a blue spot in front of me all the time now. (dumba$$)
I don't know how they do it, but to turn it on high aim it anyway but down. To put on the low beam, aim it straight down. Hopefully this blue spot will be gone by dark and I will be able to try it out. ;D
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Great to hear. Mine has shipped and should be here tomorrow though the ordered SureFire batteries not until Monday. Glad it comes with a set.
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OK didn't go outside with it but in the house it's great. The light fits in my leather belt carrier used with my older mag-lites and the pocket clip from my old light fits too. The high beam is almost too bright for walking down hallways etc. but projects a wonderful smooth beam. The beam is whiter than that of my Sams club 200 lumen light, which I thought before was a white beam, but it looks yellowish beside the Mag Lite. When using it as a candle (lighting it and removing the head of the light, then sitting the light in the upside down head) it illuminates the room, and when using the pocket clip to attach it to a hat brim, provides a very large well illuminated area.
The low setting is very similar to the original Mag-Lite of twenty years ago and provides plenty of light to move about inside or out. As I said on an earlier post you can decide what power it comes on at by either holding the light pointing straight down for low or any other angle for high. No more cycling through modes to get to the one you want. (yea!)
I am very pleased with it. One last thing, the lights have a serial number on the side so you can prove it's yours.
end.
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What was the model and how much was it again? I might check my supplier and see if they have them. I need to start carrying more flashlights to go with the other stuff I sell.
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Are you looking to attach a light to your firearm, or something hand held?
If you are looking for hand held, here are a few thoughts of mine that might help you narrow down your choices:
- 1. above 200 lumens...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 2. strobe feature...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 3. gnarled bezel...provides self-defense striking capabilities and glass breaking capabilities if necessary
- 4. step down brightness...extends battery life during normal usage
- 5. easy access buttons...consider how you might hold the flashlight, and ensure the buttons are located in the most logical and convenient spot
- 6. ease of use...be able to step through the different features easily to activate the setting you need for that moment. Some lights remember the last setting and return to that setting when the light is turned on again. Others always turn on to the same setting every time
- 7. batteries...there are quite a few different types of batteries that these high level torches use. Make sure you are happy with the type of battery yours uses, and the availability of that type of battery. Also, consider rechargeable batteries and a charger for them...may not be worth it, but it doesn't hurt to look into it.
With all of that said, I have the Klarus XT-11 (http://www.klaruslight.com/plist_show.php?id=2&lge=en)
I also have a few cheaper torches ($10.00 - $20.00 range), and they work fine. But, the higher quality of this torch, when compared to the others I have, is extremely noticeable. There are lots of quality manufacturers out there...hopefully others will chime in with their experience and suggestions.
Also, this web site might be helpful: Candle Power Forum (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php)
After reading this I purchased the upgraded version 820 lumens. It is very bright, easy to use & probably the best flashlight I own. It is now my constant walking companion now. Thanks for the info
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Are you looking to attach a light to your firearm, or something hand held?
If you are looking for hand held, here are a few thoughts of mine that might help you narrow down your choices:
- 1. above 200 lumens...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 2. strobe feature...provides temporary "blindness" and/or disorientation of the bad guy, even in daylight
- 3. gnarled bezel...provides self-defense striking capabilities and glass breaking capabilities if necessary
- 4. step down brightness...extends battery life during normal usage
- 5. easy access buttons...consider how you might hold the flashlight, and ensure the buttons are located in the most logical and convenient spot
- 6. ease of use...be able to step through the different features easily to activate the setting you need for that moment. Some lights remember the last setting and return to that setting when the light is turned on again. Others always turn on to the same setting every time
- 7. batteries...there are quite a few different types of batteries that these high level torches use. Make sure you are happy with the type of battery yours uses, and the availability of that type of battery. Also, consider rechargeable batteries and a charger for them...may not be worth it, but it doesn't hurt to look into it.
With all of that said, I have the Klarus XT-11 (http://www.klaruslight.com/plist_show.php?id=2&lge=en)
I also have a few cheaper torches ($10.00 - $20.00 range), and they work fine. But, the higher quality of this torch, when compared to the others I have, is extremely noticeable. There are lots of quality manufacturers out there...hopefully others will chime in with their experience and suggestions.
Also, this web site might be helpful: Candle Power Forum (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php)
After reading this I purchased the upgraded version 820 lumens. It is very bright, easy to use & probably the best flashlight I own. It is now my constant walking companion now. Thanks for the info
WHOA! 820 lumens. I think nuclear blasts are 800 lumens. I went into my darkened bedroom and turned on this mag lite at 240 lumens and thought I saw God. I would think 820 lumens would not only illuminate an intruder, but melt anything plastic in his pockets. I still see a blue light from when I turned this little mag lite on during the day time. I'm fairly certain 820 lumens would have me walking around with a white and red cane. Of course after saying that, ... I want one. ;D
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My CCDW light is a 2000 lumen PAR46 LED spotlight.
(http://imageshack.com/a/img17/5923/20120605pursuit.jpg)
Of course, it is mounted on my car... but I carry when I'm driving, so that counts, right?
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Whoa, I'll bet there aren't any deer in your yard or neighborhood!!! ;D ;D ;D
That is SWEET!
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Whoa, I'll bet there aren't any deer in your yard or neighborhood!!! ;D ;D ;D
That is SWEET!
We did come home one night, and there were 2 deer grazing at the back of the driveway.
So, I lit 'em up! I hope shining deer is legal on your own property...
I thought you'd like that car. If you want to buy one for yourself, I still have a Chrysler Fleet account and a cooperative dealership, so we can make that happen.
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jstgsn.. you got the Mag-Lite Pro correct? Takes 2 AA batteries? I don't see a Plus.
I just received a MagLite Mag-Tac (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009SKX17C) LED flashlight that takes 2 CR123A Lithium Batteries, 2 Duracell Ultras (not Panasonic) were included which expire 2021. It provides 320 Lumens of blindingly bright pure white light. Says 4 hours of battery life though I haven't tested that yet. Weather and drop proof. Crowned bezel for striking. Full aluminum body. Very well constructed and has a good feel. A single click provides 1 second of light. A single click and hold provides momentary light until you release. 2 clicks gives you constant on and 3 clicks provides you with a mind-numbing strobe of 12 flashes per/second. Do not shine it on white paper on the desk in front of you! ::) (waited for the wife to leave before I started laughing).
It's without a doubt the brightest flashlight I own. Tonight I took it out back, turned it on and could clearly see items along the treeline at 200 yards as everything was brightly lit. Indoors in a well lit room when turned on places you outdoors on a sunny summers afternoon. It will entirely light up a 13'x38' room if placed pointing upwards and turned on. By removing the front bezel it softens the glow in the room and allows the light to more evenly spread out. With the bezel removed, light turned on and pointed at a wall from 8' away a perfect soft (though extremely bright) even round light spreads out 14' wide. With the bezel on and shining it at my hand I simply cannot look at my hand!
I placed it in about 2' of water and left it there for roughly 30 minutes, activating the light a few times. Drying the exterior I opened both ends and the seals kept the water out. I did not perform a bounce/drop test. :) The carry/belt clip is adjustable however it requires a small tool/hex key, provided, to tighten. Its nice but also a part to misplace. Once the clip is tightened it does not move. The clip, front bezel and rear switch cap all provide stable, flat and smooth surfaces to rest the light on its side or either either end which is very nice.
It is a little larger then I had thought at a hair over 1" wide and 5.25" in length. As an everyday carry light for a civilian its a tad large IMO though fitted to a proper holster on a gun/utility belt certainly not impossible. Specs say it weighs in at 0.4Lbs. I weighed it with batteries and carry clip and it came in at 5.2oz ; 0.325Lbs. There is also no way to configure the order of light modes as is found on some more expensive models. jstgsn mentioned a serial on the outside of his Pro which I didn't find on the Mag-Tac however when removing the back cap where the batteries go there is what appears to be a serial number here inside the cap.
Overall I really like the light. Its extremely bright, comfortable to hold, easily enabled and well built. I don't think I'd EDC it due to its size though it is light enough. Mostly the length. I definitely see this one on the nightstand and general household duty as well as another purchased for the emergency pack I keep in the vehicles and possibly camping also. It will make an excellent emergency and general use flashlight so its IS a keeper!
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This is a picture of my vet with all HID headlights on...believe me they are bright & blinding. I never drive it at night & they are for show.
(http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff53/knotacareL88/HID%20Headlights/20140117_080853_1.jpg) (http://s241.photobucket.com/user/knotacareL88/media/HID%20Headlights/20140117_080853_1.jpg.html)
This is a picture of the same car with the new 820 mag light on the hood..pretty impressive & blinding ;D
(http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff53/knotacareL88/HID%20Headlights/20140117_080753.jpg) (http://s241.photobucket.com/user/knotacareL88/media/HID%20Headlights/20140117_080753.jpg.html)
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@Knotacare, It looks like your Corvette is a 68 or 69.
I am correct?
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Yes a 68, 454, 5 spd convertible & I love driving it ;D It's my avatar
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Yes a 68, 454, 5 spd convertible & I love driving it ;D It's my avatar
Nice ride!