I've got about 8 different kinds of Streamlight lights. From pencil thin to this
Sidewinder which is, by far, the best flashlight I've ever used in my job - industrial maintenance. It's sold as a military light.
Some discussion going on on this thread: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2909641/posts
What’s a tactical flashlight? Are you going into combat? At home, abroad?
Need more information.
Are you talking a flashlight to put in a pocket or pouch? A headlamp? A helmet-mounted light? A taclight for mounting to a rifle? To a pistol?
Unless you are LEO or military, many of the Fenix flashlights will do quite nicely.
I have several 180+ lumen 2 - AA powered led lights from them. Very impressive, and affordable.
The SureFire 6V (2 x cr123A) handheld line used to dominate this field, but many other manufacturers have stepped in.
The biggest change is the move to LED emitters, which are more durable, brighter and offer significant battery life. SureFire has converted most of their line to LED.
www.surefire.com
Other manufacturers offer similar models with a huge variety of features. Many of those features are nothing but liabilities. When your life depends on it, you want to push a tailcap and get bright, dependable light. You don’t want to be messing with twising bezels, multiple clicks of the tailcap to select brightness, etc.
My favorites are the SureFire G2 lights with LED conversions. They’re cheap ($35 before the conversion module), lightweight polymer lights that just work. No extra bezels and switches.
Streamlight offers similar models without too many gimmicks, but others like Jetfire have models with over ten brightness settings, strobes, SOS flashes, etc. Those are utility lights, not something you want to use when you’ve got a pistol in your other hand and you’re shaking with fear and adrenaline.
I've got about 8 different kinds of Streamlight lights. From pencil thin to this
Sidewinder which is, by far, the best flashlight I've ever used in my job - industrial maintenance. It's sold as a military light.
I started googling around after reading the thread raybr referenced.
I found the same thing SJSAMPLE noted - most of the “features” seem like they would be dangerous in any sort of crisis.
I’ve bought a few cheapo LED lights, and every one of them died after I dropped them.
I’d like to find a small (preferably pocket sized) durable light that is simple to operate, reliable under normal use, bright enough to be useful per the referenced thread, and cheap enough that I could get a few and not take a big financial hit if one gets lost.
Anything like that out there? Most lights I’ve found don’t list lumens, and have questionably useful features.
Made in USA would be a bonus.
I have a UTG tactical that is attached to one of my home defense guns and I swear by it. Here is a newer version.
http://www.leapers.com/prod_detail.php?mitem=flash&level1=LED_Flashlight&level2=&itemno=LT-ELP116Q&status=&mtrack=1m
In light of the other conversation, I would look for a few things.
1. High lumens (200 plus recommended but even my 90 is extremely bright)
2. Strobe feature, very disorienting to an attacker.
3. Heavy steel construction and defense protrusions around the light (see the image in the link above). These are great if it gets down to you smashing the attacker’s face with the flashlight to cause even more damage. A small feature like that is one you hope you never need but glad you had it in the very off chance you need it.
4. Option to mount on your gun if you see fit. Look for one that fits or comes with weaver mounts or whatever system your primary home defense weapon has.
5. Comfort in carrying. Does it fit easily in your pocket? Will it fall out?
I’m sure there are a lot more features others will bring up.
Surefire or Streamlight. 200+ lumens, prefer strobe capability.
As for cost, you need to look at it as for any piece of gear that you’re using when you’re putting your life on the line - you look for quality, durability, company reputation, made in USA, etc.
The bottom line is: how much is your life “worth” to you?
Are you going to trust your life with a “proven” tactical light, or are you going to carry the 3-pack of flashlights you can buy from Costco for $20?
5 D-cell Mag Lite. It is heavy and hits like a club. Runs about $40.
Pelican 8060 LED. Bright light. Dependable. EMS/LEOs use them. I like mine. 12 months old. Holds charge a pretty long time depending on usage. Has base for charger. Lt. weight. Check ‘em out.
I like this one. One for the wife and one for me. Won’t roll off the table when you’re working on something!
$26 at Amazon
TerraLUX TLF-3C2AAEX LightStar220 3-Watt LED Aluminum Flashlight
Features two light modes: high and low
Operates on 2 AA batteries, which are included
Includes wrist strap, pocket clip, and nylon holster
Has a six-hour run time
Features bright white three-watt LED light and 220 lumens
Fenix TK series has a lot to offer. I have used my TK-11 on a daily basis for over two years. I use rechargeable Tenergy batteries that last ten hours in bright mode(255 lumens). IIRC it set me back about seventy dollars.
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Is it intended to be an auxiliary weapon as well as a light source? Are you trained in the proper use?
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bflr
You might also want to check out candlepowerforums.com. Best resource out there.
Tons of in-depth reviews of ‘tactical’ LED flashlights.
Surefire is my first choice, and my EDC is a Nitecore Infinity single 3v lithium battery.
I designed LED flashlights and had my own business making them almost ten years ago. The Cree emitters is the hot item lately.
For a pistol the Veridian green laser and 100 lumen LED under barrel tactical light.
For a rifle I suggest two lights, one of no less than 500 lumens for intense searing light and another that is low level and or with red.