Posted: 2/3/2012 9:18:24 PM EDT
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I need a backup flashlight that I can keep and store in my tac vest:
http://www.americanbodyarmor.com/EcommerceProduct.aspx?ProductID=36&ProductCategoryID=2 The pouch on the tac vest is 2" x 6" What flashlight do you suggest for my needs? LED? CR123 batteries? |
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I bought a couple of Streamlight 88850 Polytac LED Flashlights. Just got them today. Well made, and crazy bright.
http://www.brightflashlights.com/Products/Streamlight.html ETA: Sorry, didn't notice it was an industry forum. |
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Originally Posted By LPD111:
Is it rubber lined? I am wondering if an aluminum construction would be easier to get in/out of a Cordura fabric shell, compared to a rubber version Nope. Hard plastic (polymer?). Nice and light, but very solid. Two hour advertised run time on the cr123s. Not much, but good for a backup light. ETA: I have a streamlight I use at work, too. Quality. That's why I went with this one. |
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Originally Posted By ske714:
I bought a couple of Streamlight 88850 Polytac LED Flashlights. Just got them today. Well made, and crazy bright. http://www.brightflashlights.com/Products/Streamlight.html ETA: Sorry, didn't notice it was an industry forum. 5.22" long x 1.25" diameter..............the size is about right for the vest pouch I could easily throw two additional CR123 batteries in my vest cargo pouch also Hmmmm |
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Rechargable Stinger from Streamlight would be my first choice they hold their charge a long time are compact and bright and it will be several years before you need to replace a battery stick.
What can I say I miss the SL35 THUMP THUMP "Please Dont Hit Me No More" There was a saying years ago : "Real Policemen carry a Kel-light the batteries havent worked in five years and they are wrapped in Lead Foil" link |
"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
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My main issue with a battery that requires a charger is the fact that I may not have a charging/power source for upto 3 days at a time
With a disposable type battery powered flashlight I can just carry and use extra batteries, as needed I would rather just carry a light with two batteries already installed and have 2-4 spare batteries ready to use, as needed |
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Originally Posted By LPD111:
Originally Posted By ske714:
I bought a couple of Streamlight 88850 Polytac LED Flashlights. Just got them today. Well made, and crazy bright. http://www.brightflashlights.com/Products/Streamlight.html ETA: Sorry, didn't notice it was an industry forum. 5.22" long x 1.25" diameter..............the size is about right for the vest pouch I could easily throw two additional CR123 batteries in my vest cargo pouch also Hmmmm The Streamlight I have at work uses the same type single LED. That's why I chose this one, along with price. Look at some of the others they have, too. You may see a form factor you like better, but I'm pleased with their products. |
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I understand what you are saying but you often sacrifice how bright the light is. Surefire is the most popular among deployed troops. Personally I would still rather have the Stinger and buy a spare battery stick and charge it and carry that in a gear bag. Also really handy to have one of the small head mounted Led lights with multiple modes that runs on 3 tripple A batteries you can pick those up at Walmart fairly cheap and they are quite useful keeping your hands free. You may also want an ND 3 Green Laser in your kit as these throw a focusable beam of light ––- Rotating the collimator provides enough illumination to light a trail at night or paint a target up to 400 yards*. Two CR123 3V batteries provide over 7 hours of continuous use.
Not sure if you are familiar with the ND 3 Green laser its not a fine beam like a laser pointer or a crimson trace grip the width of the beam can be focused these are very cool at several hundred yards at night. |
"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
Bobby Paul Doherty
Texas Ranger
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I currently carry a Surefire flashlight on my duty belt..........hands down, LOVE IT
Every night after I get home, I charge the battery If I forget to charge it, there battery will not last and will not be useful very long A concern I have is that if I go the rechargeable route that: 1) The rechargeable battery will not hold its charge when left in the light in my vest 2) I will not have access or the ability to charge the battery in emergencies or areas where there is no power Just seems that the CR123 lithiums have a very long shelf life and will allow me to be better prepared incase of a team activation/deployment (without having any notice) I can have the light loaded with some CR123s ready to go and I can carry a six pack of batteries in my vest's cargo pocket if additional batteries are needed I carry extra 123s anyways for my rifle's Surefire M900A........just seems the 123s are a more logical choice I assume that an LED light is also a must.....due to the clean light and rather long burn time, correct? |
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Originally Posted By LPD111:
I currently carry a Surefire flashlight on my duty belt..........hands down, LOVE IT Every night after I get home, I charge the battery If I forget to charge it, there battery will not last and will not be useful very long A concern I have is that if I go the rechargeable route that: 1) The rechargeable battery will not hold its charge when left in the light in my vest 2) I will not have access or the ability to charge the battery in emergencies or areas where there is no power Just seems that the CR123 lithiums have a very long shelf life and will allow me to be better prepared incase of a team activation/deployment (without having any notice) I can have the light loaded with some CR123s ready to go and I can carry a six pack of batteries in my vest's cargo pocket if additional batteries are needed I carry extra 123s anyways for my rifle's Surefire M900A........just seems the 123s are a more logical choice I assume that an LED light is also a must.....due to the clean light and rather long burn time, correct? Don't forget ruggedness. I agree about the 123s. The exception would be the ability to use Sanyo Eneloops. They will have 80% of their charge after one year on the shelf. |