Vinster
Learning the ropes
Posts: 24
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Post by Vinster on Nov 11, 2012 17:55:59 GMT -7
Let's talk about tactical flashlights. Now that we've changed our clocks it's dark earlier than before. A flashlight is a good tool to have on hand at any givin time. I was wondering what kind of lights are you using. I personally have : - Keychain (always with me) / Backup / small light situations : Fenix LD01, 80 lumens, 1x AAAUsefull in most cases. I wouldn't use that as a tactical light or defence tool, but it's better then having nothing. - In my coat pocket Fenix PD31, 304 lumens, 2x CR123A My personal favorite for it's size and brightness. Fenix LD12, 120 lumens, 1x AAIn case CR123A are difficult to get by. - Extras Fenix LD20, 180lumens, 2x AAMore of a in house use for me at the moment. Techlite Lumen Master, 200 lumens, 3x AAAOdly enough this is actually the one that cost me the less (20$ at Costco for 3 lights), and the one that is the most tactical (sharp edges) Here's a picture of them side by side (Click for bigger resolution) (Oups, forgot to put the LD01 in the picture, oh well) What lights are you guys using and which one would you recommend ? Here's an article talking about this : artofmanliness.com/2012/11/07/how-to-use-a-tactical-flashlight/PS : I'll post reviews of those Fenix Lights in the Review section some day
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Post by Ceorlmann on Nov 11, 2012 18:10:17 GMT -7
For me anything that's plenty bright can be used for "tactical" purposes. I normally have at least 1 Surefire around (G3, with both LED and incandescent bulbs) plus my Cree head light (1200 lumen, max output). Sometimes I'll use the light from my Blackberry screen as well.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2012 18:31:09 GMT -7
Pelican Stelthlite in the packs and by the doors, Nebro in the coat pocket. Minni Mag on the belt
Lost the lites on my old Ford F100 and used the Pelican to get home about a 3 mile drive, gave out plenty of lite.
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Post by twicebitten on Nov 11, 2012 18:31:43 GMT -7
I'd like to hear what's been most useful as well. I've had an LED Lenser for several years now, and have been considering an upgrade.
And along the same lines, and without changing the thread's focus, has anyone upgraded a maglite of any size to using an led? I've heard that the main advantage of this change is to extend battery life, but I'd like the advantage to be simple output. Intense output! I'm guessing that most of us have the old maglites, and if there is a reasonable cost upgrade is available most of us would make the change as well.....thoughts?
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Post by kutkota on Nov 11, 2012 18:47:07 GMT -7
I have never tried to upgrade anything, I kicked the idea around a little but seems more of a headache than anything. I bought a fenix ld 22 off amazon for 49.99 which seems to have been a steal. Just enough for everyday/night use, but has little distance to it. I have a lenser led 6 maybe, forget the number but is bright as all get out and will light up a tree a football field away and has adjustable focus. The big drawback is the lenser is not waterproof or regulated. My fenix ld22 is waterproof, runs off of AA batteries, regulated and plenty brite.
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Post by kutkota on Nov 11, 2012 18:51:58 GMT -7
I guess tactical light to me would be different than everyday carry, and devoted to a weapon system. I have been looking at plenty of them and still really like the surefires that are issued to us. Wish I could just hand receipt them out but, I guess I will have to pay the man for one.
Does anyone have a dedicated tac light on one of their rigs?
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Post by thywar on Nov 11, 2012 18:54:30 GMT -7
Most of my lights are Maglites.. LED. Had a mini maglite when wtrfwlr and I ran out of gas on the river last wednesday and it lit up the trek to the road just fine. Wtrfwlr liked it so much I just gave it to him.. I had a 'D' cell with the regular bulb in my pack as well and it just sucked so I think the upgrades were well worth it. The LED lights really throw good light and of course the casing is tough. I have several 'D' cell maglites with LED now and mini mags also.
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Post by thywar on Nov 11, 2012 19:00:56 GMT -7
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Vinster
Learning the ropes
Posts: 24
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Post by Vinster on Nov 11, 2012 19:17:54 GMT -7
And along the same lines, and without changing the thread's focus, has anyone upgraded a maglite of any size to using an led? I've heard that the main advantage of this change is to extend battery life, but I'd like the advantage to be simple output. Intense output! I'm guessing that most of us have the old maglites, and if there is a reasonable cost upgrade is available most of us would make the change as well.....thoughts? I actually did. I changed it for a Nite Ize LED Upgrade and I've also added the Nite Ize I.Q. SwitchFor me the light become brighter. I can't say for the battery life, but it's a handy little light. Another one of my home lights (one in every room) thywar : Thanks for the battery article. Indeed the batteries are very important.
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Post by offtrail on Nov 11, 2012 22:07:40 GMT -7
For me anything that's plenty bright can be used for "tactical" purposes. I normally have at least 1 Surefire around (G3, with both LED and incandescent bulbs) plus my Cree head light (1200 lumen, max output). Sometimes I'll use the light from my Blackberry screen as well. I do the same with my phone, it works in a pinch.
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Post by blacksmith on Nov 11, 2012 22:14:30 GMT -7
we had at the fire dept. firebox lights they are great a little big but they light up everything we had the led ones used them on s and r one time was on all night
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Post by blacksmith on Nov 11, 2012 22:36:11 GMT -7
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Post by offtrail on Nov 11, 2012 23:44:37 GMT -7
I don't pay attention to model numbers or brand name equipment. But I always carry a light , one in my car, one on my person and several at the home. I do favor led's and try to get the ones that are adjustable. Just off hand I would say I have about 20 flashlights.
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Post by garret on Nov 12, 2012 0:00:43 GMT -7
i have a couple of led lenser (handheld and headlamp, i also have my x-cree super bright, but i like my solitair mag for walking trails at night, bright enough to light up your area but not bright enough to scare anything or give your position away
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PJ
Learning the ropes
Life isn't fair, plan accordingly
Posts: 22
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Post by PJ on Nov 15, 2012 11:23:29 GMT -7
When I think "tactical" red lens capable tends to come to mind. I have a Surefire that has this capability. While bright white lights do have their applications, remember that's also telling everyone else within a mile (if in line of sight) where you are as well.
I also like headlamps which usually only run about $20 and have the capability to switch to red light mode. These are great for having in the car, if you need to change a tire at night it's nice to have both hands free.
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