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Post by kutkota on Nov 15, 2012 12:21:32 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. I agree, but would advise a different color. All of our lights are now issued with both red as well as blue lense covers. The red is quickly giving way to blue for multiple reasons but one of the most important issues for myself is you can not see blood, which is red, with a red lense. You can with blue. Both my tac light as well as headlamp are/where issued with blue covers.
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Post by Lawdog2705 on Nov 15, 2012 15:20:53 GMT -7
We have many differenty types of flashlights, led and regular but, one of my favorites is actually one that doesn't require batteries at all. You just shake it and it's really bright. I have a small and large one. I'm sure some of you guys can remember making similar items in shop class during school days...lol. At least we don't have to worry about batteries running out!
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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 20:38:36 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. I agree, but would advise a different color. All of our lights are now issued with both red as well as blue lense covers. The red is quickly giving way to blue for multiple reasons but one of the most important issues for myself is you can not see blood, which is red, with a red lense. You can with blue. Both my tac light as well as headlamp are/where issued with blue covers. Great points, thanks for sharing that. I have never used blue, maybe I'll give it a shot sometime. PJ
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Post by kutkota on Nov 15, 2012 21:01:02 GMT -7
I have never used a lens cover on my light on my weapon. The light is white for a reason. If I need to use a light for map reading I would use something other than a light mounted to the barrel of my weapon. Don't know if you have ever spent time in the military but we like to find "needs" to buy a this or a that. Everyone has least 2 knives a light or two and most at least a pack of smokes or dip or both.
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Post by offtrail on Nov 15, 2012 21:04:09 GMT -7
In a emergence a firesteel throws very bright light. Just scrape the fire rod to see where you are take a few steps then scrape again. If it's all you have, it's better then complete darkness.
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Post by kutkota on Nov 15, 2012 21:21:02 GMT -7
I like it.
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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 21:40:02 GMT -7
I have never used a lens cover on my light on my weapon. The light is white for a reason. If I need to use a light for map reading I would use something other than a light mounted to the barrel of my weapon. Don't know if you have ever spent time in the military but we like to find "needs" to buy a this or a that. Everyone has least 2 knives a light or two and most at least a pack of smokes or dip or both. Light on a weapon? I thought that's what PEQ15's and NVGs were for. ;D
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Post by kutkota on Nov 15, 2012 22:16:01 GMT -7
I can't imagine clearing a room with a peq15 has been done before. Doing it with NODS in a training enviroment, was tough enough. I have witnessed many times a platoon size element clear a small town, using peq15's with the platoon daddy calling the shots so to speak, during the movement with his nods and laser. Pretty neat when you understand what is going on.
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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 23:51:26 GMT -7
Indeed, training is key. Owning the night is key.
I'm no subject matter expert obviously, just tossing ideas out there.
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Post by copper13 on Jan 1, 2014 9:57:38 GMT -7
The Fenix PD35 is the absolute best! www.fenixlight.com/ProductMore.aspx?id=90&tid=9&cid=1 After owning one for about 3 months and using it daily at work, I've now ordered two more. The quality & workmanship of these lights are flawless. If the pocket clip is removed (which it is easily), this light can also be mounted to a long gun with any flashlight mount that accepts 1" diameter lights (which almost all the mounts do). Even Fenix produces a weapon rail mount which is outstanding: www.fenix-store.com/fenix-alg01/. The PD35 fits in this mount when the plastic spacer is removed. This flashlight as well as most other powerful, quality flashlights use a rechargeable battery called an 18650 - this is the size designation such as C, D, AA, AAA, etc. These lithium-ion batteries are a little expensive (about $12-15 each), but the charge lasts a long time and rechargeable batteries can be recharged about 1,000 times. The key is to buy a QUALITY rechargeable battery and there is definitely a difference in brands. Without being a flashlight geek, how does one know which if the many brands is a quality brand? Generally, any product produced (or labelled) by a quality flashlight manufacturer itself is a quality accessory. Fenix brand 18650 batteries have a Samsung core (the battery itself inside the exterior shell) and are great batteries. The only better 18650 battery in my opinion is the Klarus-brand 18650 battery. Klarus is a quality flashlight manufacturer as well and its branded 18650 batteries have a Panasonic core, the best available. Believe it or not, these high-quality batteries have circuitry inside the shell that enables the battery to charge most efficiently and safely as well as preventing overcharging which is the primary cause of shortened battery life. So, do NOT purchase the cheap 18560 batteries on eBay or wherever...for example, if the brand name ends in -Fire, don't waste your money. Additionally, make sure that the 18650 battery has at least a 2600 mAh rating - the milliamp per hour (mAh) number is an indication of the rate of electrical discharge...the higher the rating, the higher the runtime. A 2600 mAh battery is very good, but a 3400 mAh battery is great! And if you have a flashlight that is being used at full power - such as the Fenix PD35's top illumination setting of 850 lumens - a high-quality 18650 battery will serve you best. Finally, because of the size of the 18650 rechargeable battery (about 50% larger than a AA battery), you generally cannot recharge one in a standard battery charger. Purchase a NiteCore-brand battery charger - it'll charge the 18650 as well as a host of other battery sizes: www.nitecore.com/productList.aspx?cid=26. The only difference between the Intellicharger i2 and the Intellicharger i4 is the number of charging slots. Again, in my opinion, this is best smart battery charger available - I have the i4. Shop the internet to find the best deal. Okay, that's the quick & dirty on a flashlight system that can easily be carried in your purse or pocket that will COMPLETELY LIGHT UP a hillside, not just throw a lil light on your car door lock after dark. It has 5 illumination settings and a tail-end on/off button as well as a strobe feature. And while I have NO financial interest in any of these companies at all, there's a 15% off sale at LA Police Gear right now & free shipping. The PD35 is back ordered a couple of weeks or so, but no worries. www.lapolicegear.com/fenix-pd35-850-flashlight.html
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Post by graf on Jan 2, 2014 4:31:45 GMT -7
I have a couple different Sure Fire lights I've had for years, good warranty, and made well high output. Now that being said there are times when a lower beam is needed to avoid detection. The streamlight (see link) streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=168 is a lower beam and has red,white,blue,and IR light, pivot head and can be mounted on hat brim, belt etc. light head pivots. Made very well. Another nice inexpensive light with nice features see link uses a 9 volt battery which I can also use with steel wool for fire starting. survival.instantestore.net/pd-pallightwfreelanyard.cfm Other nice features are low beam, hig beam, strobe, and when its turned off a small light emits making it easy to locate and that light will burn for 1 year before battery runs down just from the location light. I like having different lights that use different batterys I feel that increases my options in a SHTF senario, I also have solar flashlights as a backup.
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Post by Number5 on Jan 2, 2014 8:52:23 GMT -7
Lots of opinions on what a "Tactical Flashlight" is. I'd like to offer my definition of what a tactical flashlight should be. Enough power to blind and disorient your opponent. Solid durable metal construction and waterproof. No polymer. Small enough to hold and operate with your support hand. (read: weak hand) It has a tailcap switch which has ONE PUSH "on" and "off" (momentary "on" ok). It is capable of being used as a baton or kubaton with a crenelated bezel preferable. I prefer at least two CR123 cells for power. (opinions vary) That being said, this is my current flashlight; Surefire 6PX Defender Single Output LED Flashlight 320 Lumens for 2 Hours, crenellated Strike Bezel and a click-type tail cap switch—press for momentary-on, press further to click constant-on, click again for off. Nice and simple (kinda like me ) No menu of clicks for on-low-high-strobe-SOS-off, just on and off, push harder to click it on constant. Now the big question: Anyone ever take any training on the use of the tactical flashlight ? Low / no light shooting ? Baton or Kubaton course ? It's one thing to have an additional tool. It's better to know how to effectivly use your tools. Disclaimer; I'm no badass/operator/mall ninja, I'm just a guy who dosen't like getting robbed or beat up. I've had some training and thought I'd share because sparks from a firesteel are not gonna save you in a back ally facing a couple hoodrats.
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