Another Kubotan Replacement Questions

[sybaris]

Hi all,What is a good EDC pocket(ish) sided light that can double up as a kubotan replacement?I don't want to debate the use or not use argument. Everyone has their own opinion regarding their use and effectiveness and that's great. For the sake of this question, with careful consideration the decision to have the option of a kubotan like torch at hand has been made.I was thinking of the Fenix LD22. Does anyone have any other suggestions?Thanks for any advice

 

[TEEJ]

The issue is more likely not whether there are dissenting opinions about its use, its more about the forum not allowing the discussion of a light used as a weapon.

Edit the request/title to simply ask about if XYZ lights can withstand being swung into say a rock w/o breaking, etc.

:D

 

[PCC]

Streamlight used to sell the BatonLite, which was a 3 X N-cell light that produced about 35 lumens in direct drive. I've converted mine to 2AAA and a 350mA driver producing about 100 floody lumens. I'm sure you can locate one sooner or later if you keep your eyes open for one.

 

[tm3]

what you describe was one of the design parameters of the Mini Mag, and it is an ideal size plus inexpensive. not outstanding as a light, however. any light of similar size should work well just focus on other features that appeal. i like the contour and UI of the foursevens quark 2AA but would not recommend it because of the annoying preflash.

 

[tm3]

one more comment ...

size of the light is very important re EDC. the Mini Mag is 5.75" and 6" or so lights are not always pocket friendly for me. i'm now considering some alternatives in the 4.25 to 4.5" range with a .75" or so diameter, possibly with the magnetic ring to vary the intensity.

 

[sybaris]

The issue is more likely not whether there are dissenting opinions about its use, its more about the forum not allowing the discussion of a light used as a weapon.

Edit the request/title to simply ask about if XYZ lights can withstand being swung into say a rock w/o breaking, etc.

:D

Well if I can be diplomatic, I am avoiding discussing the use of it as a weapon deliberately. As I say there are many opinions and I respect that different opinions vary and will leave it at that. Perhaps I should re phrase the question as "are there any really sturdy hand held torches approx 20 -25 mm wide and about 100mm - 130mm ish long(give or take) that can be swung in to a hardish object without breaking? :D I had thought of mini mags but the solitaire is too small and the other have a fat head. Thats kinda why I looked at the PD 22. (also PD 22 I think gives better light) but I don't know other brands and thats where I need some help from my fellow torchaholic pals.

 

[Rosoku Chikara]

...that can be swung in to a hardish object without breaking?...<snip>

What do you mean exactly when you say "without breaking"? Is it your requirement that the light continue to function? (I think this will always depend entirely on just how hard you swing it, and at just how solid an object.) Are you asking this because you intend to practice such a maneuver on a regular basis? Or, is it because you would like to still have a functioning flashlight, after some extremely rare (hopefully) emergency event? (If it is indeed a rare event, I suggest that you be willing to "sacrifice" the flashlight.)

In any case, I have always thought that the form factor provided by a 3xAA is very functional. (I would avoid extension tubes.) Low cost 3xAA lights can be found for less than $10.00 each. I have fashioned highly customized lanyards that include very strong "snap buckle" type mechanisms, at the "passive" end of the lanyard (where it is not connected to the flashlight). For example, such "snap buckles" can be used to rapidly connect two such 3xAA flashlights together (tail-end to tail-end) with a few inches of strong flexible "lanyard" in between (with obvious imaginative results). Other longer "lanyards," can also be designed (and attached at short notice) for longer distance, reaching and "grappling" or "snaring" results.

In Japan, it is essential that such items be carried in your bag in an "unassembled" manner (not "snapped together"), but with a bit of practice, they can be assembled in moments, even by feel (without looking).

 

[BillSWPA]

While most lights that are the right size and shape will work for this purpose to at least some extent, ideally you want something with a shrouded tailcap and a relatively recessed lens. The Surefire E2DL was designed specifically with this use in mind, and I would recommend it without reservation but for two issues: 1) Exorbitant price, and 2) The fact that a second press of the tail switch within 2 seconds of a previous activation will switch the light into low mode, which is suboptimal for a defensive light.

 

[sybaris]

Without breaking... sturdy to use and won't fold on impact like a smarties tube. If it functions as intended in the emergency event and fails after, that is a fair compromise. However I also want it as a decent EDC. Lets face it, emergencies are not generally an every day occurrence unless you are very unlucky. I may as well get some practical use out of it too.

 

[Rosoku Chikara]

Here is an excerpt from some good advice found on another thread...

...Situational awareness and managing unknown contacts from a distance all go a long way to preventing problems. Beyond that, in order of priority:

1) Good unarmed skills, preferably MMA based.

2) I know she does not want to carry a handgun, but for some situations, there is no other solution. If she is going to carry a defensive device, this one cannot be beat.

3) Pepper spray. Get one with an active ingredient having at least 2 million Scoville heat units, and preferably a 10% concentration of the active ingredient. Get a dispenser that is convenient for her to carry, easy to use, and preferably uses a cone-shaped spray pattern. This spray pattern will limit range, but maximize the likelihood of spraying the attacker's eyes at the distances at which problems are likely to occur. Recommendations include the Spitfire unit sold by Sabre Red and the ASP Key Defender. I would lean towards the former if she does not get serious about unarmed skills, and the latter if she does. Like the Taser, this is not the complete toolbox, but is one tool in the toolbox.

4) improvised/expedient weapons.

[excerpted, emphasis added]

While I fully understand the sentiments of your following statement

...emergencies are not generally an every day occurrence...<snip>

In my opinion, if you cannot see the problem coming from at least a little ways away (situational awareness) you are not very likely to achieve your desired outcomes.

Note: When I say "see the problem coming" I don't mean the actual approach of any specific individual. I mean that you should realize (well in advance) the potential downside of whatever situation you are putting yourself into. (When you "realize" this, and then realize that that "potential downside" could be pretty bad, that is when I would start snapping together some "improvised/expedient weapons" that were carried separately in my bag.

 

[sybaris]

Here is an excerpt from some good advice found on another thread...


In my opinion, if you cannot see the problem coming from at least a little ways away (situational awareness) you are not very likely to achieve your desired outcomes.

Note: When I say "see the problem coming" I don't mean the actual approach of any specific individual. I mean that you should realize (well in advance) the potential downside of whatever situation you are putting yourself into.

Im not talking about urban combat or taking on gangs. Just something to keep at hand in todays busy cities, on the trains and potentially where a situation could arise. (however in such situations one has to be aware of all options available including legging it away as fast as one can).
I digress, I have been looking at the Eagletac D25A2 Clicky, D25C2 Clicky and the D25LC2 clicky. Has anyone any advice on these torches?

Thanks for your views so far