I am a police officer and currently have a SF G2Z combatlight incandescent. I am looking to upgrade to an LED light. I use the syringe type grip on the G2Z to fire my pistol while holding the light(next best thing to having it mounted) and would like that same feature. Money is no object since my life depends on it.
Best light for Police patrol use?
- Thread starter Steevo
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PhantomPhoton
Flashlight Enthusiast
First, :welcome:
Let's see, there are some things to consider. Output & runtime. I'll assume you want a simple to use push on light without all the fancy low modes and blinking modes from your description of use.
Perhaps the best thing would be simply to upgrade your G2Z. That way you keep the light you know. Instead of running the stuck bulb you use a high quality LED assembly, also known as a Malkoff Drop-in.
The only thing holding back a 100% recommendation for one is the heat problem. LEDs need heatsinking and the Plastic body of the G2Z doesn't provide that. So here's what I'd consider doing:
Malkoff Drop-ins come in all sorts of "flavors." So instead of getting the high powered ones get a medium powered one; an M60L. It'll still be brighter than your stock incandescant G2Z with far better runtime.
Also to help with the heat I'd consider getting a Surefire aluminum "head" and replace the stock plastic one. That way the LED can at least have some thermal path to outside air.
There are other possibilities, but this would be likely be my first choice based upon the information you gave.
The big question is how bright do you need the light to be? Are you thinking of going over to LED because of brightness or because of runtime? Or for better durability? So, after qualty and reliability what's most important?
Many of us here are glad to help so please tell us more about your needs.
:thumbsup:
edit: I am relatively sure that a Malkoff dropin will work in a G2Z however I don't have one myself, so we'll need an affirmative from another member who has tested it to be 100% sure they are compatible.
If not we you can always buy a Surefire C2, which will be very similar to the G2 iirc and use that with a Malkoff dropin... including the high powered ones.
Let's see, there are some things to consider. Output & runtime. I'll assume you want a simple to use push on light without all the fancy low modes and blinking modes from your description of use.
Perhaps the best thing would be simply to upgrade your G2Z. That way you keep the light you know. Instead of running the stuck bulb you use a high quality LED assembly, also known as a Malkoff Drop-in.
The only thing holding back a 100% recommendation for one is the heat problem. LEDs need heatsinking and the Plastic body of the G2Z doesn't provide that. So here's what I'd consider doing:
Malkoff Drop-ins come in all sorts of "flavors." So instead of getting the high powered ones get a medium powered one; an M60L. It'll still be brighter than your stock incandescant G2Z with far better runtime.
Also to help with the heat I'd consider getting a Surefire aluminum "head" and replace the stock plastic one. That way the LED can at least have some thermal path to outside air.
There are other possibilities, but this would be likely be my first choice based upon the information you gave.
The big question is how bright do you need the light to be? Are you thinking of going over to LED because of brightness or because of runtime? Or for better durability? So, after qualty and reliability what's most important?
Many of us here are glad to help so please tell us more about your needs.
:thumbsup:
edit: I am relatively sure that a Malkoff dropin will work in a G2Z however I don't have one myself, so we'll need an affirmative from another member who has tested it to be 100% sure they are compatible.
If not we you can always buy a Surefire C2, which will be very similar to the G2 iirc and use that with a Malkoff dropin... including the high powered ones.
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I would get a Sure Fire 9P, and put an LED bulb in it, or a 9AN rechargeable for my "utility" light, These lights are a little longer and work well under you arm, you know what I mean, and keep the light you have for use with your handgun on your Sam Brown.
That way your "handgun" light always has good batteries.
PS I was "On the Job" for over 30 years.
You should ALWAYS HAVE TWO LIGHTS, even if you work days.
That way your "handgun" light always has good batteries.
PS I was "On the Job" for over 30 years.
You should ALWAYS HAVE TWO LIGHTS, even if you work days.
i have a eagle tac t10c2, small but bright. I then bought a modified 4/c Maglite with 3 cree mcd led's. Very bright, great for up close to mid range situations, but i did not like the weapon retention problem that it presents by only being secured by a c cell ring. I just bought a 1.25 D cell Modified Maglite. It is tri bored to accept 3 lit. batteries. Has a p7 led, is about 8 inches long, comes on in high mode (supposed to last 2 hours on this level) and It has a dimming board so i can lower the output if needed for longer runtimes. I have a holster that fits it nicely, its supposed to be arriving tomorrow looking forward to toying around with it. The c cell mag felt to small when griped with my firearm, the d cell size should be a better fit, ill test that out at the range but I dont think its going to be a problem. Nice bright light, good for throw, has sidespill to. bought it off of nailbender on the forums here.
MrGman
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2007
- Messages
- 1,777
Fenix TK11 series.
SureFire C2 with; depending on you need for tighter hotspot and throw versus more flood, Dereelight single mode R2 pill with either the smooth reflector or medium orange peel, you can get both reflectors and figure out which one you like better, for less of a tight hot spot, more all around use, excellent reliability, the original Malkoff M60 module.
SureFire C2 with; depending on you need for tighter hotspot and throw versus more flood, Dereelight single mode R2 pill with either the smooth reflector or medium orange peel, you can get both reflectors and figure out which one you like better, for less of a tight hot spot, more all around use, excellent reliability, the original Malkoff M60 module.
Since you are used to the G2Z I would think a Z2 with a custom LED module would be best.
You will need the metal Z2 because LEDs do not tolerate heat and if they get too hot (which they often get in a plastic lights) they will be destroyed.
Surefire makes LED modules which are temperature regulated, so they would even work in your G2Z without risk of burning up, but these modules are not very impressive compared to the available alternatives.
The most highly regarded modules for Surefire lights tend to be the Malkoff ones (http://www.malkoffdevices.com/). I would suggest going with the "Warm" ones which are slightly less bright but produce a more natural light compared the the "cold" regular ones.
Compared to your present light (I assume you have a P60 lamp module in it) these are a couple of options:
M60W - Will give you more runtime and much more light.
(http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_14_15&products_id=33)
M60WL - Will give you much more runtime and more light. This should actually work in your current G2Z light since it doesn't get as hot.
(http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_14_15&products_id=34)
You will need the metal Z2 because LEDs do not tolerate heat and if they get too hot (which they often get in a plastic lights) they will be destroyed.
Surefire makes LED modules which are temperature regulated, so they would even work in your G2Z without risk of burning up, but these modules are not very impressive compared to the available alternatives.
The most highly regarded modules for Surefire lights tend to be the Malkoff ones (http://www.malkoffdevices.com/). I would suggest going with the "Warm" ones which are slightly less bright but produce a more natural light compared the the "cold" regular ones.
Compared to your present light (I assume you have a P60 lamp module in it) these are a couple of options:
M60W - Will give you more runtime and much more light.
(http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_14_15&products_id=33)
M60WL - Will give you much more runtime and more light. This should actually work in your current G2Z light since it doesn't get as hot.
(http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_14_15&products_id=34)
I would suggest a Eagletac T100C2 Mark II or Olight M20. Both can use CR123 or rechargeable 18650 battery's and have ring for cigar grip.
leon2245
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2008
- Messages
- 2,335
wait for the AZ2
The S.F. L5 has a rubber ring around it you can do that with, if I'm understanding the syringe style correctly. It has a nice bright beam & also real good runtime. The L5 is always with me when I am on patrol (internet patrol).
The S.F. L5 has a rubber ring around it you can do that with, if I'm understanding the syringe style correctly. It has a nice bright beam & also real good runtime. The L5 is always with me when I am on patrol (internet patrol).
JeffInChi
Enlightened
I use two, an Olight M30 on my duty belt in a holster which really lights up an entire area or vehicle on turbo, and an Eagletac t10lc2 w/clip, which is a small light but very bright with excellent throw, on my vest cover.
I've heard great things about Surefire, but both of these lights are handling the abuse I give them at work wonderfully, and at a fraction of the cost.
Good luck, stay safe.
I've heard great things about Surefire, but both of these lights are handling the abuse I give them at work wonderfully, and at a fraction of the cost.
Good luck, stay safe.
NextLight
Enlightened
Second vote for the Z2 with Malkoff M60 drop-in. Same ergonomics, similar battery life, more light. The Malkoff tends to be more reliable than many non-Surefire LED modules, and it has great output and beam quality.
I noticed you also asked (elsewhere) about the Gladius Maximus. The Gladius has been my primary belt light for almost 5 years. I love the ergo & feature set. My next most common belt carry light is a C3. It is similar to the Z2, but with a 3rd cell. I may change bulb(s) or LEDs depending on the mission. A 190 lumen spot is too bright in small dwellings with light walls, but it is sure nice for Saturday night drunks, brick or black walled alleys, vacant lots, and tinted windows. The difficulty in predicting the problem environment is why I chose the Gladius: Ergonomics, and output flexibility. ~2006 Blackhawk Gladius and early related Insight products had a demonstrated reliability (tailcap-switch) below that of Surefire products (except the Surefire U2 and 9AN rechargeable, which I DO NOT recommend) but my original Gladius has survived much use and abuse (including extended loan to every agency in my town) without fail. I still own 3 Gladius, a primary carry, a beater/loaner, and a nightstand light.
FWIW, my "strong side" carry is a Kimber Pro Eclipse .45 with laser grips. My backup light has been an Ami Light with a 120 Lumen Cree upgrade, riding with an AMT .45 Backup. I will likely be using a Surefire Backup light, soon. (Better switching, with quick on-off & bi-level select)
I still have not put a light on my handgun. Though I see the benefits, I personally feel the need to keep my strong hand digits focused on a single task in deadly force confrontations, and I have not been satisfied with solutions offered for Combat Commander style handguns. If the light requires ANY extra finger attention or manipulation, in times of great stress, that is too much.
One often chooses an incandescent polymer light if they carry a polymer frame gun, but the LEDs do want metal (head AND body preferred for high-output modules) for heat sinking.
Welcome to CPF. There is lots more in the CPF archives; Do a search.
Good Hunting,
I noticed you also asked (elsewhere) about the Gladius Maximus. The Gladius has been my primary belt light for almost 5 years. I love the ergo & feature set. My next most common belt carry light is a C3. It is similar to the Z2, but with a 3rd cell. I may change bulb(s) or LEDs depending on the mission. A 190 lumen spot is too bright in small dwellings with light walls, but it is sure nice for Saturday night drunks, brick or black walled alleys, vacant lots, and tinted windows. The difficulty in predicting the problem environment is why I chose the Gladius: Ergonomics, and output flexibility. ~2006 Blackhawk Gladius and early related Insight products had a demonstrated reliability (tailcap-switch) below that of Surefire products (except the Surefire U2 and 9AN rechargeable, which I DO NOT recommend) but my original Gladius has survived much use and abuse (including extended loan to every agency in my town) without fail. I still own 3 Gladius, a primary carry, a beater/loaner, and a nightstand light.
FWIW, my "strong side" carry is a Kimber Pro Eclipse .45 with laser grips. My backup light has been an Ami Light with a 120 Lumen Cree upgrade, riding with an AMT .45 Backup. I will likely be using a Surefire Backup light, soon. (Better switching, with quick on-off & bi-level select)
I still have not put a light on my handgun. Though I see the benefits, I personally feel the need to keep my strong hand digits focused on a single task in deadly force confrontations, and I have not been satisfied with solutions offered for Combat Commander style handguns. If the light requires ANY extra finger attention or manipulation, in times of great stress, that is too much.
One often chooses an incandescent polymer light if they carry a polymer frame gun, but the LEDs do want metal (head AND body preferred for high-output modules) for heat sinking.
Welcome to CPF. There is lots more in the CPF archives; Do a search.
Good Hunting,
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adamlau
Flashlight Enthusiast
Inova INFORCE White. I have one attached to the rail of my shotty.
First light USA. Tomahawk.
greenpea76
Newly Enlightened
Welcome to CPF.
Like several others, I'd say do the Malkoff M60 and try to find a Black aluminum bezel in the Marketplace to help dissipate the heat from the LED module. I'm sure there are lots of others who are willing to help by selling you some of their extras.
Like several others, I'd say do the Malkoff M60 and try to find a Black aluminum bezel in the Marketplace to help dissipate the heat from the LED module. I'm sure there are lots of others who are willing to help by selling you some of their extras.
