Dedicated Strobe Functionality

[JPCleary]

Hey folks...

I'm looking for a specific feature...but without a good name for this feature there really isn't any good way to Google it. So I'm hoping some of you all may be able to help.

I am looking for a tactical light that allows for selecting strobe one handed without scrolling through settings. The Olight M20S is a good example. It accomplishes this by having a dedicated side switch just for strobe. The only problem with this light is it is a bit larger than I am looking for. And unfortunately, Olight doesn't incorporate this feature on any other light in their line up.

Any ideas?

http://www.tacticalleds.com/LED-Fla...hlights/Olight-M20S-Special-Ops-p8841344.html

 

[BarryG]

Whattabout the Jetbeam IBS? I've got a strobe set up in the last mode of my Jet-1 Pro and it is easy to get to if I want it and out of the way if I don't.
The ITP S series has a side switch for changing modes as well and can be had in 1xAA, 2xAA, 1xCR123 and 2xCR123.


Barry

 

[Joe Talmadge]

The Novatac lights, and I assume the Ra lights also, have this feature. On the Novatac P series, you can pre-program four immediately-accessible modes to any brightness level, including a "tactical strobe" level. Once the light is on, no matter what level you're on, level 4 is always accessible by pressing and holding the button in. When you release the button, the light goes back to whatever level you were already on. So I program level 4 to tactical strobe, and can get there from max with just the touch of a button. Also, no matter what mode the light was turned off on, there's a way to fire it up instantly in level 4 (so you can always get to the strobe immediately from off).

Depending on exactly how you're going to use the light, unfortunately other features on the Novatac make it less than ideal for a tactical. But that depends again on how you'll be using the light.

 

[HeyGuysWatchThis]

Depending on what exactly you're planning to do with it, he Sunwayman M20C comes to mind. It has a control ring setup where you can choose between low, medium, high and strobe while the light is off. The size is pretty compact for a 2x123 or 18650 light. It is regulated for output, so your battery choice determines runtime, which I like. It has an R2 emitter, so the throw is pretty good, and an orange peel reflector, so the beam is pretty smooth. Tint is ever so slightly blue, but pretty nice. It has a tailstanding tailcap, which I really like, but that's a personal preference. The switch is a forward clicky, which is required for a tactical light in my opinion. Also, it's strictly on/off, so momentary usage does not affect the modes.

If you're looking to mount it on a gun, though, they don't have a remote activation switch, and the contact at the head is a post, not a spring, so recoil will probably crush your cells. As a handheld light, I think it's terrific, though.

Here's Selfbuilt's review for more information if you're interested.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Below is a pic of my 'smallish' tactical lights. The light that I carry in my pocket all the time is the Quark 123*2 Tactical. It is a great little light, and I especially like the 'Tactical' UI. There are seven modes to choose from. You pick two, then program them into the light - one mode for tight head and one for loose head. I keep mine set at: [strobe for tight head] and [medium for loose head]. This way, when I pull it out of my pocket I do not have to scroll through any modes or do anything else. If the head is tight, then it will strobe......

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[Joe Talmadge]

Actually, that reply raises a question about the original question: I'd interpreted JP's request to be "I'm on one mode, I want instant access to strobe from there, one-handed". If the request is merely "I want instant access from off to strobe", that's an easier problem to solve -- the Quark tactical as you mentioned, Olight's T20M, and many more. Any light that has a strobe mode and a way to specify what mode is the turn-on mode can meet that. I, too, set up my Quark tactical to do that.

 

[JPCleary]

Actually, that reply raises a question about the original question: I'd interpreted JP's request to be "I'm on one mode, I want instant access to strobe from there, one-handed". If the request is merely "I want instant access from off to strobe", that's an easier problem to solve -- the Quark tactical as you mentioned, Olight's T20M, and many more. Any light that has a strobe mode and a way to specify what mode is the turn-on mode can meet that. I, too, set up my Quark tactical to do that.

No, your first interpretation was correct, Joe.

I'm on one mode, I want instant access to strobe from there, one-handed...and then back to original mode...or maybe straight to off.

Or straight from off to strobe, and then to primary mode...which for me is high...or maybe straight back to off.

Olight's M20 definitely makes that easy with the addition of the dedicated strobe button. This would allow for any combination of the above scenarios.

 

[JPCleary]

Thanks everyone for the replies so far....very helpful.

Keep 'em comin'...

 

[JPCleary]

Here is one that also has a dedicated strobe switch...

http://www.beamshot.com/tactical_light_td4.html