...Firefighting

[Blacksteel]

Hi,

Let me outline how I use what I have (no name generic 70 lumen 3xAAA LED 'tactical'). My turnout jackets have radio mic loops below the neck and I usually hang a small to medium every day carry size flashlight there via a carabiner. It will get bashed around a bit. I need something that can read door keys as well as scan around and into buildings (selectable outputs?) and smoke penetration isn't really a requirement. It needs to run on job supplied AAAs preferably, although I have seen some quite reasonable CR123a chargers lately. A right angle head may be useful too. I have to buy online and send it to the bottom of the planet so be nice to have something $50 USDish and not overly heavy. Any ideas?

 

[RobertM]

If you don't mind using CR123 cells, you should look into the Streamlight Polytac 90 LED.

While Streamlight might not get talked about too much on here (probably because they are aren't considered "exciting"), they make good, reliable lights that are tailored to certain professions (especially police, fire, and EMS).

 

[Blacksteel]

Cheers for the reply,

I have been investigating some angle head lights like the Streamlight Sidewinder and the Fenix MC10. It seems they may be more tailored to close in work. Looks like the Polytac may have more throw. hmm, lots to think about.

 

[Blacksteel]

Doh.. I was looking at your signature line thinking that was what you were talking about....sorry, I'm with you now, and yes that looks like a contender. Cheers

 

[guardpost3]

Not sure about any AAA lights that would be good for firefighting. Our department has recently started issuing Streamlight Polytac 90s to replace our Incan Survivors. they are much smaller and lighter, run longer and are multimode. If you dont want to use lithium batteries than a few guys in our department have gotten the new Bayco Nightstick Pro, it can be clipped to your mic loop and has two LEDs one flood and one spot, it is also intrinsically safe so you dont have to worry about it in explosive environments.

 

[JNieporte]

+1 on the PolyTac 90.

You can get a SolarForce L2i for under $20. It will run on three AAA batteries in a carrier. Your choice of drop-in, a lot with multi-mode.

 

[Blacksteel]

I think I'm being swayed towards the PolyTac 90. My concern here is the cost of CR123A's down this way. I'd be looking at rechargables, and Subwoofer's review mentions a high parasitic drain with these. Any experience with this power supply out there? Could you wind off the tail cap a few turns when off duty?