Flashlight Deployment Advice Needed

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CQB

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 2, 2004
Messages
236
City & State/Province
BC, Canada
Hello CPF! Yes it's another newbie here. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I've been checking out the CPF site for quite some time now - thankfully, there appears to be many of you who know a thing or two about flashlights and the like. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I own several flashlights (I believe I am in the early stages of developing Flashoholic-itus and don't quite know how to break the news to my wife!) and I would greatly appreciate any feedback from any of you who have the time to read this humble post.

I own the following: SF C3, SF 8AX, SF G2, SF E1e, SL NF-2, SF KL3 unit, and an Inova X5.

I am experiencing OCD as of late, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif as I am trying to decide on the BEST flashlight deployment for my needs. Can you believe this? I have spent many sleepless nights simply b/c I dont feel confident with my present FL deployment scheme. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

I currently use my 8AX for work (Security Officer) and use the G2 as a b/u. I think this setup is actually ok.

It's my EDC-needs that I find confusing. Since I have several Fls already I HOPE there is something in my collection that would make an ideal EDC for myself. If not, I am afraid I wasted my money on FLs I simply cannot justify purchasing in the first place! (And I dont want to admit THAT, so I think I am in the right place if I need an extra boost of confidence with owning what I do. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Where should my C3 fit in? I'm thinking it might be an alternate for my WORK light. Should I outfit the C3 with the KL3 for longer runtimes? That is why I purchased the KL3 in the 1st place - I didnt have a long-running FL in my collection.

In the near future, I am considering purchasing a REAL EDC light soon, like the ARC4 or the upcoming SF U2, or even the L4 or L5. I just wanted your opinions, that's all. If any of you wise scribes feel I already have something suitable for my EDC (besides the E1e that I always carry since it's small) please let me know.

I appreciate your time.
CQB
 
I wear a G2 on my belt every time I'm wearing a belt (which is every day from about 7:30AM to roughly 10:30PM).

Mine is outfitted with the EXCELLENT clickie harvested from a Garrity/Ozark Trail 2AA flashlight found at Walmart. The only thing this clickie lacks is a momentary on. Otherwise it feels great and is nearly impossible to accidently activate.

I carry it in the holster that came with the Garrity.
Also on my person are ARC AAA and Infinity Ultra AA. I have light enough for any situation I can forsee.

If I'm going somewhere really nice, I only have the ARC and Infinity on me.

If you cannot hack belt carry, I guess you'd best go on carrying the E1. Although I find I can put a Minim*g next to my wallet and not be too hampered by it.
 
... of course, I also have that Streamlight NF-2. It's similar to the TL series. Very small, pretty bright too (100 lumens?). This could do for my EDC for now I guess.

You know, after reading my post, I've come to the conclusion that *I* am the only one who can really answer my question. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I know it's really up to me if I want to use the C3 as a high o/p light or a low o/p light, with the KL3. *sigh* I guess I was hoping someone else would make that decision for me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Hmm. The Arc4 or the L4/L5, that is my only other question right now. So if any of you lads (and lasses) have any advice or suggestions please feel free.

Tks again,
CQB

---------
 
tks for the reply PBJ! Yes I agree, my G2 worn on my belt should suffice for now as a reasonable EDC. Wish I had the clickie switch! Too bad SF didnt design the G2 with a lock-out tail cap.

Tks again.
CQB
 
Hello, welcome to CPF. For my EDC I use an E2e. It seem to be the perfect size, and bright enough to cover most needs that arrive (I have other lights strategically placed to use if needed). EDC really is a matter of personal preference, and since it will be spending a lot of quality time with you I recommend getting one that you get a long well with. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif You mentioned that you usually EDC your E1e, so are you looking for a brighter EDC? As for where your C3 fits in, that is really up to you. IMO the C3 outfitted with a P91 makes a good "bump-in-the-night" light. Hope this helps

-Mike
 
Hello CQB,

Welcome to CPF.

It looks like you are just north of me a bit.

I think ALL of your lights would fit into a nice backpack. You could carry them all for a couple of weeks. Keep track of the ones you use most often, then settle on those.

Just a thought...

Tom
 
Thanks for the replies gents! Haha, some were funny, and all were good! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Yes, I might very well splurge on the Arc4 or one of the L- series from SF. My E1e is nice in that it's small, but for an EDC, I'd prefer it to be brighter. I gave my wife an E2e - yes, it's an excellent EDC for her. I shoulda got me one as well! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

All in all I know I shouldnt be too down on myself - I have a number of well-made FL's in my collection, and as much as I dont want to think about it, there are many more to come. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Tks
CQB
 
You COULD do something that will fool most friends and coworkers...

Check out the Sandwich Shoppe. Hop up a Minim*g. For all I know there might even be a 3W hop up for one. I have a 1W Madmax in mine. It is pretty darn bright. And it can be run nearly free by using NimH rechargables.

You know you DO need something like an ARC AA or AAA or an Infinity Ultra as a backup EDC don't you?
 
Welcome; I too work in security, and while I don't regularly wear a duty belt, I do have a belt holster for my Stinger. The frequent use, and ease of recharging, make it the most econimical for me. I also edc a SF A2, and L4 as backups. Not far away I keep a few others, but at work those 3 are almost always with me.
 
thanks for the advice Bravo25. It's nice coming from a fellow security officer. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I too am happy with a rechargeable for work, the SF 8AX. And the G2 as backup makes me feel ready for just about anything.

For EDC, I am currently going to continue to use either my G2 with a holster, or my SL NF2, which is smaller than the G2 but also needs a holster since I removed the ugly clip - and it IS ugly, especially compared to the SF clips on the E2e, etc.

Will consider getting either the L4, L5, or something similar for my future EDC.

Tks again for taking the time to reply.
- CQB
 

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