Flashlight help needed.......The Police Flashlight

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boxerdog23

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I stumbled upon this website a few months ago right before I hit the streets, as I am a police officer in a major Texas city. I found that this forum is full of helpful people that helped me decide on a Jetbeam III M for a duty belt flashlight. I should really write a small review on it, but my Jetbeam has been awesome and has helped me see in some pretty dark places very effectively when other officers lights were ok at best.You can read my thread below if you would like.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=241663


I have now a new question and after some searching I have not been able to find an answer. I currently have a streamlight SL20x light which is an ok light, its not as bright and clear as my jetbeam. The streamlight does one thing really well, its a great self defense weapon. We use our flashlights just as we would a baton.

Heres what I am looking for.

1. large flashlight similar to the Sl-20x that can be used as a weapon. The Streamlight does this very well. http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=14

2. I would like it to be an LED , similar to my jetbeam which is an amazing light. It needs to be bright, I recently had problems not being able to see in a vehicle because the tint on the windows was dark.

3. rechargeable - I already have the pila charger for my jetbeam.

4. Be durable

I like this light, I just dont think that It would hold up .

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=230019


Suggestions?
 
Supposedly Mag is coming out with an LED magcharger. I wouldn't be surprised if SL is offering something that size with led by now. Personally for lights that size I like a bit more oomph. If you can get your hands on a used magcharger, the MC85 is a killer setup. It's incan though, so if you bean someone hard enough you might break the filament.:whistle:
 
Sounds like you're looking for one thats been built by Elektrolumens. Take a look at the Blaster-NG it's 3D sized and let's just say the light looks stout. And at around 1700lm should be like carrying a spot lamp with you up to the driver. Otherwise invest in one of MCE or P7 type lights. Even at around 400-500lm it works wonders on a vehicle stop as it's a bit more floody. The Malkoff drop-ins look awesome too.

Also take a look at the Tiablo series of LED lights. A partner of mine has one and it's also of good quality.

Stay safe out there.

Dan
 
This may not be what you're looking for but i was thinking about the Fenix TK40. It's very durable as can be seen in this TK40 torture test and there's another LEO's review on the light too.

Thing is, unlike your Jet III M, this light runs off 8xAAs (4xAAs in a pinch) so you'd most likely need to carry 16 AAs (1 load in the light and 1 spare load), eneloops would work fine in this light and at 600 lumens, i dont think any tint except black spray paint would stop that light from penetrating.
 
The ThruNite Catapult with the extension could work.

For something heavier, either the Elektrolumens or a Maglite with a LED mod or drop-in could work too.

The Elektrolumens would probably be the brightest and heaviest of the bunch, with Maglite in the middle and the ThruNite Catapult being the lightest.
 
hyperloop said:
This may not be what you're looking for but i was thinking about the Fenix TK40. It's very durable as can be seen in this TK40 torture test and there's another LEO's review on the light too.

Thing is, unlike your Jet III M, this light runs off 8xAAs (4xAAs in a pinch) so you'd most likely need to carry 16 AAs (1 load in the light and 1 spare load), eneloops would work fine in this light and at 600 lumens, i dont think any tint except black spray paint would stop that light from penetrating.
Click to expand...


+1

This is the light I use on duty as my primary light. I LOVE this light. It is a tad thicker than a SL20. and much shorter. This light will get through window tint no problem and will blind someone if you want it to. At 630 Lumens there isnt much this light cant do.

Yes it takes AA's but it's no big deal. just use rechargeable AA's and keep a spare set in the "_____Bag" in the trunk. Thats what I do :thumbsup:.


This light is a beast.....(as seen in the link above). I am very happy so far.
 
Re: Flashlight help needed....Get a Pelican 8060

I am also LE (Alabama) - I think you want a 190 Lumen Pelican 8060 LED. You get a full seven (7!) hours on a charge, is bright, and it can also double as a baton like your light (we carry an ASP baton), and was specifically developed for LEO's. Pelican is the sole light supplier to LAPD (7060's, the little brother to the 8060).

Here's the cool part: You're working a hurricane or forget to recharge your light (takes 3.5 hours to recharge from full depletion), you can drop out the battery stick and replace it with four c cells for another full eleven hours of light. However, I've never depleted my light.

The Length is 12.67" and Weight w/Batteries: 23.2 oz. The 8060 is in the car most of the time as I only use mine for vehicle check points or details when I need the long burn time so I can save my primary light's charge, a 185 lumen Stinger. I use the Stinger on low or medium for FST's, as the 8060 is too big and can't be turned down. I carry a Surefire LX2 for general back up.
 
Re: Flashlight help needed....Get a Pelican 8060

I agree with dwever on the light choice. I've worked with a couple (I'm not LE btw), and my only concern would be finding the switch if you are under attack or an emergency with little time. It can be hard to click quickly. It is beefy and would inflict legitimate damage.
 
Re: Flashlight help needed....Get a Pelican 8060

dwever said:
I am also LE (Alabama) - I think you want a 190 Lumen Pelican 8060 LED. You get a full seven (7!) hours on a charge, is bright, and it can also double as a baton like your light (we carry an ASP baton), and was specifically developed for LEO's. Pelican is the sole light supplier to LAPD (7060's, the little brother to the 8060).

Here's the cool part: You're working a hurricane or forget to recharge your light (takes 3.5 hours to recharge from full depletion), you can drop out the battery stick and replace it with four c cells for another full eleven hours of light. However, I've never depleted my light.

The Length is 12.67" and Weight w/Batteries: 23.2 oz. The 8060 is in the car most of the time as I only use mine for vehicle check points or details when I need the long burn time so I can save my primary light's charge, a 185 lumen Stinger. I use the Stinger on low or medium for FST's, as the 8060 is too big and can't be turned down. I carry a Surefire LX2 for general back up.
Click to expand...

Hello sir,

That 7060 and 8060 are nice lights but the OP wants a light that can double as an impact weapon and these lights are made of plastic! As you posted above the 7060 is the only primary light that LAPD is allowed to carry. This is the case because the LAPD was forced to equip their officers with a light that couldn't be used as an impact weapon. (Due to the ACLU and NAACP :sick2:)

No disrespect but I dont think that the plastic lights would do that much damage. If the shtf I would want something metal.
 
What about a Malkoff MD4 Wildcat. They just went on sale on Genes Website.
550lumens out the front on two 18670 or 4 cr123s.
It's got a high low option and it is HAIII black.

I am pretty sure it would be good for helping suspects to be compliant :rock:

Check out this link and look at post #211 on page 8 to see a nice duty belt with both a MD4 Wildcat and MD4 with M60MC-E. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235274
 
ionizedsky said:
What about a Malkoff MD4 Wildcat. They just went on sale on Genes Website.
550lumens out the front on two 18670 or 4 cr123s.
It's got a high low option and it is HAIII black.

I am pretty sure it would be good for helping suspects to be compliant :rock:

Check out this link and look at post #211 on page 8 to see a nice duty belt with both a MD4 Wildcat and MD4 with M60MC-E. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235274
Click to expand...


This flashlight is very interesting, anyone own one or have time using it?
 
boxerdog23 said:
This flashlight is very interesting, anyone own one or have time using it?
Click to expand...


That link I sent in my original post would be a good spot to find some people that have them and your could send some private messages or just post a question in the thread. I just ordered one. You might want to jump on it if your gonna get one at that price as it is not a permanent.
 
I am bumping my old thread, but I am putting less emphasis on the flashlight being a weapon. I need it to light up cars on traffic stops along, building searches and searching vacant lots. I want to really blind people (bad people) and be able to see. Recently I took a SWAT class where I learned even more about the tactical applications and use of flashlights in low light and no light situations. I just wish more officers knew about quality flashlights. One factor that is important, its got to use the same batteries as my jetbeam3 M that is always on my duty belt. thanks

What is the general consensus on the Thrunight catapult?
 
Looks like you're going to need to bump it up to a 2x18650 light or even more cells for more output.

There was a thread on the General Flashlight Discussion subforum where one CPF-er had a problem with his catapault but that seems to be a rare situation.

Seeing as how you have a Jet III M, have you considered the larger range of Jetbeams? The M1X is tried and tested (i own one and love it) but the new M2S is out and can be ordered here.

Since it can run on 2x18650s, all you would have to do is get a few more 18650 cells and you would be all set. looking at the M2S, i wouldnt want anyone clouting me on the noggin with that monster.

Also, as an LEO, have you considered getting this accessory for your Jet III M?
 
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might not be exactly what you described but..
have you considered the O Light M-30? seems like an ideal LEO EDC IMHO.
Ive been waiting to get one for over a year, yet the price hasn't really dropped that much.
progress.gif
"I want to really blind people (bad people) and be able to see"



the M-30 with separate switch for strobe is a unique feature.
 
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