Help with EDC, Backup and Duty light.

LEDBE
IcantC

IcantC

Enlightened
Joined
Oct 12, 2007
Messages
920
Hello guys, long time lurker finally decided to join. Need some help picking out a few lights. A few things that are mandatory
1) Reliability (needs to work everytime, work in Chicago so cold weather might impact some lights)
2) Waterproof, for if working in rain or dropped in water.
3) Bright with reasonable runtime. Need a few hours runtime.

Pocket one(EDC)
I plan to use this on my keychain and will be the light I carry at all times with me. I would like something sturdy, waterproof and reliable. I have heard and read all the great things about the ARC AAA and saw/read all testimonials from people. I came very close to purchasing one, but decided to search some more.
Arc-AAA Premium(the new 7 lumens one)
Fenix E0
Fenix E1
P1D CE Q5 (read some problems with this in here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=175943&page=6)

I searched and came across this as well
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=135284

Now after reading that and other posts. The main debate is the Arc AAA or the Fenix E0? Fenix E0 appears to be cheaper, almost same as ARC? E0 also says it lasts it has a longer runtime. Though the Arc appears to have a better track record? I figure you guys have or owned both and can say which is better and give the advantages and disadvantages.

Can the P1D CE Q5 be carried on a keychain? Only thing I dislike is it is not AAA(aka not readily available or if overseas). But should not be too big of a problem as I guess I will carry a few with me :/. I know I can find a AAA battery in any corner of the world for cheap.

Also I kind of hate you guys... I was like hmmm perhaps I can carry 2 on me every day :D. Purchase a AAA battery EDC AND the P1D CE Q5? Did I mention I hate this site? :p


For Duty/tactical(backup/glove box/home)
This light will serve as a backup light to the primary. I will use this on to carry on my belt for work, use it at home or car for tasks that require a bright light. This will also be carried in jacket when working(plain clothes detail).
INOVA XO
Inova X5
Fenix L2D CE
Fenix L2D Premium 100

I know they require 123a and will just buy them in bulk online. Carry a few with me in bag/car/pocket.

Lastly how annoying is cycling through the modes to get where you need to get? Will it make me look like an idiot cycling your light on or off at a traffic stop or when I light someone up? For the most part I will use it on high or turbo mode. Unless I need to use a lower setting.

Never had a "cycling" light, will I eventually become used to the light and be able to use the mode I need right away? I fear going, whoops I missed high, then cycle again to get to high mode :D.

Lastly, this is not important now and as will be purchased later on down the line. A primary light, to be carried on belt or left in the car. This will need to be bright, good runtime and water proof. So far seen one too many, the new Pelican 7060 LAPD might be nice if it has good runtime or the magcharger perhaps. I have read the various law enforcement light topics, but damn there are soooooooooo many out there. To choose.

I have been searching and reading the forums for past 2 weeks. Decided to post up and ask the few Qs I had. I also have been using http://www.flashlightreviews.com/ to help as well.

BTW IF any of the lights I mentioned are not for correct use, feel free to suggest what to get. Nothing is in stone :).

Thanks all, sorry for the long post and have a happy Friday!
 
Thanks for the links and the welcome. I originally read those and a few more threads for LE and was overwhelmed hence I decided to put off buying the primary for now:D. I am still reading and researching and saving up for one. So right now the primary is the least important on my list :)
 
:welcome:

Don't know what your budget is but here are some thoughts:
For EDC:
I have had a Fenix E0 on my keychain for over a year andit gets banged around a lot and is still working fine. The ARC is better built and a little more robust I think. If you have the money go for the ARC. Keep in mind that their shipping is pretty pricey so factor that into your cost.

For DUTY:
Have a look at the Novatacs. They are great lights, very versatile. The user interface and programming can be a little intimidating at first for some people. It can be used straight out of the box with 4 different light levels available. You never have to access the menu of you do not want to. The benefit of the Novatacs is that strobe, SOS etc are accessed throught the options menu so you never have to see them unlike other lights. I hate cycling through unwanted levels. You can jump from lelvel to level depending on you lighting needs at the time.
 
IcantC said:
Lastly how annoying is cycling through the modes to get where you need to get? Will it make me look like an idiot cycling your light on or off at a traffic stop or when I light someone up? For the most part I will use it on high or turbo mode. Unless I need to use a lower setting.
Click to expand...

The interface on the Fenix L2D does become quite intuitive. However, under a stress situation it can easily go wrong. If you like Fenix lights, I would suggest you take a look at the L2T V2 with Rebel LED. This only has 2 modes, high and low, selected by the bezel. More importantly, it has a tactical tail cap which should also make it simpler to operate.
 
IcantC said:
Hello guys, long time lurker finally decided to join. Need some help picking out a few lights. A few things that are mandatory
1) Reliability (needs to work everytime, work in Chicago so cold weather might impact some lights)
2) Waterproof, for if working in rain or dropped in water.
3) Bright with reasonable runtime. Need a few hours runtime.

Pocket one(EDC)
I plan to use this on my keychain and will be the light I carry at all times with me. I would like something sturdy, waterproof and reliable. I have heard and read all the great things about the ARC AAA and saw/read all testimonials from people. I came very close to purchasing one, but decided to search some more.
Arc-AAA Premium(the new 7 lumens one)
Fenix E0
Fenix E1
P1D CE Q5 (read some problems with this in here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=175943&page=6)

I searched and came across this as well
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=135284

Now after reading that and other posts. The main debate is the Arc AAA or the Fenix E0? Fenix E0 appears to be cheaper, almost same as ARC? E0 also says it lasts it has a longer runtime. Though the Arc appears to have a better track record? I figure you guys have or owned both and can say which is better and give the advantages and disadvantages.

Can the P1D CE Q5 be carried on a keychain? Only thing I dislike is it is not AAA(aka not readily available or if overseas). But should not be too big of a problem as I guess I will carry a few with me :/. I know I can find a AAA battery in any corner of the world for cheap.

Also I kind of hate you guys... I was like hmmm perhaps I can carry 2 on me every day :D. Purchase a AAA battery EDC AND the P1D CE Q5? Did I mention I hate this site? :p


For Duty/tactical(backup/glove box/home)
This light will serve as a backup light to the primary. I will use this on to carry on my belt for work, use it at home or car for tasks that require a bright light. This will also be carried in jacket when working(plain clothes detail).
INOVA XO
Inova X5
Fenix L2D CE
Fenix L2D Premium 100

I know they require 123a and will just buy them in bulk online. Carry a few with me in bag/car/pocket.

Lastly how annoying is cycling through the modes to get where you need to get? Will it make me look like an idiot cycling your light on or off at a traffic stop or when I light someone up? For the most part I will use it on high or turbo mode. Unless I need to use a lower setting.

Never had a "cycling" light, will I eventually become used to the light and be able to use the mode I need right away? I fear going, whoops I missed high, then cycle again to get to high mode :D.

Lastly, this is not important now and as will be purchased later on down the line. A primary light, to be carried on belt or left in the car. This will need to be bright, good runtime and water proof. So far seen one too many, the new Pelican 7060 LAPD might be nice if it has good runtime or the magcharger perhaps. I have read the various law enforcement light topics, but damn there are soooooooooo many out there. To choose.

I have been searching and reading the forums for past 2 weeks. Decided to post up and ask the few Qs I had. I also have been using http://www.flashlightreviews.com/ to help as well.

BTW IF any of the lights I mentioned are not for correct use, feel free to suggest what to get. Nothing is in stone :).

Thanks all, sorry for the long post and have a happy Friday!
Click to expand...

Well... it sounds like you have a good handle on what you want! It is my opinion that you couldn't go wrong with the P1D-CE + Arc AAA-P DS (10-11 lumens typical, 9 minimum) combination - one on your keys to rely on when your primary EDC fails or breaks in the line of duty. The AAA is waterproof to 100 feet and darn near indestructable against everything except a strong direct hit on the emitter itself.

The primary light you're describing encompasses a whole lot of different options. The right light depends on several factors: Does it need to be belt-carry-sized? If so you also need a holster. Are you going to leave it in the car for long periods of time? If so, be aware that temperature extemes are detrimental to most batteries and you won't be able to count on full-capacity after a while. lithium primary cells have the best performance and hold their charge the longest in general, but you want to keep them out of very high temperatures. Exactly how much light are you looking for? Unless you're looking for a light to use in law-enforcement situations or want more than say, 500 bulb lumens, I'd stick with LED lights. How much money are you looking to spend? A 3D mag with a Malkoff LED dropin will give you a solid 240 emitter lumens for over 5 hours on alkalines (which tend to explode in mags). On the other hand, a Wolf-Eyes Thunder or Storm will be pushing 510 emitter lumens on lithiums for 2 or 3 hours, and will run @ 30 lumens for ridiculous periods of time. I think it just depends on what you need and how you're planning to use it.
 
Pocket(AAA):
L0D-CE/L0D-Rebel 80
Liteflux LF2 Cree or Seoul version
Arc would be the dimmest but also the toughest.

All above lights should have no problem and will take most abuse. The ARC will take more abuse before it breaks.

The L2D-Rebel 100 would be the brightest in that list. I would pick the L2T V2.0 if you want simplicity. These are 2AA powered lights. The P3D-Rebel 100 is the brightest Stock Fenix light available. The Olight T20 Q5 has similar performance with the P3D-Rebel 100 and has more throw and a thicker body.

For the Fenix, as long as you keep the bezel tight, it will be on turbo mode and go Turbo-Storbe-Turbo-Strobe and so on. Turbo mode starts on turbo. And normal mode starts on Low.

If you think the Fenix has many modes, don't look at the Jetbeam MkIIR or Jet II.

Flashlight reviews doesn't have that many reviews of the newer Cree/Seoul/Rebel LED lights(Double the efficiency of the Luxeon I, III, V and K2 LEDs).

If you are using CR123 batteries, then buy the X5 anyways, it's a great battery drainer.

:welcome:
 
I wouldn't go with Inova or Fenix, for any emergency/tactical use and I've owned both. Inova is a popular brand in my agency, but the X5 in particular has no "throw." My Fenixes are nowhere near reliable enough to carry outside my house. The interface is OK, but not perfect.

For a serious pocket flashlight, the Novatac 120T is the one to beat--my choice on duty and off. The supercharged Gladius (or more reasonably priced clone Typhoon) looks like a winner, if the size and cost aren't a problem.

Pelican 7060 and Magcharger are two very different lights--as Chief Bratton intended. Without knowing more about specific needs and requirements, I can't help here too much.
 
No one is mentioning Peak. I would trust my life to one of their lights. Not to a Fenix (and I do like Fenix - I have two in my pocket right now. Plus an Olight T20 - yeah, I'm a flashaholic alright).

I'm not qualified to speak to the belt light which would be your primary light, except to disqualify the Novatac. It should be big enough to be a striking weapon, no? The Novatac just isn't. There is nothing wrong with the light - it's just not large enough physically.

But for EDC backup, a Glacier Bay from Peak would seem to be the thing. Runs off 1 CR123, puts out a TON of light, and it will literally disappear in your pocket. Plus it's built like a little tank and should take anything you want to give it.

Or perhaps a Novatac could play that role as well. The adjustable outputs will buy you more flexibility and runtime. Twice the price though.
 
The Novatac on duty would be a backup light for a larger, brighter light. For me, that is the Wolfeyes Boxer 24W HID and Surefire M6 with 500 lumen lamp. I like brightness.

The need to have the flashlight serve as a club is probably best decided by the user and his agency policies (or local laws, for citizens). Even so, a Mag Lite will likely be considered deadly force in any court if a person is, in fact, killed by one. My agency is a lot more likely to protect me in court if I use an issue ASP baton, rather than a Mag Lite. I started carrying my ASP again after hearing and seeing what it is capable of.
 
Well, there ya go! :) I still like the single CR123 Peaks though - I'd seriously look at them. Simple, small, regulated, high output, tough as a keg of nails.
 
Thank you again for all the feedback. Looks like I have a lot more research and reading ahead of me.

Just to clarify since if I was confusing. I need 3 lights.
1) EDC, something to fit on key chain.
2) Something not too small, perhaps palm sized. A tactical light to say so. Should be able to be used on traffic stops or when needing to check something in close proximity like inside of a car or traffic stops.
3) Primary duty light, should have good throw, decent flood and good runtime. This will be used for when looking around in dark alleys, homes, trees, corners etc where bright light is needed. If not I am not shining the cars spotlight, perhaps pull this out to shine if I am riding shotgun.

BTW for number 3, is a Tiablo 9 outfitted with OP reflector and tactical switch OK? Or wrong light for this use? I will research all the lights you folks mentioned and advice given. Thank you once again for your time and help.
 
#1 EDC: Arc-DS or Fenix L0D-CE I think the flexibility of the L0D out weighs the extra durability and waterproofing of the ARC for keychain duty. It seems reliable enough for this job. However, I'll likely get an ARC to find out if I'm right, as I don't own one. Since you will likely have other lights on you most of the time you may not need the flexibility of the L0D, and the ARC may be better in this solution.

#2, I'll let other comment on, but the Novatacs looks good, and if you need #3 but don't have it, it will probaby work out OK.

#3, better check with the pros in the same situation.
 
I carry a little button cell squeeze light on my keychain. They are cheap, take up little room, they're lightweight and always work.

For the belt carry, I have tried the Streamlight Poly, XP, and Stinger LED. The poly just felt cheap and the button was wearing out. The XP was ok, but just not enough spill with intensity for LE work. I still keep the LED in my gear bag with a cone for traffic control. The strobe really grabs drivers' attention. I also phased out both a Surefire 9N and a 6P converted to a rechargeable due to unreliable runtimes. I keep a 6P with a clickie tail in my tac vest with extra 123 lithium batteries as an emergency backup. I have been using a rechargeable Raider 9D for the last year and I really like this for belt carry. It comes with lithium rechargeables. The output is intense with no hotspots similar to Surefires. The spill is excellent for building searches. This light is easy to conceal when working plain clothes. It's actually too bright to use to write citations at night which is why I ordered a Tiablo A9S.

For your large flashlight, I recommend a Streamlight SL20X LED. The size is good. I keep it diagonally under my left leg when I drive a patrol car at night. The LED is perfect for writing citations and can be used with a cone to direct traffic. I just bought a MagCharger and tested it out this week. I like the bright light straight out of the box, but everytime I needed it on a car stop, it was out of focus and this is not good at all. My MagCharger will no longer be with me at work. I may just mod it and keep it in my personal vehicle.
 
My 2 cents worth:

1 Arc AAA unless you can find something just as well built but brighter
2 Surefire Cree L1, or L4
3 Pelican 7060, there's some reviews of this on cpf
 
I would go for the ARC AAA-P DS For the keychain. I would also consider having millermod do the mod on the ARC (this could be a long wait). I was the one that started the thread you refered to in your post. I have the PID CE Q5 it is a great light. Still better then the other picks you are considering in my mind. So bottom line

ARC AAA-P DS
P1D CE Q5 :welcome:
 
As you can see you are going to get a heap of different recommendations and options. These lights are the ones i use on duty.

A LOD CE for a key chain light, although i don't carry it on a key chain i carry it in my top pocket. Great little light, so versatile with decent output.

My back up light is a Wolf Eyes Raider running 18500's and a Lumens Factory EO9. This has to be my favourite light, amazing output and can be modified to a lower output LA if more runtime is needed. This is easily carried on a duty belt in a holster. My recommendation for a back up light would be any 9V light be it the Raider or a Surefire equivelant or any others that might be available. I much prefer the 9V size compared to a smaller light for back up as i find the size perfect, they are easy to hand and offer some size to hold when you need it, be it during foot chases or other stressful incidents. You could also add a LED tail cap to the Raider which offers a lower second light source from this light.

You might have to consider a fourth light to use for plain clothes :whistle: as i find the 9V lights a little long to carry in a pocket. I actually use a 6V Cree light for plain clothes use. Maybe look at the options that you have listed for a duty light for Plain clothes use instead, but personally i wouldn't use the lights that you listed as a duty light, but thats just my opinion.

And my primary is a magcharger, not for any other reason except that it is station issued so it is one light i don't have to pay for. Further to this i find it is great for throw and looks intimidating....
 
Last edited:
I'm a retired cop, after 30 years, and nothing here's gospel. Just my 2 cents.

Look at a JetBeam CL-E v2 for #2 and maybe #1. Use 2 lights. If one breaks, you've got a second one and spare parts. Remember that ANY light with a electronic controlling circuit can be broken. It's small enough to hang from a keyring. Rechargeable AA's will save you a lot of money over CR123's even bought in bulk. It'll run on high for 2.5 hours, it's ability is pretty impressive for it's size and cost. It'll blind someone in a house during daylight at least according to a buddy of mine who I checked it out on. It's easy to dump in a pocket or belt holder. It's pretty bright on high and if you can find a traffic cone for it, it'd work to direct traffic. It'll strobe while directing traffic. Has a good warranty. It cycles easily and has last mode memory. I would have given my eyeteeth for one 20-30 years ago.

I'd stick with AA flashlights, can get batteries anywhere in a pinch and rechargeable Nimh's pack more power than the current crop of RCR123's, and are safer to use. If you do choose the bulk CR123 route, take plenty of extras to work to sell to your buddies who keep trying to bum batteries off you for their whoop-ti-do flashlights that they spent so much money on they don't have any left for batteries. I've been through 2 county wide disasters where we were reduced to using Eveready 2D cell flashlights and batteries donated by local hardware stores a couple of weeks at a time because our whoop-ti-do issue Streamlights couldn't keep up with the work requirement. They just don't last for a 16 hour shift.

I spent over 15 years with an issued SL20-SL20XL, went through batteries every 2 years, switches every year or two, light was good for only about 45 minutes after batteries were a 6-12 months old, used both car and home charger. Batteries would last for an hour and a half when new. I wasn't impressed, it didn't last a shift even with a car charger. Supply Sgt. kept spare parts to repair at least 10 lights at at time for 140 issued and he needed them. Maybe the new ones are better. Belt light was a 2AA Minimag with a couple of Saft, Nexcell or Radioshack rechargeables. You have a lot better options now. Bought my own Hubble lights (one 4xAA and one 2xC) for use when I really needed to see something (your #3). Used rechargeables in those too, took extra's. Mine certified high pressure xenon bulb lights. I'd look for something like that now, so you could use it in hazardous environments, but using a LED. I believe Pelican makes some lights like that, but I'm not impressed with their brightness for the cost.

If you're not worried about hazardous environments try the Lowes 60X 3 watt Task Light for #3. Use rechargeables. If you lose it or it breaks, get another one. It'll get you by until you figure out what you need, and you might not need a 500 lumen duty light. That's what take-downs and sidelights are for. If we needed that much light we got one that plugged into the cigarette lighter. The Task Light's cheap enough, and if you spend 200 bucks this year, you'll probably spend another 200 next year because something better will be out. If it's worth 200 bucks you'll probably forget it on a table at a restaurant and you won't get it back or someone will steal it out of your car. Or you'll drop it in a fight in a crowd and someone else will own it. Rechargeable tactical lights are nice until the charger breaks or you need to buy a new battery, and you find out how much that battery stick costs. Remember that all your equipment's disposable, whether you mean it to be or not. If it's got to be waterproof and not just water resistant, use a dive light, but they aren't cheap.

I don't know what your department's policy's are on using lights as striking instruments. We had our aluminum Kel Lights taken away from us and were issued plastic Streamlights so we wouldn't use them as striking instruments. Something to think about when choosing a light, if you're accused of it and if it's not big enough to give someone 169 stitches it'll make your visit to IA/Professional Standards easier.

Sorry for the long post and philosophy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Keychain AAA with white and red light
Replies
5
Views
489
cave dave
C
F
Thrunite T1 Pro and Kun H1 headlamp cheap and easy EDC easy EDC
Replies
2
Views
531
Flashlightmaster2021
F
Sabrewulf
Help me find a light.
Replies
13
Views
651
Sabrewulf
Sabrewulf
R
Can anyone help me identify and use this Flashlight?
Replies
8
Views
463
DaveTheDude
D
S
Need help with bezel ring and glass fitting
Replies
4
Views
598
Lips
Lips

Latest posts

Top