Law enforcement use

guambred

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Apr 10, 2014
Messages
14
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?


____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
__X__Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
__X__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__X__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

__X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
__X__I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
__X__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

__X__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__X__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
__X__30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
__X__I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
__X__I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
__X__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__X__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
__X__Other_Dai;ly holstered carry.________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 
Klarus Xt2C or XT11. These lights can use 18650. They have a dual tail switch that provides immediate access to both high and strobe, and easy access to medium and low. My XT2C has survived a few unintentional drop tests. Custom Carry Concepts makes a Kydex belt pouch that will fit the XT2C.
 
Another vote fot the XT11. The throw and spill is very good. At ranges less than 25 yards, I prefer the XT2C, but if you need more, the XT11 puts out significantly more throw and spill. Interior searching the xt2c is a little less intense, so the interior reflections aren't as noticeable as the powerhouse xt11.
 
Surefire P2X Fury ($108 online)
Send it off to have it bored for an additional $20-40 (depending on vendor) so you can fit 18650 batteries.

edit: sorry, missed your requirement of having a strobe feature.

In that case, I'd say a bored Surefire 6P, with a Nailbender 3 mode P60 drop in of your choice.
 
I second the motion for the Klarus XT11. The UI is really great for LEO use.

Its also weapon mountable and can take a remote, and shrug off recoil, and has a great beam pattern, a strong floody beam. The Fury is not recommended for recoil applications for example. The Fury does have a similar beam shape, but not as bright. I have both.

:D
 
I will go for XT11 or XT2C. You will have direct access to strobe mode even coming from OFF mode. Thanks to its separate / secondary tail switch for this purpose, which a LEO should need.
 
An extra 60-70 bucks will buy you a 750 lumen dual-fuel Surefire Lawman. Other than the price, it fits almost all of your criterias. I've got one as a duty light and I've been happy with it so far.
 
I will go for XT11 or XT2C. You will have direct access to strobe mode even coming from OFF mode. Thanks to its separate / secondary tail switch for this purpose, which a LEO should need.

The lack of mode memory has kept me from buying the XT11 so far.
 
thank you for all your responses, where do I find this XT11 or XT2C? Living on Guam and anything like this has to be ordered off the interwebs anyone have direct links to trusty sites? if allowed by forum of course:grin2:
 
Hi, me too I would favour the Klarus XT11, tough, very bright, always only comes on on max, than You cycle down Lighting modes: 600 ANSIlumens (2.2 hrs) --- 150 lumens (7.3 hrs)--- 10 lumens (295 hrs) ----Variablefrequency strobe: 600 lumens (4.4 hrs)

If You prefer to have a mode memory, it comes on in the mode You left it, I would also recommend the very tough Olight M20x Warrior Special Ops
• Low Mode: 10 Lumens (85 hrs) 3,5 days
• Medium Mode: 100 Lumens (5 hrs)
• High Mode: 500 Lumens (90 mins)
• Strobe Mode: 500 Lumens/ 10Hz Frequency
This comes in a nice box with additional diffusor lens, very good for inside. In everyday situations I use the Olight about 75%/ the Klarus 25%. I like to preserve nightvision and keep the Olight on medium or low, get good runtimes because I only put it on max when needed and not everytime I turn it on. This has a backswitch for on/off and a sideswitch for instant strobe or cycling through the modes. It is advertised in the top banner on the left side here on the forum (sometimes pops up).
Picture of both (Olight with diffusor cap on here)
IMG_2437.jpg
 
Hi, me too I would favour the Klarus XT11, tough, very bright, always only comes on on max, than You cycle down Lighting modes: 600 ANSIlumens (2.2 hrs) --- 150 lumens (7.3 hrs)--- 10 lumens (295 hrs) ----Variablefrequency strobe: 600 lumens (4.4 hrs)

If You prefer to have a mode memory, it comes on in the mode You left it, I would also recommend the very tough Olight M20x Warrior Special Ops
• Low Mode: 10 Lumens (85 hrs) 3,5 days
• Medium Mode: 100 Lumens (5 hrs)
• High Mode: 500 Lumens (90 mins)
• Strobe Mode: 500 Lumens/ 10Hz Frequency
This comes in a nice box with additional diffusor lens, very good for inside. In everyday situations I use the Olight about 75%/ the Klarus 25%. I like to preserve nightvision and keep the Olight on medium or low, get good runtimes because I only put it on max when needed and not everytime I turn it on. This has a backswitch for on/off and a sideswitch for instant strobe or cycling through the modes. It is advertised in the top banner on the left side here on the forum (sometimes pops up).
Picture of both (Olight with diffusor cap on here)
IMG_2437.jpg

You are quoting lumens on the old model the upgrade XT11 is 820-160-11
 
Hi Mcnair, thanks for pointing out the upgrade, the Olight available with the XML-U2 as upgrade too. In the UK/EU the Klarus-upgrade version is not easily available unless You know where to look but its got a more tactical Bezelring and improved UI too. It´s an availability/price decision for the OP, both are good to go.
 
Hi Mcnair, thanks for pointing out the upgrade, the Olight available with the XML-U2 as upgrade too. In the UK/EU the Klarus-upgrade version is not easily available unless You know where to look but its got a more tactical Bezelring and improved UI too. It´s an availability/price decision for the OP, both are good to go.

If i was looking in the UK and if you say it is not easy to find i would try a blue light industry store as i buy memo pads from them.
 
Again thanks for all the replies, ordered Klarus XT11 upgraded version off amazon $85 shipped. I was wondering if it works with flat tops as well as buton tops. I have multiples of both so it really does not matter, just curious. Another question, for just about the same specs any recommendations for use with a 26650?
 
I have the standard (300+ Lumen) Stinger DS LED and I've used the DS-HL version... From your criteria I would at least check out the Streamlight DS-HL...640 Lumens with a decent wide beam but still has good throw.
 
thank you for all your responses, where do I find this XT11 or XT2C? Living on Guam and anything like this has to be ordered off the interwebs anyone have direct links to trusty sites? if allowed by forum of course:grin2:

I got my XT2C from Going Gear.
 
The XT11 is great however I use an Olight M22 Warrior on duty, which I love. I also keep an Olight M18 Maverick in my side pocket when on duty.
 

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