LED Flashlight Question...

onalandline · Feb 7, 2012

I was searching for a new flashlight, and remember coming across one brand that used some sort of shock-absorbing plunger system instead of springs to retain the battery/batteries? Can someone clue me in as to what brand that may be? Thanks.

AnAppleSnail · Feb 7, 2012

onalandline said:
I was searching for a new flashlight, and remember coming across one brand that used some sort of shock-absorbing plunger system instead of springs to retain the battery/batteries? Can someone clue me in as to what brand that may be? Thanks.

This sounds like the Nitecore Piston Drive to me. It allows more complex electronic switches, and a lot of CPFers like it a lot.

AnAppleSnail · Feb 7, 2012

ExtremeBeamLLC said:
that also could be the Nitecore system. The two systems are a bit different. one design released in late 2005 under Alpha-TAC military design prior to them changing names to ExtremeBeam and Nitecores 2007 design.

That's true - the Nitecore design looks like a shock absorber but has a different function. Nitecore uses a piston for a different interface - I think your company uses dual springs and a piston (?) to protect a battery from firearm recoil. I would NOT suggest a Nitecore piston-drive for a weapon light ;)

roadkill1109 · Feb 7, 2012

weapon light? Jetbeam BC25! :)

onalandline · Feb 8, 2012

Thanks for the replies. I use a Streamlight TLR1S as a weapon light.

lightfooted · Feb 8, 2012

First of all...I suspect that the "shock absorbing plunger" most likely had a spring under the cap....similar to the Olight tailcaps, rather than being any sort of fancy hydraulic/gas mechanism. I have doubts about a plunger being ideal for a weapon light though, since while a spring is easier to bind and get bent out of shape...it is also more user serviceable if it does get bent or damaged than a plunger which has to travel through a hole. If a plunger gets bent or crushed then it may not be easily fixed in the field and may require the replacement of the entire tailcap or head.