Hi all, I'm in law enforcement and I'm in the market for a new flashlight. I have read a a lot of reviews on flashlights that fit most of my needs, but was looking for a general consensus before I pulled the trigger. Basically my needs are a smaller sized flashlight with a tail click that offers momentary on AND steady on. Something small enough that it could be used in the off hand simultaneously with a firearm in the strong hand, but large/powerful enough that it is useful in long range target identification. Lastly, the budget is around $60. I usually use Streamlight, but I feel like this is my first "real flashlight" purchase and I'm kind of excited. Any help would be appreciated, thanks. Flashlights I've pondered are the Jetstream BC-10, Fenix TK-12 R5, and one of the Quark's (forget the model).
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! 🙂
Around $60.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
Not important.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
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 impossible).
I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
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.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I don’t know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don’t care.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
Holster
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! 🙂
Around $60.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
Not important.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
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 impossible).
I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
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.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I don’t know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don’t care.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
Holster
