W.Y.N.I
Newly Enlightened
First off hi all, newbie over here. I used some of the comments and reviews on these forums to inform my last light purchase and have been really happy with it, so thought it was time I joined, particularly so I could ask for help with my next one...
I am a police officer who covers a metropolitan area, having moved a year ago from a rural district. I had a Wolf Eyes M300 as my standard patrol light whilst there, which I loved and still do for its adjustable beam and sturdiness. Plus I'm a bit of a sucker for old technology. I also had an issued 3D cell Maglite, which stayed in the bag unless a risk assessment determined a weapon that doesnt look like a weapon was needed. However when I moved to my new district, my lighting needs changed. I wanted something smaller and lighter but mega bright, and after a bit of research I purchased an EagleTac T20C2 mk II, which I have with both the neutral and cool white drop-ins. It goes on my belt for day and evening shifts, and at night it clips sturdily onto my vest for quick access. This covers the vast majority of my lighting needs excellently, and I am very happy with my choice.
However, having had a bit of time to observe the different behaviour patterns of the 'customers' that we deal with in this area, I have noticed that unless they can hear the helicopter up, they tend to go on their toes across some of the parks and other open spaces dotted about. This allows them to get from one estate to another quicker than a car can. Now I am one of the quicker guys on my section, and can usually catch them if I have sight of them, but with enough headstart to disappear into the darkness it turns into the familiar game of containing rows of houses and calling dogs or the helicopter. This is time consuming, and for me a lot less fun than being able to chase them down myself. For this reason I need a new light that can cover the open spaces they like to disappear into, so I can see exactly which garden they go into or bush they try and hide in. Therefore throw needs to be good, but it will also be used to occasionally search those same areas, so a decent amount of spill would also be preferred. It would be kept in the torch holder of my patrol bag in the back seat of the car, so it does not need to be light, in fact a little bit of weight might come in handy now and then.
I've done a bit of my own research and a few lights seem to jump out at me as possible choices. The first is an EagleTac M2XC4, which although it isnt the most beautiful girl in the club, from what I have seen of the beamshots it does the job well, very well. Plus I have been impressed with the build quality and accessories with my T20C2.
The next is the Fenix TK40, which appears to also be more than bright enough, and I like the look. However, I cannot decide at all whether the AA power source is a good or a bad thing.
I have also looked at the Olight M30 and Jetbeam M1X, both of which appear impressive.
I would really like to hear whatever advice anyone can give me on these lights. I am not a flashaholic (yet), so the numbers and science dont mean a lot to me, but I would love to hear peoples real world experiences with these lights, particularly those who are in the same or similiar line of work. If there are any other lights worth considering as well, please do offer them up, bearing in mind I am in the UK so the bigger the brand the more likely I am to be able to get hold of one. Budget is not so important if the light is right.
Once again hi all, nice to join at last! Look forward to your responses :popcorn:
W.Y.N.I
I am a police officer who covers a metropolitan area, having moved a year ago from a rural district. I had a Wolf Eyes M300 as my standard patrol light whilst there, which I loved and still do for its adjustable beam and sturdiness. Plus I'm a bit of a sucker for old technology. I also had an issued 3D cell Maglite, which stayed in the bag unless a risk assessment determined a weapon that doesnt look like a weapon was needed. However when I moved to my new district, my lighting needs changed. I wanted something smaller and lighter but mega bright, and after a bit of research I purchased an EagleTac T20C2 mk II, which I have with both the neutral and cool white drop-ins. It goes on my belt for day and evening shifts, and at night it clips sturdily onto my vest for quick access. This covers the vast majority of my lighting needs excellently, and I am very happy with my choice.
However, having had a bit of time to observe the different behaviour patterns of the 'customers' that we deal with in this area, I have noticed that unless they can hear the helicopter up, they tend to go on their toes across some of the parks and other open spaces dotted about. This allows them to get from one estate to another quicker than a car can. Now I am one of the quicker guys on my section, and can usually catch them if I have sight of them, but with enough headstart to disappear into the darkness it turns into the familiar game of containing rows of houses and calling dogs or the helicopter. This is time consuming, and for me a lot less fun than being able to chase them down myself. For this reason I need a new light that can cover the open spaces they like to disappear into, so I can see exactly which garden they go into or bush they try and hide in. Therefore throw needs to be good, but it will also be used to occasionally search those same areas, so a decent amount of spill would also be preferred. It would be kept in the torch holder of my patrol bag in the back seat of the car, so it does not need to be light, in fact a little bit of weight might come in handy now and then.
I've done a bit of my own research and a few lights seem to jump out at me as possible choices. The first is an EagleTac M2XC4, which although it isnt the most beautiful girl in the club, from what I have seen of the beamshots it does the job well, very well. Plus I have been impressed with the build quality and accessories with my T20C2.
The next is the Fenix TK40, which appears to also be more than bright enough, and I like the look. However, I cannot decide at all whether the AA power source is a good or a bad thing.
I have also looked at the Olight M30 and Jetbeam M1X, both of which appear impressive.
I would really like to hear whatever advice anyone can give me on these lights. I am not a flashaholic (yet), so the numbers and science dont mean a lot to me, but I would love to hear peoples real world experiences with these lights, particularly those who are in the same or similiar line of work. If there are any other lights worth considering as well, please do offer them up, bearing in mind I am in the UK so the bigger the brand the more likely I am to be able to get hold of one. Budget is not so important if the light is right.
Once again hi all, nice to join at last! Look forward to your responses :popcorn:
W.Y.N.I
