New holster for Surefire 8AX !!! Hard Work....

Ross

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 21, 2002
Messages
329
Location
Edinburgh, Scotland
Hi Folks,
Wasnt too sure where to post this, hope here is OK?
I am a police officer based in the UK. We are issued woeful torches as standard and I've bought a Surefire 8AX as a main light. Trying to carry it, even though it is small, was difficult so I came up with this:

1.jpg


Here is a close up of the top:
2.jpg


but the main advantage is that you can adjust the rake on the holster to 12 different angles, such as:
5.jpg

which would direct the light straight into the eyes of the person you were dealing with.

This shows the angle from the back (the portion with the writing on sits on your belt, and yes, it will fit normal duty belts):
6.jpg


Another major advantage is that the holster slides off the belt holder and is attached with a lanyard, and the flashlight is still protected:
7.jpg


The only wee hitch at the moment is actually holding the top of the flashlight into the holder, I am using a O ring at the moment but will be creating something a wee bit more permanent, but will easily come off so you can remove the flashlight.

What does everyone think? I would love to hear feedback from people, especially cops.
Does the idea of being able to shine your torch, hands free, appeal? it is also attached via a lanyard so would not hit the floor if you dropped it?

Looking forward to your replies
icon13.gif
icon14.gif
?

Ross
 
Hi,

Swivel:
I like it. I like the swivel design to make it easier to sit in a vehicle. I don't think I would use a light turned on in my holster though, I like to have direct control of the on/off function of the light. In case SH** hits the fan and I want to shut down the light. Also, it might depend on where the LEO carries his/her light. I carry mine usually on the right front of my belt. The left front has spare magazines. The right hip holds my gun, the left hip holds my radio and ASP. 2 handcuff cased to the rear. I'd have to give up space for my radio and ASP to use the light in my holster.

Lanyard:
I don't know if I would use the lanyard though. I found out real quick that having things that can snag is a bad thing. I've lost pagers that way, having the pager on a lanyard and when it snagged on something it would fling out hitting something. That is the main reason I don't use extension mikes for the radio like some other LEOs do, it's snagged on me too many times. Esp during a struggle. It's a matter of preference I suppose and it looks like the lanyard is optional on your holster.

Main Concern:
Is the holster tough enough to take hard hits and remain on the belt? I can't see from the pictures how the holster comes apart. I generally bang equipment on my belt quite often when getting in and out of my vehicle, chasing a bad guy over a fence etc. I want the stuff on my belt to stay put unless I want it to come out

Overall I like the swivel design and when your ready to sell them I'll buy one and field test it here in the U.S. for you
smile.gif
 
Thanks for your comments. The lanyard can easily be removed and you are just left with the flashlight 'surround' and the belt portion. There is a snap over the top of the torch which prevents it falling out as well. The holster is made of tough ABS plastic, with a leather belt portion.
The flashlight portion attaches to the belt portion by means of a

9.jpg


sliding mechanism which will take alot of abuse.
I have used one of these holders to carry my CS (OC in the USA) spray for 3 years and is it still looking like new.
 
Top