Re: new tac light
On ocassion, former colleaques, associates, acqaintenances, sometimes [outright] strangers ask my opinion about incandescent lights that use 2 CR123 lithium batteries.
A few that I have evaluated appear on that webpage:
http://www.flashlight-hweilung.com/police.htm.
The
XP6A2-2 heavy-duty police spotlight is known as the
Surelight as marketed by an e-tailer on the right coast. I gave this product fair marks for the reliable switch. It functioned each and every time I activated the switch. Functionality is very important to me. The aesthetics are fair as well. With standard anodizing in black and mild knurling, it carries well in a pocket but better in a pouch. Without a lockout switch, it can accidentally activate. The projected spot (aka the "beam") is rife with circles and dark spots. If that is important to some, this will be a disappointment. I carried it for several weeks and would not hesitate to do so exclusively as long as I carried it in a sheath or pouch AND my current favorite did not exist.
The
XU6A2-1 heavy-duty police spotlight is also known as the H.A.L.O. as marketed
Galls and
Smith & Wesson . I gave this product
POOR marks. The switch did not function reliably in the sample that I was provided. To be fair, I tried a second sample and it was the same, poorly-operating switch as the first. Be careful of this one! I gave it high marks for aesthetics. Not usually concerned with such, I like its form factor. The rubber sleeves aided the grip and does not destroy coat or trouser pockets. Conversely, those same rubber sleeves would drag on the inside of a pouch or sheath upon 'presentation.' The sheer number of components that comprise the lamp assembly is inordinately large. Too many parts make for more stuff that can break. I absolutely will not carry this one.
The
XU6A2-2 heavy-duty police spotlight is very similar to the XU6A2-1 except that it has the simpler lamp assembly as the XP6A2-2. That is a big improvement, but there is still that unreliable switch! I'll pass on this one, too.
The
XU6A2-3 heavy-duty police spotlight is exactly like the XU6A2-1 except for the added rubber sleeve that is purportedly to facilitate a Rogers Grip when used with a handgun. It is a good idea that works when the switch functions. I'll pass on this one as well.
The
XB6A2 heavy-duty police spotlight is the same as the XU6A2-1,2,& 3 but with an improved switch switch anmd a different lamp assembly. I did not have a chance to look closer at the lamp assembly. Like its siblings, the reflector is smooth. The improved switch makes this variant the best of the family. Like the Surelight, I would carry it as well because it functions reliably.
The
Sunbrite SUNFIRE 206-LI is better than all of the above for the folowing reasons.
1. The switch is a single, machined aluminum component with an o-ring to facilitate greater moisture resistance. It also has a cavity that will allow storage of a spare bulb. The switch does not have a rubber outer membrane that deteriorates over time. It has functioned each time I activated it.
2. The knurling is aggresive enought to allow a good grip, but subtle enough that it doesn't destroy pockets. The knurling increment and style is similar to that of the Streamlight 3-LED light.
3. The reflector is of the stochastic, "orange peel" variety so it allows for a smooth, projected spot.
4. The lamp assembly is focusable and allows for a tight spot that is brighter than the P60 lamp assembly. A tighter spot allows for greater reach.
5. The dual O-rings at the lamp end of the battery compartment allows for a tight fit that will not inadvertently adjust out of the setting.
6. The 'lip' at the switch end of the battery compartment (along with the knurling) allows for a more secure grip.
The anodizing is likely Type II Standard. The aesthetics is pleasing to my
my eyes. (I don't ordinarily care about looks but his one bears a semblance to my 9N. I guess it is the silver rings that they have in common.
Instead of just handling them once or twice and forming an instant opinion, I thoroughly evaluated each of these products over several weeks and sometimes months before I rendered a conclusion. I evaluated them for what they are and not compared to a implied "standard." I've traveled extensively and have seen many lights used by others that would make me cringe. Yet, I have seen these sub-quality (by our lofty standards) used quite effectively in the course of administering very serious tasks. I find myself saying that I would not be caught dead using some of these products so I somehow imagine myself using them to their full capacity to stay alive. Surprisingly, they serve adequately. In retrospect, I refuse to look contemptuously at them; knowing full well that I could invariably end up using them were I to find myself in the part of the world in which I do not have my favorites and these are the only choice.
