pick a flashlight for jail deputy

[pal251]

I have not ever posted on candlepowerforums.com but I have read it for a long time. I work as a deputy in my local county and I have the midnight shift . I work only in the jail but it is in near total darkness at all times and I need a reliable flashlight. I currently have a scorpion but the batteries died and after I buy batteries for the scorpion I want to get a rechargable that is preferably under 100 dollars if possible. Later on I will get a better flashlight but money is tight for a couple months and I need a light asap. What do you reccomend? The size really isnt a big issue since I will have it in my control pod until I leave. Thanks

 

[Ratso]

From the opinions of many LEOs and flashlight enthusiasts here, I don't think you will be disappointed with the Ultra Stinger. It is around $100, more if you want extra accesories. I have heard many good comments about this light, and I think it is brighter than the Surefire 9AN.

Later on if you do buy a better light you may want to check out the Surefire 10X. Dual lamps including a 500 lumen retina fryer.

 

[Saaby]

I'm not 100% sure of where/why you're shining a light around but maybe you could compliment (or replace) that prospective light with an Arc AAA...good, bright cheap light (I am refering to the fact it takes AAAs) for medium/close work, might not be good/bright enough for some Jail situations though...I just don't know, having never been in a Jail

 

[txwest]

I too would throw my vote at the Ultra Stinger. There's just not much not to like. TX

 

[Wolfen]

I agree, the Ultra Stinger is a lot of bang for the buck. The standard Stinger isn't too bad either.

Both lights can be kept on the charger till needed.

 

[Rothrandir]

Welcome to the CPF, i think that you will find a community full of knowlegable and caring individuals, and maybe a couple of strange ones =)

That being said: is brightness an issue? LED's are much more efficent, and for close quarters (inside a jail?) would probably provide you with better overal illunation, due to the color and overal beam spread.

i don't really know alot about long lasting reliable incandecants, (there aren't a lot of those to choose from) but i do consider myself to be somewhat knowlegable with led flashlights, with led flashlights, you won't need to change the batteries so often, so you really wouldn't need rechargables, and among those i must suggest:

Arc AAA - This is a must, small, bright, reliable, goto: http://www.arcflashlight.com - no matter what else you get, this is required =)

lightwave 3000 - 3 c-cells, somewhat waterproof, long battery life, and attractive

Princton Tec Impact - 4 aa's, $30, durable, long lasting, submersable 500 feet

Arc LS - around $130 - 10? hour battery life, extremely bright, extremely durable, haIII, different batter choices, made by arc

i can't think of any others right now, but these are some good choices.

if you are possibly willing to spend a little bit more, http://www.surefire.com has some great tactical lights that are extremly durable, reliable, rechargeable, and good looking.

 

[pal251]

we are using some sort of rechargable lantern type flashlight right now but I dont care for it at all....too unwieldy and we are only equipped with pepper spray, I may want to use it for a self defense item. Is brightguy.com usually the best price on flashlights? I dont want to save 2 dollars to get a extra 4 days of shipping and hassle put into it. I will be illuminating jail cells meant for 2 people and showers ...basically there is a little window that I can shine my light into...and hte other main area is lit with low illumination. Thanks for the quick replies

 

[this_is_nascar]

No one laugh, but working in a jail environment, I'd make sure I had a 6-D MAG mounted on my waist.

 

[Wolfen]

See the web site for Texas Tactical Supply.
They have the Streamlight Stinger, Stinger HP and the Ultra Stinger.

http://www1.ecxmall.com/stores/texastacticalsupply/StoreFront.bok

 

[x-ray]

Originally posted by this_is_nascar:
No one laugh, but working in a jail environment, I'd make sure I had a 6-D MAG mounted on my waist.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yeah you could use it to hit the inmates when they take the pi$$ out of that nasty beam

 

[Wolfen]

Magcharger is another option but it is unweidley in confined areas. I would go with the Ultra Stinger. That would really light up a cell and is large enough for impact use. IMHO of course

 

[Mike 161]

I recommend a light that you can carry on your belt (it's always with you when checking the tanks).

I suggest a light along the lines of a Streamlight Stinger XT (button in tailcap; no need to reposition the light to activate). It's rated at 15,000 cp, which is enough for jail use (the Stinger XTHP is the same light with a larger head, rated at 40,000 cp and cost a little more). The Surefire 8AX and 8NX would also be good choices, but they cost more than the Stingers (I've read other posts that users are having trouble with the batteries in these lights).

The larger lights (Ultra-Stinger, SL-20X, etc.) can be used as weapons against you. Some departments do classify them as weapons, and cannot be brought into lock-up areas.

You might also want to check other threads in this forum, for reviews on these (and other) lights.

I do not recommend a LED-type light; they are bright, batteries last longer, but they don't have the beam "throw" needed for a jail environment, in my opinion.

Good luck, and be safe.

Mike

 

[WhiteAsSnow]

AGR has the UltraStinger with AC charger for 84.35: http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/streamlightflashlights/ultrastingerflashlight/ultrastingerflashlight.html

Since you are a LEO, he will take off another 10%, which = $75.92. Go here for details:
http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/discountapp/discountapp.html

 

[dano]

US would fit the bill...I would check your Policies and make sure it's o.k. to use. The county jail that I take prisoners to will not allow any large fashlight (i.e. Ultrastinger) into the facility. In that case a regular Stinger would work, too.

--dan

 

[Ratso]

originally posted by nascar:
No one laugh, but working in a jail environment, I'd make sure I had a 6-D MAG mounted on my waist.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">In that case I'd opt for the Streamlight SL-35X. Almost as long as a Mag 6D, sturdy aluminum case, but most importantly 90 minute 400+ lumen beam. The 40,000 CP may be equaled by Mag, but the 20 watts of THICK light are not.

I would also get the digital dimmer/flasher tailcap.

For a smaller package you could use the SL-35 lamp in the SL-20 (about 3D size), for nearly the same power but 45 min run time.

SL series are probably some of the most trusted and reliable rechargeable lights there is.

BTW: The SL series used to have 2-5D models too like the Mag Lite line.

 

[pal251]

I was thinken of getting this one....

http://www.arizonagunrunners.com/Products/streamlightflashlights/rechargeableflashlights/stingerxthp/stingerxthp.html

there is another person with a maglite 4c or 4d flashlight in the jail so I dont think a ultra stinger would be against the policy I can ask the sgnt tonight. But I think the stinger xt hp would be good enough for a jail setting...be a good backup flashlight when I get on the road.

 

[camisdad]

you might also want to check out the batonlite at Texas tactical (see above) - designed for self defense.

 

[BuddTX]

I am not a LEO, so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but work across the hallway from the security dept at my hospital, and those guys are all Houston PD, and they seem to carry the Stinger, NOT the Stinger HP on their belts for EDC. I think it has to do with the convienence of the bezel being smaller. These are guys working day shift in a well lit hosptial, and it is not what they would carry if they were on night patrol, or might be a secondary backup light if they were on night patrol.

Stinger, Ultrastinger, Poly stinger, stinger hp, they are all good lights. go to www.streamlight.com for more info.

 

[BuddTX]

Oh, I meant to add, my personal favorite, esp if having access to a recharger is not an issue (If you are in the jail, it shouldn't be an issue), consider the Streamlight SL-20X wiht the optional SL-35X bulb. While it won't throw as far as the Ultrastinger, overall it puts out MUCH more light. The US is focused to give a bright, tight beam, the SL-20XL with the SL-35X bulb just gives out a flood of light!

 

[pal251]

I will have to consider that sl-20xl because I want to be able to see the whole cell at a time without the shitbags hiding in the corner ready to throw feces or some stuff on me.