Please Recommend Light for LEO

[acroreef]

Dear Folks:

I would like to pick the brains of this highly informed audience please. I am a police officer and work patrol, so I need a light for dark conditions to search a car or building. I also do some CSI work so I need a light that will assist me to look for "latent" prints on glass, counter tops, etc. My shift is 8 hours long so I need reasonable battery longevity, something that would be rechargable. Lastly, a couple of adjustable light settings would be nice.

What are some recommendations for a very bright, well made light that may fit the above criteria? (Something under $200 would be great).

I thank you in advance for your assistance.

Acroreef

 

[Marduke]

Hi, :welcome:

There are several good LEO reference threads linked here
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=137823

 

[gilly]

Here are a couple of good lights that will provide very bright light, good throw and also have the ability to run on a low setting for many, many hours. They are versatile in that they will run on regular CR123 cells, rechargeable 123 cells, or an 18650 lithium ion rechargeable cell (as large as two 123 cells).

http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/jemi.html


https://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=86&products_id=543


This one is a great light as well, but only has two modes, both of which are pretty bright. I prefer to have a very low mode that can be used for administrative matters like writing out a summons, checking a license, etc.

https://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_85&products_id=497

Good luck and be safe.

 

[mdocod]

EagleTac T10L,

Get some AW brand protected 18650 cells, a Pila IBC charger, and this light.

The low mode will probably be brighter than what most people you work with carry and will run through your entire shift without a battery change (seriously, it is rated 13 hours on the "low" which is still an impressive 60 lumen). The high mode is right up there with the most impressive performers on the market as far as single-die LED lights are concerned.

You'll probably find that a mix of high and low will cover all of your needs, the high is your tactical situation setting, and your room sweeping for evidence setting, while your low mode is for general use and up close work when you don't want to blind yourself as bad on reflective surfaces.

I always suggest a backup and/or secondary light source, and with CSI work in mind, I would be tempted to recommend a 1x18650 powered incandescent option to fill this void. The reasoning being that there are times when the wider spectrum light from an incan reveal things that an LED won't, even though it will be dimmer.... I would suggest a SolarForce 18650 L2 host with a EO-4 bulb from LumensFactory to cover this...

Taking into consideration $200 price limit on the total investment...

T10L: $66 (pts-flashlights.com)
SolarForce 18650 L2 host: $25 (lighthound.com)
4xAW protected 18650 1 for each light, +2 spares: $52 (lighthound.com)
LumensFactory EO-4: $15 (lighthound.com)
Pila IBC: $35 (flashlightz.com)

$193 total... with shipping it will probably be a little over $200, but you're getting 2 flashlights that will be very useful with this setup...

If you decide in the end, that the incan option isn't for you, then the SolarForce host can be used to accommodate MANY other options. You can drop in an LED module, making it just as bright as the EagleTac if you wanted to, (LumensFactory has a pretty good 3.7V LED module, also DereeLight has some great options for drop-ins as well).... If the reverse clicky bothers you it is SureFire compatible so swapping to a Z41 or Z59 can solve that problem. The Z41 would make for a nice improvement in reliability if you were so inclined (nothing to fail in one).

Eric

 

[Splunk_Au]

I don't he would want to hassle himself with all those stuff being new and all.

Y not recommend something simple and works like an EagleTac T10L and rechargable kit?

T10L $65.50
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-154-6592

LRB-168B 13.99 each
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=6072&kw=168b&st=4

CH-02 Charger 22.95
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=6075&kw=168b&st=4

Total: $102.44

PTS provides great service and I'd never think twice ordering from them

That's just over half your budget and leaves you extra to get more rechargable batteries which you'd probably want and an additional smaller backup light which you'd probably want as well. Heck, you can even get 2 T10L's and still stay within your budget.

According to this review http://light-reviews.com/eagletac_t10l/ the T10L will last almost 2 hours on high and almost 10 hours on low.

 

[Northern Lights]

I was carrying a 900 lumen 30 minute rechargeable incandescent 5761 until I recently beat it with these new designs. I now carry the 2C size P7. Here we have 200 yard lights,hour run times and rechargeable in the light.
I have seen a few good lights in DX using P7 leds, you can choose whether you like the tactical on/off only or maybe one with modes. The key is the larger 52 mm reflector. I recently got the MTE from DX and it was a good competitor against these mods! These are programable btw so you can get the mode response you prefer when you turn on a light.
FS-RECHARGEABLE 2C P7, Modes, Electronic GID & more features
FS-RECHARGEABLE 1.5 D P7, Modes, Electronic GID & more
FS-RECHARGEABLE 2D P7, Modes, Electronic GID & more features
The next light is a crime scene light, I developed it after a shooting. Coincidently I am working that case today, already 16 months into it. You may identify and appreciate the story in the thread
FS-7-XRE Q5 Cree, 1600 lumen Scene Flood Light-DIY

I used to carry LEDs as backup as nothing beat my modded mag charger and I changed it to be brighter than when I did this:
2,272 foot throw from my MagCharger!
It now does this:
Another M*gCharger 5761, but why
But if you really want a very good reliable incandescent that can be recharged on the light or not is a 5761, frosted bulb on a Litho123 smooth reflector, a 3C-cell mag and two A123 cells. That is a wonder full 30 minute light at about 800-850 torch lumens, the light actually out the front. To give you an idea our car spotlights are abotu 900 torch lumens.

If you are looking for the brightes things you can get, well you have to go modified, good search words are 5761, M61, M*gCharger, MC, P7 variations and "police", duty lights, etc. There are tons of recommendations. I used to have a list of all my replies, now I guess I am lazy. Another way to see what the comments were is you can pick out the officers from the thread and to to their user page and look up their posts. Most have responded many times.
Here is a cute thread that recently started and is a good read:
POLICE: How many lights do you carry on-duty?
Good luck, you can PM most of the folks too with specific questions. This is a great forum full of all types of hobbiest and professionals. I was just looking for a better duty light when I found it. Now I am a bonified flashaholic that builds lights! LOL

:welcome:​

 

[moldyoldy]

there are plenty of threads on flashlight recommendations by LEOs for LEOs or for military service. All reflect their duty needs. In my past life, a bulb-based flashlight represented a risk that the bulb would burn out at the wrong time. Ergo the preference for LED lights and batteries that do not leave you suddenly in the dark.

For a different duty angle, my oldest daughter is a licensed Mountain EMT - the kind that hike up the mountains to find and rappel down the "Unfortunate". In her normal work while she waits for a medical school opening, she rides ambulances and runs an MRI machine. In her duty life, there is a need for 3 lights: long range throw, short range with some spot but a lot of spill, and a smallish light for in-the-truck (ambulance) operation w/o blinding those present.

Note that many CPF threads reflect the lights available at the time but the lights available have been upgraded to a different model, sometimes significantly. Some LEOs have taken notice of the Eagletac line of lights. Check out the website http://www.eagletac-store.com and remember the CPF8 discount. The T10C2 seems to have attracted attention by more than a few officers. For the very short range, the L0D-Q4/5 has plenty of intensity. You also need a smallish but bright backup light which can ride in something like a jacket pocket.

 

[gilly]

The Eagletac lights mentioned are nice. But again, I would emphasize the need for a very low mode on the light. As mentioned in the previous post, you don't want to "blind" yourself or someone else in the vehicle if you need to turn your light on to perform a task. With the Jetbeam IBS Military or Olight Warrior, you can switch from high output to very low output (Jetbeam - 2 lumens / Olight - 7 lumens) with a simple tap of the switch or turn of the head. The Eagletac T10L and Fenix TK10/TK11 series' 60 lumen low mode is too bright, in my opinion, to accomplish numerous tasks that a LEO has. Yes, you want max power to approach a vehicle after you have stopped it. But if you want to check license, registration, and insurance paperwork while standing next to the car (which is sometimes done), it would be much more practical to quickly switch to your low mode so as not to blind yourself with 60 lumens of reflected light. I presently use a Surefire U2 for this, easily rotating the ring behind the head from 100 lumens down to around 2. Unfortunately the U2 is out of the OP's price range.

Another thing to consider is that the Eagletac T10L is an exclusive 18650 light. LEOs need flexibility and simplicity. A light able to take CR123 / RCR123 / 18650 is a huge advantage. I recently recommended an M20 to a friend and fellow LEO. He is very happy with his purchase.

 

[BigD64]

Are you urban or country ? it makes a difference. If you work in rural areas you need a light with a lot of throw. Inner city a bit more flood. For indoors you cannot beat the Surefire L4 or a 6P with a Malkoff flooder. Outdoors I like a 6P with a Malkoff M60 or a Fenix T11. I generally carry an L4 on my belt and an E1B as a secondary. I also have a T11 and a Surefire Kroma in my gear bag just in case. I worked in patrol for 20 years.

 

[Gunner12]

There are a couple of lights that will fit your uses.

What batteries do you prefer?
What size?
What type of beam pattern?

:welcome:

 

[Lips]

This is an awesome LEO light. (uses rechargeables too) Hard to beat as of today... CSI applications included...


Tomahawk LE (you have to show credintials) about $189, they sent me a free $50 light to boot!

Cheers!

.

 

[Nochrome]

Do check out the Olight M20 premium at Battery Junction. I think a few other folks mentioned it also. I carried a MagLite as my only light for a long time but its so hard to shoot with. The Olight on the other hand is small and comes with a ring so you can use the "cigar hold" while shooting. Very comfortable and therefore safe type of hold (at least for me I should say). It also has the strobe feature which is quite effective during entry type work. Try looking at the business end of this light with a dark adapted eye while its strobing. It's almost impossible not to close your eyes and or look away. It's also really useful at accident scenes for getting drivers attention. It has 3 levels of output.
It comes with a very nice holster (nylon) that you can draw the light out of without openeing the flap. Oh and its only about $100.00.
I don't have any experience with the other lights mentioned above so for all I know they may be better for you. But keep this one in mind. Good Luck

 

[Northern Lights]

Since you brought the subject up; here is niffty trick or gizmo to help with holding a light while shooting. So simple I am afraid to patent it but it works. I make a rubber band with a tab in the middle by cutting a bicycle inner tube. I put it on the light and leave it on it. I works all the way up to big 3C lights and well with the small LED lights.
When you need to shoot with it you grab the tab and pull it over the off hand thumb and use a two hand hold with the cigar hold. The light does not go anywhere and will stay on the hand even when changing mags.
The band here does double duty as it also is used to cover the charging jack in this 3C cell, 5761 on A123 batteries for about 850 torch lumens.

For many years I was a sucessfull competitor ranking quite well. This gimmick band has served me well. Now I just use pistol lights made for the task when working uniform; use my lights and the band when not in uniform.

 

[Lookin4U]

As a 15 year LEO who is currently full-time CSI and former full-time SRT (transition due to serious injury) for a major metro-department after buying most everything out there (often wasting my time and money) I have settled on a combination of an EagleTac T10C2 for my 'everything' light, an ElektroLumens Mag3D SSC P7 conversion for 'outside/area search', Vector HID for 'very large open area out-door searches' and an Olight T10 to have on me just in case.
I have found that too low-powered lights are terrible for looking for trace evidence, and useless for casting shadows so the 60 lumens low on the EagleTac is not too bright. Anything that is more "light-sensitive" than this and it's time to break out the ALS kit.

I could not be happier with the EagleTac and cannot recommend it enough. If it would have been available sooner and I'd know about it, I would have saved thousands on lights I now never use (Surefire, Streamlight, Inova, Fenix, Nitecore, Olight, Pelican, yes-Maglite, Rock River, Insight, etc....)

BTW the EagleTac T10C2 and T10L are equal in every way except one uses CR123 (which my department provides) and the other uses rechargable 18650 Lith-ions.

 

[faucon]

BTW the EagleTac T10C2 and T10L are equal in every way except one uses CR123 (which my department provides) and the other uses rechargable 18650 Lith-ions.

Just a quick note for those interested: if you buy your own batteries and want to economize, the T10C2 can use rechargeable RCR123A li-ion cells as well as CR123A primaries. The T10L can't use CR123A primary cells as an option---AFAIK it can only use a rechargeable 18650 or 17670 cell.

 

[moldyoldy]

Just a quick note for those interested: if you buy your own batteries and want to economize, the T10C2 can use rechargeable RCR123A li-ion cells as well as CR123A primaries. The T10L can't use CR123A primary cells as an option---AFAIK it can only use a rechargeable 18650 or 17670 cell.

That is true from a conventional sense - the T10L is designed to use only the Li-Ion 18650 cell. However, there is an alternative if you understand the risks. A CR123 dummy cell (conductive) plus a regular xCR123 cell will provide nominally the same voltage as a Li-Ion 18650 cell. The combination rattles a bit when inserting, but once the spring compresses the two, no obvious rattling is heard. I have used that combination thru a couple RCR123 discharges, but the much larger 18650 provides the desirable longer run time. The risk factor - do not insert two CR123 cells by accident!!! That represents a double voltage and the light will probably not survive.

 

[cliff]

This is an awesome LEO light. (uses rechargeables too) Hard to beat as of today... CSI applications included...

.

I got one of these a few months ago, and since then it has been about the only light I use. In the car I keep a 4xC Maglight with a Malkoff LED, but haven't used it lately except at the range (they still want us to have a big donkey-dong light when qualifying, etc.).

Mine is the LE model, and the red-white-blue beacon seems bright enough to pull over traffic by itself. I also got the Tec-Lock belt mount from First Light, and with this thing mounted on the front of my belt it is totally out of the way and correctly pointed for hands-free use 90% of the time.

Rechargeable CR123s seem to make it through an 8-hour shift with no problem. I carry two sets of spares, but so far haven't had to change them out during a shift.

 

[cabbynate]

Here is just what you need. A Pentagon R20 homelander. Take a look.
http://estore.websitepros.com/1891705/Detail.bok?no=495

 

[Dead_Nuts]

I would have to second the above about the Tomahawk. I also use the LE version as one of my carry lights. The light is great when wearing LBE or vest as it clips on in a convenient manner. The red output is handy when night vision retention is important. This is a very well made light.