recommendation for duty light

hokie emt

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Apr 29, 2009
Messages
1
Hey guys, I'm an emergency medical technician in search of a good duty light. I don't want to waste your time with ambiguities so here is the CPF rec list:

Price range: $60-$100
Format: Flashlight
Length: Holster length, should fit on a duty belt
No battery preference
Light: a lot
Throw (distance)----------------------X----------------------Flood/close-up
(balance of throw and distance would be good, anything from SAR ops to going through a close-in residence)
Runtime: 1.5 to 3 hrs is probably acceptable
Durability: critical
Switch type: don't care
Operational modes: Simple is acceptable but I think i'd probably get more mileage out of at least 2 modes
Needs to resist corrosion as i'm frequently out in the rain it seems and needs to have some available belt holster/clip

I would be very grateful for some help here! Lots of lights out there anymore, and flashlight reviews isn't updated presently :-(
 
I own several lights suitable for duty use but I have been using the new EagleTac T10LC2 for the last couple of months and I am really impressed. The light runs off of either 123 primaries or 18650 rechargeables. I pretty much just run my AW rechargeables and have been very impressed with run times and output! The light has a high and low mode which is nice. Indoor tasks: low setting is more than enough. Outside setting: excellent throw!!! I carry mine in a Blackhawk Mod-U-Lok holster and it fits perfectly! I cannot say enough good things about this light! It cranks out an amazing amount of light for it's size. The flexability of the batteries is a plus. And the light is tough as nails. I'm sure there are several other lights which would fit the bill but this one is cheaply priced and but not cheaply made. Great duty light!
 
I am gonna throw my vote for Olight M 20 Warrior premium R2. Absolutely amazing light, three modes of output, Low medium and high. Super versatile , runs on 18650, holster is absolutely awesome, and if you get it in Olive drab, youll have a real looker. Best light in the class hands down.
 
My vote is for the new Eaglatac T100C2. The big brother of the P100C2 which is an incredible light. The T100C2 with it ability to use 18650 will meet all your needs and is under $50. Leaves you plenty to by a charger and some 18650 batteries.
 
Fenix T-series, either T-1 (cheap if used; not a great tac-light, but powerful) or the TK-10 (a new body on the same guts; this bright, simple two mode light has a good 60-lumen general mode, and a very respectable 250ish turbo mode. I think both are compatible with both rechargeable lithium-ion cells and disposable 123 lithiums.

Anything made by Ra. Pick your favorite UI (twisty or clicky - clicky is arguably more useful and definitely easier to use one-handed, but twisty is much simpler to use and quicker to learn). Twisty lacks factory clips, but there are homebrew ones, and they fit into a Rip-Offs holster (small multitool size?) perfectly with room for a diffuser on top. Like, made-for-it perfectly.
 
Fenix TK10 or TK11, the 11 can use 18650 batts, you can get the light for about $70 and the battery and charger for about 30 with 2 batts included.
 
Whatever you get for the primary consider the streamlight microstream for your shirt pocket.
 
:welcome: Complete rechargeable setup that easily fits into your budget including a spare battery & holster.
3 light levels + strobe and SOS which some people don't really care for but you don't have to use them.
Solarforce L2BF-R2M-18650
Solarforce 16340 lithium batteries charger 110-240v & car charger 12-24v
Solarforce 18650P
Solarforce FH-1
More pictures and comment here
Show your Solarforce - CandlePowerForums
My impressions of the Solarforce L2 R2, 5-mode - CandlePowerForums
Solarforce SF6-R2 - Looks good! - CandlePowerForums
 
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I am gonna throw my vote for Olight M 20 Warrior premium R2. Absolutely amazing light, three modes of output, Low medium and high. Super versatile , runs on 18650, holster is absolutely awesome, and if you get it in Olive drab, youll have a real looker. Best light in the class hands down.

Another vote for it--I looked at ALL light reviews in that price range, and the Olight M20 will suit your needs best. It is a winner in all categories, no contest. I also bought a diffuser for true flood--that'd work great for inspecting somebody closeup. Comes with everything you need, including an awesome quick detach holster with room on the side for extra batteries if needed.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229551&page=2
 
While we are still waiting to see the final product, I would go with the Olight M30. I know its a little over your price range but on paper it is the perfect duty light. Multiple levels, great size, instant access to strobe, and very high lumens. Not to mention all the battery options and that it was designed with input by operators for operators. I know mine will replace my duty light once it arrives. I think that if this light is everything it is supposed to be, it will set a new standard for duty carry.
 
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Fenix Tk 11 or what I use to carry was an Inova T4. The T4 is rechargeable, but their is a T5 model that takes battery's. So its up to you. The T4 and T5 is perfect for duty purpose because of its nice long slim grip feels great in a nylon Bianchi duty holster.The Inova is tough as nails as well.
 
Good luck with your choice, you will get bombarded with options here, and a heap of opinions.....

One suggestion i will make is that you buy a light that can run both rechargeable and primary. The extra outlay for rechargeable to start will save you in the long run, especially with the amount of use your light will see.

Personally i use Wolf Eyes Sniper, for a couple of good reasons, which include value for money and excellent dealer support
 
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