Recommendations torch for NSW police
- Thread starter chaino
- Start date
CheepSteal
Enlightened
Welcome to CPF, fellow New South Welshman! Hopefully I assumed correct that you meant the Aussie NSW.
Around here, the Led Lensers aren't highly regarded and I also wouldn't personally recommend them for any real use. My friend has one and it doesn't feel very solid. It also has an inconsistent focusing system so that wouldn't be too good for police use where you might need quick access to max brightness. It runs on 3 AAA batteries too ( and is unregulated, meaning it'll drop in output as the voltage sags from the alkaline batteries ) which isn't too reliable/convenient.
For real use, something like a Surefire 6P with a Malkoff devices M60 dropin would be better in my opinion. Although I know that CR123 batteries are deathly high priced in Australia.
Will you need a 2nd low output mode, or are you mainly looking for something with a lot of brightness and punch to search through car windows and take a beating?
Around here, the Led Lensers aren't highly regarded and I also wouldn't personally recommend them for any real use. My friend has one and it doesn't feel very solid. It also has an inconsistent focusing system so that wouldn't be too good for police use where you might need quick access to max brightness. It runs on 3 AAA batteries too ( and is unregulated, meaning it'll drop in output as the voltage sags from the alkaline batteries ) which isn't too reliable/convenient.
For real use, something like a Surefire 6P with a Malkoff devices M60 dropin would be better in my opinion. Although I know that CR123 batteries are deathly high priced in Australia.
Will you need a 2nd low output mode, or are you mainly looking for something with a lot of brightness and punch to search through car windows and take a beating?
Quiksilver
Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2010
- Messages
- 472
Hi chaino,
Try this URL, this company specializes in law enforcement equipment. I believe there should be government channels of distribution to get some of the equipment cheaper than the listed prices on the website.
link removed
There are plenty of good lights for law enforcement on there. SureFire comes to mind as a trusted American brand for LEOs. (On above URL, look for red SF logo if you are unsure).
It depends which battery type you're okay with, in order to suggest a particular light.
The LED Lenser P7 is AAA.
I would off the top of my head suggest a SureFire LX2 Lumamax ($252) or SureFire AZ2($312). The SureFire AZ2 is designed to be paired with the SureFire V85A speed holster. Both require CR123 batteries.
link removed
A cheaper alternative is a SureFire 6P ($106) with a Malkoff Devices M61 emitter ($72). In Australia, this can be had from Cool Torches at this URL:
link removed
The SureFire 6P + Malkoff M61 emitter will give you a more efficient and higher quality light than the LX2 or AZ2, at a lower price.
--
Holsters: A good holster for the 6P is the Blackhawk! Mod-U-Lok.
Try this URL, this company specializes in law enforcement equipment. I believe there should be government channels of distribution to get some of the equipment cheaper than the listed prices on the website.
link removed
There are plenty of good lights for law enforcement on there. SureFire comes to mind as a trusted American brand for LEOs. (On above URL, look for red SF logo if you are unsure).
It depends which battery type you're okay with, in order to suggest a particular light.
The LED Lenser P7 is AAA.
I would off the top of my head suggest a SureFire LX2 Lumamax ($252) or SureFire AZ2($312). The SureFire AZ2 is designed to be paired with the SureFire V85A speed holster. Both require CR123 batteries.
link removed
A cheaper alternative is a SureFire 6P ($106) with a Malkoff Devices M61 emitter ($72). In Australia, this can be had from Cool Torches at this URL:
link removed
The SureFire 6P + Malkoff M61 emitter will give you a more efficient and higher quality light than the LX2 or AZ2, at a lower price.
--
Holsters: A good holster for the 6P is the Blackhawk! Mod-U-Lok.
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Quiksilver
Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 21, 2010
- Messages
- 472
It would also help to know what duties the officer in question will be undertaking.
If he's working the nightshift in a bad neighborhood, the officer might want a light with a little more heft such as a 3D Mag-Lite with an upgraded LED.
If duties include mainly citations, vehicle-centric work then a light with both High and Low modes would be useful.
If working in the city, a light with a wide beam that shines 20m may be useful.
If working semi-rural or bush, a light with a tighter beam that shines 100m may be useful.
If plainclothes, perhaps a smaller concealable light.
If participating on a specialist weapons unit, a dedicated combat light designed for use with a firearm may be useful.
A basic description of frequent duties, and budget, would help us suggest. Just understand that a budget of $50 won't go very far in the world of high quality illumination tools. People who do not know of the latest advances in flashlight technology might think $50 as an upper limit and anything beyond as ludicrous.
If I was a LEO I would set a budget of $250, which includes light/holster/batteries ... If I didn't have $250 to budget for it, I'd make do with whatever I had at the moment and save until I did.
edit:
I cant send you a private message. I have a SureFire 6PX Pro, very lightly used, that I am looking to sell. I live in QLD. To get this light in Aus is $138 + shipping ... I can get it to you for $75 + shipping. Indicate if you're interested.
sorry mods but he cant PM yet.
If he's working the nightshift in a bad neighborhood, the officer might want a light with a little more heft such as a 3D Mag-Lite with an upgraded LED.
If duties include mainly citations, vehicle-centric work then a light with both High and Low modes would be useful.
If working in the city, a light with a wide beam that shines 20m may be useful.
If working semi-rural or bush, a light with a tighter beam that shines 100m may be useful.
If plainclothes, perhaps a smaller concealable light.
If participating on a specialist weapons unit, a dedicated combat light designed for use with a firearm may be useful.
A basic description of frequent duties, and budget, would help us suggest. Just understand that a budget of $50 won't go very far in the world of high quality illumination tools. People who do not know of the latest advances in flashlight technology might think $50 as an upper limit and anything beyond as ludicrous.
If I was a LEO I would set a budget of $250, which includes light/holster/batteries ... If I didn't have $250 to budget for it, I'd make do with whatever I had at the moment and save until I did.
edit:
I cant send you a private message. I have a SureFire 6PX Pro, very lightly used, that I am looking to sell. I live in QLD. To get this light in Aus is $138 + shipping ... I can get it to you for $75 + shipping. Indicate if you're interested.
sorry mods but he cant PM yet.
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Seeing as there are about four CR123 batteries in the whole of this country, i think you need to stick with what's available. Surefire and such simply aren't mainstream downunder, ive never seen one and struggle to find anyone that sells them.
If you're looking for something small to carry then I think you should look at the affordable 4Sevens Quark models, perhaps Jetbeam, Fenix or Klarus. I own these brands and wouldn't hesitate to carry them. Spend the rest of the money on a bunch of Eneloop batteries so you've got some spares and you're good to go. I have replaced all the security personnel's lights at my work from Maglights with 4Sevens Quark Tactical 2xAA. Much better light, easier to carry and cheap to provide power.
When on security detail I use a Quark 2xAA, a Preon 2 as backup and for overkill lighting and long distance i carry a Fenix TK41 which is about the size of a 2D Maglight but with a lot more light.
cheers
If you're looking for something small to carry then I think you should look at the affordable 4Sevens Quark models, perhaps Jetbeam, Fenix or Klarus. I own these brands and wouldn't hesitate to carry them. Spend the rest of the money on a bunch of Eneloop batteries so you've got some spares and you're good to go. I have replaced all the security personnel's lights at my work from Maglights with 4Sevens Quark Tactical 2xAA. Much better light, easier to carry and cheap to provide power.
When on security detail I use a Quark 2xAA, a Preon 2 as backup and for overkill lighting and long distance i carry a Fenix TK41 which is about the size of a 2D Maglight but with a lot more light.
cheers
CheepSteal
Enlightened
Hahahah
I carry the Gladius on my duty belt, a Pelican 7060 and Streamlight Stinger DS C4 led rechargeable in the truck, and a LED upgraded Maglite in my driver door pocket. Oh and I always have my new Spark ST6-460 in my cargo pocket.
I carry more lights than that in my tricky bag but the above are my primary use lights. All of them are very durable lights and the Pelcan due to its design throws very far and performs a lot better than more powerful lights, further than the 130 lumens would suggest. It is also very durable and like the Stinger has dual switches.
The Gladius has served me for almost 8 years and is an awesome design, I will eventually replace it with my Thrunite Scorpion V2 which is more powerful, almost the same UI, abd about $100 more than the Thrunite.
I carry more lights than that in my tricky bag but the above are my primary use lights. All of them are very durable lights and the Pelcan due to its design throws very far and performs a lot better than more powerful lights, further than the 130 lumens would suggest. It is also very durable and like the Stinger has dual switches.
The Gladius has served me for almost 8 years and is an awesome design, I will eventually replace it with my Thrunite Scorpion V2 which is more powerful, almost the same UI, abd about $100 more than the Thrunite.
Woah, so i'm the only one with cr123 batteries in this country?
CheepSteal
Enlightened
I order mine online from US. Locally, I've seen CR123's for 13.50 a pop at Bunnings I think. Woolies has them for 9.50 each last time I checked and other various places have them for about 5 to 7 bucks. But if an entire police force was to standardise on that cell, importing them by the hundreds/thousands wouldn't be so painful.
I heard today from Armytek that they have an AA based light coming soon, it'll probably be one of the brightest AA lights out there;
"We work hard this year and we are almost finish many different and powerful cirquits for our flashlight. Like 2xAA Predator with 2-3A current
"
I heard today from Armytek that they have an AA based light coming soon, it'll probably be one of the brightest AA lights out there;
"We work hard this year and we are almost finish many different and powerful cirquits for our flashlight. Like 2xAA Predator with 2-3A current
FPSRelic
Enlightened
You need to give a bit more detail, like what purpose is the light intended for? (eg plain clothes carry during the day or uniform patrol on night shift). You might also want to tell us how big you want the torch to be and how you plan to carry it, how bright you want it, what restrictions you may have regarding batteries (if any), and how long it should last on said batteries. The more information you can give us the better. Otherwise, you'll end up with all sorts of wildly varying recommendations.
Also, this post might be better suited in the "recommend me a light for..." sub forum.
badmanners
Newly Enlightened
Take a look at the JETBeam PA40. Readily available downunder, and runs on AA batteries.
Fill one up with eneloops for an efficient rechargeable solution.
I really only have experience with JETBeams, but can also recommend you look at the BC40.
Fill one up with eneloops for an efficient rechargeable solution.
I really only have experience with JETBeams, but can also recommend you look at the BC40.
:welcome:
At least 30 in my battery box, and they are commonly available, but the price is horrendous here unless you source quality CR123's from one of the better US dealers.
At least 30 in my battery box, and they are commonly available, but the price is horrendous here unless you source quality CR123's from one of the better US dealers.
Gregozedobe
Enlightened
Yes, I have a heap too, but all were purchased overseas (on-line). These days my favourite batteries are Sanyo eneloops (AA and AAA), or AW 18650's if I want a lot more capacity.
spc smith
Enlightened
source the CR123 titanium series batteries (if your country imports allow) from batteryjunction.com. As a recommended light for a LEO such as yourself i recommend the duty light that i carry myself as an MP: Olight M20X. everything that you do can be operated all from a one handed operation and strobe can be accessed instantly. Nice Tactical UI i highly recommend! SUPER bright at 500 lumens with a 200 meter throw distance. check the Olight M20X out. Others to check out are Sunwayman T20C, and klarus XT10. good luck:welcome:
the Primary lithiums are $5 dollars a pop for two here. The SF's are 7 a pop! also chaino, if you get the package deal at batteryjunction of the OlightM20X, they give you two 18650 Rechargeable cells with a charger and all with it for $100. good deal.
One other tid bit. you will not need to get a holster for it as it comes included with the Olight M20X. Also the holster is not your standardized piece of junk. you can really use it and it is a solid fit in which if you are on the beat (running) as i have with it , it works suitably. it also has two side compartments that carry extra cells in case you run out of battery on your primary in use. This light is a military series and is built to the hilt in terms of brutal toughness and durability. it has double absorption springs within the battery compartment at the positive and negative end to take on constant recoil of a given weapon system (shotgun at the worst abuse of recoil). Like I said.. i recommend this one strongly:thumbsup:
the Primary lithiums are $5 dollars a pop for two here. The SF's are 7 a pop! also chaino, if you get the package deal at batteryjunction of the OlightM20X, they give you two 18650 Rechargeable cells with a charger and all with it for $100. good deal.
One other tid bit. you will not need to get a holster for it as it comes included with the Olight M20X. Also the holster is not your standardized piece of junk. you can really use it and it is a solid fit in which if you are on the beat (running) as i have with it , it works suitably. it also has two side compartments that carry extra cells in case you run out of battery on your primary in use. This light is a military series and is built to the hilt in terms of brutal toughness and durability. it has double absorption springs within the battery compartment at the positive and negative end to take on constant recoil of a given weapon system (shotgun at the worst abuse of recoil). Like I said.. i recommend this one strongly:thumbsup:
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Th232
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've just bought mine straight from AW himself in the marketplace.
Echo63
Flashlight Enthusiast
I got mine from lighthound
In fact i buy all my batteries from them including CR123 20 or 30 at a time
If i was a cop i would be carrying my Oveready bored 9P with moddo triple and 2x AW 18500
A 6P as a backup (on primaries)
And an SL Ultrastinger for percussive motivation, and to reach out a bit
A handgun light would be a good idea too
FPSRelic
Enlightened
That comes very close to what Surefire recommend with their "trinity of lights" idea: A primary light, a backup light, and a weapon light.
Since the OP has probably moved on and bought LED Lensers by now, the point is moot. But If he were still looking, I'd have to say that the light that really appeals to me right now would be either the Surefire UNR Commander or the R1 Lawman. Both lights are rechargeable, and both can use cr123a's if the lights and batteries become defunct and no longer available years down the track.
