Self Defense Light for Girlfriend

[MMason]

Hello Folks,

Newly signed up member. :wave: I'm looking for a flashlight for my girlfriend. I have been traveling, leaving her at home in a rural area with few neighbors. I worry about her safety. Bought her some pepper spray but it stays in the bottom of one of her bags. My current idea is a very bright flashlight with self defense features.

I recently bought myself a Surefire Fury dual output and absolutely love it. Have my eyes on a Malkoff rig as well. Since I went Surefire, I also invested in LiFePO4 CR123 batteries and a charger. At Gander Mountain I held an E2D LED Defender Ultra, the 500 lumen model. This would be my ideal flashlight for my little Redhead, except:

1. It uses CR123 batteries, which she doesn't want to fool with. AA would be ideal for her.
2. It costs $ 189

Idealistically, I would prefer a flashlight made in the USA if possible, but I haven't been able to find one.

Second choice would be an imported flashlight from an American based company with a great customer service reputation.

Third choice would be a company based outside the US, but with a US presence that includes a repair / warranty location in North America.

Here are my questions:

1. Does the idea of using a blinding flashlight with a crenelated bezel as a self defense strategy really work? I intend to practice with her, perhaps while wearing a gorilla mask or something.
2. Is a 2 or 3 AA cell flashlight available that will do this?
3. Does anyone know of a good pepper spray brand that would be about the size of the Surefire E2D with a pocket clip, etc for handbag, car, nightstand use? I would think that these 2 would complement each other in a self defense situation.

Thanks everyone in advance. Here is the checklist, I shortened it to only include the options that apply to this case:

[FONT=&quot]1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____Less than $100. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]3) Format: [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____I want a flashlight.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]4) Flashlight-specific format/size:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]5) Emitter/Light source:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]6) Manufacturer:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]7) What battery type do you want to use?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]First Choice AAA or AA____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2nd​ Choice____I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. LiFePO4 RC 123[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible). [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]2 modes, both low light and 400-600 lumen.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Throw:[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods) [/FONT]

11[FONT=&quot]) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot] ____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply): [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot]____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot]____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]14)Material/Finish/Coating[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot]____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot]____Pocket/belt clip[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]X[/FONT][FONT=&quot]____Crenulated bezel[/FONT]


Mark

 

[Norm]

CPF doesn't recommend using a flashlight as any sort of striking weapon and sorry we can't discuss a flashlight in those terms - Norm

 

[MMason]

Norm,

Thanks for the quick reply. I do agree that it's a bad idea to wait until the attacker is within striking distance to defend yourself.

How about the idea of using the high output light to disorient an attacker's eyes? Does this work?

Is it a valid strategy to use the light to locate/disorient the intruder so that the pepper spray can be deployed?

Mark

 

[BillSWPA]

I would expect the bright light to provide about a 1/2 second disruption in the attacker's OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. In order for the light to be effective, your girlfriend is going to have to be able to make good use of that 1/2 second. This could be by getting a head start at running away or launching a counterattack with or without any legally carried weapons or expedient objects.

Maintaining distance is not the only issue. There is also spotting the threat in time to have distance, and recognizing that you may not always have it.

If the pepper spray is at the bottom of her purse, you have a bigger problem than just getting her the right tools. You need to address the skill and mindset issues, and she needs to be willing to make this happen. There is a big difference between carrying a tool and being prepared.

Regarding pepper spray selection, you want an active ingredient of at least 2 million Scoville heat units, and a concentration of at least 10% active ingredient. You also want an easy to carry and easy to use dispenser, and a good spray pattern, preferably cone shaped. Sabre Red is a good spray, and is available in the very well designed Spitfire dispenser. ASP makes a Key Defender, as well as the smaller Palm Defender and larger Street Defender. With a little creativity, a clip from a mini-Maglight can be attached to one of the ASP products.

 

[alpg88]

How about the idea of using the high output light to disorient an attacker's eyes? Does this work?

Is it a valid strategy to use the light to locate/disorient the intruder so that the pepper spray can be deployed?

Mark

lol try it yourself, arm your gf with a light and you play the attacker, test the theory good, cuz if you overestimate her ability she will get hurt. but to save your time, there is absolutely nothing she can do with a flashlight if attacker is even half serious, she most likely will not even have time to use it or the mace. to be even somewhat good at it she needs plenty of training and practice, also in my experience, mace very often gets a person that uses it. to use it right you also need training. don't give her false hopes. the only thing she can do, (unless she is armed) is to run, and scream to get attention, and possibly scare him off

 

[CMAG]

Check out this thread http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...ina-Scorcher-for-lady-working-at-night-Safety

 

[BillSWPA]

When I last posted, my only recommendation for a light was Surefire's E2DL. One of my EDC's is the 200 lumen version, and this is excellent for the purpose. Either the 200 lumen or 500 lumen version should work well for your purposes, and the 200 lumen version might be cheaper.

Given your criteria, you might want to look at the Maglite 200XL. While I have no personal experience with this product, my experience in general with Maglite products has been good.

Mace, as discussed above, is one specific brand of pepper spray, which, unless it has changed since my last experience with it, I cannot recommend. As posted above, you want an active ingredient of 2 million Scoville heat units and 10% concentration in order to really be effective. If you know the strength but not the concentration, or concentration without strength, that does you no good. Stay within these parameters, and the spray will generally be effective. Think of it as an eyejab in a can. It is one tool in the toolbox, not the complete toolbox.

A complete solution here will require more than a good light and pepper spray. A good martial arts program (preferably MMA based), as well as some good shooting instruction (including decision making under stress), would be a good start for addressing the software issues as well as the hardware issues. Start out in a way that is fun for her, and then ratchet up the intensity according to her comfort level.

 

[MMason]

I would expect the bright light to provide about a 1/2 second disruption in the attacker's OODA (observe, orient, decide, act) loop. In order for the light to be effective, your girlfriend is going to have to be able to make good use of that 1/2 second. This could be by getting a head start at running away or launching a counterattack with or without any legally carried weapons or expedient objects.

Maintaining distance is not the only issue. There is also spotting the threat in time to have distance, and recognizing that you may not always have it.

If the pepper spray is at the bottom of her purse, you have a bigger problem than just getting her the right tools. You need to address the skill and mindset issues, and she needs to be willing to make this happen. There is a big difference between carrying a tool and being prepared.

Regarding pepper spray selection, you want an active ingredient of at least 2 million Scoville heat units, and a concentration of at least 10% active ingredient. You also want an easy to carry and easy to use dispenser, and a good spray pattern, preferably cone shaped. Sabre Red is a good spray, and is available in the very well designed Spitfire dispenser. ASP makes a Key Defender, as well as the smaller Palm Defender and larger Street Defender. With a little creativity, a clip from a mini-Maglight can be attached to one of the ASP products.

Bill,

Thanks for steering me in the right direction.

I found the Saber Red Spitfire at a local sporting goods store. It's really accessible when added to a key chain. I bought one in pink for my daughter.

My girlfriend, however, has one of the newer cars that doesn't need the key inserted. It both unlocks the doors and enables the ignition switch while it's still in her bag. I did, however, find a couple of products that I am quite happy with for her.

Thanks again,

Mark

 

[MMason]

Check out this thread http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...ina-Scorcher-for-lady-working-at-night-Safety

CMag,

Thanks a bunch for the link. One of the post mentions the Ruger Ultra Pepper Spray System, which combines pepper spray, a strobe light, and a 125 decibel alarm all in the same housing. It has a belt clip which she can clip to the top rim of her go-everywhere bag. I found this at a local gun store. The workers there really didn't know how well it worked, they said they all carry handguns!!!

While at the gun store, I also saw the Kimber Pepper Blaster ii, which I bought for her nightstand. It's a really cool looking red plastic pistol shape, with sites even.

After posting and thinking about all her self defense options quite a bit, I believe she will keep these 2 devices more accessible and use them more intuitively than a flashlight. That being said, I still intend on practicing self defense with her.....haven't found a gorilla mask yet though.

Thanks,

Mark

 

[RCS1300]

"there is absolutely nothing she can do with a flashlight if attacker is even half serious,"

Not true. She can use a flashlight to light up the bad person, take better aim, and telegraph authority when giving a verbal command to "stop - do not come any closer". I have been told by my law enforcement and military trainers that a strong flashlight and strong verbal command will go a long way. It says to the attacker that this is not an easy victim and she may be armed. It would be good to be armed with something, even if it is a spray repellent, and know how to run.

For that I would recommend a light with at least 200 lumens if indoors and 400 lumens if outdoors.

 

[cland72]

This is a little over your budget, but here's what I would do if you wanted to use AA batteries:

Get a Surefire 9P, add a crenelated bezel ring (made by Xeno), put a Malkoff M31 in it, and add a delrin AA battery sleeve.

You'll have a bright, bombproof, 2AA light that has a strike bezel.

 

[MMason]

Cland,

Thanks for the suggestion, sounds like an interesting project.

I assume the Surefire 9P is available on the used market somewhere?

Mark

 

[cland72]

Cland,

Thanks for the suggestion, sounds like an interesting project.

I assume the Surefire 9P is available on the used market somewhere?

Mark

Yep - check out the CPF Marketplace, and eBay. They come up once in a while. You can get the delrin AA sleeve from Oveready, the M31 from Malkoff, Oveready, or Illumination Supply (depending on which tint you like) and the Xeno bezel ring can be purchased on eBay (usually from a Chinese seller).

Good luck!

 

[Norm]

A Xeno bezel ring can be also be purchased directly from Xeno.

Norm

 

[TheVat26]

Lots of great points here. OP, if you're insistent on AA format, keep in mind they typically don't have very high CD, or a bright enough hotspot to truly "disorientate" with intense light. Unless you look towards one that is a thrower like the Eagletac's or the Fenix e21. And even then, you'd have to hold the hotspot on the face of the attacker for it to be effective. And that's assuming the light can be deployed fast enough.

A flashlight's best use for the non martial art flashlight guy is to create distance as been stated earlier. I'd say to monitor her batteries or advise where she can stock some cr123's. A cr123 or 18650 light have the voltage to pump a lot of lumens and temporarily blind a target. Not that this is the best light for your application, but for example, if someone shines my Klarus rs11 at my face from 10-30 yards, the beam is so wide and so bright, I can tell where the beam is coming from.

Since she's likely to carry the light in her purse, get something with a bezel deep enough that the lens won't get scratched by other things inside, and of course is seriously bright. Klarus XT11 with the new bezel is what Id get.

Second choice, Fenix E21 if you want AA.

 

[ledmitter_nli]

This thread makes me cringe.

An attacker pumped on adrenalin isn't going to be phased by some slow moving woman already surprised by the encounter unless she has all the items at the ready in her hands.

Even then she needs an immediate escape plan.

Her OC spray is at the bottom of her purse? She already has a victim mentality. Passive = compliance.

Edit: Yeah what BillSWPA said on #4.

 

[Eokaeloki]

foursevens quark aa2!!

 

[shadokillr]

The Surefire 9P mod is a great idea . I may substitute a Surefire G3 to save weight . The Malkoff M31 should be fine with the G3 bezel .

 

[reppans]

Lol... it's a year old thread, pretty sure the OP has moved on :D

 

[mcnair55]

Lol... it's a year old thread, pretty sure the OP has moved on :D

Probably has a new girlfriend as well.