**Need opinions on the streamlight batonlite**

Need opinions on the streamlight batonlite. How bright is the light? Is it an effective kobuton?

I can't say how effective it is as a kobuton, but it is a really good LED light. There aren't many other light that are bright with 3 or less LED's. It is very sturdy and well built.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/led.htm

Please forgive a newcomer, with no knowledge whatsoever of self-defence things, but what exactly is a Kobuton? I`ve seen the Batonlite described as a self-defence tool, but from what I can see it`s really quite small and definately not such an effective "weapon" as a 4D Mag (strictly self-defence of course!), so could someone please enlighten me?

thanks very much,

-chris

Chris, the best link I could come up with is: http://www.ikakarate.com/seminars/seminarkubotan.html
This site is run by the inventor of the Kubotan, Takayabi Kubota. From what I gather, the Karate instruction required to use the Kubotan is the self defense, not necessarily the weapon itself. Used without any training, I think the Kubotan would be no more effective than a magic marker or similarly shaped object. It is just a tool used together with Karate.

Hope this helps

Ed

The Kubaton (a registered trademark) is a plastic cylinder about 5 inches in length, and 3/4 inches in diameter, usually with a key ring at one end. It is not used for striking. It is a pain compliance device applied to a couple of pressure points. I beleive that Kubota will only back you in court if you are certified by someone who is a certified Kubaton instructor, and you are using an authentic Kubaton. This was stated in the manual I have, but it is pretty old, so this may have changed. The batonlight could also be used the same way as a Monadnock Persuader (same thing, different maker). Monadnock also has blocks and jabs with it. Close your fist around it and jab it into ribs, forearms, and a few other spots.
Also if you have a lot of keys on the ring, it can be an effective flail, used against the face. Neither Kubota, nor Monadnock teach this use however.
Almost forgot. Monadnock no longer seems to offer has the Persuader course as it's not listed on their web page. They still do make 4 versions of the Persuader though.
Also the Kubaton, and Kubaton type devices are IMO over-rated as self defense weapons for the private citizen. It's for the same reason as a wrist lock or other pain compliance hold. You want to get the person off, and away, from you, or stun them, long enough for you to escape. You're not trying to arrest them. For Law enforcement, and security they are pretty good. The Monadnock techniques are probably effective, but except for the Lethal Force Institute, I don't know of anyplace that still teaches it, and even the manual (Monadnock's) is no longer printed.

You can get Kubota's book on kubotan techniques from www.selfdefenseproducts.com for $10.

The great thing about the batonlight is that it's always with you - Minox said the best camera is worthless if you don't have it the moment the best subject matter appears to photograph. (for those who don't know - Minox makes cameras smaller than the baton light) -- Same goes for the light. I'd rather have my batonlight with my keys in my pocket, than my 12Z next to my bed at home.
The baton light has been used every day since I got it - the 12Z hasn't been used in 3 months.