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Quickbeam said:
Just as a test, I tried to use a 2x123A light to "flash blind" an "attacker" (friend who helped out) and he had no problem finding my throat despite being flashed about 3 times while at a run before he got to me and despite my attempt sidestep out of the way. A flashlight should NOT be considered as your only defensive option, but will suppliment another defensive tool or technique in a low light situation. A determined attacker may be handicapped, but will find a way to get to you and do damage if possible.
Yes, obviously, some light bounces back at you. Enough to be irritating/distracting when the light is turned off.
When in doubt, ego be damned! Run like hell.
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Based on all I've read from many LEO reports including some interesting cases related by Ken Good, along with my own "friendly attackers" I believe that a very bright light can serve as a momentary distraction but must be backed up by another force option or swift escape. I've decided that my best force option considering my age, physical condition and the fact that I live in a no-gun city, is Fox 5,200,000 cone style OC plus the brightest 2x123 light I can EDC which will probably be the PM6, ASP Taclite, possibly the TACM III or preferably the smaller TL-2 which is "brighter" than the standard SF 2x123 and 3x123 lights but not as bright as those three very bright lights. Then comes practice and plenty of it until deploy/startle/spray becomes a conditioned response.
I found that the outcome of the simulated attacks was strongly influenced by three things: Strength of beam, surprise and degree of darkness. The number and motivation of the attackers in real life are two other factors that I didn't have to contend with in the simulations, where I alternated friends but only permitted one to "attack" at a time. The simulated attacker has an advantage over a real attacker in that he is prepared so the critical element of surprise is missing. NTL, you still have control over when you activate the light and whether you hold it steady on or pulse it. With my attackers the most effective strategy was a steady beam in the eyes at quite close range. If the attacker is actually running at you a light may not have sufficient startle effect unless it is exceptionally bright, but many attacks (including some abortive muggings on yours truly) tend to happen at walking speed or when you are standing .
I used an M6, Tigerlight FBOP and PM6 in my simulations and they were effective in that order. Based on the startle or hesitation time in these tests I would have had time to deploy ready-at-hand OC. The problem is that these were only simulations, which might have little bearing on a real life confrontation, but "blind/startle + OC" is the successful Tigerlight formula and it will continue to be mine in a smaller EDC form.
Brightnorm
Hell, just try it yourself. Go sit in a dark room for 15 minutes or so, then flash yourself with the light. I guarantee you it will frell up your vision.
