Rechargables

Hello CPF,

I just applied for a night time security/patrol/escort service at my university. I marked down Wednesday and Thursday nights on my application between the hours of 2000 till 0330.

Most parts of the campus gets really dark and if I take this job (pays $6.50 an hour, 15 hours a week, around $80-$85 in my pocket each week after taxes) I want a rechargable light to keep me company. It is just more cost effective and safer because it will always be ready to go.

I have narrowed it down to two rechargable lights. I have a few questions regarding both.

Size to me doesn't matter. I can probably go up to the size of a 4D mag. I just have to lug it around for 7 and a half hours. I plan on getting a Maxpedition Thigh pouch from www.countycomm.com to carry the walkie, some rubber gloves, some snacks, my back-up light (thinking of SL TL-2), my SL TT 1L, and other odds and ends.

Maglite Charger is my first choice with Powerstream D cells, UCL lens, and a WA 01160 bulb.

1. Just how durable are the WA bulbs? I read somewhere it is a bit fragile and I will be wearing this light on my belt in a flashlight carrier if I buy it. I don't want to be replacing the bulb every twenty minutes because I will be out walking around. I know the mag body can take the abuse, can the bulb take it?

Tiger light 8 inch is my next choice.

I know its smaller than the Mag charger but the hot spot is also less bright than the WA bulbs. I believe the TL will be more durable in terms of bulb life if dropped and if I go off on a run to solve an emergency and the light is hitting my leg repeatedly. The battery for the TL is also NiMH and I don't have to spend some more for the PS batteries like in the MC.

How does the MC (with the PS batteries, WA 01160 bulb) compare with the TL in terms of durability? Which has a longer run time?

Right now I am split between the two. After I have a talk with the board tonight I will see what I can carry in terms of a lighting tool.

The Mc seems appealing but if the WA bulbs are sensitive and not dependable under rough conditons, looks like the TL is the winner.

Thanks for reading and hopefully answering some of my questions,
Jason

The stock Tiger will have a longer runtime than the Magcharger+ (w/1160's and Powerstream D's), 60 vs 45 mins. If runtime is a concern, the Mag stock "new" bulb will have 2 hours runtime. While it won't produce as many lumens, it will throw quite well.

After examining the 01160 and the stock bulb, you will come away with the idea that they are manufactured by the same company, whomever they may be. I don't think the stock bulb would be any less durable than a Tiger one. Overdriving the 01160 is what places it "at risk". From what I have experienced so far with mine and from what I've read here, most that have the Magcharger+ combo have not reported any bulb frailties.

The Tiger itself is going to be a tougher light than the Mag. Tougher anodizing, and a more compact body. The Mag is no slouch, but I think the overall nod would have to go to the Tiger. On the other hand, if your job will be escort and security, then by all means carry the Magcharger+. It will be far more useful if you Need It to perform in combat mode as a weapon. It may also give those you escort a more solid feeling of security. And don't forget to carry a keylight (Arc, Photon, anything small and led) in case you DO have to change bulbs.

Thank you! I will ask how big I can go before actually ordering on.

Arc AAA is always on me, right nex tto my dog tags hanging on my neck.

TL-2 will be my back-up, with the SL TT 1L for changing bulbs.

How do you recommend carrying around spare bulbs? I doubt I will carry spare bulbs though. I will just reholster the light then whip out the TL-2.

Thanks again,
Jason

1. That Magcharger/01160 will run for less than an hour on a charge, so if you plan to use it during your whole 5 hour shift, better have lots of spare battery sticks.

2. The Magcharger weighs a ton. Basically the same as a 3D or 4D Mag. Borrow one of those and walk around with it for a full shift before really believing you don't mind the weight. Police tend to carry Streamlight Stingers or Polystingers, which weigh about 1/4 as much as the Magcharger, for a reason.

3. If the campus is really really dark, a super-bright light may not be what you need. You may be better off with something dimmer to not mess up your night vision too much. Carry a bright light separately for when you need it. Streamlight 4aa propolymer (7 led's) plus Pelican PM6 might be a good combo, with NiMH cells in the 4aa for rechargeability. The PM6 is lithium powered ($$$) but you'd use it only once in a while, one hopes.

4. These lights are going to cost you more than a week of take-home pay if you buy them yourself. That's nuts, unless you're getting them primarily for flashaholic reasons rather than because you need it for work. If you really need a light, your department should issue one to you.

1. I want something around an hour of run time, give or take. I would just be using it for long range spotting.

2. Weight isn't an issue, I can carry soemthing like a 3D around for days......

3. Its not really dark, but need something brighter than a d or c cell mag because of the ambient lighting.

Before I lost my PM6, I got to take it into a darker section of campus, it worked nicely, but I wanted more side spill of light. The PM6 is a nice bright throw light, but a compromise, less side spill than a Scorpion.

I am not really worried about 123 ltihiums, I have a nice stock of them.

4. Its primarily to aid in my flashaholism. I applied for the job not because I needed it, but because it will help fund my flashaholic needs........

I dropped my MC with 01160 and the bulb came out of the socket but worked fine after putting it back in. The TL is also shock isolated and will take more abuse. They are both great and you will be happy with either light. If I had to choose I would take the Mag. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I dont know but I just ordered the "ZERO HEAVY DUTY RECHARGEABLE POLICE FLASHLIGHT" and am awaiting its arrival but for approx. $50.00 & a runtime of over 2 Hrs. on a charge I think it seems like a good value & a candle power of 34,000.

Link: www.brazilwear.net

[ QUOTE ]
freeze12 said:
I dont know but I just ordered the "ZERO HEAVY DUTY RECHARGEABLE POLICE FLASHLIGHT" and am awaiting its arrival but for approx. $50.00 & a runtime of over 2 Hrs. on a charge I think it seems like a good value & a candle power of 34,000.

Link: www.brazilwear.net


[/ QUOTE ]


I have had the the Zero for a while and for the money, it's the best bang-for-the-buck. It throws a nice powerful beam, on par if not further than the new Mag Rechargeable. It yielded the highest lux reading from a hand-held flashlight I ever recorded at 1 meter: 35,000+ Lux

The only real drawback was the uneven and small hotspot.

thanks for the pic. I doubt I would get a Zero.

It looks like the Tigerlight is the front runner as of right now in most apsects.

I seriously don't want to be charged with assault with a weapon if I get the meg (looks pretty big, like a 3/4D mag) so a Tigerlight seems more not like a big metal rod.....

Not to be a killjoy or anything, but I was a security guard at Mankato State University (MN) from 1978 to 1981. Carrying a metal flashlight was frowned upon by the campus administration. Even back then I wanted a small, bright flashlight and ended up buying Tekna-Lights. The first one used four AA cells and the second one used eight AA cells. You guys are going to laugh, but I had twelve rechargeable ni-cads and could only charge four at a time. I rotated each group of four through the flashlight(s). At the time, the Tekna-Light 8 AA cell light was pretty bright. These were actually meant to be diving lights, but they worked out fine for my purpose. If you can use metal flashlights, I agree that the Tiger-Light 8" FBOP is an excellent choice. If you can't use metal flashlights, maybe a PolyStinger will have to suffice. I actually souped up my metal Stinger HP to the 6 volt version using the UltraStinger bulb with custom built battery packs. Don't forget that although you will be working a several hour shift, it is unlikely you will have your flashlight on for hours at a time. Other things to consider are a cellular phone and a multi-tool like a Leatherman or Gerber. I actually used to carry a small portable scanner to listen to the Mankato Police and Fire when I was working my shifts. I am relectant to suggest that to you because it is very easy to get the reputation of being too "cop like" when doing a campus security job. I am sure that by the time you read this you will have talked with the board. The idea of latex gloves and possibly a pocket mask are good ideas. You will have your share of medicals on campus and PPE (personal protective equipment) is a good idea. You may also like a penlight of some sort if you get into EMS and need to check pupils, etc.

Thanks JAS for the through response.

I don't think a 8 inch TL FBOP will be a problem for me to carry. Its not the size of the MC for sure.

I won't be running the light all through the shift for sure. It will be used to spot things at a distance in low ambient lighting situations, which is quite often in my case.

A Sting XT looks appealing BUT, I will opt for the TL first. The TL seems like my choice for now.

Cellphone I have. That will be with me. Now a multi-tool I will get when I get the job. Gerber or Leatherman I will look into.

I will actually be carry a radio that is linked up with the SUNY police and local fire department. If there is a problem they will know about it. It is not a big walkie talkie, like 6 inches by 2 inches by 3/4 of an inch with a 4 inch antenna.

I want to have a reputation for being cop like, also reliable, dependable, and not someone to mess with, its my job; I will take it seriously.

I have not talked to the program yet. I am waiting for an answer.

I was thinking Arc AAA for pupil inspection. Or just the TL and blind victi..I mean subject.

I was thinking about containing all this in this....
Maxpedition Thermite

Also for wear, I was thinking about getting a pair or two of Navy and/or Khaki, maybe both /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif of the 5.11 tactical pants.

To go with it, I have a pair of Hi-Tech Magnums or a pair of Corcoran Jump boots (currently finding a place to get them resoled.)

I will also fit a emergency blanket in there just in case. along with a snack or something (thinking a MRE pound cake dessert or fruit.)

Waiting patiently for call back,
Jason

For longer range in ambient light conditions (I assume you mean things like street and building mounted lights.) the Mag would work better. The TL is great at closer ranges, but the Mag can have it's beam tightened enough that the spot will reach into the shadows. This is how I use mine, for the dark shadows caused by our parking lot lights. I don't have the Welch Allen bulb though, so I can' say anything good or bad about them. The newer bulb is pretty impressive though.
The light is just a hair longer than the 3D Mag. I don't think it's heavy at all. I usually stick it in my back pocket, using a ring turned upside down to keep it from flopping around so much.

The lgithing ain't that great. Its medium low at best (no building lights, but there are street lights here and there.) Some parts of campus are almost completely pitch dark (thanks to woods.)

I have decided on the light I will get. It will be the Tigerlight. I am just waiting for the meeting to make sure I can carry one.

Thanks for the responses! I am starting to like this forum more and more everyday,
Jason

Update: I got the job and I will do my training to be qualified for the job tonight.

I checked my accounts and I should be able to swing a TigerLight 8 inch FBOP and a mag 2C mod, MAYBE a TL-2 (BUT I have to send in for my perfect mag relfector and some MRE's, and a t-shirt.)

Then an SF E2e for EDC after my first pay check.

Thanks for all the info!
Jason

Two things and two lights to consider.

1) MagLight - D size, preferably 3 - 5 cells: This is your legally carried billy club.
2) Something like a SureFire L4 ( with rechargeable PILA's) : This is your flashlight.

It's a fun job on most campuses, especially if you work the later shifts. Nothing like getting paid to see which elevator gives you the most 'air time' at 3 am after you've taken it up 15 floors and jumped in the air just before it stops. Either way, hopefully it will give you a little extra flashlight and pizza money on the side !

Thanks for the reply.

I ordered a TL FBOP (small and bright, don't want to be liable if I use a club like flashlight to take someone out) from Dan at TW Thursday morning (9-10AM PST or so.) $8 2 day FedEx. I got a call from my roommate telling me my package has arrived Friday afternoon at the campus mailroom. WOW, that is really fast. I would of been on campus, testing out the light this weekend, but the Marine Corps ball is tonight. I had to go home and get ready for it (obviously get my uniform, get a hair cut, and so forth.)

The Pila rechargable's are out of the question because I saw them get discontinued by Pila in anothet thread (think the 168S?)

Yep, I work about 20 hours a week once I set my work hours and get 6.50 an hour. It should provide me with some nice lights and some protein bars on the side. I am thinking one light a month or so. TL-2 and E2e the first month, G2Z and boots the next month. 8:00-3:30 shift, gotta love being an insomniac.

Will post a review of the TL Monday, possibly tuesday night. I will try to take pictures using my digi cam (Canon Powershot A10, I know its old), and would like to know the settings to use, PM me the details or post them, if not I'll use the auto setting.