Observations as a new user for industrial/work use

Guys as a newb to high end flashlights but an industrial/tactical user I have found it a bit of a journey to work out my needs. The light industry seems fairly solid in its product claims( certainly compared to some other industries) and this community is probably one of the most expert on their chosen subject matter. That said I think there are some things a newb needs to take in a certain context. I put this together to post on some of the gun and survival forums I post on. Its blunt and probably too basic for the crowd here but thought I would post a few of the points just to make sure I was not completely wrong.

1.IPX8 or IPX whatever or potted electronics chinese brand vs IPX8 tactical brands(usually American)- While they all pass this industrial testing there may be a difference in quality.

2. Such field tests regardless how tough they are, are still not a test of long term wear and tear, or quality control.

3. Because light technology is being upgraded so rapidly, its less likely for anyone to have long term/hard use durability results(5yrs+) for a brand or unit. For example guns, GPS or even sat phones on the other hand you have units in use for years, so you get an idea who is ahead of the pack.

4. Regulated turbo or maximum levels are pushing the definition of regulated as the packaging indicates, eg '1.5 hours on maximum' may mean they are stepping down or depleting to a more realistic average maximum fairly quickly.

5. Single 18650 battery capacity while increasing has not kept up with lumens gains.People buying the latest 1000+ high lumen 18650 will experience more and more of the effect in point 4 above. Some say 1x 18650 500-600 lumens is where performance is at.

6. Multiple modes, lights and flashing sell the most flashlights but again I am sensing that simpler mode lights all else being equal, have better percentage chance of working out.

7. Feeding very powerful flashlights normal batteries ( eg 4 or 8x AA) will send you broke for industrial use.

8. Using Cr123 in powerful lights where your employer is not providing them may also send you broke.

9.You need a fairly large jump in lumens to notice you are seeing more lumens.

10.Hot weather, aka tropical use or industrial scenarios where there are high night time temps can have marked effect on flashlights regulation.

11. Crossbows and high power air rifles produce reverse recoil effect which can effect rifle scopes/mounted optics otherwise considered recoil proof. They have specialised scopes to handle this, I am not sure whether flashlights will require the same.

12.You need to take a close look and even dummy practice drill the advertised user interface before buying to make sure it will work for you.

13. Its still worth taking a look at top end flashy flashlights for your uses. Because they do rule the roost with power and also are pushing the rest of the industry to keep up.

14. Similarly not all industrial/tactical/users mean 'SWAT running about with AR-15 mounted lights' or 'operators in the middle east' Industrial use might mean factory work, security guarding carparks, a cop just needing specific floodlight for traffic accidents, farmers observing cropfields from his porch- a range of applications where a chinese flooder or super thrower will win.

15. None of these are an attack on any type of flashlight. But with the lumens space race going crazy I think accepted definitions of 'regulation, turbo/maximums, heat dissappation, useful battery life' are having less compatibility between hobbyists and industrial users.Back in the 500-700 lumen days we could still lump ourselves together. Not so much anymore. So it is worth highlighting for new users some context.

These are a lot of great points. I definitely agree about pointing out when outputs are not fully regulated for the whole runtime. I've decided that one of my favorite lights is one that only puts out 400 or 450 lumens, can't remember which. But it's great to know that it will do that for 2 hours with one 18650 and have good regulation the whole time. Thanks for sharing your valid thoughts!

Good one micky b.

I can add to #4 and 10 by saying heat control plays a huge role in the sustained output. As the emitter gets hotter it reduces output. So say... in Alaska in February a well heat controlled light will have a more steady output than one in say, Key West Florida in August. So heat disipation can play a role as well.
It's why you may see those lights with cooling fins here at CPF.

#11 is intriguing. Good point.

I think your plain speak covers the entire gamut very well. Bravo.

Interesting, and obviously coming from a user mind frame, rather than an armchair expert. So true that there is nothing like long term, continual use, to wring out the reality of any product.

Anyone other than LEO (law enforement officer) and a few security folks, claiming tactical experience can get a raised eyebrow from some of us though; Likewise with survivalist claims. (It's cool that you are into those things, please no offense)

There is a place for high-octane single cell flashlights if your use involves only brief moments of pedal-to-the-metal performance needs. While probably uncommon and not practical for the vast majority, a thrower/flooder pair while exploring at night can be handled quite nicely with a single 18650 thrower, though the area light really benefits from a 26650 or twin 18650, or maybe more, if the user enjoys lighting things up a lot.

As you say, the user interface is so important, and a simple single mode or perhaps 3-mode can handle things without confusion under stress or a need for speed/efficiency scenario. There is No substitute for experience. It is good to try different UI's to find what works best. Having previously acquired the programmable Oveready V5 engine has helped me learn what works best and now it is possible to get a specific mode sequence from, say, mtnelectronics to achieve an effective result.

Hopefully you are OK with letting us incorporate some of your terminology in future posts, like "flashy flashlights" and "send you broke".

Well done.

Thanks for the feedback guys, points noted. I know you guys could add several (thousand) extra points. The ones I was hitting were what I would consider areas where a new user might get the biggest surprise, or where I did.

KITROBASKIN said:

Anyone other than LEO (law enforement officer) and a few security folks, claiming tactical experience can get a raised eyebrow from some of us though; Likewise with survivalist claims. (It's cool that you are into those things, please no offense)

Click to expand...

No I agree the term tactical is used too much on forums by people trying to impress. Insert former military use instead, operating under white or colored light sources which is tactical usage by definition but 99% of which is mundane navigation, map reading, giving orders groups etc(mostly using ancient L shaped flashlights with the incandescent bulb). Not trying to imply special forces kicking the door with an M4 and surefire type stuff, though a lot of internet wannabes try and cash in on that with the term.

I acquired a few (genuine) "military" grade lights for use at work. I provide my family and friends with lights that have genuine self-defense items incorparated and how to properly use them if ever needed.

No need to worry about them being run over by enemy tanks or blown to smithereens by a grenade. No need to signal my position or light up the inside of a perps vehicle checking for armed folks inside.

However I need to know if it gets dropped into a 25' deep storm sewer inlet it'll work after wards. And the differing beam textures are for lighting up dark objects in sunshine be it a narrow (6" or less) pipe or perhaps a small room sized manhole checking for water intrusion versus circuitry. Levels of output are chosen for battery consumption versus actual output needs and when I'm in office dweller mode lighting up under a desk or those times when the eternal generator konks out.
I also like knowing my wife and kids know how to thwart an attacker with common everyday objects.

Coworkers and friends see my flashlight hobby as some kinda geeky weirdo quirks, but always know that when the need arises I have light available that is tailored to certain tasks.

I don't get into the weeds with the ones who ask but do take the time to explain why I carry certain ones or how to avoid those something for nothing schemes with all those tacti-cool claims.
I usually tell 'em "get a Maglite." New users are more times than not looking for the brightest light for the least money. And for some reason seem to think a strobe mode in the settings rotation means it's a good light.

I've found that basic answers to questions keeps their attention briefly. But fact filled techno jargon results in the persons eyes becoming glazed over quickly. So the basic approach has the best chance of leading to continued questioning for more specifics.

I guess that's why I like this thread so much. I think you covered the basics very well mick. Most new users and folks at work want to believe all that hype. Your points cut through all the nonsense like a hot knife through butter.

Thanks bykfixer. Just observations that stood out for me. Also probably a geographic necessity, being in Australia anything out of the ordinary is harder to come by or find someone with the item, or return if it doesn't work so I tend to be fairly critical. People like you guys are good to have around, experts are interesting and useful! They keep people alive with their advice, no joke. As mentioned I am more utalitarian so I have a couple of good examples of everything I need and seek out experts for opinions.

Edited my long QC rant out lol. Going off topic on my own thread.