I want a good 3-4 cell flashlight to use as a possible blunt weapon. I know I could get a maglight but I'm not impressed with their brightness. If I do get one, I remember seeing a rechargeable maglight, that would be a lot better. Also, some type of sheath or belt clip that would keep the light handy would be really nice.
Flashlights
- Thread starter zahc
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What is your price range?
Since I prefer LEDs, specifically luxeon based LEDs, I would recommend a Blaster 3P (Elektrolumens).
http://elektrolumens.com/ (homepage)
http://elektrolumens.com/BLASTER/POLICE_HEAD/Blaster_Police.html (Blaster 3P specs)
http://elektrolumens.com/BLASTER/Blaster_II.html
This light throws out a lot more overall light than a Maglite using 3-Cells. Its also a whiter light, which doesn't turn amber as the batteries dim (as Maglites do). The Blaster 3P is rated at 72 lumens.
This is NOT a recharchable light, but the D-batteries last forever in this particulur flashlight. My 3Ps still have their original batteries in them after over 12 hours of use, and its still pumping out a ton of light.
Since I prefer LEDs, specifically luxeon based LEDs, I would recommend a Blaster 3P (Elektrolumens).
http://elektrolumens.com/ (homepage)
http://elektrolumens.com/BLASTER/POLICE_HEAD/Blaster_Police.html (Blaster 3P specs)
http://elektrolumens.com/BLASTER/Blaster_II.html
This light throws out a lot more overall light than a Maglite using 3-Cells. Its also a whiter light, which doesn't turn amber as the batteries dim (as Maglites do). The Blaster 3P is rated at 72 lumens.
This is NOT a recharchable light, but the D-batteries last forever in this particulur flashlight. My 3Ps still have their original batteries in them after over 12 hours of use, and its still pumping out a ton of light.
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I cannot recommed SureFire flashlights highly enough, though they clearly will not suffice as a "club." I carry one on my person 24/7, and during our frequent power outages I am extremely popular. For lighting purposes, which you probably need far more often than clubbing miscreants, the Surefires get my vote. They can also be used with many kubaton techniques. I dislike the various spikey, toothy bezels that are somewhat popular now. IMHO they cause too much in the way of minor injuries for use in LE, and not enough for SD.
As an impact weapon I actually prefer the c-cell maglights over the d-cell ones. The C's seem "quicker" and more agile than the larger lights. I am guessing that the person being struck will not notice a big difference if the hitter knows what he or she is doing.
As an impact weapon I actually prefer the c-cell maglights over the d-cell ones. The C's seem "quicker" and more agile than the larger lights. I am guessing that the person being struck will not notice a big difference if the hitter knows what he or she is doing.
winstonsmith
Member
Well, depending laws in your state, I would get a good dedicated baton, and a good dedicated flashlight.
In my state batons are verboten for us peons, so I make do with a two d-cell maglite, and a mini-maglite.
A good question to ask yourself: Is this for home defense, camp defense, car defense, or self defense whilst on the streets?
In my state batons are verboten for us peons, so I make do with a two d-cell maglite, and a mini-maglite.
A good question to ask yourself: Is this for home defense, camp defense, car defense, or self defense whilst on the streets?
As flashlights go, usually, the more batteries = higher light output (using the same type bulb). Have you looked at the 6 cell C and D Maglites? I have both models and the C is a bit more eaier to handle. Not justby weight but also body diameter/circumference. They are not all that expensive at $20-$25 for the D, slightly less for the C.
In Maglites, C is both easier to handle, and easier to replenish.
You can get a more powerful lamp to replace the factory standard, but it'll run you as much as the flashlight.
For general task lights, the Streamlight Twin Task lights are great.
The 3 C version should be *just* big enough to use well as an impact tool...
http://www.cartserver.com/sc/cart.cgi
John
You can get a more powerful lamp to replace the factory standard, but it'll run you as much as the flashlight.
For general task lights, the Streamlight Twin Task lights are great.
The 3 C version should be *just* big enough to use well as an impact tool...
http://www.cartserver.com/sc/cart.cgi
John
cratz2
Member
I agree pretty much letter for letter. I went through a 'I wanna try as many lights as possible' phase but never got around to doing any of the MagLight mods. I think if I were specifically wanting a light to patrol with, a 4C MagLight with one of the Luxeon mods might be the ticket.
And I love the TwinTasks. I have two (both 2x123As) and had two others (3C and 3AA model) and while I have zero complaints about the lights, the 3C just doesn't feel like it would have enough swing for me. I think if it was a 4C and had maybe 4 more ounces of weight on the non-bulb end, it'd be ideal.
In general, Princeton Tec has some great lights as well but as they are a dive-centric company, usually are very light weight. Their Surge is the brightest light I've ever owned.
And I love the TwinTasks. I have two (both 2x123As) and had two others (3C and 3AA model) and while I have zero complaints about the lights, the 3C just doesn't feel like it would have enough swing for me. I think if it was a 4C and had maybe 4 more ounces of weight on the non-bulb end, it'd be ideal.
In general, Princeton Tec has some great lights as well but as they are a dive-centric company, usually are very light weight. Their Surge is the brightest light I've ever owned.
FNHP35
Member
Another option is the Ultra-Stinger by Streamlight. I toyed with the idea of buying one, but I already had a 4D maglight and I didn't need something that big. The Ultra-stinger is pretty bright and is about the size of a 3C cell Mag. I wouldn't be the perfect impact weapon, but it wouldn't be a bad one. I just bought the Streamlight Strion, that's a nice little light, but not much use as an impact weapon.
Andrew
Andrew
If you do decide on the C-Maglite (a very well made light, but it has its bad quirks with poor beam quality and effective runtime), you might want to check out the "holsters" that Maglite offers. They have a pastic ring that attaches to your belt, and you put the Maglite in the ring and it stays on you (although it will move around a bit because its NOT a stiff type leather or nylon holster). When I use to carry and use Maglites, I found this holster to be satisfactory for any Maglite size 4 D/4C and below. (the 5 C/D and 6C/D Maglites are uncomfortable to carry with that holster). Plus, its a cheap holster (under $10) and it works....if you were to look for a really nice leather holster for a C or D Maglite (if they even make them) you'd be talking at least $25 IMO.
cratz2
Member
And since no one has posted the link yet, visit http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ to find out more than you ever wanted about flashlights and flashlight mods.
cratz2
Member
I have several of the smaller, but quality lights from companies other than SureFire but none of the larger/blunt force type lights. What folks on CandlepowerForum would call 'secondary lights' or 'every day carry'.
I'd be glad to give my intellectual waxings on the smaller lights of they would benefit anyone.
I'd be glad to give my intellectual waxings on the smaller lights of they would benefit anyone.
I agree with Shane- elektrolumens.com has some really great stuff.
I have a Blaster II, and it is amazing- the brightness and battery life are incredible!
No bulbs to burn out, almost never change batteries, stellar light output, and a durable tough body for self-defense- it's all good!
Thanks a lot zahc, - I was saving cash, but now I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go and buy another light from them...
I have a Blaster II, and it is amazing- the brightness and battery life are incredible!
No bulbs to burn out, almost never change batteries, stellar light output, and a durable tough body for self-defense- it's all good!
Thanks a lot zahc, - I was saving cash, but now I'm thinkin' I'm gonna go and buy another light from them...
Model520Fan
Member
Maglite for 5 or 6 C cells. Haven't bought "Krypton" bulbs in a while, but they are not terribly expensive, and MUCH brighter than standard bulbs. As others have noted, the C-cell light handle a lot better. They are about the same diameter as a baton. Even a 6-cell fits in an attache case, and in winter can go entirely up your left sleeve, yet be quickly drawn by the right hand just past the bulb end, which leaves the unfragile heavy end where it belongs.
A baton ring, preferably plastic rather than metal, works fine to hold the light. There are also flashlight holders at cop shops.
A baton ring, preferably plastic rather than metal, works fine to hold the light. There are also flashlight holders at cop shops.
Schuey2002
Member
FWIW, You can pick up Mag-num Star Xenon bulbs for Maglite flashlights for around 3 Bucks at Radio Shack..
Hm...what am I thinking of...I know someone on the forums (Jim, maybe?) was doing a group buy of a horrendously expensive lamp for Maglites, a couple years ago. IIRC, it was around $25, or a little more. I have also seen the Xenon bulbs, and you're right that they're not very expensive.
I firmly believe that carrying a task light and tac light is the way to go. The Twin-Task light come close to being able to "do it all" with long endurance with the LED's, and bright, well-focused power with the Xenon lamp, but "the button"
is not optimally placed for emergency usage.
John, used to carry a 6 cell Maglite years ago, until he discovered that a 2 cell met his needs just fine...until his tree stand was surrounded by a herd of wild pigs just after dark, and he had cheap Rayovacs in the light! DOH!
I firmly believe that carrying a task light and tac light is the way to go. The Twin-Task light come close to being able to "do it all" with long endurance with the LED's, and bright, well-focused power with the Xenon lamp, but "the button"
is not optimally placed for emergency usage.
John, used to carry a 6 cell Maglite years ago, until he discovered that a 2 cell met his needs just fine...until his tree stand was surrounded by a herd of wild pigs just after dark, and he had cheap Rayovacs in the light! DOH!
Schuey2002
Member
John, were you referring to this TFL thread? vvvvv
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31193&highlight=maglite
Gordy Wesen
Member
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- Feb 26, 2003
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I have 2 Surefire M6 flashlights.
500 lumins makes the necessity of beating on somebody with a flashlight unlikely.
500 lumins makes the necessity of beating on somebody with a flashlight unlikely.
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