"strykervet, remember what we used to do to army equip? Thats why they still issue the d cell flashlights. They are alot cheaper. "
True, true. But I think you mistook me. My arguement is that they do have better stuff, so why still issue the junk? Why not kill the contract?
Our unit issued Surefire lights and those were GREAT. Surefire sent us other stuff too, test mules that we got to keep if they didn't want back (very few companies want test stuff back from soldiers). They have the little helmet lights now, I think those are very handy. Wish they had 'em when I was in, but they came out when I was getting out. They still sent me the very expensive grip light they make and a couple of weapon lights and accessories. Yeah, they won me over.
I've also spent more on a light than $30. I've spent closer to $170. But it is way bright, adj., waterproof, shock proof, and it runs forever on two CR123's.
I have another $60 one cell Surefire light. Always in my pocket, and almost as bright as the big MagLites. My wife has a similar one in her bag that has two batteries.
Surefire, I think, is the only place that can justify the cost of their lights. Until they have serious competition, it is likely to stay that way. They make a light for every application it seems. The one thing that sucks is the IR filter --it basically blocks all light, even IR light.
This new $30 light might be more useful if it didn't use AA batteries.
I've seen the crooknecks used on Molle vests in service too, but they were much cheaper tiny copies of the issue light that they sell in the PX. They use a AA too I think. Most guys I knew at the time used those cheap little lights you could get at gas stations. One LED bulb with a watch batter. Clipped on the vest and took up almost no room.
For working on the Strykers, those guys got issued small Surefire lights too. Those things were almost indestructable. I don't like their prices, but then again I don't have to. I have almost all the flashlights I'll ever need, and I haven't been able to break or wear one of theirs out yet.
The little one cell I carry in my pocket has been through the wash I don't know how many times. Finish is almost totally gone, but it still works like it did when it was new. The quality is worth the price if you only have to buy one.
Conversely, I've broken AND worn out MagLites. A few of 'em.
