GlockTalk.com
Home Forums Classifieds Blogs Today's Posts Search Social Groups



  
SIGN-UP
Notices

Glock Talk
Welcome To The Glock Talk Forums.
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 07-30-2012, 20:37   #1
mrdann
Senior Member
 
mrdann's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: WPB, FL
Posts: 748
Best Off Duty flashlight

I know, I know, another flashlight thread!

I currently carry an Energizer 1XAA flashlight off duty/EDC. The circutry is loose and the reliability is now intermitant. I want to replace it with a more powerful and more reliable light for pocket/EDC.

Anybody have suggestions?
mrdann is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:02   #2
SPDSNYPR
Zippy's Friend.
 
SPDSNYPR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: OK, USA
Posts: 6,922
Been pretty happy with the Streamlight PT2L.
__________________
Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrifications is only matched by your zest for Kung Fu treachery!" - Black Dynamite
SPDSNYPR is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:02   #3
Dexters
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: ga
Posts: 4,259
Amazon.com: JETBeam PA10 650 Lumen Cree XM-L LED Flashlight: Home Improvement Amazon.com: JETBeam PA10 650 Lumen Cree XM-L LED Flashlight: Home Improvement


__________________
Montani Semper Liberi
Dexters is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:06   #4
Ajon412
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,199
Surefire 6P or 9P during jacket weather and a Surefire E1E during the summer months, as the clip holds the light securely in my cargo shorts pocket.....
__________________
"A man's got to know his limitations."-Harry Callahan
"Nearly all men can stand adversity. But if you want to test a man's character - give him power"-Abraham Lincoln
“...Fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing”
Ajon412 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:08   #5
kayl
Senior Member
 
kayl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: SE WI
Posts: 390
Amazon.com: Streamlight ProTac 1L Professional Tactical: Sports & Outdoors Amazon.com: Streamlight ProTac 1L Professional Tactical: Sports & Outdoors



Look no further!
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cochese View Post
Remember your equipment, every day. Check your cars, every day. Be ready for the suck, EVERY DAY.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Christian944 View Post
If I saw a guy robbing a bank I would get on my horse and cut his head off with my katana.
kayl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:14   #6
CJStudent
Fenced In
 
CJStudent's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KY
Posts: 16,136
Send a message via AIM to CJStudent Send a message via Yahoo to CJStudent
I use a 5.11 PLx penlight. It's runs on two AAA batteries, and is almost as bright as a xenon Surefire G2.
__________________
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison

Quote:
Originally Posted by series1811 View Post
The first round is a moral decision. All of the following rounds are tactical decisions.
CJStudent is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 21:56   #7
blueiron
Street Person
 
blueiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: On the corner of Gang and Ghetto
Posts: 12,132
I bought a cheapie Cabela's LED light and it works great. Every so often, they have a sale and they can be found at low prices.
__________________
Imported from the future in 1984. Returned to the past in 2007

Dear God, this is one of the dumbest ideas I've ever heard. It's got to rank right up there with CALEA. -Pepper45

Last edited by blueiron; 07-30-2012 at 22:11..
blueiron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-30-2012, 23:01   #8
lawman800
Juris Glocktor
 
lawman800's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Out the frying pan & into the fire!
Posts: 35,424
Been using my Fenix PD30 forever. They have continually improved it along the way. The 230 lumens are more than enough for any job, on or off duty.
__________________
Cool story, bro... when do you get to the part where you shut up and walk away from me?
lawman800 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 00:37   #9
Streetking
Senior Member
 
Streetking's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Western Missouri
Posts: 373
Quote:
Originally Posted by kayl View Post
I just got one for forty bucks at Palmetto. very nice light
Streetking is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 01:34   #10
SAR
CLM Number
Charter Lifetime Member
 
SAR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: LA LA Land
Posts: 2,223
Quote:
Originally Posted by CJStudent View Post
I use a 5.11 PLx penlight. It's runs on two AAA batteries, and is almost as bright as a xenon Surefire G2.
My favorite light for both on and off duty has become my 4Sevens Mini M2A. Runs on AA batteries and the CREE XP-G R5 LED puts out 180 lumens at the brightest power setting, but can put out as little as 3 lumens for up to 88 hours of run time.

There is even a newer 4Sevens light than mine the QT2A-X NW ($78 retail) that puts out 280+ lumens!

These are tiny lights, but put out some serious light. They're brighter than my BIG issue Pelican 7060 light.

UPDATE: I was looking around and I found the new 280 Lumen QT2A-X on Amazon for $65, so I ordered two of them. Compare this to a Surefire 6P which puts out 65 lumens and the LAPD Pelican 7060 at 130 lumens. The 4Sevens QT2A is over twice as bright as my much larger duty light.

Click the image to open in full size.
__________________
Death is lighter than a feather, while duty is heavier than a mountain.

Last edited by SAR; 07-31-2012 at 01:42.. Reason: UPDATE
SAR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 09:03   #11
jph02
Senior Member
 
jph02's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Michigan
Posts: 1,284
I've done a fair amount of searching for a good tac light that uses CR123s (I've got a bunch of them lying around). There are many out there, but most have that one thing that detracts from how I might want to use it. I finally settled on the PowerTac Warrior because it can tailstand and has an easy UI, including access to strobe whether on or off.

It's a little pricey and there's not a lot out there as far as reviews, but I liked what I've seen, including the kydex holster. It can be ordered with a pair of 18650s (which it can use 1 of in place of the 2x CR123s) and charger, which is what I did. There's also a weapon mounting kit bundle available.
Click the image to open in full size.
jph02 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 09:12   #12
The Hawk
Senior Member
 
The Hawk's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: LaGrange, Ky
Posts: 1,063
Jetbeam BA10 is what I have been carrying for over a year now. No problems with it. Runs on single AA battery. 160 Lumens on high throws beam 97 meters. 12 Lumens on low throws beam 25 meters. Run time: High 1.25 hours. Low 30 hours. LED, Waterproof, submersible, impact resistant at 1.5 meters. End cap clicky on/off, momentary on. Will tailstand. $36.00 at Shiningbeam.com
The Hawk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 09:46   #13
Chico Bill
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: LA area, CA,USA
Posts: 878
Here are some of the lights I use:

Streamlight PT Series: I have the PT1L and PT2AA. They are nice multi-mode lights and the PT1L is a truly compact tactical level light. They are now known as the "Pro-Tac" series. The PT1L even runs with my Li-Ion rechargeable 16340 (CR123A size) batteries.

Fenix: I have the E11, which uses a TIR lens and puts out 105 lumens from a single AA battery. It's my smallest "tactical" level light and my EDC during daytime.

Olight: I recently picked up an Olight T10 and it's a very nice multi-mode light. It's small and runs off one CR123A battery. I also purchased a T15 body which will allow it to run off a single AA battery. I really like this light and it pushes 210 lumens. While it is a little thicker than my Fenix E11 and uses a more expensive (CR123A) battery (I use eneloop rechargeable AA batteries or Li-Ion 14500 cells in my AA lights), the T10 is rated for Li-Ion rechargeable batteries, so I'll probably try those for EDC to keep the battery cost down. (I have a LOT of lights, and batteries start to get expensive.)

Klarus: I have the larger duty-size XT11 (600 lumen) and the XT1C (single CR123A). The XT1C is small, easy to use, and the dual tailcap switch is surprisingly easy to use, giving instant access to momentary high or momentary strobe. It gives 245 lumens on high.

Surefire: I'm waiting for the new EB1...200 lumens on high with the two-stage tactical tailcap...Same switch style as the LX2 and Aviator, both great EDC lights but a little large if you carry a lot in your pockets.

4Sevens (FourSevens now): I have a Quark Tactical that runs on a single AA battery. It's bright on a regular AA, but I run a Lithium Ion (3.7v 14500 type) rechargeable battery that boosts the lumen output.

Other options: I really like my Lumapower Trust Model 1...It pushes over 300 lumens from a AA size Li-Ion battery and the mode switching is really nice...The Trust, Quark, and my XT1C are my primary "night" EDCs.
__________________
"Let's Roll!"
-Todd Beamer, American Hero, Flight 93, 09-11-01

Aim low boys! They're ridin' Shetland ponies!
--The Kung Pow Buckaroo's
Chico Bill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 11:37   #14
wjv
Senior Member
 
wjv's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 11,006
To all of you LEOs out there.

Have you ever actually used the strobe function in the line of duty? Did it actually cause disorientation in the BG?

I as this because I have a 200+ lumen (don't remember the exact #) light with strobe and in just playing around with it, I have fount that it has zero effect on anyone except to annoy them.

Perhaps in total darkness where the BG's eyes have adjusted to the night vision, being hit with the strobe might have an effect. But I have never actually heard of a single case where someone successfully used the strobe to disorientate someone.
__________________
Bill
Pacific NW


The urge to save humanity is almost always a false-face for the urge to rule it.
- H. L. Mencken -
wjv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 11:55   #15
11A
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 138
I have been carrying the Surefire E1L since college (about 5-6 yrs) and way before being a LEO. It's always performed well for me, and it's small enough for a front pants pocket.

Last edited by 11A; 07-31-2012 at 11:57..
11A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 13:15   #16
Kahr_Glockman
Senior Member
 
Kahr_Glockman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,457
Blog Entries: 1
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPDSNYPR View Post
Been pretty happy with the Streamlight PT2L.
HE LIVES!!!!!!

Missed you buddy.
__________________
Quote:
Sam Spade
You want to discuss things, or do you want to act like a Democrat and argue by soundbite?
Quote:
Roering
Trying to fight the police off is one thing. Trying to do it while naked takes real commitment.
Kahr_Glockman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 13:21   #17
Kahr_Glockman
Senior Member
 
Kahr_Glockman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Texas
Posts: 2,457
Blog Entries: 1
I use a Streamlight Microstream that uses a single AAA. Decent throw and isnt so bright to make you sick, but bright enough that there is enough light. I know a local deputy that used one for night qualification after his regular light croaked.
__________________
Quote:
Sam Spade
You want to discuss things, or do you want to act like a Democrat and argue by soundbite?
Quote:
Roering
Trying to fight the police off is one thing. Trying to do it while naked takes real commitment.
Kahr_Glockman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 14:07   #18
SPDSNYPR
Zippy's Friend.
 
SPDSNYPR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: OK, USA
Posts: 6,922
Quote:
Have you ever actually used the strobe function in the line of duty?
Nope. I think it works as good on me as it would on a BG. Fun screwing with cats, though.

Quote:
HE LIVES!!!!!!

Missed you buddy.


Finally found my way back.
__________________
Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrifications is only matched by your zest for Kung Fu treachery!" - Black Dynamite
SPDSNYPR is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 14:09   #19
alexhartang
Silver Membership
Senior Member
 
alexhartang's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ME
Posts: 255
Surefire fury! Around $100 on Amazon


I'd rather be judged by twelve than carried by six
__________________
Glock Lover-G19,27,23
Daily Concealed Carrier
NREMT EMT, and Licensed
2+1 Drill.
alexhartang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 14:14   #20
DaBigBR
No Infidels!
 
DaBigBR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Circling the wagons.
Posts: 15,294
My suggestion is the Streamlight PT1L or PT2L. bright lights, decent clip for your pockets, intuitive switching, lifetime warranty, and about forty bucks.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahr_Glockman View Post
HE LIVES!!!!!!

Missed you buddy.
No ****!

Quote:
Originally Posted by SPDSNYPR View Post
Finally found my way back.
About ****ing time.
__________________
"Logic is rarely the engine that propels a police department forward."

-David Simon in "Homicide"
DaBigBR is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 14:19   #21
SPDSNYPR
Zippy's Friend.
 
SPDSNYPR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: OK, USA
Posts: 6,922
I blame the internet and the declining morals of our society in general.
__________________
Your knowledge of scientific biological transmogrifications is only matched by your zest for Kung Fu treachery!" - Black Dynamite
SPDSNYPR is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 07-31-2012, 14:23   #22
buddah
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 767
Send a message via AIM to buddah Send a message via Yahoo to buddah
Fenix PD20
buddah is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2012, 13:47   #23
DVeng
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Midwest
Posts: 188
Quote:
Originally Posted by kayl View Post
This. I have carried one daily for over a year and am very happy with it.
DVeng is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2012, 18:47   #24
SCSU74
St. Cloud Proud
 
SCSU74's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Free Republic of Texas
Posts: 1,923
Quote:
Originally Posted by SAR View Post
My favorite light for both on and off duty has become my 4Sevens Mini M2A. Runs on AA batteries and the CREE XP-G R5 LED puts out 180 lumens at the brightest power setting, but can put out as little as 3 lumens for up to 88 hours of run time.

There is even a newer 4Sevens light than mine the QT2A-X NW ($78 retail) that puts out 280+ lumens!

These are tiny lights, but put out some serious light. They're brighter than my BIG issue Pelican 7060 light.

UPDATE: I was looking around and I found the new 280 Lumen QT2A-X on Amazon for $65, so I ordered two of them. Compare this to a Surefire 6P which puts out 65 lumens and the LAPD Pelican 7060 at 130 lumens. The 4Sevens QT2A is over twice as bright as my much larger duty light.

Click the image to open in full size.
Love my four sevens. Just got a 2x cr123 XML light that puts out 400 something lumens. Great little light


Sent from my iPhone... which probably auto-corrected something wrong
__________________
In Valor There is Hope
SCSU74 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-01-2012, 18:59   #25
Dexters
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: ga
Posts: 4,259
Here is my question - what is the minimum and maximum lumens needed?
__________________
Montani Semper Liberi
Dexters is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Advertisement
 
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump




All times are GMT -6. The time now is 17:54.



Homepage
FAQ
Forums
Calendar
Advertise
Gallery
GT Wiki
GT Blogs
Social Groups
Classifieds


Users Currently Online: 1,791
833 Members
958 Guests

Most users ever online: 5,723
Apr 16, 2009 at 11:36