flashlights - what brand is best?

[capper]

I'm just about to purchase a flashlight that is different from my issued light. Just hoping I could get some tips from you guys about what light you would recommend. I've used the big 4 battery Maglight in the past and it is just too bulky and too heavy. It also falls off my belt during foot chases.

[unhappycop]

Surefire, for sure. look at each one and buy what you an afford.

[shooter1201]

In a traditional flashlight, the (6) 'C'-celled Maglight is HARD to beat. It is MUCH easier to grasp than the 'D'-celled version. However...my personal favorites are ANY of the flashlights marketed by StreamLite. Pelican makes some nice lights, also, but battery life is VERY short with all that I have tried.

Check out all that GALL's has to offer. http://www.galls.com/

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HEARTS and MINDS
(2 to the chest, 1 to the head)

[Niteshift]

I'm a fan of the MagCharger. Plenty bright, good recharging system and I'm just so used to it.

I also you a Stinger, but they don't seem to hold a charge long enough and their charging sleeve allows them to get bumped off the contacts. http://www.officer.com/ubb/frown.gif

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Niteshift-
Perseverate In Pugna

[cajuncop]

I'm a StreamLite fan myself, the SL-20X model. I've dropped it several times, and it just keeps going without problems. Sure it's heavy, but I've used it before as an impact weapon, so I suppose that's a plus.

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Without the support of our fellow officers, sometimes we have no support at all.

[Sig220Man]

Streamlight SL-20 series. If you're used to a 4 battery Maglite, even the metal versions of the SL-20 will be light as a feather compared to the Maglite. The light coming out of that Streamlight will make any disposable-battery Maglite look pretty dim by comparison.

[Red5]

I like both the versitillity of the Mag Lite series of flashlights, as not only powerful lights but in a pinch a defensive impact weapon.
However, I also carry a "Scorpion" brand of flashlight on my duty rig, this is as small as a canister of defensive spray and is a lot less bulky to carry around. These start at generall $45 (U.S.C.) and up and are avalibel from Galls. www.galls.com (http://www.galls.com)

Scott

[Dave T]

The department issues the Mag Light Rechargable Mod: RX1019 and I would not replace it with any other full size. I have had mine since 96 and have yet to replace the rechargable battery. We also have charging units in every car which is handy since you don't have to look for your light you just reach out and it is where it always is. We train with the light as an impact weapon so having equipment that is functional in this role is important.

On my belt I carry a Surefire 6P. Great auxillary light which has 17,000 CP - more that almost any other its size.

Find one that is comfortable for you. Don't forget to shoot with it.

You can certainly find any light you choose at a cost significantly less than that charged by Galls. Do a search on the web -

Dave

[720]

I swear by Streamlight, the SL-20 has served my father just shy of 20 years without a problem and I love mine, only problem is my battery and that is my fault for not burning it down occasionally so I will take that misshap to blame.

[John from Maryland]

Maglite and Streamlight both make great products for a primary light. I've carrued a Maglite for years, but Streamlight's products are of high quality and do not have that annoying adjustable beam. Both the Streamlight and Maglite are handy as impact weapons (if that's authorized). While I have never carried the polymer Streamlight on the street, it does seem to have good "club head" speed.

Belt light are a different issue. I've carried Surefire for years. While I love Surefire for back-up and search work, their switch is problematic as a primary light. You need something that can be turned on and tucked under an arm while your using the radio or unholstering your burner. The Streamlight Stinger may be a better option if your belt light is your primary flashlight.

Don, please offer your perspective as to whether the young posse member should choose cedar or oak from the campfire for a torch when pursuing cattle rustlers or bushwackers.

Be safe.

[Don]

Hey There - I don't have to stay here and take this abuse. I can just go home and abuse myself! er, uh, http://www.officer.com/ubb/eek.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/redface.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/tongue.gif http://www.officer.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Why do they call it "Tourist Season" if you can't shoot them?
6P1 (retired)

[Pugzly]

I carry both a Surefire 9N (duty bag) and a 6P (belt). My duty Glock 22 has a Streamlight M3 light attached that's phenominal, and our shotguns have the Surefire forends. Previously, I had a Scorpion light in a http://www.quik2see.com mount for my Glocks.

I've used the rechargeable Mag lights, but I don't really like them much any more. The smaller lights are always on your belt and handy, and put out some serious candle power.
If you can, stick to Surefire or Streamlight.

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"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That

[Sotex]

I have a personal Streamlight Stinger on my belt, and a dept. Stinger XT in a charger in the car. They use the same charger, so if I'm doing a lot of light work, I can rotate them on the scene.

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God, I love my job!-Porthos

[shooter1201]

I have to supply all my own personal duty equipment, and flashlights fall under that heading. I just bought THE BEST flashlight I have ever used. I got a Pelican 'Black Knight' from Galls....40,000 CP(A rechargable Streamlight is ONLY 30,000 CP by comparison). Cost: $29.
AWESOME light!
http://www.galls.com

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HEARTS and MINDS

[Glock]

Try the UltraStinger by streamlight. About as big as a 3 cell MagLight and in an emergency can be used as an aircraft landing light at 70,000 cp.