So, I’m going on a trip to Europe. Great.
However, some of the the places I am going to (France for example) are notorious for leaving normal folks like me unarmed and vulnerable. No weapons are allowed whatsoever. No knives, no pepper spray. No nunchucks. nada.
Additionally, certain places I plan on visiting actually search you (almost like airport screening) so its not just about keeping a real weapon concealed. A flashlight I can explain. A spyderco not so much.
So I’m thinking of keeping a flashlight with me for “Tactical” use.
I will be walking around in the evenings/night in unfamiliar surroundings. I figure a flash and smash will at least give me some chance if I actually need to defend myself.
I don’t have a huge “arsenal” of tactical flashlights. I have some sipik sk68’s and variuos related clones. But I think they are too small for any real damage and not blinding enough to make an attacker flinch/see spots.
I think a pocketable 18650 is needed to be bright enough and big enough to actually help.
I don’t have many 18650’s but I do have a Zeusray. Its powerful enough to be blinding. Small enough to carry around on my pocket/belt.
Any thoughts on using the Zeusray in this manner?
I’m open to other BUDGET flashlights but given the long shipping times I doubt I have enough time to order one before the trip (2 weeks from now).
Any other suggestions to carry around for defensive purposes that can be legitimately explained and not get me into hot water?
You could carry an extremely stale baguette! Those things can be like a lethal Kubotan with a well positioned strike.
And who needs pepper spray in the pocket when you can carry an onion garland round your neck. That’ll make one’s eyes sting.
oh yeah…ball it up in your fist…good support for punching if needed, but the crenelated bezel…give a badguy a whack on the temple and they won’t wanna play with you no more
Just remember folks…disarming the innocent does NOT make criminals less dangerous!
Hmm, idk about a zeusray, it seemed pretty weakly constructed to me (others may disagree). I’d say get a Solarforce L2T (with SS bezel) or a Convoy M2. More solid construction, as bright or brighter than the Zeusray, and you can get a forward clicky with the solarforce that will make blinding someone quicker/easier.
For a light firstly for self defense and secondly for normal flashlight use, I would want:
Pilotdog has the right idea. I would suggest the nitecore p10 or p20.
Or the smaller klarus xt1c.
There’s a group buy for the new Sunwayman g25c going on right now. But I’m not sure if you ll receive this on time.
All these lights have a separate switch for instant strobe from off mode. Very self defense like and tactical.
Also of great value to pedestrians, thanks for the list, I needed this just for crossing streets at night around where I live.
(nitecore p10 or p20, klarus xt1c, Sunwayman g25c)
Instant strobe from whatever, would also be useful.
Just a side note, self defense tools are just not needed around here. I’ve never encountered any situation whatsoever, here or in France or all the other countries I’ve visited, where I’d had to use a knife other then cutting my apple or opening a letter. Walking at night is totally fine. But carrying a flashlight for lightning purposes is always useful. IIRC French laws allow for non locking blades up to a certain length. But there is just no point, nothing will happen anyways and tools just make the damage worse.
Please be aware that in many European countries, although self defense is totally fine the responses have to be proportionate to be justified. Meaning that if they’re not it could get you in trouble.
I wonder if you could get away with this? Coincidentally, I was just looking at this last night and thought it was a great idea as an alternative to all the “Klingon” self defense bezels.
Ships from USA. You didn’t say what country you live in but for me this is showing 2-6 days delivery.
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Some quotes from the description:
Excellent self defense weapon that can be taken to places where other weapons are not allowed
Designed to be used as kubotan
Unscrew front ring to repel the attacker
500 lumens max brightness but performs better than other flashlights claiming to be up 2000 lumen
Available in both Black or Brown color (click the photos for links) Tail Spike looks wicked!!
You convinced me. I had been pushing off buying a convoy for a while but I think it would be much better - much more solid - than a ZRay.
The Zray is the brightest light I have so I figured I’d use it for this purpose.
Any reason why an M2 specifically rather than say an S2?
Just a cultural thing I guess, I pretty much all the time carry a pocket knife (nothing special, locking or not up to 8cm blade at the most) and that often times gets me weird looks around here.
Only thing to watch out for are pickpockets at touristy places or metros.
I hope you bring enough time to enjoy your stay. It’ll be a blast.
It has a mildly crenelated stainless steel bezel. A steel bezel shows a potential attacker that its not a cheap plastic flashight. Crenelations should provide a little bit more pain if you get jabbed in the face but doesn’t look too aggressive to cops.
Also an M2 is throwier, narrower light beam. S2 is more floody. Imo I rather have a narrower beam to get more light in their face.
Take a look at some tourist tips online.
Wallet in a your front pants pocket or better, front chest pocket of your coat. ID and extra cash in a hidden money belt or ankle wallet. If someone demands your wallet, just hand it over. Keep anything actually important hidden away.
