I recently became a LEO and while my agency has provided me with a ton of equipment, a [good] flashlight has not been one of them. Thankfully, I stumbled on this forum a while back, but unfortunately I don’t know much, if anything at all, about flashlights and just reading a few threads it seems they can be quite a complex affair. So naturally, I defer to your expertise and knowledge when requesting some much needed guidance on selecting a flashlight that will be durable, compact, bright, and last but not least economical, as the dollar amount on gear has been adding up substantially to this point.
So ideally, what I’m looking for is two flashlights, one for my duty belt and then something ultra compact I can keep in a shirt pocket because it’s been drilled in my head to have a backup for the backup lol. I’d also prefer something that can be recharged, whether that’s in the form of rechargeable batteries or a USB charging port that I can utilize in my patrol vehicle.
I’ve been viewing the “18650 Reviews” thread and I’ve seen several lights such as the Manker U11, Olight S2 …not sure if these would be good options? Also if there’s a recommended website to purchase these and batteries from would be greatly appreciated.
Hi, I’ve no idea of LEO duty lights, but I always have a light in my shirt pocket!
I prefer single AAA lights, but 2xAAA pen lights are also an option and have better runtimes/performance. You are looking for something with a reversible clip (for cap mounting if needed) and at least two modes.
I recommend olight I3s, Thrunite Ti3, Ti4 and Ti5! If it may be a little bigger: Zebralight Sc52 is still shirt pocketable although an AA light!
Look at Nitecore MH20, i dont have it but looks good and it is from branded manufacturer as you need it for duty use. Or look at Fenix they have new ones iin RC series for build in rechargable light, or nitecore P20, with good backup battery you dont need it to recharge in car.
Waiting for it to test and write a review on it, but I really like the way the Convoy BD01/BD02 connect to the charger. The flimsy USB port is outside and not integrated in the light. It is in a attachment for a mcro USB cable with a button and you snap it on the button of the lights. While it charges you can use the lights. Pretty nice features.
I would recommend an Olight M1X striker.
You have a forward tail button to just make momentary light, if you click it full it keeps the light on.
The second button is an electronic switch, which is used to change modes (low-mid-high).
It has memory so when you switch on you get the last mode used.
Battery is included. However, I bought another battery with higher capacity and keep the included as a spare.
Good runtime on high. Manufacturer say it’s over 3 hours.
Forward clicky and mode switch on tail cap. Gives you the possibility for momentary on and it’s easier to operate together with a handgun than if it would have a side switch.
Direct access to strobe.
No memory, always comes on in high. Which I think is the most important thing. A tactical light should always come on in high. When I need less light, it’s just to step down. But when chasing a suspect or if I have to pull my gun on someone, I don’t have the time to start fiddling with the light. I want as much light as possible, instantly.
The beam is a good combination of spill and throw with no actual hot spot.
You can find some good reviews of this light on YouTube.
One of my close friends since childhood is now a LEO. He has streamlights for duty use. His only complaint with them is the CR123 battery life and cost.
When in doubt look at Fenix.
You can look at their site and trust their lumens and then once you know which type you want, you can ask for quality competitors who make a version of the light that appeals to you.
Browse the pages of PFlexPro and select a P60 light or my favorite, his Convoy M1. The P60 lights fit a lot of the surefire holsters for your duty gear.
PFlexPro lights are built tough with a guarantee to back them up. Worth every penny.
For a smaller light…. Thorfire TG06 runs on AA or rechargeable 14500’s… Small enough for full time back up, cheap enough to buy a few for when you wash the shirt with it still in the pocket… Member M4D M4X has a code to make them less than $12, or Amazon will have them to you quicker for $16.
Congrats on the LE position, use the position well, we all count on good people in those positions….
Light is your friend, carry a good light even in daytime… Dark corners and all that…
Hey Pegaso thanks for pointing out the memory issue, I didn’t even consider that. Definitely something I don’t want to be dealing with in a high-stress situation.
Turningbluechips, yeh from what I’ve read 18650 is the way to go, and I had some PM me a good deal on some quality rechargeable 18650 batteries, so I’ll probably avoid a streamlight for now.
Hey brad, yeh I’ve seen Fenix pop up quite a bit, they seem to be the go-to for pen-like pocket carry lights …will def. check out their AAA series
ReManG, seen Convoy pop-up quite a bit so kinda interested in those as well and thanks for the hook up with the code …for $12 I don’t think I could turn down a deal like that for a backup light. And thanks man, that’s the goal …majority of LEO’s are good people, appreciate your support.
Also, think about the UI of the light you have in mind.
For me it’s important to be able to operate all functions with the left hand only, since my right hand could be holding a weapon.
It’s also important that I can keep it in a steady grip and still use all functions.
Can’t use side switch due to ergonomics when holding a weapon.
And I don’t want to have to change grip if I have to change output.
This means that I have to be able to operate all functions with my thumb only from the tail cap.
It’s also easier with a tail cap switch when holding the light high searching for someone/something.
Let us know what you decide to go with.
And all though we are in different countries, welcome to the blue family. You have the best job
I would go with a forward switch, single mode light that runs off an 18650. You don’t have time to switch modes and fumble around with multiple switches. The battery should last a shift or two and it will be reliable given the source.
This with number 7 mode grouping or one that has no mode memory that starts on high always. Its hard to reach for anything if you are covering your eyes!
I carry a Solarforce with a single mode drop-in and a Convoy L4. For me the primary requirements were forward clicky and something that’s not going to change modes when switching the light on and off.
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For tactical use I’d never consider a side switch only light, takes too long to find the switch when every second counts. Klarus and Nitecore have a lot of designs with multiple switches that include a tactical switch to instantly activate Turbo or Strobe, for a while I thought those were great, but…
…I’ve come to the conclusion that K.I.S.S. (“Keep it simple, stupid”) makes the most sense for a critical situation. (I’m not in Law Enforcement, however I conceal carry and I’ve given much thought in consideration of a flashlight to depend on for personal protection.)
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I agree with ReManG & texas shooter on the single tail switch lights such as the Solarforce by pflexpro.
I’d go with the L2T version with exposed tactical switch & “cigar” grip ring:
“Tactical LED Flashlight: The Solarforce L2T has a unique design that allows the light to be held, gripping the rubber ring, between the fingers and pressing the protruding momentary switch with your palm or thumb. This design is popular with pistol shooters who can hold their pistol with two hands while having the flashlight in one hand. The light is aimed in the same direction as the pistol and only turns on with pressure from the palm.”
I’d also consult with pflex about using an XPL-HI U5-NW 5000K emitter & Smooth reflector for extended throw and better color rendition.
