Sugguestion: $150, battery included, EDC and self-defense

QMT93 · 2019-06-04T20:29:15.000Z

@sp5it: The Maglite 6D does not provide a 1,000 lm beam though

WalkIntoTheLight · 2019-06-04T20:43:14.000Z

QMT93:

@sp5it: The Maglite 6D does not provide a 1,000 lm beam though

Yeah, but it’s a maglite, so the robber will see it and figure out you’re not worth his time.

QMT93 · 2019-06-04T20:45:45.000Z

LOL.

Any other suggestions?

CREEXHP70LED · 2019-06-04T21:45:33.000Z

I am sure you know that almost all of these lights step down and don’t run what they state on the package most of the time. They use FL1 Standards, which is false advertising in my opinion. There are honest companies and exceptions.

Example: For the Acebeam L16… High: 1000lms, 1hour 12minutes, 46560cd, 431m
Turbo: 2000lms, 1hour 6minutes, 90800cd, 603m

This isn’t happening, your not going to get twice the lumens and have the exact same run time. 2000 lumens for a couple minutes then a step down.

You have done a lot of research. I have yet to give into USB rechargeable lights though, so my help is highly limited. (You did mention self defense though). I like the cells removable whether they are primaries or rechargeable. I am one of the very, few people here that use only CR123A cells when I need a light to work 100% of the time. In a 3 cell light one cell will go bad. The lumens will drop, but you still have light, even if 2 cells go bad you will still have light. I come home and then test them. I always find at least one good cell, and most of the time I keep that cell and toss the bad ones. I use the good cell in a S1 Baton.

I can tell you from personal experience, back when the 500 lumen Surefire M6 was the king. I was being chased by a drunk guy around my truck. I was backing up and blasting him in his fully night adapted eyes with it. Sometimes constantly, sometimes I manually strobed it directly into his fully night adapted vision, and it barely slowed him down. (a little bit, but not much). We both ended up in a persons front yard I quickly got a blood choke on him and he took a nice nap.

Flashlights are the best tool for situational awareness in the dark. Most criminals will avoid people using bright lights and look for another target just from seeing that you have a light even if you never see them. (I know this from my previous work). Begin extra credit info: Meth heads might actually have the largest flashlight collections bar none, because they are out tweaking all night 3-10 days with no sleep. You will never find a tweaker without a light. They also are paranoid and will think anyone with a 1000 lumen light is a cop. ( Just trust me on this ) End extra credit info

Anyway, back on topic. I would say forget strobe, it is useless. Just get something bright for a decent amount of time with a dead stupid switch on the tailcap you can’t forget. Mash it and have another way to defend yourself, because light doesn’t work well in a fight.

texas_shooter · 2019-06-04T22:10:46.000Z

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

BlueSwordM · 2019-06-04T22:15:04.000Z

If you really want something monstrous though:

Nealsgadgets

NightWatch Avaritia NA40GT 3 XHP50.2 12000lm LED Flashlight

Price: USD 75.95

That thing will not only blind everybody, but hitting someone with it could probably kill them.

Lightbringer · 2019-06-04T22:24:57.000Z

What about the C8F-21700? Takes a 21700 or 18650 with a sleeve. No built-in charging, but can probably get a cell with onboard charger. Sideclicky sets modes and soft on/off, rear tailclicky is momentary-on and remembers its last mode. Something like 2000lm, can probably sustain 1000lm forever as it’s pretty beefy and sheds heat well.

Blah blah blah. Nice light.

Deputy_Dog · 2019-06-04T23:07:20.000Z

texas shooter

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. https://www.nealsgadgets.com/collections/mateminco/products/mateminco-tk…

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

Nice find! Does that have a tail switch as well?

QMT93 · 2019-06-05T01:08:33.000Z

@CREEXHP70LED

That’s a real bummer. I honestly initially thought the light output drops only at turbo, given how the specs are described. With that in mind, I want to look for something that will stay at at least 1,000 lms until the battery dies, i.e. will not drop because of heat.

That said, I do see your point on strobe. In that sense, I’d say I’m looking for a rechargeable light with tail switch, and will stay at 1,000 lms for at least an hour before the battery dies. Momentary light would be nice, but a sustainable 1,000+ lumens for 1+hr is top priority. The Surefire Fury DFT is one of the 28 for this reason.

Your story is intriguing to read. Thanks!

@texas shooter

This is the Astrolux TK01, a brand by Banggood.com. I just found out about it this morning and have been reading reviews on it. Thanks for reminding me about this! Banggood.com stops selling TK01 on their site, only TK02 and TK03
By the way, @Deputy Dog mentioned you in his/her comment and I thought it’s a flashlight brand/store, for which I google’d “texas shooter flashlight” and there was an actual site of a physical store selling tactical gears LOL Weapon flashlights – Texas Shooter's Supply

@BlueSwordM

Thanks for the suggestion! I don’t mind the size, as long as it’s not too big for me to take out of my backpack fast when I need to.

@Deputy Dog

Here’s a review of the Mateminco TK01: [Unboxing] MATEMINCO TK01 Tactical Flashlight (Astrolux FT01)

CREEXHP70LED · 2019-06-05T01:31:35.000Z

texas shooter:

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

I would buy a external charger like you recommend. I would also epoxy the USB port completely shut and then replace the cover when the epoxy is still setting and then it would be a cheap way to get around a real problem as long as a high quality epoxy is used. Those charging ports are just for sales, and convenience for the user. Not for reliability, but we all know that……………… :person_facepalming:

4492011 · 2019-06-05T01:40:05.000Z

The TK01 is super heavy, and heavy duty. You would be lifting weights all the time.

texas_shooter · 2019-06-05T02:11:38.000Z

Deputy Dog:

texas shooter

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. https://www.nealsgadgets.com/collections/mateminco/products/mateminco-tk…

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

Nice find! Does that have a tail switch as well?

Tail switch is on/off only the side switch does the rest. Slight twist of the tail and it’s locked out. Also the side switch goes green when under 50% and red when under 20%. It ran on low for 3+ weeks before it turned off. High will run for well over 30 minutes sitting as is before it get very hot to pick up and use.

texas_shooter · 2019-06-05T02:15:39.000Z

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

I would buy a external charger like you recommend. I would also epoxy the USB port completely shut and then replace the cover when the epoxy is still setting and then it would be a cheap way to get around a real problem as long as a high quality epoxy is used. Those charging ports are just for sales, and convenience for the user. Not for reliability, but we all know that……………… :person_facepalming:

All true in my experience. Lights good for years and the port cap fails after a few uses.

CREEXHP70LED · 2019-06-05T02:24:02.000Z

texas shooter:

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

I would buy a external charger like you recommend. I would also epoxy the USB port completely shut and then replace the cover when the epoxy is still setting and then it would be a cheap way to get around a real problem as long as a high quality epoxy is used. Those charging ports are just for sales, and convenience for the user. Not for reliability, but we all know that……………… :person_facepalming:

All true in my experience. Lights good for years and the port cap fails after a few uses.

So you epoxy your USB charging ports?

texas_shooter · 2019-06-05T02:25:09.000Z

QMT93:

@texas shooter

This is the Astrolux TK01, a brand by Banggood.com. I just found out about it this morning and have been reading reviews on it. Thanks for reminding me about this! Banggood.com stops selling TK01 on their site, only TK02 and TK03
By the way, @Deputy Dog mentioned you in his/her comment and I thought it’s a flashlight brand/store, for which I google’d “texas shooter flashlight” and there was an actual site of a physical store selling tactical gears LOL Weapon flashlights – Texas Shooter's Supply

Banggood sells it as the FT01 not TK01 and it’s still listed. texasshooterssupply.com is not me, but soo many lovely toys.

texas_shooter · 2019-06-05T02:45:15.000Z

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

I would buy a external charger like you recommend. I would also epoxy the USB port completely shut and then replace the cover when the epoxy is still setting and then it would be a cheap way to get around a real problem as long as a high quality epoxy is used. Those charging ports are just for sales, and convenience for the user. Not for reliability, but we all know that……………… :person_facepalming:

All true in my experience. Lights good for years and the port cap fails after a few uses.

So you epoxy your USB charging ports?

On some I potted the electronics all together. Some I just leave sealed. This one I’ll boost then pot but I do procrastinate a bit. Silicone potting from https://www.epoxysetinc.com will cover most of your needs.

CREEXHP70LED · 2019-06-05T02:56:31.000Z

texas shooter:

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

CREEXHP70LED:

texas shooter:

With coupon it’s $52.77 it takes 21700 batteries and weighs enough to run on high for a long time or crown some one king for awhile. MATEMINCO TK01 XHP50.2 2215LM 310m 21700 Tactical Led Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

I equipped a few deputies with them and they all carry and love it. It’s built like a tank with very easy controls. I do recommend an external charger to spare the charging port plug from loosing its water proofing. The smooth stainless steel bezel is solid with a good edge. The tail has three great teeth. It’s cheap enough not to care when using it as a striking tool.

I would buy a external charger like you recommend. I would also epoxy the USB port completely shut and then replace the cover when the epoxy is still setting and then it would be a cheap way to get around a real problem as long as a high quality epoxy is used. Those charging ports are just for sales, and convenience for the user. Not for reliability, but we all know that……………… :person_facepalming:

All true in my experience. Lights good for years and the port cap fails after a few uses.

So you epoxy your USB charging ports?

On some I potted the electronics all together. Some I just leave sealed. This one I’ll boost then pot but I do procrastinate a bit. Silicone potting from https://www.epoxysetinc.com will cover most of your needs.

I roll hard, I see they have thermal epoxy. More my speed. lol.

QMT93 · 2019-06-08T02:58:28.000Z

texas shooter:

Tail switch is on/off only the side switch does the rest. Slight twist of the tail and it’s locked out. Also the side switch goes green when under 50% and red when under 20%. It ran on low for 3+ weeks before it turned off. High will run for well over 30 minutes sitting as is before it get very hot to pick up and use.

Hi,

Does it stay on high until the battery can no longer sustain the output? Also, I’ll be holding it while using, so does the above number still apply?

texas_shooter · 2019-06-08T03:36:47.000Z

QMT93:

texas shooter:

Tail switch is on/off only the side switch does the rest. Slight twist of the tail and it’s locked out. Also the side switch goes green when under 50% and red when under 20%. It ran on low for 3+ weeks before it turned off. High will run for well over 30 minutes sitting as is before it get very hot to pick up and use.

Hi,

Does it stay on high until the battery can no longer sustain the output? Also, I’ll be holding it while using, so does the above number still apply?

It’ll run high, 1300 lumens for about 1.25 hours with the Samsung 50E 21700. Holding a light lets your hand act as a cooling conduit as does colder weather. It’s shear mass allows the sitting by itself for 30 minute run time. It could probably run the whole 1.25 hour. It would however be to hot to pick up and hold that way. I live in warm to hot Texas. In cooler Yankee lands it’ll stay cooler.

QMT93 · 2019-06-08T03:44:25.000Z

I see. Thank you for the information!