The Tactical Flashlight

[Vic303]

Novatac 85T from Lighthound is a good buy. Programmable if you do the 'trick' to unlock the programming, but I like my 85T in stock config. Very bright, very small, runs on 1xcr123, can handle rechargeable cells, very good strobe. I may EDC mine once I get some safe rechargeables for it.

[killerfly128]

My stock 6P is plenty in a house but outdoors or in a warehouse I might want more light.

See the link I posted above you ... it is a drop in LED unit that puts out 290 luminun VS. the 65 that it has stock.

[AEA]

Why splurge on the LED model when you can just order a new LED unit for the regular 6P for $9.10 shipped?

I did the same thing and it is a great upgrade to a standard 6P. After buying one for I believe that 9+ price, I ended up buying 2 more for 11-12 each (not sure why the price went up) as one for a backup for me and another for my Son's 6P who is a Cop in Canada. He loves it!

[Vic303]

If you really want the BEST drop in for the 6P series lights, then you gotta get a Malkoff.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AEA]

If you really want the BEST drop in for the 6P series lights, then you gotta get a Malkoff.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When they get to the 15-20 dollar range I would consider them. Otherwise, I will keep what I got!

[Lindy]

The real specs for a "tactical" flashlight depend on the arena you play in.

The flashlights needs of a police officer - who may have to search the aforementioned warehouse - are a lot different from those of a civilian who may need to find something in the dark, or identify an assailant at close range.

I have a Gladius, which has three modes. One is a variable-intensity light on a click-on click-off switch suitable for general work, one is a strobe with a push-and-hold switch, and one is a full-intensity bright light on a push-and-hold switch.

Very useful. I also have a veritable plethora of Surefire 6P type lights converted to LED bulbs.

But bear in mind that if you're out at night, the prime requirement must be for a light that you will always have with you.

Like the .38 snubby many people wind up with in their pocket - a small and light gun which you can always carry - a small compact but bright light that you can drop in a pocket may not be the best all-purpose light - but less than the best light is a lot better than NO light.

[killerfly128]

If you really want the BEST drop in for the 6P series lights, then you gotta get a Malkoff.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

When they get to the 15-20 dollar range I would consider them. Otherwise, I will keep what I got!

x2

[bayouhazard]

If you really want the BEST drop in for the 6P series lights, then you gotta get a Malkoff.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

At that price they better be fantastic. Buying that device would take almost his whole budget, leaving no money for the flashlight that the device goes in.

[suthdj]

I can not see how a light is tactical if you are engaging at night the last thing you want is to be an illuminated target or am I missing something?

[A-R]

I'll second the recommendation for the Surefire 6P, but I paid a bit more (on eBay) and got the LED model. I'm still unsure on a lot of the tech specs and features, but I know that my 6P LED mounted on my AR-15 is absolutely BLINDING at night.

Why splurge on the LED model when you can just order a new LED unit for the regular 6P for $9.10 shipped?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11836" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Honestly, didn't even know this was available. But on eBay I only paid about $10 more than the $40 + $9 you paid and got a brand-new in box 6P LED with all stock Surefire parts and a full Surefire warranty. Of course, changing out that ridiculous Surefire twist-activated tail switch to a push button type cost some extra.

Have you had good luck with your aftermarket LED bulb? Might try that route next time now that I know about it.

[A-R]

I can not see how a light is tactical if you are engaging at night the last thing you want is to be an illuminated target or am I missing something?

That's why you use (and practice with) a tac light with a quick-activated on/off push botton tail switch. So you can "pulse" your target with a blinding beam of light (very disorienting to your target - hence the expression "like a deer in headlights"), then change your position while you are "dark", then blast with light again to verify if the need to put rounds on target actually exists. IMHO it is highly irresponsible to use a firearm at night without some type of illumination so you can positively identify your target before firing. If you cannot illuminate your target, how do you know that "bump in the night" is not a cat or, God forbid, your wife or child.

[TxDrifter]

I must be really cheap. I have several of these: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/naviga ... tem=381032" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; One by my nightstand, one in each vehicle and one in my computer bag. They aren't Surefire, but they are very bright and inexpensive.

[The Annoyed Man]

you're asking for a lot of features for that price range .

Yep. I wouldn't expect to find all those features in something costing under $100-$125.00.

[Roscoe]

I have four Surefire 6P's, and they're all good lights. I bought an eGear Xr130 from Brigade Quartermaster for $30.00. It has an LED lens and is brighter than any of my Surefires. A big selling point of the LED lights, the batteries last longer and the 123 batteries are expensive little buggers.

One thing to remember; if you have a Surefire stuck in your 5.11's or bdu's while grabbing a seat in a helo, jeep or truck you may end up branding yourself. Guys think its funny when they see a buddy's light glowing inside his pants pocket. The 6P especially heats up really fast. Best to back off on the end cap a turn or two before loading into a vehicle.

[NAVY CHIEF]

Old thread, but I found this in case anyone is interested.

http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Ally-PL3,1008,1457.htm
and
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Sentin ... 0,1457.htm
can't forget this
http://www.blackhawk.com/product/Night- ... 9,1457.htm


"Carry" on!