strobbing Flashlight

[sgtallen28]

I saw on Personal Defense TV the host using a strobe LED flashlight, giving tips and hints on how to utilize it in a defensive situation. Can anyone recommend or provide a link to a pretty good quality one? im looking to stay under 100 if possible. Thanks

[KinnyLee]

Only 2 that I know of are the Insight H2X Typhoon, and NightOps Gladius which are patented, but made and badged by Insight.
Both lights are identical and similar in price. If you look around, you may find one for $149.
They are great lights, but the only thing I don't like about them are the draining of the batteries when you leave them sitting. Using them on a regular basis, you may not see much battery drainage, but if you leave it alone for a few weeks, you soon find out you need new batteries.

[KinnyLee]

Actually just found this, and they are not a bad deal.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/inh2xtyledil.html

[Syntax360]

Fenix makes an awesome little light that strobes (180+ lumen) - check their store out here. I got to play with the P2D this weekend and I'm definitely ordering one - blindingly bright, small enough for keychain carry, and the strobe function is highly disorientating (though it's not a fancy "special" strobe like Gladius makes). The prices are pretty competitive, too ($50-100 depending on model and options).

[Keith B]

If you don't mind a cheaper Chinese flashlight, have one of the CREE LED lights from here http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.strobe#901. You just need to determine if the switch will let you go back to the previous mode you were in. Mine has to cycle between low-high-strobe with the push of the button. Still really bright (about 120 lumens) and rechargable. It is pretty well made for the money.

[KBCraig]

I can't imagine using a strobe in a self defense situation. The strobe effect works on you just like it does on the subject (except for the blinding aspect of looking into the light, that is). I definitely wouldn't want to shoot where the target used to be based on the latent image on my retinas.

[Keith B]

The stobe rate is not fast enough on mine to do the old 'disco freeze motion' thing. The srtrobe effect is a little more distracting, but as KBCraig said, it works on the user too. I do like the fact mine is very bright and concentrated, with a secondary light ring that covers a fairly good area without being too wide spread. It also runs a LONG time on one charge. I did not run it down and had it on high power for about 2 hours.

All in all, not a bad deal for about $40.

[KD5NRH]

I can't imagine using a strobe in a self defense situation. The strobe effect works on you just like it does on the subject (except for the blinding aspect of looking into the light, that is). I definitely wouldn't want to shoot where the target used to be based on the latent image on my retinas.

The main use would be for places you can't carry, or, with a light that switches back to normal mode easily, to use the strobe while drawing and moving, then shoot with steady light.

Fast strobes on moving objects can be exceptionally disorienting. Our previous sheriff learned that after he had xenon strobes installed in the backup lights of a couple of the patrol cars. Even when they were parked, approaching traffic would be confused, and coming up on a moving car with those things active seemed to cause traffic to go random places; off the road to either side, driectly into the back of the car, etc.

[WarHawk-AVG]

The LEO doing our CHL fingerprinting had a flashing light..it had a flash to where it almost made you physically ill.

I sure hope the badguy ain't a epileptic..wooh

[rbraughn]

The streamlight Stinger LED also has a strobe function....a little large for concealed carry/combat shooting, but is a VERY nice light....very bright, and in addition to the strobe function, you can also dim it to different levels to increase the battery life.

[aardwolf]

Many of the lights with a strobe are click switch and don't have a momentary on. That makes them no good for me as a tactical light but the Fenix lights are pretty good general use flashlights. Too bad they're made in China.

[Skiprr]

Here's a relatively new market entry from First Light that looks promising. It's the "Tomahawk," and seems far more practical for CHLers than their "Liberator" model:





Three brightness modes up to 120 lumens (not overwhelming, but adequate). Uses standard CR123 batteries. Comes in an "LE" model not shown on the Website that has the strobe function, plus red-and-blue alternating LEDs that simulate a partol car beater bar. The "NV" version includes 880 nv infrared output for nightvision use (pretty cool), but no strobe. The "ST" has the strobe, but no colored LEDs. Interestingly, the dimension of the light face seems to be the same, so I don't know whether the "NV" and "ST" models have a tighter white beam because of a smaller reflective cone.

Built-in, MOLLE-compatible belt clip is a nice feature; it rotates so you can swing the bezel close to your body for normal carry, or twist it forward if you need hands-free light at the ranch. It's on the big size compared to tiny carry lights: 5.7 ounces and 3.4" tall x 2.4" long x 1.5" thick. Only thing that concerns me there is the thickness, and where the retention ring lies when it's clipped to your belt; the footprint may actually be a little thicker if the ring is sticking out to the side. But I like the controls set-up more than other strobing lights I've looked at---much nicer temporary-on button--and the retention system looks logical and innovative.

They're not at the cheap end, though. I've found 'em for about $20 lower than MSRP, which puts the strobing ST model at $150, the NV at $180, and the LE at $200. Still may be something I have to try, though. John Farnam says he's been carrying one for a couple of weeks and gives it a thumbs-up; says it's his constant carry now.

[fm2]

I think the strobe light for defense is mostly marketing. I attended an excellent lecture by Tom Givens recently on the evolution of the flashlights & techniques as it relates to shooting.



We also got to try the Tomahawk light. I think the clip & it's size make it more of a tac vest item or bedside light.

[Paladin]

I think the strobe light for defense is mostly marketing. I attended an excellent lecture by Tom Givens recently on the evolution of the flashlights & techniques as it relates to shooting.

Would love to hear a summary of the lecture. Light technology is moving so fast it's hard to stay on top of it.

[fm2]

Paladin, I'll post the AAR in the adv. training section.