Flashlight options

[wvd1979]

Hi folks. I work as an unarmed security officer at a biotech facility in Maryland. I have thought about replacing my AA mini Mag Lite with something a little more powerful. My current idea is to get a Streamlight Stinger.

Anybody have experience with this flashlight or have a personal preference?

[3rd_shift]

That is a very good choice.
I really wish you would get that light if no other.
Otherwise, go check out www.candlepowerforums.com to learn even more about making your job really fun with flashlights. ;)

By the way, i have worked as an armed guard and still relied heavily on a good-a$$ flashlight. :)

[N. A. Corbier]

If you want stock, I suggest a Streamlight Strion over the Stinger. Why? Because I need a ginnea pig... I mean, um, its smaller than the stinger, and therefore weighs less and works on a belt better.

Due note, if you go packing a 9 inch flashlight on your regular trouser belt, you will quickly note it slides around, jabs into you, etc. I always suggest buying a Uncle Mikes or DutyPro (www.qmuniforms.com (http://www.qmuniforms.com)) 2 1/2 nylon duty belt to carry a belt mounted flashlight on. You may already have one, working biotech, for a radio and/or gloves.

Wearing duty rig accessories on a trouser belt not only looks stupid, IMHO, it will definately eat your belt into shreds.

[wvd1979]

I'll take a look at the Strion. Didn't really consider it. I have to agree with you that it looks silly to have 20 equipment pouches on a regular trouser belt. Fortunately, I don't need to wear a duty rig...so the compact powerful light idea might work well.

[N. A. Corbier]

I'll take a look at the Strion. Didn't really consider it. I have to agree with you that it looks silly to have 20 equipment pouches on a regular trouser belt. Fortunately, I don't need to wear a duty rig...so the compact powerful light idea might work well.

When carrying my Stinger (Original) outside of work, I'd back pocket it. I liked it because its a good light, its considered a "workmans light," so its not weird for a private citizen to carry one, and it also came in handy as an impact weapon/control tool if needs be, like a super kubaton.

But, generally, when your going to stick a 9 inch light on your waist, you need a case for it. And unless you use a RippOff case, or find a regular case, they're all made for duty and/or contractor belts, at 2 inches wide.

[wvd1979]

Actually, when I worked security at a college one of the campus safety guys carried his Stinger in an ASP baton holder. They're about the same diameter so it worked pretty well for him.

[N. A. Corbier]

Actually, when I worked security at a college one of the campus safety guys carried his Stinger in an ASP baton holder. They're about the same diameter so it worked pretty well for him.

Awhile back, ASP made the original Sidebreak Scabbard. This is the one that didn't rotate, and the polymer was more pliable.

What alot of us, and by us, I mean security, police, and deputies, would do was hit a store, buy ALL their sidebreak scabbards, and then use them for both baton and Stinger holder. The gun stores in the area couldn't keep up.

Now, here's the reason why. You put your baton behind your gun, and your stinger behind your radio. Both of em are perfectly situated to draw using the "That's so not covered by your warranty" method.

Grap your baton, or the head of your stinger, and pull it sharply down and sideways. The sidebreak scabbard will let the baton or flashlight body through the center opening, creating this very loud "SNAP" sound. This was extremely quick, usually extended the baton rigid when drawn as such, and made this horrible snapping sound that intimidated people.

I understand the new rotational scabbards have a denser polymer that will rip the grip right off an ASP Federal baton.

[aaron]

To be honest i find that the maglite 4D cell works fine, lights up the area quicky and brightly so i use that, on my rig belt from left i have radio, speedcuffs, phone holder,rigid tri hinged cuffs (middle back rear) then at ma right aiming towards ma left as i am left handed asp 21" extenable

[N. A. Corbier]

To be honest i find that the maglite 4D cell works fine, lights up the area quicky and brightly so i use that, on my rig belt from left i have radio, speedcuffs, phone holder,rigid tri hinged cuffs (middle back rear) then at ma right aiming towards ma left as i am left handed asp 21" extenable

The idea is not to spend hundreds of dollars on D cell batteries. And yet, again, more with the illegal offensive weapon. And a small one, at that.

[Charger]

I carry a Stinger myself, and swear by it for duty work... I haven't tried the Strion or any of the other new lights yet, but when I was shopping for a light a few years ago everyone I talked to said that the best ones out there were Stingers and the line of tactical lights made by Surefire.... You might wanna look into those, because a lot of them are smaller than the Stinger, and might work better for you...

Another note on carrying, If you're one of those lucky guys whose department gets the trousers with the SAP pockets in the back (the little extra pockets below the regular ones) you can carry it in there... I did that alot with my previous company, and it was a LOT more comfortable than the belt holder...

[N. A. Corbier]

I carry a Stinger myself, and swear by it for duty work... I haven't tried the Strion or any of the other new lights yet, but when I was shopping for a light a few years ago everyone I talked to said that the best ones out there were Stingers and the line of tactical lights made by Surefire.... You might wanna look into those, because a lot of them are smaller than the Stinger, and might work better for you...

Another note on carrying, If you're one of those lucky guys whose department gets the trousers with the SAP pockets in the back (the little extra pockets below the regular ones) you can carry it in there... I did that alot with my previous company, and it was a LOT more comfortable than the belt holder...

The problem with Surefire is that your paying hundreds of dollars for those little lithium batteries. I used to carry a surefire. 6P, I think it was. The lithium batteries DIED (They were full charge) when a freeze hit. The temp was about 25 degrees outside, and boom, turned on my surefire, and got about 2 minutes out of it.

[Charger]

Wow... wasn't aware they were that temperature sensitive... Good to know! :D

[OccamsRazor]

The problem with Surefire is that your paying hundreds of dollars for those little lithium batteries. I used to carry a surefire. 6P, I think it was. The lithium batteries DIED (They were full charge) when a freeze hit. The temp was about 25 degrees outside, and boom, turned on my surefire, and got about 2 minutes out of it.

I've always bought the batteries direct from Surefire's website...12 of them for $15 is a far better deal than a retail store. Never had the temp problem though, and I've used them at -60* (I don't EVEN wanna know what the windchill was).

Best set-up I ever used was the poly-body Streamlight (SL-20?), with the Stinger backing it up, and a Surefire G2 as a last-resort...Then I met the 'Aviator', and all was lost, heh.

[3rd_shift]

If you can find the right Chinese online dealer, you can even find those batteries cheaper still from where they are often made,
China.
I have yet to experience a problem with any of the lithium cr123's related to temperature.
Every single one I have had worked like a champ so far.

Where did you get those batteries from and what brand were they?

The Surefire brand has had a mixed reputation.
No plans here to buy any on my end as a result.
Most other major brands have usually done well.

[Bill Warnock]

This is a piece written while federally employed. You may find it of some use.

?The Common Battery?

Both the government and the private sector use a lot of batteries in the performance of their varied roles in providing products and services. The purpose of this article is to inform readers on the selection criteria used when buying a battery, regardless of type, i.e., primary cell (lithium, alkaline, mercury and carbon-zinc) or secondary cell, the rechargeable kind.

When a battery-operated device stops working properly or works sporadically, we open it up and replace the battery. If the device has fails repeatedly, we throw the device away without another thought. Simple solution, right? No, not always. In many instances, the wrong battery was used initially to power the device or a wrong replacement was chosen.

From flashlights to smoke detectors to whatever, circuit designers design a device to operate at special impedance or more accurately, with matched impedance from a particular power source.

Before we go any further ? ?What is impedance matching?? Impedance matching is the connecting across a source impedance, the battery, to another impedance, the load (hand-held metal detectors, flashlights, pagers, portable radios, and so forth), having the same magnitude and phase angle or other circuit characteristics.

If you notice battery usage increase for a particular device or group of devices, the suggested method to overcome this problem is correct battery replacement. Order only those batteries specified by the manufacturer as written in the device?s operating instructions. Specific instructions to the procurement or supply personnel should be: ?No substitutions allowed without the expressed WRITTEN permission from the action officer.?

If batteries are on sale at a remarkable price, or we?ll cut-a-deal= forgetting the pitfalls, the problem rests entirely on our shoulders.

When purchasing batteries, we must also consider shelf life. The correct definition of shelf life is: ?The length of time under very specific conditions at which a battery retains its suitability.? We should not be overly surprised if the label states: ?Shelf life 18 months from date of manufacture, stored at 70o Fahrenheit, with 50% humidity,? buying them two years after the date stamped on the carton.

To add insult to injury, we buy batteries from a store whose temperature and humidity rival a South American jungle, after six months storage in a refrigerator, one week after installation we discover the device stops working. We become upset because the battery leaked and ruined the device, or at best, made a mess hard to clean up.

Secondary cells, rechargeable types, require the same degree of selectivity; however, their operation and performance are different from the primary cell. Some older designed secondary cells develop memory, that is, if not totally discharged from time to time, they will not fully charge. If left in a re-charger unit and used in that same fashion, the secondary cell will not be properly exercised, deteriorate rapidly, necessitating needless replacement. The newer generations of secondary cells develop memory at a slower rate than the older ones. Rule of thumb, ?Follow the manufacturer?s instructions in all instances.?

Enjoy the day,
Bill

[N. A. Corbier]

Energizer Lithium. As I'm about to run out with the girlfriend, who just got out of the hospital, for the "go to her family's" dinner, I'll have to read Bill's article more in depth when I return. I did notice the words "impedence," however.

[bigdog]

Awhile back, ASP made the original Sidebreak Scabbard. This is the one that didn't rotate, and the polymer was more pliable.

What alot of us, and by us, I mean security, police, and deputies, would do was hit a store, buy ALL their sidebreak scabbards, and then use them for both baton and Stinger holder. The gun stores in the area couldn't keep up.

Now, here's the reason why. You put your baton behind your gun, and your stinger behind your radio. Both of em are perfectly situated to draw using the "That's so not covered by your warranty" method.

Grap your baton, or the head of your stinger, and pull it sharply down and sideways. The sidebreak scabbard will let the baton or flashlight body through the center opening, creating this very loud "SNAP" sound. This was extremely quick, usually extended the baton rigid when drawn as such, and made this horrible snapping sound that intimidated people.

I understand the new rotational scabbards have a denser polymer that will rip the grip right off an ASP Federal baton.



a friend of mine just gave me one of the old asp scabbards how do they perform in the field? are they a good holder? easy to deploy baton from? keep the baton secure when not in use?

[aaron]

they are good although i prefer the sholuder suit scarab,

Basically is will eep the baton in place extermely securely and then as you need the baton pull it out the way from yourself, you will hear a snapping noise and the baton will release and sometimes it will rack as well.

I use to use this until i changed to the shoulder scarab :)

[OccamsRazor]

I still stand by the Surefire brand ones...12 for $15, made in the USA.

In fact, the only problem I've ever experienced with them was them lasting TOO long, I had to take the spares out of my duty bag, as they were in the way.

I really underestimated them, I guess.

[AnGardaSiochana]

they are good although i prefer the sholuder suit scarab,

Basically is will eep the baton in place extermely securely and then as you need the baton pull it out the way from yourself, you will hear a snapping noise and the baton will release and sometimes it will rack as well.

I use to use this until i changed to the shoulder scarab :)

All forms of batons are offensive weapons in Scotland. Security have no addition powers or authority than other citizens so therefore it is illegal for you to carry such a tool. besides, last time you said it was locked in the boot.You dont know what story to stick to, that happens when you lie! :p

[1stWatch]

What is a shoulder scarab? Are you carrying a large bug on your shoulder?

[N. A. Corbier]

a friend of mine just gave me one of the old asp scabbards how do they perform in the field? are they a good holder? easy to deploy baton from? keep the baton secure when not in use?

I had two of em. One for the stinger, one for my 26" ASP. I loved the things. I lost them in a move, though, one time, so I just replaced them with Accumold - I couldn't find the old scabbards anymore.

I have not used the new rotational ones though.

In other news, Aaron is trying to say, "Shoulder scabbard," which is the shoulder-holster style ASP carrier for plain-clothes details. It comes with an end-cap with a snap on the bottom, which it snaps into a ledge on the end of the shoulder scabbard.

Good piece of kit, if you need a baton and are doing blazer type VIP protection.

[1stWatch]

Interesting. I can only see a few uses for such a scabbard, none with a class a uniform.

[N. A. Corbier]

Interesting. I can only see a few uses for such a scabbard, none with a class a uniform.

Considering it wraps around your neck, then hooks to your belt on either side much like a pair of suspenders, its purposefully designed to be worn under a jacket.

[Will]

I just picked up a SureFire G2Z (http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/24186/sesent/00) that is very, very bright, and is fairly compact. Takes two of the lithium batteries. Pretty nice light.

[aaron]

the reason i wear the shoulder holster is that it is more comofrtable then having all the gear on ma waist and i can leave the belt in the car sometimes then just have the asp and cuffs under my jacket :)

[1stWatch]

the reason i wear the shoulder holster is that it is more comofrtable then having all the gear on ma waist and i can leave the belt in the car sometimes then just have the asp and cuffs under my jacket :)

Is the asp's name "Sting"?

[N. A. Corbier]

Is the asp's name "Sting"?

The word "shudder" comes to mind.

[aaron]

sting, shudder wot use talking about :P

lol

[Mr. Security]

I just picked up a SureFire G2Z (http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/24186/sesent/00) that is very, very bright, and is fairly compact. Takes two of the lithium batteries. Pretty nice light.

Nice light indeed. You may want to carry a fresh set of lithium batteries or a back-up light (LED is a great choice for inside) because the batteries are only good for 45-60 minutes; sometimes even less. :eek:

[1stWatch]

sting, shudder wot use talking about :P

lol

Mr. Frodo! Mr. Frodo!

[ff000525]

I also pack a little Surefire, the G2. I have the V70 plastic holster for it, pretty nice light, but the batteries get sucked down something fierce.

[Mr. Security]

I also pack a little Surefire, the G2. I have the V70 plastic holster for it, pretty nice light, but the batteries get sucked down something fierce.

You got that right. :eek: That's why I carry a leather pocket pager case loaded with lithium batteries for my Surefire. I use a 4C cell Mag-lite for general lighting since it is light compared to the D cell model, it is still bright, lasts longer, and can be used for self-defense when retreating is not an option.

[Taser]

Streamlight Stinger XT and a Streamlight SL-20X

Good quality flashlights and bright.

[Taser]

a friend of mine just gave me one of the old asp scabbards how do they perform in the field? are they a good holder? easy to deploy baton from? keep the baton secure when not in use?
I carry the new rotating scabbard. I think they're great. If you open your baton you can just stuff it back in there while it's in the open position rather than slamming it shut on the ground (which can sometimes be impractical). And while you have it open and in the scabbard you can just break it out through the side and use it or present it as needed.

[Mr. Security]

Streamlight Stinger XT and a Streamlight SL-20X

Good quality flashlights and bright.

The Steamlight Scorpion is a great way to get "your-bang-for-your-buck." I love 'em. :)

[Charger]

I carry the new rotating scabbard. I think they're great. If you open your baton you can just stuff it back in there while it's in the open position rather than slamming it shut on the ground (which can sometimes be impractical). And while you have it open and in the scabbard you can just break it out through the side and use it or present it as needed.

+1 to what he said... When I upgraded to a longer ASP (went to the 26 from a 21) I got one of these rotating scabbards... In addition to the benefits Taser mentioned, it also allowed me to carry it horizontally across the front of my belt... Other Officers think it looks strange, but it blocks access to my buckle, and allows for a super-fast draw from a standard conversation stance... (hands at rest together in front of me)

I stand by my Stinger XT, but that Mag 951 in the other thread is starting to grow on me.. ;)

[Taser]

+1 to what he said... When I upgraded to a longer ASP (went to the 26 from a 21) I got one of these rotating scabbards... In addition to the benefits Taser mentioned, it also allowed me to carry it horizontally across the front of my belt... Other Officers think it looks strange, but it blocks access to my buckle, and allows for a super-fast draw from a standard conversation stance... (hands at rest together in front of me)

I stand by my Stinger XT, but that Mag 951 in the other thread is starting to grow on me.. ;)
Streamlight just makes good flashlights. Can't argue that. But I too am actually considering that Mag 951. Just trying to find a way to justify it. :p :D

[3rd_shift]

Just come over to www.candlepowerforums.com to see even more. :eek:

[EMTjon]

I have 2 Stinger lights, and the AA light that I keep in my bag is a Streamlight JR LED.

I have a metal stinger, which I just got serviced. I carry this on my duty belt.


I also have a yellow/black PolyStinger that I keep in my car and carry when I'm on the ambulance (harder to lose a yellow one). I have one of the piggyback chargers in my car, and can swap batteries out when needed.


I love streamlight. I just was at their plant last week and had my metal Stinger serviced - I'd managed to leave it on in the case, and the lens deformed and melted. I didn't really carry much after that (the lens was melted into a funny pattern - distorted the light) and the switch cover was ripped at some other time.

So... the light has a lifetime warranty.... I live an hour from their plant in PA. I was "out that way" for another errand, walked in, and 10 minutes later, I had an "almost new" flashlight. Aside from some scratches to the case from using it for 2 years, it looks new.

As for why I have 2 - I was always forgetting the light, transferring it from my Ambulance wear to my Security belt and back.... I had a friend who worked for Streamlight, and I got a brand new "spare" Polystinger for $25.... can't beat that.

Jon