tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post4960274048819039874..comments2023-11-10T04:17:00.492-05:00Comments on View From The Porch: Stepping boldly into 2006.Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-45187238602109486992011-11-08T18:06:06.023-05:002011-11-08T18:06:06.023-05:00Personal experience here, FWIW:
First: I've h...Personal experience here, FWIW:<br /><br />First: I've had the pleasure to play 'bad guy' in several dark shoothouse training exercises (with that very neat ammo that replaces a lead bullet with a paintball, letting real weapons be used) and in the last two sessions, at least one of the 'good guys' had strobe flashlights. I found the strobe lights to be quite a bit more disorienting in the dark, I didn't like being on the receiving end at all. It was significantly more difficult for me to track movements, figure out locations, or even tell if there were people moving at all when the strobe was activated. Even when used properly (brief on pulses, never in the same spot twice) it was much easier to track movements and ultimately get a 'kill shot' off with good guys using a standard light. As a bad guy in a dark house, if I was able to choose what light the good guys had, I'd choose a non-strobe light every time. All that said, poor tactics on the part of the good guys are always the #1 'killer', strobe light or not. <br /><br />Takeaway: If you're clearing rooms/buildings a strobe might be more effective. For situations you're more likely to encounter day-to-day, I think Homer is right in that 200 lumens properly placed is your best bet.<br /><br />Second, because someone mentioned rechargeable CR123s and I'm a huge nerd: I work in the engineering department at one of the major 'tactical' flashlight manufacturers mentioned in this thread. I have personally done testing on all sorts of batteries, focusing on lithium cells, and I would not use anything but high-quality primary cells in a powerful, 'tactical' light. Many cells are simply not designed to withstand the high current draws that most of these lights require. <br /><br />Bear with me here, please. Chinese-made cells are attractive due to price but quality control is atrocious at best. I've had some that perform as well as any Duracell or Energizer cell (both trusted manufacturers), while others from the same package will be completely discharged in two minutes of high-drain use. In a single-cell light this isn't usually much of a problem, you'll just get crap for battery life but in a multi-cell light, this is how lithium ignites and explosions happen.<br /><br />One cell is dead within some fraction of the expected lifespan, and the other cell(s) is(are) left to try and provide all the current needed through the dead cell, now a resistor, heating up as current passes through. Lithium cells all have PTC (positive temperature coefficient) protection (they get too hot and they internally disconnect, creating an open circuit rather than a short) but my test data shows that on cheap cells, these protections fail more often than they work as intended. <br /><br />In the scenario above, there is a high probability of either the dead cell or the over-taxed remaining cell(s) reaching lithium's ignition point and once that happens, there is nothing you can do to stop that fire until all the lithium is burned up. If one cell goes off, it WILL ignite the others. I'm sure all here are familiar with the effects of rapidly-expanding gas in enclosed spaces. <br /><br />To give an idea of the energy contained in a brand-new lithium CR123 cell: I had facilities on my ass for a while after one failure-mode test of bare cells (meaning not in a light or case of any kind) produced a black, 2' diameter blast mark on our white building's outside wall about 10' up. The cell in question had been sitting on the ground in the parking lot about 25' from the wall when it hit the flash point. Rechargeable CR123 cells are similarly unreliable in high-current devices. Maybe one day the technology will be there, but right now I personally don't trust rechargeable CR123 cells in anything that might require lots of current or be used in a 'tactical' or self-defense manner. YMMV.<br /><br />Every single flashlight explosion I've seen has one thing in common: cheap batteries.Nathan Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-66549890272085565832011-11-07T18:09:04.678-05:002011-11-07T18:09:04.678-05:00Tam,
Thanks for the additional info. I may actual...Tam,<br /><br />Thanks for the additional info. I may actually get one now. I would like a LED and the worries about the on/off interface were pretty much the only thing stopping me. (Well, that and the $$)<br /><br />RobRob Reednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-92079312593332158922011-11-07T14:57:35.699-05:002011-11-07T14:57:35.699-05:00Tam:
you could refer to that strike bezel as a &q...Tam:<br /><br />you could refer to that strike bezel as a "DNA Recovery Receptacle".<br /><br />I suspect the origin of them is to allow you to see if you left it on when you set it lens down. And possibly to keep from starting a fire by allowing some cooling air to circulate. Making the crenelations sharp just gave it a two-fer.Willhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722792638246578812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-35659529826556341412011-11-07T14:04:08.035-05:002011-11-07T14:04:08.035-05:00"LED app for the iPod?"
Have for years ..."LED app for the iPod?"<br /><br />Have for years and years. My Android phone has a much more than merely acceptable flashlight app too.oghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07551049745184408924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-80247596524433742702011-11-07T13:57:15.776-05:002011-11-07T13:57:15.776-05:00Not as durable. Part of that 'getting old'...Not as durable. Part of that 'getting old' stuff, and all this information is cool. But, as I settle into the dust and dirt in the ditch beside the highway to the future, I am becoming happier with iron sights, shooting only what I can see or imagine is there threatening me. Something to read buy when the lights go out. Kerosene lamp, candles, fireplace - and if it is really dark and you can't shine. You might be dead and no one bothered to tell you.<br /><br />Always a new way to package light, have they the LED app for the iPod?<br /><br />wv nolde (new oldie?)Earlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14794620086508373660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-62965808164421905552011-11-07T11:59:58.512-05:002011-11-07T11:59:58.512-05:00in the same ball park of cost is the First Light T...in the same ball park of cost is the First Light Tamahawk. I've been carrying one for most of this year, and it just rocks.<br /><br />With the finger loop in the front, you can even do reloads without dropping the light, then it's right back to shooting.<br /><br />The pressure switch only does high. You can use the constant on for low. Then there's the dim LEDs. It just rocks.TomcatTCHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08281271834732789476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-32178300486507815572011-11-07T11:57:34.777-05:002011-11-07T11:57:34.777-05:00I have a Z3 that's about ten years old now, it...I have a Z3 that's about ten years old now, it's fine and I like it a lot. I take it with when I have to go change a burnt-out outside light on one of the Units. It's hella bright, more than either of the G2's I got on sale at Midway, but I'm taking the green G2 to Hawaii. The G3 is the light on the M4gery. I likes the rilly-rilly bright-light, the part that makes you see spots.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-78520514483997572992011-11-07T11:03:42.432-05:002011-11-07T11:03:42.432-05:00I shine the strobe on friends while camping. One o...I shine the strobe on friends while camping. One of them will go to the edge of the campsite to take a leak after beer #9. I'll hit him with the strobe and announce "disco piss!"<br /><br />It has also come in handy on my bicycle at night after my headlight bit it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-83921014170716901822011-11-07T10:18:12.536-05:002011-11-07T10:18:12.536-05:00Fortunately, I rarely need a flashlight that durab...Fortunately, I rarely need a flashlight that durable. Shit, I'm not that durable anymore, or at least not as durable as I used ot be.oghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07551049745184408924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-29742583455838126062011-11-07T10:02:36.136-05:002011-11-07T10:02:36.136-05:00If you want to get out and shoot a match with your...If you want to get out and shoot a match with your photon thrower the is a night match in Dickson, TN in November.<br /><br />http://www.mctsclub.com/upcomingmatch2011.html<br /><br />There are 3 night matches in the general area here and it is good practice.<br /><br />Did you know if you blast a white glossy wall at three feet with your 6P the backscatter will destroy your night vision for awhile? Trust me.<br /><br />GerryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-12392364387411527402011-11-07T09:42:39.998-05:002011-11-07T09:42:39.998-05:00Og,
Still, I am happy with that Z2 I've had f...Og,<br /><br />Still, I <i>am</i> happy with that Z2 I've had for all these years.<br /><br />I used to demo it to customers by turning around and whacking my own flashlight against the wooden ammunition shelves as hard as I could several times; like <i>driving nails</i> hard. With the incandescent lamp running the whole time.<br /><br />Then I'd turn around and finish the sentence "...and that's why they cost so much money." ;)Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-17007938677322503982011-11-07T09:36:27.897-05:002011-11-07T09:36:27.897-05:00"Twenty bucks of flashlight, twenty bucks of ..."Twenty bucks of flashlight, twenty bucks of name brand, and a hundred bucks of taxes and regulatory compliance."<br /><br />yeah, that is making me want to buy about a dozen Magpul pmags before that same effect occurs to them<br /><br />The same people who let me build the compass last year, I';m trying to convince them to let me make a flashlight next year.oghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07551049745184408924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-89118017650525539972011-11-07T09:32:13.748-05:002011-11-07T09:32:13.748-05:00I believe it was in an episode of Personal Defense...I believe it was in an episode of <i>Personal Defense TV</i> where a shoothouse demo was given of the effects of a strobe light. It did appear to cause a distinct lack of depth perception. One couldn't tell if the lightwielder was moving away or towards the viewer. This, of course, was through the monocular viewpoint of a video camera, so I'm not certain about IRL consequences. <br /><br />I haven't tried this on myself or anyone else for that matter 'cause I don't like looking into that dadblame light in any mode. The Gladius (modded to a reputed 275+ lumens) is a nasty little critter.<br /><br />1) Off (locked out but still slowly sucking juice)<br />2) Variable speed mode, i.e., start low, gradually increase intensity or start out @full power and gradually decrease output.<br />3) Strobe at full power Rudolph!<br />4) Paint peeler.<br /><br />Switching modes on the Gladius is relatively simple compared to most lights it appears but still it adds complexity in what could be a stressful situation. I carry it "off" and find it easy to roll it over to the stop at full power when and if needed.Tango Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07593296126387219845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-90008169841577532472011-11-07T07:52:44.498-05:002011-11-07T07:52:44.498-05:00Og,
Sadly, that's part of the downside of Mad...Og,<br /><br />Sadly, that's part of the downside of Made In The USA anymore.<br /><br />Twenty bucks of flashlight, twenty bucks of name brand, and a hundred bucks of taxes and regulatory compliance.Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-88259952552626187872011-11-07T07:49:40.391-05:002011-11-07T07:49:40.391-05:00sigh.
I remember when the Mini-Maglite was the mo...sigh.<br /><br />I remember when the Mini-Maglite was the most coolest uber-tactical light out there. As in "Holy crap, Drang, you've blinded me!"<br />All us Light Fighters had 'em, complete with red lens.<br /><br />Nowadays, it's practically considered to be a night=vision/NVG safe light without the colored lens...Dranghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08082177597135236652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-66042980372514713642011-11-07T07:15:54.999-05:002011-11-07T07:15:54.999-05:00One of the problems I've had with the Surefire...One of the problems I've had with the Surefire is that everyone wants it. "hey, can I borrow that bright little flashlight?" And then another set of batteries is hosed. They turn it on and leave it on for minutes at a time, pointed at the ground, while they discuss whatever. <br /><br />I may upgrade to the LED but I may just get a chunk of titanium and make my own. If I'm gonna pay two hundred bucks for a flashlight I don't want it to be $.90 worth of aluminum, that galls me about the Surefire stuff.oghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07551049745184408924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-46366175351929002712011-11-07T06:20:03.383-05:002011-11-07T06:20:03.383-05:00Shooting In The Dark = Rule 4 Violation and Potent...Shooting In The Dark = Rule 4 Violation and Potential Homicide Conviction. <br /><br />"<i>Oh God, honey! I'm sorry! I didn't want to give away my position to the VC!</i>"Tamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-58349774972765326582011-11-07T05:47:09.228-05:002011-11-07T05:47:09.228-05:00First time on = disorientation
Second time on = yo...First time on = disorientation<br />Second time on = you the targetSpudhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00689059709873763146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-57154839511687041722011-11-07T00:57:51.696-05:002011-11-07T00:57:51.696-05:00Good catch Tam, guess I should do the same update....Good catch Tam, guess I should do the same update... buying the new light is probably smarter too!Old NFOhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16404197287935017147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-57052824860013849012011-11-07T00:15:22.771-05:002011-11-07T00:15:22.771-05:00The best thing about the LED-vs-Xenon is that with...The best thing about the LED-vs-Xenon is that with the LED lights you can use RECHARGEABLE CR123s and save a ton of money. I got the charger and batteries from http://www.batteryjunction.com/ or http://www.batterystation.com. I get things from both sites.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-89965807960340552342011-11-06T23:03:06.750-05:002011-11-06T23:03:06.750-05:00"Strike Bezel"
Snort."Strike Bezel"<br /><br />Snort.Gewehr98https://www.blogger.com/profile/14440119702457734221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-51501506829886954972011-11-06T20:22:28.235-05:002011-11-06T20:22:28.235-05:00Will and Carteach - yeah, that's what I was th...Will and Carteach - yeah, that's what I was thinking of. I've had an E2D for quite a while, carry it daily; also have an older 6P that has its own slot in the mag carrier on my Galco SSII (I need to upgrade that to the new LED 6PX - Tam's depiction of Xenon, electrons and shop vacs is quite accurate), and there's usually a Fenix L1T in a coat pocket as an emergency spare or to hand to someone who needs a light.<br /><br />Like Tam, I'm not sold on the strobe thing in a handheld; when I want light I want a lot of it and I want it now, not after I decipher the state of the control mechanism. I'm of the opinion that an instant 200 lumens centered on the bridge of the nose does me more good than any combination of flashy-blinky.Homernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-74979236760088717882011-11-06T20:01:02.755-05:002011-11-06T20:01:02.755-05:00Carteach0:
Guess he'll have to check for pate...Carteach0:<br /><br />Guess he'll have to check for patent infringement. Might have expired by now, too.Willhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00722792638246578812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-73241219760048236992011-11-06T19:18:29.278-05:002011-11-06T19:18:29.278-05:00I'm thinking Tam, if you tried the "O&quo...I'm thinking Tam, if you tried the "O" ring thing, you'd like it.<br /><br />It's not at all difficult to install. Connect a small metal split ring to the Surefire ring and then attach an appropriately sized rubber "O" ring to the split ring. <br /><br />I really like the "Tiger Ring" setup on my Gladius torch. (Yes, it strobes.)Tango Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07593296126387219845noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-16522347201139481342011-11-06T18:54:26.836-05:002011-11-06T18:54:26.836-05:00@Rob,
A compromise I like is on my Fenix L1T [I d...@Rob,<br /><br />A compromise I like is on my Fenix L1T [I don't think you can get them any more, but some other torches use a similar system, the Quark tactical]. It has only one mode on the button (on/off), but if you have the bezel twisted the full way up it will run on bright (~100 lumens for 1.5h), but if you undo it about a quarter turn it will run on dim (~15 lumens for 20h). Dim is plenty bright enough for most uses; it's about the same as an old AA maglite.TimPhttp://blog.timp.com.aunoreply@blogger.com