Best FMA Flashlight! Viewers Choice

E

EQUALIZER

Joined
Aug 14, 1999
Messages
254
A thought crossed my mind last night that one of my favorite carry tools is my flashlight. Its had many years of use and I'd buy several more if I could. Unfortuneately, they are no longer available. Maybe you guys have a favorite multipurpose carry light. Let us know. Here's mine.

Energizer Double Barrel​
1. Oval shape: Due to the use of 8 AA Bateries it is shaped like a double barrel shotgun, only smaller. Wt. adjustable depending on whether I use alkaline, or light rechargables. Shape makes it very conceilable, as it has no need for special holster and fits flat against my side under my belt, or in the waistband. Shape also makes a perfect fit for my hand, something round ones can't quite do as well. Couldn't be more comfortable. No sharp edges,and the lens has a gradual taper from the barrel that blends well.

2. Anodized Aluminum: Makes it light and easy to swing, and carry, yet very strong. Probably more so than an expandable baton, but I don't want to take a chance of abusing it since I can't replace it.

3. Xenon bulb: Extremely bright, but I can't say how many CP. Comparing it to a typical stinger, it exceeds it for spot size, and intensity, with a 6vt. bi-pin bulb. I use the lower voltage, which produces more light, yet still lasts a very long time.

4. It is a cool looking hue of blue. Very attractive, yet can be carried virtually anywhere since it doesn't look, you know, "tactical".

5. Length is approx. 14" which is about max to keep it comfortable for carry, while useful for any FMA techniques.

6. AA Bateries: I said it before, but these bateries have can be bought on sale for .25c ea. alkaline, and roughly $1 ea. for rechargables. I hate those 3vt. ones that certain companies use, when common rechargables, and alkalines are so cheap. Having extended "shelf life" sitting in a drawer not being used for years while holding a charge doesn't fit my routine. Others love them. I don't. I love to use lights all of the time.

7. Switch: Momemtary presure switch. Can also be switched on continueous by applying more pressure. Only one of my mini DBs switches has gone bad. For comparison, it is a 4AAA unit w/comparable size switch. You can still find these, yet they are a discontinued item. Better than a mini mag, but not a tack light. The placement of the switch allows side hold along a firearm. Points better than the Harries butt cap grip IMHO. Allows the beam to be held in the opponents eyes while at ready position for a strike. No fumble finger placement due to shape of barrel, so no search and feel.

I spent $8 on it almost 10 years ago, with no malfunctions. Every other flashlight I've ever owned has eventully had major issues. I'm not trying to get one up on anyone, just wondering if you've ever run across anything that stacks up to these basic features.

What do YOU like best?

Eq

(PS: Still trying to find a pic, but only finding the mini model.)
 
When it comes to the big battery lights, I too prefer the "C" cell size over the "D" size. They have a much better diameter and swing quicker. The "D"'s seem too cumbersome for me.

I've only seen pics of the streamlight batonlights. They seem like an ideal combo, kinda like what I'm trying to get from the shorter double barrel. Do they have the momentary presure switch on the side too, or do they use the twist cap type?

eq
 
It has a momentary pressure switch at the base of the light. It can be adjusted so that it is hard for the light to come on accidentally while being carried in your pocket.
 
I'm trying to figure out how it is accessed while on the baton. Doesn't the base of the light screw onto the base of the baton? Or am I thinking of a different light?

eq
 
The BatonLite is about 6" x 3/4". Palm stick/olisi palad sized with 3 LED bulbs covered by shatterproof plastic.
 
I'm voting smaller, as in a Surefire 6A or Z2 with a GG&G TAD. Brite enough to stun an opponent off balance and easily utilized using palm stick/yawara techniques and punyo strikes. Also, I can carry this in a pocket or on my belt and its always there along with my knife. Cant do that with a 5 cell flashlight.
 
I think its a compromise at times. If you want a 26" stick, then its not likely to be with you at all times, more importantly, when you need it, if it is too heavy, cumbersome or unconceilable. On the other hand, if it is highly concelable, light, etc. it might not be the optimum weapon of choice in a violent assult. That's why I'm trying to decide on an expandable baton. The light is a short baton, but a good light, yet close range tool which can be used the same way I train w/ratan and other longer sticks/blades.

I try to forsee what scenarios that are possible and train/eqt. for the more likely ones. Can't cover them all, or I'd be going to Shop N Save w/a semi-auto high powered stick that goes BOOM! Gets me to thinking of what it must've been like back in the states and times when that was the norm. The closest I can get this side of the world are old episodes of the Rifleman.:o
 
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