Posted: 10/24/2011 7:18:39 PM EDT
| Okay, I know this has been asked and answered many times; however I'm gona ask again. I have come to the point that, first off I need a new light for my AR (patrol), what do you guys suggest good, relatively inexpensive and works well. I would like something with a high lumen output and a tape switch. Also I need a new light (flash light) for normal every day/night patrol .Do you have any suggestions on that? Thanks you guy's |
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Flashlights are like shoes... everyone has a favorite. I will say this, dont go cheap. Spend the few extra bucks get a light that is a LED based. Battery life and time duration is critical. It is worth it.
I run a Surefire something. With a pushbotton back. I just prefer it over tape switches. |
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Okay, I know this has been asked and answered many times; however I'm gona ask again. I have come to the point that, first off I need a new light for my AR (patrol), what do you guys suggest good, relatively inexpensive and works well. I would like something with a high lumen output and a tape switch. Also I need a new light (flash light) for normal every day/night patrol .Do you have any suggestions on that? Thanks you guy's Price Range? Lumens? Why do you HAVE to have a tape switch? How do you mount a light currently? There are lots of issues to look at here. My frame of reference is as a Patrol/SWAT cop that's been around quite a few years. I've run cheap Walmart lights in a scope ring when I started out and through time, experience, and training have moved up to what I feel is the best possible patrol setup for most guys. It will really come down to what your needs are, and making sure that your needs are actual needs and that there isn't a better way. I've run a Surefire G2 60 lumens light on my longguns for a long time. Budget-wise, they were what I had available to me, and did the job (So I thought.) They will do the job fine inside a house or at distances up to 30-40 yards. The reason I limit this is that while you may be able to illuminate a target, the lack of light thrown by 60 lumen lights means that you cannot identify very well if they are a threat. Unless they are in a shooting stance, you can't tell if that object they have in their hand is a pistol, a cell phone, a knife, a radio, or nothing. My eyes were opened up at a EAG course this summer. All of us compared our lights of various makes/models/lumens at 50 yards. Of all the varieties, there were three that stood out. The Surefire X300 was the best of the weapon lights, and the Jetbeam II and the Surefire G2X were the obvious best of the handhelds that are mounted. If I were you, I would seriously consider budgeting the $100 for the G2X. Th Jetbeam is slightly less, and still a nice light. How do you plan on mounting it? That's the next trick I assume... Surefire has a tape switch for the G2's. Tape switches tend to be expensive, fragile, and if not done right they can be snagged. Avoid the cheap ones made in China. A coiled switch that looks like a phone cord is usually a clue of one that's cheap. If you need one, fine. I use a tape switch for my laser mount. But there are reasons that most people do not use tape switches for their lights. Make sure that your reason overrides all the negatives, and it's not just "Because I like them..." |
| All of our patrol rifles (and handguns) have Streamlight TLR-1 lights on them. Reasonably cheap, easy to use, bright and common to both weapons. I'll never say someone else's method of doing anything is wrong, but I found that tape switches have a tendancy to move around, and get hung up on stuff. |
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Not sure if anyone is interested in this, but after seeing the above that the G2X is $100, I found these for $59. (+ shipping) I don't know anything about these, but I thought someone might appreciate it. I'm certainly not the seller, or do I care if he makes a dime. |
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I just ordered the new Inforce weapon light. It looks quite promising. For LE/mil it was only $76+shipping.its supposed to retail for $150+ when it hits the civilian market I have one of these, with two more on the way. I like it alot. I can't link from here but I did a review on them in GD if someone wants to search for the link. |
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I have a Fenix T10 (or T11) on my carbines. I like it because it is well made, LED, and has the ability to have both about 80 lumens on low and then you can twist the bezel and it's around 200 lumens. You don't want to have too much light inside a building because you'll get splashback off light color walls. However, outside or in a large building you'd like to have extra light.
My handheld light is a Gladius flashlight. My pistol has a Surefire X300 with DG switch. I am generally opposed to tape switches because they like to break at the worst times, they get hung up on things and break, and tape switches are notorious for having light NDs. They do work under the right conditions but I really don't recommend them. |
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I just ordered the new Inforce weapon light. It looks quite promising. For LE/mil it was only $76+shipping.its supposed to retail for $150+ when it hits the civilian market I have one of these, with two more on the way. I like it alot. I can't link from here but I did a review on them in GD if someone wants to search for the link. What is the name of the light and where did you get it from? Also to the OP, on my rifle right now I have a Streamlight polytac in a vtac mount. It is a very light setup and pretty cheap, 20-25 for the mount and got the light for 36 on amazon. |
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I just ordered the new Inforce weapon light. It looks quite promising. For LE/mil it was only $76+shipping.its supposed to retail for $150+ when it hits the civilian market I have one of these, with two more on the way. I like it alot. I can't link from here but I did a review on them in GD if someone wants to search for the link. What is the name of the light and where did you get it from? Also to the OP, on my rifle right now I have a Streamlight polytac in a vtac mount. It is a very light setup and pretty cheap, 20-25 for the mount and got the light for 36 on amazon. 
here |
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Light set up:
http://www.botachtactical.com/talipa10.html Hand held: Streamlight Stinger, the metal version |
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Sorry to butt-in on a LE thread but I just bought a Klarus XT10 from goinggear.com
It puts out a whoppin' 470 lumens (also 150 and 10 lumen settings) and also has a strobe feature. $80 retail. I've owned dozens of other lights, but I think I've found the Holy Grail... It lights up my whole freaking back yard. My review and pix: Klarus XT10 Going Gear (Atlanta, GA) is an ARFCOM site sponsor and offer LE/.mil discounts. Give 'em a shout. |
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I have ran a a number of Streamlight products which are ok, but the best of the best, 4-sevens Malstrom G5. Its light, bright, easy to use, adjustable output, optional momentary pad.
Malsrom G5 Outputs Typical Output and Runtimes Moonlight: 0.2 lumens, 7.5 days Low: 4.0 lumens, 3.0 days Medium: 28 lumens, 22 hours High: 200 lumens, 3.1 hours Max: 350 lumens, 1.3 hours Strobe: 2.7 hours S.O.S.: 8.5 hours Beacon: 30 days Look at surefire scout scout I keep the Malstrom on high with massive throw @ 350 lumens for a light that is well under $120. These lights truly smash the overhyped surefires with a max output of 200 lumens at $450 Give 4-sevens a shot you wont be disapointed. I have three of there lights including 2 quarks which can also be long gun mounted. Happy hunting |
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I have ran a a number of Streamlight products which are ok, but the best of the best, 4-sevens Malstrom G5. Its light, bright, easy to use, adjustable output, optional momentary pad. Malsrom G5 Outputs Typical Output and Runtimes Moonlight: 0.2 lumens, 7.5 days Low: 4.0 lumens, 3.0 days Medium: 28 lumens, 22 hours High: 200 lumens, 3.1 hours Max: 350 lumens, 1.3 hours Strobe: 2.7 hours S.O.S.: 8.5 hours Beacon: 30 days Look at surefire scout scout I keep the Malstrom on high with massive throw @ 350 lumens for a light that is well under $120. These lights truly smash the overhyped surefires with a max output of 200 lumens at $450 Give 4-sevens a shot you wont be disapointed. I have three of there lights including 2 quarks which can also be long gun mounted. Happy hunting 350 lumens sounds like fun when you use that light against a white wall. Do your eyes look like this  afterward? It might be a great outdoor light but not the best indoor light.
O.P., what conditions are you using this light in? Is it rural patrol work where you need super long distance, is it a combo of outdoor and indoor, or are you doing almost all indoor work? If your looking for long distance lighting, there have been several options already mentioned (like the light above). Another cheaper option that hasn't been mentioned is Streamlight's HP series (like the Polytac HP). If you need a indoor/outdoor light, the already mentioned TLR-1 is one of the best cost effective options. A cheaper option is a Streamlight Polytac or Scorpion in a ring mount. Right now ProForce is having a sale for the new Scorpion X (200 lumens) for $45, the TLR-1 for $90, and the TLR-1S for $100 (all with free shipping). If you are doing 100% indoor work, I would suggest keeping the lumens 120 or less. The good things about Surefire and Streamlight are the warranties, the quality, and that you know that the lumen ratings are correct. A lot of Chinese made lights are known to falsely inflate their lumen ratings. I'm not saying all imported lights are junk and are out performed by SF or SL, but just check out the company before buying to make sure you are getting a quality light. ETA: Tape switches are overrated. I don't think they are worth the cost unless it is special circumstances like a short barreled AR. For a good everyday patrol use light, the LED stingers work very good. It gets a lot of flak for not being the brightest and lightest light out there but it is a well proven design. Plus, you don't have to buy expensive 123 batteries for it. |
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I like a simple carbine and have the magpul MOE hand guard on mine. I attached a small section of picatinny rail and used Vltor light mount to hold an old but completely serviceable Surefire 6P flashlight on it. I can activate the light with my weak hand thumb when I grip the carbine. It works really well indoors and is adequate outside to at least 75 to 100 yards depending on the batteries. I like the newer LED technology, I'll replace the light when it craps out or I get a good deal on a light I want. I know a few guys that have bought really nice high end light systems for their guns, and if you can afford it go for it.
I look at lights right now like we use to look at computers several years ago in regards to the prices dropping on the technology. You can spend a premium on the more advanced light systems now, but in a few years something as good or better will probably come along for alot less money. I'll stick with what works for my needs and stays with the KISS principle. YMMV. |
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I have been running a scout light for years. I started out with the incandescent version then found a good deal in the EE for a LED setup. IMO this light is the perfect setup for patrol work. It's light weight and not so bright to blind yourself in CQ. I use the clicky tail but tape switches are available.
I like the look of that INFORCE. But my scout is paid for. 
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Surefire M500A with a TNVC 730 Lumen LED But that's just me. 730!? Damn. I don;'t have any of those mega bright lights, aren't you worried about bounceback inside or this is a strictly outdoor set up? Didn't realize what section this was in. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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I found another review of that light and it appears that it cycles between high and low with every other click of the button, not an appropriate weapon light if that is the case, too bad as it is a nice design otherwise.
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I just ordered the new Inforce weapon light. It looks quite promising. For LE/mil it was only $76+shipping.its supposed to retail for $150+ when it hits the civilian market I have one of these, with two more on the way. I like it alot. I can't link from here but I did a review on them in GD if someone wants to search for the link. What is the name of the light and where did you get it from? Also to the OP, on my rifle right now I have a Streamlight polytac in a vtac mount. It is a very light setup and pretty cheap, 20-25 for the mount and got the light for 36 on amazon. http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/PWL-Tan-430x286.jpg here Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Surefire M500A with a TNVC 730 Lumen LED But that's just me. 730!? Damn. I don;'t have any of those mega bright lights, aren't you worried about bounceback inside or this is a strictly outdoor set up? Didn't realize what section this was in. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile No, I haven't had a problem with bounce back. It does give me options, like shining the light on a ceiling, to light up the area etc. It's unreal at longer distances outdoors. |
| Thanks for all of the great input! I just ordered the Inforce light. One of the key problems I had to overcome was the way my rifle mounts in the car. I had limited space to mount the light and still be able to secure it with the “hand cuff” mount. We have pool cars and all the mounts are in different positions so it made it hard to set up your light and still be able to use the mount in different cars. I think the Inforce will work out great. Thanks again for all the great response. |