LIGHTEN UP, IT’S 2013

Some of the lights/features mentioned, plus two Fenix models.

Trainers urge when you carry a gun, you should carry a light, day or night.  I agree and do.  (Many LEO’s and non-sworn professionals have a weapon light mounted on their handgun at all times.  As one who spent range time and money learning the “classic” handheld handgun light techniques, I leave weapon mounted light discussion to the more knowledgeable MSW contributors.  OK, I confess I do have one weapon light, a Surefire X300 Ultra, mounted on a rifle).    I respectfully offer here a long-term user’s observations on EDC lights, and in passing, some other illumination products I have found useful along the way.

Many (as in more than 20) years ago, I was waiting my turn in federal court during a routine trial calendar call, when the windowless courtroom was suddenly near pitch black.  The courtroom was barely lit by the standard emergency exit sign lights, so after the judge took desperate leave from the bench, the court security officers and Deputy U.S. Marshals funneled everyone toward the nearest exit.  I took my Surefire 6P (likely the most common small “tactical” light at the time) from my briefcase and made my own way out.  Once outside, the retired deputy who ran courthouse security as a contractor asked to inspect my light and quizzed me about why a lawyer happened to carry that kind of flashlight in his briefcase.  Thereafter, whenever my briefcase was searched, I received a knowing smile when security personnel saw my Surefire 9P (I upgraded to the three cell, brighter light, and also added a key chain light to my EDC gear).  I suspect many court personnel carry flashlights today.  (Incidentally, I use a similar emergency exit light in my bedroom aimed down at the head of my bed to awaken me in the event the electricity goes out while I am asleep, and have upgraded the Surefire 9P to a 400 plus lumen LED configuration, see, for example, here: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=surefire+led+upgrade&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=13448355690&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8584909781056096319&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&ref=pd_sl_7jpfj68d9j_b).

Times have changed quite a bit (September 11th considered or not), and so have handheld EDC lights.   I never expected the varied technology and capabilities of small handhelds, or the numerous lights I would own/carry some 20-plus years later.  What have I learned?  Above all, know this:  Whatever you want, need, or think you need, almost anything is available, probably from more than one manufacturer, from numerous vendors, and sometimes in other than boring tactical matte black.  There is something for every budget too, as some “lesser known,” inexpensive brands are worthy of consideration even for hard service and LE duty use.  When I say almost anything, I am referring not just to brightness and light color (where LED is king apparent, with EDC size lights now available with a range of 50-800 lumens, in daylight white or a warmer color, with different beam focus or reflector configurations, and near amazing spot, flood, and throw capabilities), I mean also on/off features (tail cap or side button, head or tail rotation, memory, momentary activation), lighting modes (intensity, various speed strobe, SOS) and carry modes (nylon and kydex for vertical or horizontal, clip, lanyard, tail up or down, pocket, hands free forehead, helmet, body, or wrist), special purpose features (multi-task or single purpose, colored, reading, glass breaking, impact weapon bezel), and special-use (submersible, infra-red, debilitating strobe).

Even tiny lights embedded in zipper pulls, key chains, and handcuff keys are now offered, in many colors, with amazing brightness and batteries that last years.  Battery technology (run time, run down time, and method, composition, heat and leakage protection) is also worth researching, depending on whether you require a special purpose EDC or simply more of an all-around one, sometimes referred to now as “multi task.”   On top of all that, some of the most well-known manufacturers provide a true no questions asked lifetime warranty for repair and replacement, and ice that piece of cake with great turnaround time and prepaid return shipping to boot.

The EDC light user has various power sources to select from including battery style, size, and chemical composition.   Many work with either disposable or rechargeable, user’s choice. Want a light that uses sometimes expensive 3-volt lithium batteries or the more common AA batteries?  Numerous options are available, allowing use of both single use or rechargeable.  To top it off, the operator can use a larger primary light with a smaller, similarly operated version as a backup. Did I forget truly shockproof/waterproof lights, impact resistant battery storage pocket sized containers, and lights made out of space age metals or polymers allegedly stronger than ordinary metals?  (What exactly is Nitrolon)?

Want a nifty little 9 volt battery with LED lights snapped on top to throw in your bathroom kit for urban travel and camping?  Go here: http://www.9voltlight.com/.   Need to light a room for several hours?  I use the fire professional’s standard emergency lantern style light for power failures.  Go here: http://www.swps.com/streamlight-lanterns.html.

Not only can you have almost whatever you like, need, or think you need in a new age handheld EDC light, you likely can convert an old one to LED to increase intensity or beam color, or to employ a different and/or larger power source.  The intensity conversion possibilities can add life to an old favorite no longer made.   To start looking, check out a well-known supplier of drop-ins, here: http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/index.php.

You can respectably mix the new technology with existing kit.   I have found that newer LED handhelds (for example, Surefire Fury, Nitecore MT-25, Insight Technology HX-120) will fit into custom leather (Milt Sparks, Rosen) or kydex carriers (Ayoob horizontal belt) I purchased or had made for the Surefire 6P or 9P.  No need to discard expensive, long awaited belt-mounted gear.

Information about whatever light(s), accessories, and parts upgrades you are considering can be found on the web of course, including endless YouTube video demos.  One place I find to be a never ending source on just about everything flashlight is: www.candlepowerforums.com.   Want to build an EDC from scratch or see highly technical charts and data?  There.  Need information to select a brand or style of battery?  Also there, in usual excruciating detail.

As to where to buy anything and everything light, including batteries, chargers, and replacement bulbs, I recently had good experiences in a couple of purchases here: http://www.batteryjunction.com/.   Prices are quite competitive on the internet.  Many products can be had for as much as a 35% discount from MSRP, without LE or military affiliation.  Manufacturers are constantly changing and upgrading their various lines, so a product you may choose may have been discontinued  —  to be reborn in a slightly different configuration.  Not a cause for panic, however, that product is then often heavily discounted.  (Of course, you will first check the forums to see if there were issues in the discontinued product).

In 2013, there simply is no excuse not to carry a belt mounted or pocket light, or perhaps one of each, 24/7.  Even when you are not carrying a gun.  Caveats?  Strictly avoid poor quality batteries or type not suitable for your use, be wary of accidental engagement that may go unnoticed, and always respect the heat some lights generate.