There are certain flashlights that are roughly the size of a pen, and they are called penlights. The primary application for them is to be carried in a pen holder, which makes them ideal to utilize if you are wearing a uniform or a lab coat, both of which often come equipped with pen loops. Even if their size prevents them from having certain capabilities, they are nevertheless useful as every day carry or backup flashlights provided you are willing to make do with their stripped-down designs.
They are helpful when looking for keyholes, items in your bag, or anything that you’ve fallen on the ground. When it comes to evaluating a patient’s pupillary reaction, the manner you transport them and the level of light they emit are ideal factors to consider. It is important to keep in mind that the vast majority of Penlights are designed to serve as a secondary flashlight and are much too powerful to be directed directly into the eye of a patient. If you are in need of a light that is specifically designed for that purpose, there is a discussion on Candlepowerforums.com that you may read.
Flashlight with a tactical focus
Since this is a blog on many topics related to tactics, we cannot get to a conclusion without first discussing tactical flashlights. Although there is no formal definition of what a tactical flashlight is, the following is typically considered to be its defining characteristics.
• A flashlight that is not only a dependable source of light but also provides additional functions, in addition to being extremely robust and extremely brilliant.
• Bright enough to provide a blinding light, ideally in conjunction with a strobe mode to add an additional layer of confounding visuals.
• It is compact enough to be carried at all times yet substantial enough to function as either a koppo stick or a kubotan.
• Perhaps with some additional features, such as glass breakers or a strike bezel, to aid in the usage of the kubotan
What to look for in a flashlight designed for tactical use:
• You’ll discover that virtually every “tactical” flashlight runs on rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, either 18650, which are smaller and more common, or 21700, which are larger but less common. They have made significant strides in terms of both power and size over the past several years and bring the ideal combination of the two to the table. If you run out of battery, the 18650 offers the significant benefit of being able to be replaced with two CR123a batteries.
• A “tail switch” is a switch located at the very end of the body of a tactical flashlight. This is a very frequent feature. This enables a variety of alternative holding positions for the flashlight while yet retaining the ability to control it. The majority of lights feature instant illumination, which means that they come on when you lightly touch the switch and promptly turn off when you remove it. If you want to have brief looks into dark regions but don’t want to give away your position, this is a huge benefit. It is also useful for blinding an adversary who may otherwise attack. Because of this, the button that activates the strobe is also located in the same place. While some versions make use of click combinations with the tailswitch, others feature a side switch that may be used to turn the light on permanently or adjust the level of brightness. Simply make sure that the switch cannot be activated inadvertently very simply. In spite of the fact that the switch is located at the conclusion, the fact that the body may still stand on its own is an additional plus.
• In the event of an emergency, additional features such as glass breakers might prove to be beneficial. When you go for a strike bezel and try to carry the flashlight into restricted places, you should keep in mind that you could have to explain why your flashlight has teeth that are as sharp as razor blades for collecting DNA.
• When looking for a good tactical flashlight, you should prioritize a high IPX rating as well as an overall durable structure. Even if you don’t intend to use it for hitting anything, the very nature of tactical items dictates that they be as durable as possible.
• You should probably avoid the more sophisticated versions that come with a wide variety of color and brightness settings. During times of increased pressure, you may be required to operate the light. Therefore, the simpler something is, the better. One should seek for models that not only have immediate light, as was mentioned earlier, but also have instant light in the highest mode and/or instant strobe since this is an added plus. If you are unable to turn on a strobe when you need it the most, there is no use in owning one.
An essential word of caution regarding the strobe mode. People who suffer from certain disorders are more likely to get epileptic seizures if you provoke one. Always keep in mind that you may wind up delivering first assistance to anyone you “flashed,” even if strobe is an excellent tool for confusing an assailant, especially when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Keep in mind that you may accidently fire the strobe and knock out innocent people or even yourself with it. While some individuals have a “show no compassion” approach with assailants, keep in mind that you could take that method.
How I put it to use
No post would be complete without some personal reflection on how I approach things. As is the case with most of my other tactical equipment, I collect it just as much as I use it. Therefore, I am not content with having the flashlights that I will truly require, but instead, I seek for many models within the same category and experiment with a variety of methods. In point of fact, every single photo of a flashlight that you see included in this essay is of an item that I have in my own collection.
Because collecting tactical gear is a pastime for me in addition to being something that can be helpful, I prefer to put some effort into what I carry and adjust it based on what I anticipate happening during the day. The following is frequently a consequence of this:
• In addition to being the most sturdy and tough flashlight that I possess, my Backups flashlight also has a backup battery. After using a Fenix L1D (AA powered) for a number of years, I eventually decided to switch to a SureFire E1B in its place (single CR123a powered). I keep it in a tiny pouch along with some EDC items, and I toss that pouch inside whatever purse, smock, or cargo trousers I’m wearing at the time.
• I didn’t start out as a huge supporter of key chain lighting for quite some time. It seemed to me that they were either too cumbersome or too dull. After that, I purchased an Olight i1R 2. It is very little and has a reflector that is also very small. The battery can be recharged, but it cannot be replaced. It has a remarkable 150 lumen output, which is quite a lot for a light that is so compact.
• After that, my inner collector emerges, and I decide to add one more flashlight so that I may fiddle with it. This model undergoes substantial revisions on an almost daily basis. I try to keep this one in the most accessible position possible. Within one of the pockets of my clothing, within one of the loops of the Helikon Mid-Pro belt, or within a single mag pouch attached to one of my bags.
• In addition, there is always the potential that I may go on a journey during which I would need to make use of a flashlight. That might be anything from a handheld flashlight to a headlamp or anything else.
Because of this, I could end up having to bring along four flashlights just in case. Do not even get me started on the subject of knives. Due to the fact that this is a guide and not a personal evaluation, I will keep my own thoughts to a minimum and save them for subsequent entries.