SureFire

LX2 Flashlight

In the last decade, duty lights-both handheld and weapon-mounted-have changed exponentially. SureFire has been one of the leading forces in this evolution, and the LX2 Lumamax represents the newest generation.

At 5.4 inches it may be smaller than most "pocket" size lights, but the LX2 offers the valuable benefit of variable light output. Its processor provides a useful 15 lumens of output on low and a blinding 200 lumens on the high setting. To achieve this you simply depress the tailcap a touch further than you do to activate the lamp.

Low is the LX2's default setting. This amount of light is ideal for reading a driver's license or looking around a vehicle or elsewhere when you need useable, not blinding light. However, should you need to reach out and see down the road or even disorient someone with a face full of lumens, you have the option of the higher setting.

The LX2 is adaptable to most any light and weapon technique; it is small enough to carry in a pocket on or off duty; and it can serve as a primary or backup light depending on your mission. It's also easy on batteries, running for up to 47 hours on low beam. If you use it on full beam, SureFire's LX2 will run for up to two hours, which for a tactical light is a long time.

I have found the LX2 to be a fine light and I carry it in my jacket pocket or in my waist pack. I think you will find SureFire's LX2 to be an excellent addition to your daily tool kit.

Wiley X

Hybrid Gloves

Gloves are becoming more common for daily use because they protect your hands. This might sound obvious, but think how badly a paper cut or deep scratch hurts. Quality gloves can help prevent and reduce the odds of injury to your digits.

Lately I have been wearing Wiley X's Hybrid gloves for range and field use. With a rash of recent storms, there is a lot of clean up to do. Hauling branches, cutting down trees, and resetting stone walls is tougher on a glove than most anything I have encountered on duty. I chose to use the Hybrid for clean-up detail because the glove is flame- and abrasion resistant to the point it meets and exceeds military specifications.

What impressed me most was the dexterity of these tough gloves. Over the years I have found that gloves built for hard use tend not to provide much touch sensitivity, including being able to feel the break of a trigger or camera shutter release. Since it was still cold here most of spring and early summer, I was wearing gloves for excursions to the range and the Hybrid gave me excellent trigger control.

If you need more protection than the base glove, you can insert the included injection molded knuckle protector. While it may look like just a piece of plastic, it is effective and durable. I rapped the gloves and protector with my favorite claw hammer and it survived. This leads me to believe the protectors will keep you from breaking your knuckles.

Should you need a versatile pair of gloves, the Wiley X Hybrid should be on your short list.

[PAGEBREAK]Eberlestock

Gunslinger

When it comes to mission specific gear, there's much to choose from in the way of daily duty gear, raid shields, EOD gear, and rappelling harnesses. But what about a true pack for your rifle? Yes, we have drag bags or padded carry bags, but is there a bag for duty use that allows you to hump a tactical rifle or carbine? The answer is yes. Eberlestock manufactures a variety of models to meet your personal or mission requirements.

I chose to examine the Gunslinger II (GSII). This "upgraded" version of the original Gunslinger has MOLLE strapping, dual zipper access to the main pouch, and a lid with a padded pouch for a GPS, small binoculars, or spare glasses, in my case.

What is most unique about the GSII's lid is the organizer in its main pouch. There are two pouches for AR-sized magazines, a clip for your keys, and a slot for your dope book or notepad. This pocket keeps all of your clerical material organized and out of the way.

While the GSII allows you to sort and carry a substantial amount of gear, the way your long gun is packed is what really sets this pack apart from others. First off, the GSII is designed to fit you comfortably. Its built-in frame and padding allow air flow across your back to reduce heat and perspiration. This shows the GSII is designed as a mountain pack first. Second, it will accommodate submachine guns the size of an MP5 up to a full sized semi-automatic precision rifle such as an M1A, with optics, magazine, and bipod attached. When viewed as a whole, you can see this is not just a bag with a weapons carrier built into it but a pack designed for your long gun.

I found that the GSII pack fits well and is easy to use. Eberlestock operates on the "keep it simple stupid" theory. This pack does not require a 50-page instruction manual on how to adjust it to fit you or your rifle, the heavy-duty compression straps are virtually indestructible, and it does all this while protecting your rifle and gear.

If you serve on an SRT unit, as a military sniper, or on an SAR team-really any unit where you need to be mobile while packing a long gun-the Gunslinger II is for you. It allows you to securely carry your weapon and gear and have your hands free.

EOTAC

Vickers Gloves

I have become a fan of comfortable functional gloves on and off duty. The problem with most gloves is they do not give the wearer tactile feel. This is a problem when shooting, frisking a suspect, or feeling for objects hidden in vehicle seats or bulky clothing.

EOTAC's Vickers Glove is a refreshing change from what many other companies refer to as "operator" equipment. It was designed with substantial input from Larry Vickers. Having spent his adult life and military career as a Special Forces operator and instructor, Vickers knows what a piece of equipment should be. And this understanding is evident in the gloves' construction.

Smart design elements include light padding on the back of the hand and reinforced finger knuckles. Also, the web between the forefinger and thumb is reinforced so these gloves can be used to fast rope in a pinch. A combination of kidskin and Nomex protect your hands in fires or when moving sharp objects. While the kidskin provides great tactile ability, the index finger is sewn in such a way that you can cut the finger tip off for trigger control if you prefer.

I found the EOTAC Vickers Gloves to be comfortable and durable. I have worn them shooting and for clearing heavy brush from the fence line at my range. EOTAC's Vickers Gloves will protect your hands on and off duty, in any condition.

Scott Smith is a former federal police officer for the Department of Veteran's Affairs and a contributing editor to POLICE.