Law enforcement officers can now choose from a variety of high-lumen flashlights to help illuminate dark alleys, vehicles, or rooms. These lights can improve officer safety by revealing threats, and assist in searches for trace evidence in low-light scenarios. Photos courtesy of vendors.
Powerful Flashlights
BlackHawk's Legacy XHR7 Flashlight's heavy-duty design features 350-lumen output. This rechargeable flashlight comes with the latest generation of Samsung lithium ion rechargeable battery that develops no “memory effect.” The flashlight has a one-hour runtime but can be charged any time during the battery’s cycle using either the AC/DC wall outlet or car charger. An AC/DC charger input is hidden under a rotating, protective collar below the bezel head. A protective hard case offers safe storage and transportation. The light is 7.88 inches long, 10 ounces with batteries, and has a 2.25-inch diameter. List price is $299.99.&l
The Tac-Ops T1 is a new, flashlight from River Rock Designs. This heavy-duty precision machined anodized aircraft aluminum bodied light delivers a 235-lumen LED white light. The Tac-Ops T1 emits a fast flash strobe for signaling or self-defense to dazzle an opponent and a battery-saving low-light mode. It has low-light color LED modes: red for low-light operations, night vision retention, or emergency use; and a UV (blue) LED to search in darkness for fluids such as urine, trace blood, and other bodily fluids of humans or animals. The Tac-Ops T1 measures 5.2 inches long and weighs four ounces. It includes two 3V CR123A lithium batteries. List price
The SureFire Fury Tactical produces a maximum output of 500 lumens, focused by a precision micro-textured reflector into a tight, far-reaching beam with plenty of peripheral illumination. This powerful pocket searchlight features a single-stage tactical tailcap switch that allows momentary- or constant-on activation. The tough Fury Tactical is precision machined from aerospace aluminum and then Mil-Spec hard anodized for extreme durability. It also features weatherproof O-ring sealing and is backed by SureFire’s no-hassle guarantee. List price is $155.
Producing 600 lumens and 16,000 candela, the Streamlight ProTac HL floods a dark alley, vehicle, or room with light while still delivering a focused beam. Featuring new Ten-Tap programming, it offers high/strobe/low; high only; or low/high. The ProTac HL also delivers one hour and 15 minutes of runtime on high. Designed for maximum illumination applications, the new light is Streamlight's first programmable, handheld, lithium battery-powered flashlight. It measures 5.4 inches long and weighs 5.6 ounces. It features an anti-roll face cap and a removable pocket clip. It has an IPX7-rated design for waterproof operation to one meter for 30 minutes.
Pelican Products' 2370 LED multi-color flashlight features LED technology with four operating modes: high and low white as well as night-vision-friendly red and blue. For mode change, the flashlight is engineered with a magnetically actuated selector switch. Powered by two AA batteries (included), its LED provides nearly four hours of usable light with a peak output of 106 lumens in high mode. Its low mode shines 13 lumens and runs for more than 41 hours. Weighing in at 6.5 ounces with batteries, the flashlight includes a removable clip for easy pocket transport. A holster and nylon lanyard are optional. List price is $59.95.
The Inova T3R rechargeable LED flashlight from NiteIze is designed to meet law enforcement's needs. Its mini USB recharging port is compatible with any standard 1A 5V USB output and you can fully recharge the light's Inova lithium ion battery in just three hours with AC or DC adapters, a computer, or a solar panel. Its aerospace-grade aluminum body features an aggressive knurling pattern for secure grip. Its high-powered 234-lumen LED projects a uniform focused spot and flood beam up to 500 feet, providing up to two hours and 45 minutes of runtime in high mode. A mid-body switch activates four modes (high, low, strobe, and momentary).
The TPT R7 NiMH Rechargable Full-Size Duty Flashlight from 5.11 Tactical features an intelligent switch that allows you to pick one of three modes: high, low, and strobe. On high, it puts out 504 lumens and 17,467 candela for 5.5 hours. On low, the TPT R7 has an output of 182 lumens, and the strobe mode puts out the full 504 lumens. Tested to ANSI FL1 standard, the light features a polymer PC/ABS body, NiMH (full D) rechargeable batteries, Cree XM-L LED technology, and a regulated circuit for maximum output. It comes complete with a three D battery pack, charging cradle, and both AC and DC connectors. List Price is $169.99.
Brite-Strike's 340-lumen BDRC tactical rechargeable flashlight for 2013 is equipped with the company's patented Tactical Blue-Dot Tactical Touch HLS High Low Strobe switch. Brite-Strike pioneered the use of a one-finger, one-touch tactical strobe with its Tactical Blue-Dot Tactical Touch switch. At 5.2 inches long, the BDRC runs on both the 1860 rechargeable battery and 123A batteries as a backup. The body is CNC machined from a single billet of 6061 aluminum and hard anodized finish for a lifetime of use. The BDRC is waterproof and shockproof and features a crenelated front and rear for maximum pressure point control.
Designed specifically for tactical and outdoor use, the PowerTac Warrior provides simple one-handed operation and great illuminating power, as well as a hardened steel striking bezel. It uses a high-efficiency LED that can generate a penetrating and perfectly focused 650-lumen light beam. Multiple brightness levels and strobe mode make it useful in many different lighting situations. It's compact, yet powerful. Like all PowerTac products the Warrior is covered by a no-hassle lifetime warranty. Accessories include a holster, a lanyard, and two spare O-rings.
Available in 72 configurations, Elzetta's ZFL-M60 Tactical LED Light is designed so that all components are interchangeable, interoperable, and made in the USA. With fully potted electronics and half-inch-thick acrylic lenses, Elzetta flashlights are extremely durable, which is important when they're mounted on a weapon. The ZFL-M60 puts out 235 lumens of light with optical beam projection for uniform lighting. Tailcap options include rotary, clicky, high/low, high/strobe, and remote tape switch with five-inch or 12-inch cable. Other options include standard, low-profile, or crenellated bezels and two- and three-cell bodies. A set of 123A ba