I have been using Streamlight flashlights since I went to my first SHOT Show many years ago. I have always found them to be durable, bright, and affordably priced. The TL-2 X is another great addition to the company's family of tactical lights.
This aluminum body light uses a C4 LED for a light source that should last a lifetime as long as you keep the CR 123A batteries fresh. You will find the 200-lumen output lights up everything around you for several yards, providing enough illumination to identify what is in a subject's hands out to 50 yards plus on a pitch black night.
If you need to distract a subject, simply release and quickly depress the tail cap again and you have activated the light's strobe function.
To keep the TL-2 X close at hand, you can choose from the included pocket clip and lanyard. Thanks to the size of its tube you can carry the TL-2 X as easily as a knife, and when you do need to set it down the tri-bevel design of the head keeps it from rolling away.
To further enhance the versatility of the TL-2 X, Streamlight offers a weapons mount. Once the mount is on a long gun, you can loosen the light while leaving the mount on your weapon. You can even use the light on a long gun with the pocket clip attached. Thanks to this mount the Streamlight TL-2 X is one of the most versatile lights on the market today. -Scott Smith
Streamlight TL-2 X Flashlight Stats
C4 LED technology, with a 50,000-hour lifetime
High temperature glass lens, gasket sealed
Modes: High, 200 Lumens, 2.5 hours runtime; low, 10 Lumens, 50 hours runtime; strobe
Weight: 4.7 ounces
Length: 5.65 inches
Color: Black
Price: $113
www.policemag.com/freeinfo/17345
Bobster
Ballistics Echo Convertible Z87 Eyewear
I received a pair of Bobster's Ballistics Echo Convertible Z87 sunglasses a few weeks ago and have had a chance to put them to the test on the range, on my motorcycle at work, and just wearing them around town. When I got the box containing the set-up I was impressed. Not only do you get a pair of sunglasses, but also a pair of clear frames, a MOLLE nylon pouch, and a cleaning cloth.
Some of this is nice to have, some not so much. The MOLLE pouch is nice in theory, but I don't see it having much real-world application as it is soft and anything inside would be crushed if it were attached to gear. I would prefer a rigid case of some kind.
As for the sunglasses, the fit is nice and the glasses provide good coverage around my eyes; they prevent light from "leaking" in from the sides. The frames are rigid and comfortable and the "smoked" lenses are adequately tinted. Although the lenses' clarity was decent, it wasn't as good as the sunglasses I usually wear.
An included removable foam "eye gasket" that attaches to the inside of the sunglasses' frames is supposed to reduce the amount of debris and wind from getting behind them, like goggles. I found this to be of little use on the motorcycle (where wind is an issue), and on the range it makes the glasses hot and uncomfortable to wear. The clear lenses were nice to have in low light but their clarity was, again, comparable to that of regular safety glasses.
Quality of construction seems adequate. But as I changed the stems from one set of frames to the other I found myself wondering how long they'd hold up before cracking, especially because it takes a pointy finger and a good amount of pressure to remove the clips on either side.
Overall I would say Bobster's Ballistics Echo Convertible Z87 sunglasses are good for general use. -A.J. George
Bobster Ballistics Echo Convertible Z87 Eyewear Stats
Frame Color: Black
Frame Finish: Matte
Frame Foam Type: Flame retardant removable closed cell foam
Frame Material: Polycarbonate
Frame Measurements: Temple to Temple: 131mm; Temple length 119mm; Height 44mm
Frame RX Ready: Yes
Lens Coatings: 100% UVA and UVB protection, Anti-Fog
Lens Color: anti-fog smoked and anti-fog clear interchangeable sets
Lens Material: 2.2mm Polycarbonate
Included Accessories: Goggle strap, retainer strap, removable closed cell foam, microfiber cleaning cloth, MOLLE carry case
Rx Limitation: RX lens bezels available for purchase, but not approved for ballistics or Z87 usage
Standards Met: ANSI Z87.1-2003 +, MCEPS/Military Ballistics Impact Standards
Warranty: Lifetime against manufacturing defects
Price: $69.98
www.policemag.com/freeinfo/17346
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Aimpoint
Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)
One of the biggest advances for the military and law enforcement has been the advent and widespread use of red-dot sights. In nearly all the photographs you see of GIs and cops with long guns you will also see a red-dot sight. This is because they improve first hit probability, are nearly indestructible, and make teaching basic marksmanship skills easier. Aimpoint's Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) is no different.
Aimpoint has been the industry leader when it comes to tube red-dots. The company's Comp series of sights has been accepted and used by the military for years. The Comp is tough, has an incredible runtime, and has proven itself time and again. Some folks balk at the Comp Sights because they say they're too pricey for the average street officer. To this I say, consider the PRO.
This past year Aimpoint introduced the Patrol Rifle Optic, a complete red-dot for duty. When I say complete, that means with flip-up covers, mount, and sight with a runtime of more than 30,000 hours on one battery. If you work around water you will be glad to know the PRO is also waterproof to 150 feet, so fear not getting stuck in a downpour or dropping the sight into a puddle.
To test and evaluate the PRO I mounted it on my LW Daniel Defense M4 carbine. The sight mounted securely and quickly, and the half-inch at 100-yard adjustments for windage and elevation were positive and smooth. Each increment clicks as you turn the knob with a coin or screwdriver.
The Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic is easy to use and will not break the bank. This is a good buy for an optic of this quality, and it's even ready to mount. -Scott Smith
Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) Stats
Battery Life: Up to three years
Waterproof: Up to 150 feet
Red Dot Size: 2 MOA
Dot Intensity: 6 Daylight, 4 night vision
Length: 5.1 inches
Weight: 11.6 ounces including mount and spacer
Ring Diameter: 30mm
Price: $440
www.policemag.com/freeinfo/17347
Scott Smith is a former federal police officer for the Department of Veteran's Affairs who currently serves as a reserve officer.
Officer A.J. George is a motor officer and firearms instructor for the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Police Department.
