Energizer Swivel Head Light

www.afmo.com

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$125.00

Energizer Hardcase Tactical

Luna Optics SM30 Monocular

This monocular, by Luna Optics is a civilian 1st generation night vision device. 1st generation means it's older technology. With newer technology comes higher prices, that not everyone can afford. Selling at Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet for $199.95 it's a decent device for that cost.

This monocular is better used, and most likely designed for, outdoors. The reason I say this is that 1st off it has a 3x magnification. This is honestly hard to tell. If I didn't read that it had this magnification I'd say it had none or maybe 1x. But also when I've tried this device inside in an average sized room in complete darkness you can't see a thing. But the monocular has an infrared illuminator, so I turned that on. When this is turned on inside and the light reflects off something in close proximity it flushes out the optic and the optic will turn off. This is a good feature so that the optic is saved from damage, but that's my reasoning behind specifying that this is for outdoor use, at least when using the illuminator.

The illuminator needs to be used in complete darkness and on extremely dark nights for a good picture. This is a result of this being lower/older technology. In the civilian market this shouldn't be a problem as you won't have "bad guys" looking through their own NVDs trying to spot your IR illuminator.

Quality of the picture is what you should expect from 1st generation technology, and under optimal settings the manufacturer claims a 200 meter viewing distance. I'd say under most circumstances you're looking at 100 to 150 MAX distance (with the IR illuminator being used).

Durability has been good so far, though I haven't had the opportunity to test it under harsh conditions. As I continue to use this device I'll update the review with any new observations.

This device is powered by 2 AA batteries. AS with any electronic device, I suggest using lithium batteries to extend battery life and for the better durability of lithium batteries.

Overall, not a bad device for civilian use. At an affordable price it's proven to be useful and practical.

Details:

• High-quality all-glass optics. • Built-in IR illuminator and tripod mount. • One-touch controls with power and IR light indicators. • Attractive Duo-Tone rubberized finish. • Technology--------------Top-Grade Generation-1 • Magnification:-----------3x • Objective lens:----------50mm • Field Of View:-----------12 degrees • Focusing distance:--------1.5m (4.9ft) to infinity • Viewing distance:---------200m (650ft) • Power:--------------------2 x AAA-size • Operating time:-----------30 hrs • Warranty:-----------------1 year

Streamlight Scorpion

I've had this Streamlight Scorpion for several years...at least 9 years now and it's still going strong. This light is a regular Xenon bulbed light with none of the modern technological bells and whistles, but still a great little light.

The beam itself is not what you'll see from todays high end lights. There are dead spots and it's not as bright as others. When I was using it years ago, however, i noticed that you can really light up an area with it at 79 lumens (peak performance).

Run time is around an hour.

It's supposed to be able to adjust from spot light to flood light, and it does to a small extent. It does this by rotating the bezel. The only problem is that loosening the bezel is also how you change the batteries. So if you slightly loosen the bezel to adjust to spot light there can be the tendency for the bezel to come off. This happened to me while using an opened bottom light case and the handle part of the light fell off, through the bottom of the case, and the handle and batteries were all over the ground....not good. So, I suggest just leaving the bezel tightened down.

Overall this is an excellent light that I've found worth the money. Typical cost is between $30-40.

Energizer Head Lamp

This is Energizer's 3-LED version head lamp. 2 of the LEDs are white and one Red LED to help maintain your natural night vision. This head light runs on 3 AAA batteries. This makes it easier to change the battery than other versions that use watch batteries, which, at times can be hard to come by where as AAA batteries can be found in almost any store and are significantly cheaper.

The things I like about this light are, it's long run time, bright Red LED, rotating light, simple 2 mode functions (Red or White light). Changing the batteries is a snap as well, just open the back and replace the batteries. No screws to deal with. The padding on the back is nice, however, I think that if the back was more contoured to fit your head it would be a bit more comfortable, as the back is flat. Also, another problem I have had with this light is it accidentally turning on while in my bag due to the switch being exposed on the top of the lamp.

This headlamp has seen plenty of use by me and will continue to do so. I love this headlamp, for being fairly inexpensive and so far has proven to be rugged as well.

Update (10/31/09):
Since the last posting this headlamp has seen plenty of use. In fact the padding on the back has worn off and the back cover has cracked due to repeated removal and replacement (both of these issues can be seen in the picture below). This removal and replacement is due o the batteries being removed each time I stored it in my pack since it would inadvertently turn on when the batteries were not removed. I still use this headlamp for reading in bed at home and light camp work, but I've found it a little too weak in light output for the more demanding jobs.

Novatac 120T Tactical Light

I have been using this Novatac 120T light for several months now and have found it very impressive and useful for many different applications. This version is designed as a tactical light (hence the T at the end of the name) and has been used by me for such applications as well as for a daily carry light while on duty, and also as a camp light and general purpose light.


The features of this light make it perfect for all the above mentioned applications. It's a very rugged light which gives you all the cool features of other larger more expensive lights in a compact design that won't break the bank compared to others. It's white LED give it a longer battery life and is more durable that a bulb.


The light (actually a high powered LED) has the ability to adjust to 3 different brightness levels quickly by clicking the tail cap. First off. By just holding down the tail cap while the light is off gives you momentary full brightness. Once you release the tail cap the light turns off. By clicking the tail cap once you get full brightness level (120 lumens) that stays on. This is great for outside and for when you want to really light up a room. From that point if you click the tail cap twice real quick the brightness reduces to 10 lumens. This is great for indoors or close up work where you don't want as much of a light signature. From either the 120 lumens or 10 lumens setting, clicking the tail cap three times real quick will reduce the light level to 3 lumens. This is a good setting for close up work when light discipline is important to prevent giving away your location and helping to maintain your natural night vision. I've found that all three of these levels are a good amount of light for different applications.


Another feature that makes this light great for tactical applications is it's disorienting strobe feature. If you've ever been in a club with a strobe going you understand how this can disorient you. It covers the movements of the person using the strobe yet allowing that person to see the movements of the subject they're pointing the strobe at. When you point the strobe into someone's eyes from a distance it's also easy to move closer to that person without them being able to tell you're getting closer. This is good for handcuffing and disarming.


The strobe feature is activated by holding down the end cap, releasing the tail cap takes you back to the level you were at. You can do this from any of the lumen levels. Just hold down the tail cap and the strobe feature activates at the full 120 lumen level. Also, while the light is on in any lumen level you can turn the strobe on permanent instead of momentary mode. This way you don't have to hold down on the tail cap. To do this you click the end cap quickly once, then click it a second time holding down on the tail cap for a second or two and then you can release it and the strobe will continue to flash.


Aside from the actual lighting features there are several other useful features in this watch. They are as follows:

1. Extended textured tail cap button. Makes activating the light convenient.
2. Pocket clip. I found this pocket clip difficult to attach and remove. It attaches by taking the tail cap off and placing the pocket clip ring on the light then replacing the tail cap. The part that is difficult is that you have to put it past the O-ring. Getting it over the O-ring is hard and can damage the O-ring, and removing the O-ring is no easy task either. If this could be made easier it'd help out a ton. The pocket clip also has a lanyard hole in it.
   
3. Strike bezel. This is great for pain compliance and strike techniques.
4. Auto brightness reduction when the battery is low. This helps save battery life and also gives you an indication that the battery is low.
5. Reverse polarity protection.
6. Rubber ring included to help give you grip when using by hand. I found that this would tend to slip off it's spot on the light at times when stored in a pocket. I've found the light is just as easy to maintain a good grip without the ring.
   
7. Thermal regulation.
8. Waterproof to 66ft. I have used this flashlight under heavy rain conditions as well as letting it sit in water for hours with no ill effects. Being a former Marine I always look for products that can withstand some water!
9. Polycarbonate lens with anti-reflective coatings reduces the chance of glare giving away your position and help to give you a better quality of light output.

Again, I've used this light in tons of different conditions and it's durability and features are impressive for a light of such compact dimensions. It's small enough to carry in your pocket for off duty use, or for a lightweight mounted light option for weapons. I have it on my rifle and it's not been effected by recoil so far. This light is really a good catch whether you're in the military, law enforcement, or security field.


Specs:
• Input Voltage: 1.8V to 4.5V
• Maximum Light Output: 120 Lumens
• Regulation: Constant Power Regulation
• Battery: 1xCR123A
or Li-ion (4.2V) Rechargeable
• Dimensions: 1 Inch (25mm)
Diameter by 3.3 Inches (80mm) Long
• Weight: 3.1 Ounces Including Battery


Data Sheet
User Guide
MSRP: $149

NiteCore Extreme HA Bezel Tac Light

Over the last couple months I've been able to test out the NiteCore Extreme HA (hard anodized) Bezel tactical light. It wasn't until I started to write this post that I actually took notice of the cost of this light. For all the functions and features of this light I was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable cost. And it even comes in a nice case with extra parts.

This light is a hand held LED (light emitting diode) light with law enforcement, military and self defense in mind. It's not even close to being a typical LED either. The LED is a CREE Q5 WC LED...what all that means to me... a bright LED..up to 200 lumens of output. This is brighter than a couple of larger hand helds that have Xenon lights...so this LED packs a lot of power. LEDs will last up to 100,000 hours of use and have a longer battery life than traditional bulbs. I've found it's battery life to be excellent!!

Two of the features that make this a great self defense light are the strobe function of the LED and the hardened strike bezel. The strobe feature disorients anyone that it is used on. By placing the light in strobe mode and shining it in someone's face it will disorient them and allow you to either get off a shot if necessary, or to close-with and get close enough to use hand to hand techniques. When the strobe is shining in someone's face it is extremely difficult for them to tell that the person holding the light is moving closer to them...so this is a great feature to help effect an arrest. The other feature for self defense is the strike bezel that can be used to strike or apply pressure for pain compliance.

This flashlight has two modes which can be a little confusing at first. The first mode is the tactical mode which features the strobe and full brightness features. When the bezel is tightened down it's in tactical mode. The other mode is the variable digitally-controlled brightness mode. In this mode you can gradually go from 2 lumens to 200 lumens. When the bezel is slightly loosened the light is in variable brightness mode.

Tactical Mode: When in this mode the light will shine at it's brightest setting. To change from the bright mode to the strobe function you quickly loosen the bezel slightly, then tighten it back down again. You only need to loosen it slightly and this will take some getting used to. This method was something I really didn't like when I first got the light, but now that I've gotten used to it I do like it. You do the same thing to go back from strobe to full brightness.

Variable Brightness Mode: This mode allows you to go from the light's lowest possible setting to it's brightest possible setting. This is done gradually and takes about 6 seconds to go from one extreme to the next. A lot of lights that have variable adjustments will do it in preset brightnesses, but with this light it's infinite between 2 lumens and 200 lumens. The way this is done is just like the tactical mode, only in reverse. To get the light to start to get brighter or dimmer, just tighten then loosen the bezel and it will gradually change. Once you get to the setting you want just turn the light off, then back on and it'll be at your setting.

One thing that is nice about this light is that it has a digital memory, meaning that your setting in the tactical and variable modes are stored. When you switch between modes the last setting you had in that mode is stored. For example, if you're in the strobe feature in the tactical mode and you go to the variable mode, the light will return to the last brightness setting you had. If you go back to tactical mode, it'll return to the last setting (strobe) that you had.

The different modes and ways of changing and adjusting them took a little time to get used to, however, once I got used to this I have really enjoyed using this light.

The light has many other features that I'll list here:

1. Tactical forward click switch. This rubber button (switch) is textured and easy to use, however, doesn't stick out too far to be easily activated accidentally. It is easy to use with gloves on as well.
   
2. Battery reverse polarity protection.


3. Anti-rolling design so the light stays where you put it.


4. Metal reflector, not plastic.


5. Impact-resistant optical lens with dual-coating. What this means is that there's not just an anti-reflective coating on the outside of the lens like some flashlights. The anti-reflective coating is on the inside of the lens and a layer of diamond coating on the outside to help in light transmittance and protect the lens from damage. All this is combined to add in light transmittance, abrasion resistance and anti-reflective properties.


6. Constructed from military grade aluminum alloy.


7. Mil-Spec Type III hard anodized finish.


8. US Mil Standard impact resistance (Mi-STD-810F).


9. Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard (immersion for 30 minutes in 1 meter of water). Which is plenty good for most military/LE/Security/civilian uses. I have tested it's waterproof properties and even clicked the button under water with no negative effects.


10. Strong, removable pocket clip.


11. Can run on CR123 or rechargeable Li-ion batteries.


12. 12 months free repairs , except those caused by misuse.

This light aslo comes with the following replacement parts:

• (2) switches


• (1) switch cover


• (2) O-rings


• Allen key to remove pocket clip.

Runtime:

• CR123 Battery: 190 lumens - 75 minutes, then drops to 50%. 2 lumens - 120 hours then drops to 50%.


• Lithium-Ion battery: 200 lumens, 50 minutes, then drops to 50% power. 60 hours, then drops to 50% power.

I have used this light for every day use, tactical use, in hot and humid weather to cold freezing weather, in the rain, sun and water and this light functions and looks as if it just came out of the box. I really have no complaints on this light or any of it's features. It's rugged and reliable and has a great run time!

For the price of this light it's really a great value. You see these functions and features in many other lights costing $130 or more. If you need a tactical or other reliable light that has same great features you need to check out this light.

Dimensions: 92mm (L), 26mm (D)
Weight: 65g, excluding batteries

MSRP: $88.00

Buy it HERE!

Glo-Toob

This cool little guy is a Glo-toob. This light has so many uses I couldn't think to list them all here. It can be used to mark camp sites or other sites, used as a tent light, marking people for safety or ID, IR style can have multiple military applications for marking and illumination, the list goes on and on.

This light is basically an LED light that reflects off an inner reflective surface to give an all around "glow" to the area. The blue model I received has 3 LEDs and gives off plenty of glow for use as a tent light and would be great for marking for safety or ID reasons. I have found that a slightly greater amount of light shines down toward the end cap area, so when using this as a flashlight I hold it with the cap down so the light doesn't shine right up into my face.

The light is also waterproof, however, for scuba and other diving or deeper level underwater use the manufacturer suggests using the diving cap that is designed to give it 100% waterproof reliability. The included twist cap is resistant to 11500 feet. I have tested the light under running water and short time under water in a sink and had no problems so far. I didn't and don't suggest manipulating the "on/off" switch while the unit is actually underwater though. I'm sure it's ok to use it this way, i just get nervous about twisting the cap underwater.

There are several accessories for this item as well to include a clip for your belt, which leaves the light exposed, a pouch, an anti-roll device, and several different end caps. One accessory I would suggest to the manufacturer is a device that attaches to the glo-toob, much like the belt clip, that covers half of the light so that you only get 180 degrees of light instead of the full 360 degrees to make it into a directional light for reading and other activities where you don't want the light shining back into your face. You could always use military 100mph tape to cover half of the light, however, a snap on accessory would be the best bet.

This light has proved durable (it is high-impact resistant) and useful so far and I will continue to evaluate it for any further info. I really like this light and think everyone can find at least one use for having one.

This light is available in the following colors: amber, blue, green, red, white, IR.

Battery: 12v (23a) - I'm not sure how readily available these are, they have a version in CR123 that is readily available and the same as most other tactical electronics.

MSRP is $29.99

Sold at L.A. Police Gear

Maglite Mini-Mag updrade

Lets face it, mag lites are pretty rugged but due to the advances in lighting technology the mini maglite seems to have dropped to a less used utility light. One thing that Nite Ize has done is create a upgrade to the mini maglite.

This upgrade includes a 3 LED module to replace the standard bulb, and a push button endcap to replace the standard endcap. This upgrade lengthens battery life greatly (20 hours) and puts out much better light, and it's shock resistant. The LED itself has a 100,000 hour life span...much better than the regular bulb. The light improvement is great compared to the standard bulb. The only thing you lose with this upgrade is the ability to adjust from flood to spot light. Not a bad sacrafice for the improvement.

Also included with this upgrade is a push button tail cap which allows you to easily turn the light on without having to twist the Bezel. This is nice, however, I've found that while holding the light in a light pouch it can accidentally be activated. For this reason I've done away with using the push buttong and gone back to the original tail cap and just turn the light bezel to turn the light on. This is not a light used for tactical applications anyway, so the endcap switch isn't needed. When you do use the tail cap switch....you'll need to leave the bezel loose to keep the switch activated. If you tighten the bezel, the switch cannot be accidently activated, but then that defeats the purpose of the switch all together because the bezel will need to be loosened for the light to come on.

All in all, if you have a mini maglite kicking around in a drawer somewhere not being used this is a good investment to get that light back into use. You can buy it at Brigade Quartermasters for $9.99 (discounted if you qualify for the professionals discount) or buy at the local Target or hardware store.

Princeton Scout Headlamp

I have been using this headlamp made by Princeton for a few months now while working in the dark at work. It has been very useful and durable so far. I have yet to use it in the rain or cold weather, but will update this as soon as it gets exposure to either. The lamp has a waterproof level 1 rating (splashes and quick dunks in water). This headlamp uses 2 LEDs (10 lumens) and has a push button on/off. This button (orange button in pictures to the left) is covered to prevent it from being pressed accidentally. The part of the lamp that adjusts it's angle covers the button.
The headlamp has several modes... 3 levels of illumination, and 2 flashing speeds. I have found that the lowest level is OK for close work and the medium level is good for normal work. The distances and hours of operation for the different modes are as follows:
- low: 48 hours, 8 meters
- medium: 36 hours, 10 meters
- High: 24 hours, 15 meters
- Slow flash: 70 hours
- Fast flash: 50 hours
There are also several ways to mount the headlamp. The adjustable elastic head strap is included with the lamp. It can also be attached to any strap that is the same width as the strap. Also, it can be removes from the strap and clipped to a hat or anything else that the clip will fit.
Replacement batteries are: 4-#2032 lithium coin cells.

06/26/08 - Update: I just put fresh batteries in this headlamp this past weekend to use on a camping trip. We got all set up and one it got dark out I went to use the headlamp and the part where the headband connects to the light broke off. I was quite disappointed since this isn't a light I had used too much so it shouldn't have been wort to the point of breaking. I will super glue it and try to continue to use it, but I'm pretty much counting this one out. Not necessarily this style or brand of light, but this specific one due to the piece being glued together.