Flashlights for Police and Security: Where We're at and Where We've Been

AHHH, the police flashlight the humblest of tools for cops and security personnel is our topic for discussion today. This time we are looking at portable lighting technology from the 90’s through 2016 and discussing whether old tech is still viable today.
Featuring:
Maglite 4D
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mini Maglite
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Surefire G2Z
amzn.to/2eCOgEx
Streamlight Stinger LED
amzn.to/2vJXgLn
INOVA T5
amzn.to/2uIFP19
As a Field Training Officer (FTO) I find that many new recruits have all sorts of ideas that some guy at the police supply store sold them on. There seems to be an entire industry that revolves around taking the money of new cops. For most guys with a new police job they are more than happy to spend their money on a new gizmo that is tactical black and ultra better than the last whizz-bang thingamawatzit. They just got a great new good paying job and/or the department is paying for the gear.
Security personnel however are often far under paid for the work that they do. Budgets are tighter and gear needs to be cost effective but useful.
Today I am focusing a little more on the security folks out there. We are going to look at the old standby flashlights in the industry which can be had fairly cheaply, and at the new stuff which gives you the performance you need without extra things you don’t (like a $175 price tag).

[@911naimplate]

Just one note, you can also upgrade the old Maglite’s with todays' LED tech for about $10.00 producing around 200 to 220 lumens. Not bad for turning a 20th century baton into a 21st century combo light and Billy club : )

[@bugstomper4670]

You can make them lighter too, by converting the D cells (which leak the most of all the battery sizes) to AA lithium batteries, using spacers.

[@Tommymad1]

Super late response, but the new maglite ml300l puts about 650 now. I carry one and am a big fan

[@thatoddfella]

Always carry a light even if you work during the day. You may have to clear a building without power so it may be dark and you'll need a light.

[@freefieldtraining]

+sgtbland definitely, boarded up buildings are unbelievably dark even on bright sunny summer days.

[@thatoddfella]

+free field training Yes sir, I work at an apartment complex that is closed down for construction and it has been for years so I do it all the time though my shift is mostly at night. I have my Streamlight Protac HL and my TLR-1 HL. Great lights at a great price.

[@freefieldtraining]

+sgtbland Yeah, till you blind yourself in the mirror. Man are those HL's bright, especially when you aren't used to them.

[@freefieldtraining]

+sgtbland I borrowed one from a friend when my light crapped out on me one night... bam, right in the eyes.

[@thatoddfella]

+free field training Haha yeah you have to sweep ceilings or floors with it (it's bright enough on white walls or ceilings to light up the entire area) or use at the low ready. Direct bounce back can suck but the throw helps at long distance where a majority of my work is done.

[@dibroc8348]

I remembering 1981 when I was stationed at Ft. Irwin Ca. to a garrison MP unit. We were a new post and had zero equipment issued to us. We were put to work with a colt 1911 and one extra mag. If you were lucky someone would loan you their belt and gear but no one wanted to loan a new E1 their stuff so a few of us ended up working with a .45 in our waist band and extra mag in our back pocket. Well needless to say the my first 3 day off rotation I drove into LA and picked up gear including a 4 D cell Mag Lite. I still have the light in the back of the car. This is an old Mag Lite with screw on head and engraved with a serial # by the manufacturer. I really use that light today but it is still with me. I still remember carrying that dam heavy ass light on my belt.

[@skibum1610]

My dad used to like the old rechargeable mag lights, they were pretty much indestructible, he witnessed a trooper literally throw his mag light at the trailer of a tractor trailer going about 80mph that didn't move over on a traffic stop. He whipped it at the truck, bounced off, and it still worked lol. But he liked them as well because they can be used as a baton it to break windows.

[@freefieldtraining]

+NEPA Outdoors Yeah, they were quite the multipurpose tool. Lll

[@skibum1610]

free field training yep! although he was a game warden and mainly just kept the big one in his truck and a smaller one on his belt

[@freefieldtraining]

+NEPA Outdoors that was very common not all to long ago. I had a couple FTO's 11 years ago who had mag lights they kept in the car and slid on their belt when getting out on a call.

[@skibum1610]

free field training wel that seems pretty practical I guess. Suppose. it's better than sitting on a big metal 12" dildo all day haha

[@benbraceletspurple9108]

If you want to keep your 4D mag light for nostalgia/ impact, there are 3,4, and even 5,000 lumen upgrades with optics that are tough and can survive the impact; modification-drop-ins. These drop ins are expensive and will also include using different batteries, but the overall weight and look of the light remains the same. Look into 700-lumen versions that keep the original reflector so the light remains focusable and a good thrower as the others will have a floody pattern. Any of these options give your mag light a "sleeper car" type of performance while the look remains unchanged. Excellent stuff put there.

[@Vinnay94]

The thing I like about my Maglite 3 D Cell (Incandescent) is the weight is a constant reminder that you have a Flashlight (and Baton) in your hand. Sometimes we carry things and forget they are there especially in your pocket or on your belt. My Maglite is a mere 40 Lumens but it has pretty decent Candela. There's always the option of upgrading it to LED anyway.

[@coldcase5844]

when I started in 85 (I know) we had the old kel-lites, that were basically the maglights grand daddy. When the minimags came out we were given instructions on how to use them as a kubaton (yawara), and usually carried them on keyrings. Some habits never die.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Cold Case lol, I still carry a Kubaton at work... And get made fun of by young guys for it.

[@coldcase5844]

yea now that everybody carrys asp's they say the kubatons life is over. I remember when the asp's first come out so they told the dicks to stop carrying sappers an issued the 16 inch instead.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Cold Case wow, yeah that is a ways back. Lol. I like the kubaton. It keeps me from losing my keys.

[@zechnarwilliams8019]

I carried a 4D cell in college when i worked delivering pizzas as a part time job. I could see the addresses on the house and use it as a defensive tool if needed. The important part, is if everything collapses will you be able to find 123 batteries or 18650's? I bet you can find D and C and all the regular ones that have been around for a long time.

[@imlinorama]

Doing Security work.I carry a small Ledlenser flashlight,but remembered I had a Maglite.Put the batteries in works like a charm.Started carrying Mag 👍💪😎 For night shifts it is gold

[@thunderbear0]

My dad have exact same maglight the big one and its awesome it still have its original bulb and 2nd spare bulb at the bottom cap in foam

[@deathbysonar]

Maglites are just badass. I just found a great deal on a 3D for home use and car. The recommendation for LE is 3D with 2D Maglites coming to a close 2nd because of weight restrictions. I went with the 3D just in case I had to thump someone with it. The 6D imo would just seem less easier to carry. Baton use has a very small window of legality when used by LE or citizens so, keep that in mind before you by a 6D just to crack someone with. It’s a flashlight and should be used as such but, the extra girth in a 3D will give you just enough in an oh shit moment and won’t tempt you the way a 6D might to beat someone to death with a flashlight.

[@chrisharpster3007]

When I worked Corrections, I always carried a flashlight for crawling around under bunks or checking up top of air ducts and vents for contraband. I ended up buying a 300 lumon light from field and stream, and still carry the light on my belt in class, as well as being on the Ambulance. I also found if you shined a flashlight into a cell during graveyard for the unruly drunk guy, he usually shut up pretty quick!

[@freefieldtraining]

+Christopher Harpster yeah. Drunks don't like lumens, lol

[@TierTalk]

Correction officer deserve more respect. Thank you for your service

[@kevine.eustatia8470]

I remember when i subscribed to you, when you had 395 subscribers and i was the 366th! and now you have 1.509 subscribers, way to go! keep up the informative videos. Nice video by the way.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Kevin Eustatia thank you!

[@rileywood8870]

free field training do you have any advice for a juvenile trying to be a police officer

[@freefieldtraining]

+Riley Wood stay out of trouble.

[@MrYugi1234]

now he has 45k

[@freefieldtraining]

+Nathan MacKenzie I was pretty stoked about 600. That was my first goal, just to have an audience to talk to.

[@donna30044]

For a long time I've carried a Streamlight Stinger. Rechargeable, reliable, and fairly compact and easy to carry full-time, they are virtually indestructible. My current Stinger has a 3-brightness+strobe switch (side and butt) and a traffic wand attachment. I carry a spare battery and have a 12V charger for the car, in addition to the wall charger at home. Best duty flashlight I've ever carried.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Ankle Donna me too man

[@vikramgupta2326]

Plenty of vintage maglites available for a great price on amazon. Interesting video.

[@55varian]

I love my bigass maglite, but sometimes it's bigassness gets a little old.

[@freefieldtraining]

+55varian agreed.

[@wildbuffalo8838]

2026: ASP Collapsible Maglite.

[@supremegmb9773]

I have a 2 cell and barrel attachments to make it into a 3,4,5,6 cell

[@alcamacho4968]

lol

[@greysentiede361]

working unarmed security i have to pay attention to what i can and cannot buy. I am not allowed to carry anything on a belt or in a pouch so i have to only get flashlights that fit in a pants pocket. It is amazing how hard it can sometimes be to find a light that is bright enough to use at any possible distance (100-250 ft give or take) and have it still fit in a dress pants pocket. I did find one, a COAST HP5 that has worked for about 3 years that isnt to bad to work with. Dropped it from a 5 story stairwell and still works so i cant complain to much.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Greysen Tiede that's pretty good

[@migacz112]

Check out olight S2 baton for that range and the Olight s30r Javelot for like... 300+ ft range (should go up to like 600 easily, but it's very bright at 300). Those are very small :)

[@uscgwagner]

Or look at the streamlight strion. Pocketable, bright as hell, rechargeable

[@polarweis]

If you like the shape of the maglite(baton style) you should look at the convoy l6. Its super bright(3800 real lumen!) and you can hit a brick in two with it. Only about 60 dollars:)

[@freefieldtraining]

+polarweis nice.

[@jeffdoak8444]

The full sized mag-lights have a extra bulb too. I have a old 4 cell that I have been using since my dad and I would go camping when I was 5 years old.

[@johnd4348]

As an HVAC technician I practally lived with one of those mini Mag lights in my mouth doing repairs in dark attics. The guys today don't know how good they have it with all the different light options. Back in the 90's I couldn't even imagine 500 lumes. Mini Mags are like candles compared to the lights today. I'v proably bought 200 mini Mags in my lifetime. Still buying flashlights. You can't have enough flashlights in the hvac bus. I have at least 5 in my work truck including headlamps and at least 20 in the house.

[@freefieldtraining]

+John D I'm with ya man. I was camping in the 90's the minimal was a staple and a 6 cell D Maglite was big power back then.

[@DiltsOutdoors]

I work as an unarmed security guard. I carried a 3d Maglite when I first started, bought a stinger, carried for a while, bust still go back to the 3d more often because we don't have anything to defend ourselves. Thanks for all the great information.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Justin Dilts apparently they now make a 600+ lumen 3d maglite. News to me, but definitely cool and adds some versatility to the equation beyond as a routine use light and a last ditch weapon. Remember though: We win 100% of fights we never get into.

[@DiltsOutdoors]

I agree with that. I'll have to look into that light. Thanks for the information.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Justin Dilts maglite.com/shop/maglite-3-cell-d-led-3rd-gen-flashlight-858.html#.VvbM1HNOnqA

[@f50koenigg]

@@DiltsOutdoors Are you using Maglite still?

[@DiltsOutdoors]

@@f50koenigg it mostly stays in the car now as a backup light.

[@jess8532]

I did a lot of ride alongs as an explorer and the only real "weapon" I could carry was a knife so the 4 or 5 cell Maglite was on my belt even on a sunny day despite getting funny looks from the guys on shift. When they asked why I had a giant light they were always happy with my explanation and said they would do the same haha.

[@thesmartbudgetchannel2940]

3 options back in the day. Maglite, Fulton, streamlight (expensive brand) flashlights.

[@michaelbaker5070]

I just ordered the power Tac G4 Lt don’t know if you have ever used them, but power Tac is great

[@p90man]

Love a maglite with the mods, led aftermarket replacement lamps and battery mods to 18650,26650, rechargeable or lithium D cell rechargeable.

[@interpol007]

One important thing you should have added, with the c and d cell maglites you can do a cheap led upgrade and it greatly improves not only the light output and durability (bulbs don't break) battery life is increased immensely. While I carry a baton negating the use of a maglite on duty, I bought a 4d cell maglite and an led upgrade on Amazon for about 30 bucks shipped (cad) and I keep it in the Denali.

[@freefieldtraining]

+interpol007 never heard of such a thing. Cool! I'm always happy when I learn something new from the comments section.

[@GUNSLINGER471]

now Maglite makes an LED that puts out 625 lumens with 3 D cells

[@interpol007]

+GUNSLINGER471 but buying a maglite for 20 bucks and an led upgrade bulb for 5-10 is a lot cheaper

[@mrbakerskatz]

+interpol007 I bought that upgrade ,and it is not very reliable . Not like a surefire light is. Twice I grabbed it to use later and when I tried it it was dead battery time .

[@mrbakerskatz]

+interpol007 It depends on what you need a light for !! Myself I feel my life is worth a little more than 35 dollars .

[@zacharycrossman9272]

Security guard here in Canada just ordered a 6 d cell mag light I’m mostly in a patrol car but do some foot work . Love your videos

[@hblegal8309]

Well done! Brings back a lot of memories.

[@w00dy-18]

My departement still has the maglites.. They bought some new LED Maglites which are way better but so damn large. I've been carrying a Nitecore P12 for over 2 years. It's really good and has almost 1000 lumens, they're still affordable though. I always carry a backup reloadable battery in my duty bag.

[@w00dy-18]

Btw It's the most used tool on my belt!

[@freefieldtraining]

+Pukkepop good move.

[@davidpowell3347]

There are now Mag Lites in 2,3 and 4 D cell that are much brighter from the factory than the old ones including the early LED models. However I think the brightness (on High) still drops faster with the D batteries than it would with rechargeable technology _stays almost fully bright but then just goes out in seconds when the charge runs out most of the new Mag Lites have 2 or 3 brightness settings

[@gorka_24]

I'm a stagehand and I use a nitecore P12. Get one, you will not be disappointed. Unbelievably bright and light.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Ryan Dent I'll have to give that a try.

[@ioccatonyz1]

The single AA LED flashlights with a clip allows you to clip them on the bill of a hat for a hands free option. They do not weigh enough to cause the hat to tip downward, they ride well on hats. If the clip is facing the wrong way and cannot be reversed, use a cheapy hat and cut a slit in the bill so it faces forward. The cut slit is the most secure method, it won't shake loose easily...

[@jaredbryant8297]

I think, with all the crazy competition out there, it's tough for people to know what they need. Your videos help. When I worked at a dairy factory, nearly every rain storm kicked the power off in there. I found the Coast HP1, 10 bucks on Amazon, was perfect for helping myself and coworkers navigate towards the exits till power returned. I would not advocate it as a duty light by any stretch but it was reliable with a lifetime warranty I also loved that maglite xl 50, that light has enough throw that I could recommend it as a backup duty light. That light got dropped in a chain uptake for a day or two and works just fine to this day. Of course not crushed by the uptake lol, but tolling around with the chain in lube and water.

[@mrbakerskatz]

Not a bad video , but I have to wonder if you ever used a Thru Nite . I just gave my buddy ,who is a Chief of Police a ThruNite Tc10 V2 and he actually loved it. He is in the process of checking run times to see if it is what he wants .He was using a streamlight strion .I still stake my life on one of many Surefire lights that I have .

[@zulut1876]

I've just joined the UK Police and we've still be issued 4D mag lights.

[@rigomortisss6753]

That's cool

[@erikbetancourt7194]

Im old school, i converted my 4 D maglite to LED. I have a glass breaker on the tail cap and use AA with spacers so its not too heavy. This way i can carry 4 extra batteries of or when they out for my late noght walk. I also carry a mag mini so i can change the batteries in the dark. I dont like the new flashlight that i have to cycle thru to get high power. Plus i don't need strobe or sos on my walks.

[@diablohellfire666]

Great video, I love flashlights too :) I just got one of those new led maglites 3 gen, 625 lumens it is pretty decent, and the run times are amazing,

[@freefieldtraining]

+diablohellfire666 cool

[@erictaylor5462]

When I worked security (1989-1991) I had a 5 D-cell Mag Light. Not only was the flashlight bright as hell, it made a fantastic club. Though I never used it as such it felt good knowing I could.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Eric Taylor lots of guys use them for just that reason.

[@erictaylor5462]

indeed, though I wonder, as a rent-a-cop how much trouble I'd be in if I clobbered someone. And something like that could easily be lethal. The only time I ever came close to hitting someone was one night, working in a hospital a saw a clean cut looking black guy in a white coat knocking on a side door. This door was meant to be locked after hours (it was maybe 2 or 3 am). The only way in was at the emergency department which was on the other side of the hospital. I've never judged a person based on skin color (my dad settled where I grew up mainly because in 1968 it was the most integrated community in the country) and based on his white coat and his clean appearance I assumed he was a doctor who stepped out for a smoke. I was suppose to tell him to go in at the emergency side, but it was quite a long walk and it was quite cold so not wanting to be an asshole I let the guy in. Turned out he wasn't a doctor, well he MIGHT have been, but he wasn't on the hospital staff. He was homeless (This was in San Fransisco, Ca) and BAT SHIT CRAZY! It was a job getting him out again. It's funny, I was a lot more worried about my job than my safety. I had broken a rule and if the guy had done anything it would have been my fault. Have you ever done something like that? Broken a rule trying to be a nice guy only to regret it later? It's been nearly 30 years and I still regret and am glad (at the same time) that I never got to arrest anyone. I'm not sure I would like being a cop. I like to think that most people a good, honest and kind (or at least not unkind) But cops deal with the worst in society, and even if that is the bottom 1% it would be impossible to think of most people being honest and good.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Eric Taylor It isn't impossible, you just have to get out of the car and interact with the normal people. That can be difficult working in a busy town, but not impossible. I make it a point to have lots of friends who aren't cops, that helps as well.

[@erictaylor5462]

I'm sure. But you are smarter than most people, I think. It's hard not to have a warped view of society, especially when you primarily deal with only one segment (like the worst 5%).. Think about it. Every single person you deal with on the job is not wanting to see you. Bad guys, of course, want to avoid you, but even the victims of crime or accident victims are not at their best when you deal with them. That might be a good topic to cover on you "field training" videos. Dealing with the fact you never encounter people who are pleased to see you, and keeping a level head dealing with the worst 5% of the population.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Eric Taylor I've tried to injection t that concept where I can, maybe that would make a good vid.

[@jesseharper7172]

Prices are obviously subject to change based on supply, but I was able to score my Stinger on Amazon with the charger for around $75 or $80. the 350 lumen model I believe.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Jesse Harper nice. I paid over $150 for mine.

[@jonathanhiener2463]

I've been a 3D MagLite owner for a number of years, but the LED dome failed, and instead of buying a new Mag, I looked to see what modern replacements for large flashlights there are (I don't work in security, I mainly use flashlights for camping or in the car, but I like to know I've got a weighty object if it need be used). I ended up purchasing a Convoy L6, about the size of a 2D Mag, but has a MUCH higher build quality, and is LUDICROUSLY bright (3800 Lumens on its highest output)! The best part was the price, $60 USD minus the Lithium ions and charger; for a total package of $100 it's an impressive light. I wholeheartedly recommend it, if you'd ever find the need for a large(r) high performance light that doesn't break the bank.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Jonathan Hiener ☕🍩👍

[@driftracing08]

My cousin has that streamlight flashlight and he said he been using it up to 10 years working on cars and I think the lower lumen led flashlights last way much longer then the higher lumen flashlights

[@cjfernandez9089]

I use AA LED minimags still. My sergeant, and captain are always chewing me out for being a cheap basterd. I don't give a shit. I've gone to Walmart, and grabbed like 10 of them for the price of a Surefire.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Ceejay Physics if that works for you...

[@jennamiller3114]

free field training if they are LED's they aren't terrible, but it's so much cheaper to get a light on Amazon or eBay...

[@jaredbryant8297]

I like your style

[@wolfg.1867]

I carry an Olight M1X Stryker for security. Works really well for the price. It's super durable, battery at the worst last a full 12 hour shift. I do like the fact that it has a strike bezel.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Eric Gudzinas Be careful with the strike bezel. Superficial wounds are rarely fight enders but they are career enders.

[@wolfg.1867]

If it comes down to career or life I will always choose life.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Eric Gudzinas Yeah, but the scalloped bezels don't really do anything but make narley superficial wounds. That isn't going to save your life. It's just going to get blood on your pants.

[@wolfg.1867]

Good to know.

[@footbalr074]

I have the same, as much as I liked the idea of the strike bezel I hate the shadow it cast's FFT is correct in it not being a fight stopper, but I can think of worse ways to start one than 1,000 lumens in the face and then a smack. I acknowledge the increased liability but I'd also imagine it's easier to explain than a maglite. On the other hand I've seen many try to use light alone to dissuade people, I'd say it rarely works and peoples eyes will adapt given more than a second or two.

[@TestTubeBabySpy]

Cool video. I always wondered what the transition from incandescent to LED police lights looked like.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

i brought a no brand flashlight for £19. it holds 9 AA batteries, LED (4 of them) 1800 lumens, ionized aluminium. it has adjustable lens on it and 1 button operation. you have 100% mode, 50%, 10% and strobe. supposedly it is good for 2 hours of use but i am past that on the duracells it came with. really happy with it!

[@Savagegent19]

Great video! I'm pretty stoked about the abandoned building video to come. Keep up the good work and have a good'un!

[@freefieldtraining]

+Lead Farmer Thank you. I'm trying to push these out every week but my computer has been giving me problems rendering the videos as I put more in. This last one took a solid 24 hours to render and still left out a video clip of the unarmed duty belt at the end. I've got lots more topics to come, even if it will take longer to make quality stuff.

[@michaelbaker5070]

What do you think of Fenix?

[@jjsifo1]

Hey thanks! there are a lot of unarmed guards out there who could benefit from all this info. Im retired LEO myself but armed and could still use all the info I can get, things are getting ugly out there.

[@JLoveCNA18]

what's was the first flashlight you did

[@bds123087]

Best pocket light you could ever own ..stream light Protac 1l-1AA. Runs on a single CR 123 battery, or a single AA, or a single AAA. If you’re running with the CR 123 you get 350 lm output on high. It drops a little lower when you’re running it with a AA. Best EDC flashlight I have ever owned. And they’re about $40

[@alrbredwall]

Sir, Have you seen the LED upgrades for the old D cell maglites? They have one that will convert your old maglite into a 5,000 lumen torch! I'm looking to get one.

[@rgeneral01]

Come to Midlo and I will show you some good lights. Thrunight and Nitecore are the brands to have. As a K9 guy, I like having good light.

[@EmilioBaldi]

For old MagLite compatible led lights are available

[@RoseRose-ly3ff]

Please up load the latest version of 2019

[@patrulhacaburai]

Have you heard of Brite Strike flashlight? They say it's designed by police officers for police officers. There is not may reviews on it, but it seems a great light.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Caburai Bushcraft Haven't used one. Great thing about this day and age is that there are so many great lights, knives, and guns.

[@jaycharles3121]

I have a LUX-PRO 2D w 280 Lumans and its bright, rubber grips got 2 yr ago Lowes-12 bucks. Beats Mags, and many other low priced lights. Sure I can spend 100+ on a light but Lux Pro has good ones for under 30 dollars.

[@prankmonkey650]

I used a mag light In 2000. I got my first streamlight stinger in 2000. I have 2 polystingers, a ds stinger led, and a HP streamlight stinger. Also have a small streamlight polytac too. As a backup I have a aaa mag light. My family would steal my flashlights over the years lol.

[@freefieldtraining]

+prankmonkey650 I know the feeling. My son (6 yoa) should have to go to flashlights anonymous meetings. He is one of the reasons I have such a hard time keeping mine charged for work.

[@jaimemunoz5920]

AutoZone has a flashlight that is Led and is only $35 and it is a 6 D cell flashlight. If you Google police security flashlight you should be able to pull it up.

[@freefieldtraining]

+jaime munoz Yeah, a dude at work had that one and it was really, really, bright. Like spotlight bright. Broke after a couple months of every day use. (Not really the fault of the light everything breaks eventually) Would probably make a great light to keep in the car or for light use.

[@selectinsurancesolutions-b8518]

good little video i remember the Maglite bein everywhere as well as I still have mine from the 90's still working. however surefire's while great at the time are to expensive compared to what's on the market these days. The New LED maglights in all sizes are amazing.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Burks Insurance Agency I haven't tried the new ones yet.

[@selectinsurancesolutions-b8518]

the 177-168 lumens are bright as anything I'm about to try the new 611-625 lumen with different memory modes

[@glennj6465]

Great video 👍🏻 I’m in England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 I use a surefire primary DefenderE2D ultra 1000,Lms with a 600 lms version in my grab bag & a Surefire back up 200lms for back up 😂 all are excellent professional torches BUT very expensive over here sadly that’s partly why as you said there’s the Mag light brigade here and the option to use as a batton/coch/truncheon But I feel the Surefire is just as good because it has the castellations on the head and tail and the initial blast of light they produce gives you many options to fight or flight 👍🏻

[@MrFoxracing19]

always love seeing a new video man. for security i use the thrunite tn11s and for edc off duty i have a notecore p10

[@freefieldtraining]

+MrFoxracing19 it is seriously getting harder to find a bad flashlight. I bought my backup light at Target for $15

[@MrFoxracing19]

+free field training my duty light (thrunite tn11s) is 45$ and goes up to 900 lumen. my everyday carry light is the nitecore p10 costed around 60$ and goes up to 800 lumens. check them out. i highly recommend them for duty lights!

[@freefieldtraining]

+MrFoxracing19 I'll tell you, I wasn't always a fan of the ultra high lumen lights until I went inside a burnt out house that had been boarded up. I talk about just that issue on an upcoming vid about abandoned buildings. Now I say get the lumens that you can at your price point as long as it dosen't compromise reliability. I'll have to look into these lights. There is always more room in my closet o fun for more tactical black stuff.

[@MrFoxracing19]

+free field training i love gear in general. haha yeah really check them out. good use lights. thrunite makes a good light for a lower cost then fenix o light and surefire. im deff a flash a holick haha

[@danielelise7348]

Lumencraft make LED retrofit light heads for Maglite 2k & 5k lm

[@royspaulding]

I am using the ThruNite Catapult V5 UT light and while it is a little bit heavy, it runs off of 2 of an 18650 lithium rechargeable battery. Also I must say that it isn't exactly cheap. It is about $150 with batteries I believe. But it is insanely bright 🔆. It puts out 1200 real lumens 😊 And it is built like a tank. It is very solid. If you need a very good light and you want one about the size of a 2D cell maglite this is the light for you. It has a beam throw of about 800 meters also. So you definitely get a lot of light for the money and you can recharge the batteries many times before they will need replacing.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Roy Spaulding good to know.

[@ready4anarchy144]

I work unarmed security in canada mainly concerts and events. And by unarmed they think maglites and leathermans are weapons regardless of intent. So I carry a handheld flashlight and its crown has almost no bezels to it just in case I did have to strike anyone. I knew a retired warrant officer who said that he wasnt allowed to bring his web belt into the mess hall as the belt buckle can be used as a weapon. I agree I dont think anyone wants to get the belt. Having said that I heard a bump in the night once and I literally cleared my own house with my belt. Could you make a video about using a duty belt (or just your normal belt) in a defense situation?

[@thomasmahockney9260]

I enjoy your KZbin lessons and I thought I'd throw in a little food for thought. A long time LEO friend has done quite a bit of volunteering over the years (his first duty flashlight was a six cell Kel-lite--yes we are old) in disaster areas. One of the things he tells young officers is that when the stuff hits the fan and Mother Nature decides to go sideways (think of something like Katrina) that a rechargeable light isn't going to do you any good when there's no electricity to recharge. And forget CR123 batteries and even AAs. However, good ol' D cell alkalines are plentiful. So what he recommends is to them is to carry a 2 or 3 cell Maglite in their gear bag. Not necessarily for every day duty use but to have when it's needed. Keep up the good work.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Thomas Mahockney that is one of my primary reasons for using a single AA battery light today. In a pinch these days AA's can be pilfered from just about any remote control, or children's toy around. That is truly old school tactical!

[@Robsglock17]

The full size mag lights were a great tool for preventing people from slamming doors in your face while on a call.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Robsglock17 or smashing your fingers!

[@OlePorkchop]

What is your take on the Streamlight Strion's? Smaller form factor than the Stinger but similar performance it seems.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Chris Hammond some guys at the PD have them. If you are going to keep the light on your belt the station makes for an easier carry due to the Generally smaller size. I have found the actual run time to be less, but with a car charger and a small backup light this isn't a huge issue.

[@OlePorkchop]

+free field training unfortunately around here, everything has to be on the belt. No outer duty vests like yours to take a bit of the load. That is why I asked. Thanks for the rapid response. Have a good one and stay safe.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Chris Hammond no problem brother, be safe.

[@GarageDwellerPat]

Have you used the Pelican 7060 that LAPD is issued? I was thinking about buying one.

[@freefieldtraining]

+checkitoutdewd never played with one. I'm a ways from LA

[@churkulez4339]

I've got a Fenix UC35 flashlight that has variable brightness levels (5 different brightness levels) and an SOS stobe mode for the odd chance I get hurt and need to get someones attention. Its rechargeable with a USB cable and lasts for weeks. Costed me a cool $121 but well worth it in my opinion as it pays for itself in the amount of use i get out of it and the longevity of the flashlight.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Hunter Churko I'm an old fuddy dudy, I like my lights to have two modes. Off and "sweet Jesus that's bright". Lol

[@churkulez4339]

+free field training yeah I feel ya, for me, I use it everyday. It does help when dealing with people. I can use a lower brightness when talking to someone or dealing with an injured person and wanting to keep a light shined on them without hurting their eyes.its bright enough to find things hidden in grass and dirt yet gentle enough to use in less hostile situations without worrying.

[@mrbakerskatz]

+Churkulez Plus it is rechargeable. Have you tried ThruNite  TC10 V2 It is rechargeable too Great throw with a defined Spot . Light and Battery and Pouch on Amazon $65.00 to the door.  Great Flashlight . 1050 lumens .

[@churkulez4339]

mrbakerskatz I haven't but i have heard of it. My buddy, a transport officer uses one of those i believe.

[@spartanj2957]

Every mag light I bought failed with in 4 weeks one after 48 hours .into the trash .went to Streamlight I'm on my 3rd. In in 30 years and they all still working ,one switch failed ,I took it to a police supply store free replace on the spot and they even installed a new lens for free because it had some scratches.I am going to buy another next week.I don't even think about another brand.

[@sferris33]

Can you recommend that has small form, uses AA and can switch to red light as well. I will be using it for security and Natl Guard as well

[@glennj6465]

Stephen Ferris gerba do the recce I think it’s red blue green white 1AA so great for close up and a bit of covert /night vision 👍🏻👻 Although I’m thinking they no longer make them 🤔

[@sledgehammer03xx82]

Strobe light settings on flashlight. Is it useful or with it having that option?

[@freefieldtraining]

+SledgeHammer 03xx I've o Got lights with the strobe and I rarely find myself using them. Occasionaly I will for looky loo's who want to cause trouble from a porch. As long as it isn't set up so you have to cycle through it to get to the "oh my god is that the sun" setting I don't think there is any harm.

[@johnd4348]

I keep a 6 cell double D battery Mag light by my bed. It's 2 feet long. Plenty of light and can be used as a club if needed. You cant swing one of those 1000 lume small 3 inch lights at someones head when needed.

[@ethanblair4123]

You'll crack their skull open with a 6 cell.

[@johnd4348]

Ethan Blair, That's the point. If their in my house , their skull is not the only thing that gets cracked. But thanks for the reply. All are appreciated.

[@brianreif7305]

Cool video. I think there is absolutely still a place for full sized flashlights for patrol. I like the streamlight sl-20L, very durable, very bright, and could double as an impact weapon or window breaker should the need arise. Keep safe!

[@freefieldtraining]

+Brian Reif my boss carries a big ol streamlight sl20 and loves it. Slides right in the back pocket of 5.11 pants.

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

I once knew a man who, in his younger years, was a cop. As an old man, he was a "rent a cop" at a mall I worked at.

[@Joe.dirt7909]

I steel use my old trusty rechargeable maglight. I usually have to instill the charger myself since the new cars only come with stinger lights

[@Joe.dirt7909]

Incadescent lights are actually better for looking for finger prints

[@freefieldtraining]

+Elliott Coker yeah, at least you have chargers in the cars. I switch out cars like a three year old changes underwear.

[@chrisfields3274]

Thoughts on lights branded and sold by Lapolicegear

[@freefieldtraining]

Never used them. LA police gear isn't a flashlight manufacturer and I don't know who makes their lights for them

[@russellhoude5744]

I have an old Eotech that uses CR123's. They're still expensive

[@765outdoors]

i have a fairly new maglite, ml50l 3 cell. same size as the streamlight. 611 lumens and the battery life is insane. i also have a "limited run" ml300l 6 cell and thats 694 lumens and 70 ish hours of runtime. really heavy though. i used it for a bout 4 months since i do inspections on trucks and trailers at night. last a long time though.

[@freefieldtraining]

+budget gamer2017 sounds like they got even better!

[@765outdoors]

free field training they got really good. H/m/l also has strobe and momentary function. My ml50l gets about 16 hours with good batteries before it drops down to low. Pick one up I bet you would be impressed just make sure you get one with 600 or more lumens otherwise they use some other led and they aren't very good

[@NS50117]

Mini maglite I found at my local mills fleet farm for 2 bucks a pop

[@greysentiede361]

I also like to use the smaller flashlights because i have used maglites for years and have even been hit with one. Not a fun day to remember.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Greysen Tiede lol, yeah, but if it's all ya got...

[@JohnWilson-ji2cp]

Just found your channel, Great videos. Wondering if you have any thoughts on lights for traffic incident management? I just picked up one of the SL Strions that I carry on my belt for general illumination when needed but was curious what you might recommend for traffic safety and control. For example, using the old school SL20 with an orange traffic cone to direct traffic and to make your presence.known. I think the Strion is too small for this although they do sell traffic cones for them. Should I go back to the full size SL20 with the traffic cone or might something in the Stinger series work. Thanks

[@freefieldtraining]

+John Wilson even a small traffic cone can be very effective, at least much more than just a light. There are also a few purpose built products that do the job better for very little money and don't kill your duty light if that helps. Here is one: www.trafficsafetystore.com/traffic-wands/led-9?gclid=CjwKEAiA7ejCBRDlp8uF6ezPnjoSJAAPED7MTRd8LLyhSigWbFMrEyI5o5UE_9V4YVeWRuSm07mxdhoC79rw_wcB

[@JohnWilson-ji2cp]

Thanks. I have seen them and I will give one a try.

[@dalekidd420]

LOL The first part of this reads like a timeline of the flashlights I've carried in the course of my own career. I carried a 4 to 6 cell MagLite as my primary (and, as you note, my legal impact weapon when we weren't allowed batons), and a Mini Mag as my secondary. I later dumped my Mini for a SureFire (even earlier model than the one you featured), which I carried in that same spring-retention belt holder, and really stopped caring whether my 6 C-cell MagLite even had live batteries in it anymore... it was there purely for defensive purposes. Somewhere around, I think, 2005 or so, the Surefire crapped out, and I replaced it with a Streamlight Scorpion. I still carry the Scorpion to this day. (That's right... almost 13 years and still going strong!) Sadly, don't have the big MagLite anymore... they changed legislation in my jurisdiction limiting Security to maximum 3 cell flashlights. Companies and governments really don't give a damn whether WE get killed, as long as we don't get THEM sued.....

[@dalekidd420]

Incidentally, there is an LED upgrade available now for the Mini-Maglite, that includes an end-cap switch. I have one that I use off duty. Only problem I have found is that it extends the length slightly, making the light longer than most of the holsters designed for it, which allows that end-cap switch to be activated accidentally. (And FREQUENTLY!)

[@tomstephens7201]

620 lumen Maglite ML300 3D / 1000 Lumen ML300 4D or the 1080 lumen ML150LR, or the plethora of LED drop ins for bigger D cell mags... Best of modern light and old school heft. Win.

[@rickshipper2002]

Need one that lets you see threw tinded windows

[@jabba0975]

I still prefer the big Maglites. Newer flashlights may be brighter, but when it comes to breaking bones, you can't beat a 4d (or bigger) Maglite. When I was first hired, my FTO shot a suspect and there was an inconvenient witness. One swing of his Maglite, and when the witness woke up in the ICU 2 weeks later, he didn't even remember his own name!

[@generalfeldmarschallerwinr5883]

Since you've done both, is a police agency going to care if I've done armed security or executive protection for a little while before applying, just hypothetically? Would it look positive? Like I'm trying too hard? Would they just not care?

[@freefieldtraining]

+Inquisitor Jacobus It really isn't a concern. It certainly isn't as big a bonus as people think it will be. What is important is that whatever you do your boss trusts you with responsibility. If you work armed at a refinery it means they trust you with a gun around their expensive, volatile, and dangerous equipment. If you are an armored car driver that means someone trusts you with a 100k truck full of money. If you work armed security at a bowling alley, bank, or shopping mall that is a bit different.

[@nelsonr1467]

What do you think about modern offerings from surefire?

[@freefieldtraining]

Surefire does by far the best weapon lights on the market today. They have kind of given up on the law enforcement duty light market though, which I think is unfortunate.

[@nelsonr1467]

@@freefieldtraining why is that?

[@freefieldtraining]

I have no idea. Surefire basically dropped out of the market for stinger sized lights and are marketing 18650 battery lights as duty lights. It is a mistake if you ask me. The old R1 lawman would have been an amazing light if it were waterproof the same way streamlight and Pelican lights are. The only thing I can assume is that surefire thinks law enforcement products don't have to be made to the same standards as military oriented lights.

[@kevanglover792]

What's your take on the stream light Micro scream

[@Joejoe-fd9xt]

for law enforcement would yo recommend the streamlight stinger hl or the stinger hpl

[@Joejoe-fd9xt]

you

[@freefieldtraining]

+Survivial Preppers I don't have direct experience using either.

[@davidcooper800]

Hi, I have a seven "C" cell maglite that I got 30 years ago. I have been paying attention and I have NEVER seen another one. Does anyone have one or has anyone ever seen another one. It makes a much better weapon that the "D" cell lights because of the weight. Much easier to swing and reset. Could mine have been a prototype? Thank you guys.

[@freefieldtraining]

They were much more popular ten or so years ago than today, but according to maglight's website they are still made.

[@davidcooper800]

@@freefieldtraining Thanks FFT

[@herbertainsworth160]

I got two stream light 20x still working at night

[@julast6658]

THE 4 d maglite WAS A TRUCHEN and then a torch!

[@randomroofus2239]

I got a 3d maglite and I love it, it spits out 570 lumens and very long battery life

[@Patriot3791]

You should make a video for Police Cadets and Recruits, and one for trainees. Advice and stuff.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Clayton “Patriot3791” Ryan that is kind of what this whole channel is supposed to be. I'll admit it is a work in progress, but I hope at least that much is evident.

[@scottiusmaximus4298]

I have my maglite by the front door for a good flashlight. "Good, but it's only like 75 lumens". Hahahaha, grasshopper, I have done modifications. I now run a 360 lumen LED bulb and I've converted it to hold 2 18650 batteries! The look and field of a big ol' maglite with modern performance? Yes please. Also, you can go bigger than 360 lumens, they have drop ins in the 500+ lumen range from what I've seen.

[@Snubrevolver]

The new generation 3D Maglite comes with 600 lumens and 3 brightness settings. Some of the models are even rechargeable now.

[@Northeastbaseball]

Can Never go wrong with a Mag-Light. I have talked to some police officers and security guys and they keep a 6 Cell Flashlight on the passenger seat. Ditto for Uber and Taxi Drivers. I also work as a doorman at a entertainment complex in Boston, and a couple of guys on my door team carry a mini-mag on their belts.

[@freefieldtraining]

the universal public safety tool!

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

It's very easy. Just use an LED 3 D-cell Maglite as I do. It throws an about 100 Yard light beam and the batteries are cheap and last you about 50 hours. Normally if the light is not used a lot the batteries loose power from sitting in the light or start to leak because of old. But for an security guard the 3 D cell Maglite LED is an perfect Option and usabla as an baton as well. I made myself an leather Holster for that Maglite and thats a viable Option. Otherwise for an EDC I switched over to an Coast HP1 light (made a move away from some cheap chinese Amazon LED lights which half of them do not work really). An AA light as an EDC is a must but for night guards the 3 D cell LED Maglites are about the best Option since one can use the light extensively without the Need to carry replacement batteries which is a Problem in small modern LED lights with an single AA battery.

[@wasa9135]

Fortunately there are "modern" maglites that are LED capable. I'm going to buy a 3 C-Cell LED Maglite that puts out 611 Lumens, it takes 150 to temporarily blind an attacker, 300 to blind them during the day. Any time you can buy yourself during an encounter is worth the price of a strong light, and something that can double as an impact weapon.

[@freefieldtraining]

It is funny how those numbers go up every year. It used to be 60 lumens to "blind an attacker"

[@wasa9135]

free field training shorty after this video I watched your "Using Light as a Weapon" video and have a better insight on their more "practical" applications. Even a few seconds of disorientation can make difference, as long as you're thinking and acting a lot faster.

[@freefieldtraining]

I wasn't saying it can't help, I'm saying that the numbers quoted by flashlight companies for the task go up in direct proportion to the lowest lumen lights the companies make. I fully expect that in about five years it will be "you need at least 600 lumens to blind an attacker"

[@wasa9135]

And in another 5 after that 1000

[@wasa9135]

free field training I just feel like maybe I'm trying to over compensate the amount of light I need. On some occasions I am assigned to work Perimeter and right now I realistically only get 4 hours of night time conditions on my shift. I'm usually looking for Contraband or individuals making drops. Any other time I'm on a housing unit where at most I would use my light to search those smaller darker spaces where they may be hiding things. I elected the 2 c-cell or 3 c-cell LED maglite so I can still have enough heft, and a longer battery life. Plus I'd feel a bit silly with a D-Cell, especially when all my other coworkers have streamlites or the mini maglites.

[@pacer5748]

Where's your Kel-Lite?

[@hxFubar]

He is way to young to have one. The FTO that trained him may have though.

[@freefieldtraining]

+Fred Ubar mine had a 5 cell c Maglite. Called it his "multitool"