Archive for April, 2010
Top 5 Tactical LED Flashlights
by PinnacleFlashlights on Apr.11, 2010, under Information
Here is a list of the Top 5 Tactical LED Flashlights chosen by using the information outlined in our previous article Top 7 Factors in Choosing a Tactical Flashlight
5) Fenix TK30
Top 7 Factors in Choosing a Tactical Flashlight
by PinnacleFlashlights on Apr.11, 2010, under Information
1) Construction Material – Aluminum
Most tactical flashlights are composed of Aluminum. Aluminum is a nonmagnetic, light-weight material that is corrosion resistant. It is good electrical conductor making it an ideal material to construct flashlight bodies. Aluminum flashlights are very durable depending on the type of coating that is applied to their surface (explained later). The weight of aluminum can either be an advantage when using the flashlight as an impact tool or a disadvantage when minimizing load out weight. Additionally in the extremities of cold and heat, the temperature of the flashlight body can affect the way it is handled.
2) Flashlight Finish – Hard Anodized Type III
The process of anodizing gives aluminum a stronger surface. In simple terms, hard anodizing immerses the finished bare aluminum pieces in an electrolyte and runs a current through the solution. By doing to, a thin coat of aluminum oxide forms on the surface. By cooling the acid solution to the freezing point of water and substantially increasing the electric current, the aluminum becomes hard anodized producing a much thicker coating that penetrates deeper into the base material. This finish is essential for tactical lights as is makes it substantially more durable and resistant to the harsh conditions faced by special forces teams. The standard of finish today is Type III Hard Anodized.
3) Power Supply – CR123A Lithium Cells
Regardless of how bright and reliable the flashlight, without the proper batteries, the light is worthless. Tactical lights have moved to the standard of lithium cells, mainly the CR123A sized 3V lithium battery. These batteries are ideas for mission use for a number of reasons. First, they are small, compact, and light weight. Lithium cells have the ability to perform in extreme temperatures ranging from -40F to 140F. Their high energy density allows then to be used in devices that have high current draw like high output LED flashlights. Lastly, they have a shelf-life of 10 years which allows them to be stored for long periods of time without any decrease in capacity.
4) Light Source – LED
LED technology has come a long way. Today, there are many high powered LED tactical flashlights and searchlights can produce hundreds of lumens and some nearing 1000 lumens. There are many advantages to choosing LEDs over xenon bulbs. LEDs are more durable and can withstand the shock experienced with heavy use and combat. They do not simply burn out and have life-spans in the thousands of hours. They are more efficient and can put out more light while having longer runtimes. Finally, they are versatile. The brightness of the LED is dependent on the current supplied to it. Many tactical lights have multiple light outputs so you can use the same flashlight on low illuminating a map to navigate then switch it to high to identify distant targets.
5) Light Output Quantity – 65-100+ Lumens Minimum
There is not an official standard for the amount of lumens that a flashlight must product in order for it to be used tactically. Incandescent lights previously quantified the minimum output to be around 65 lumens. Today, many high powered LED flashlights easily put out over 100 real world lumens. The amount of output required to illuminate or momentarily blind a target depends on the ambient light as well as the distance from the light to the target. The true minimum is operator and condition specific.
6) Light Output Quality – Bright Hotspot with Smooth Sidespill
The quality of light output is equally important as the amount of light a device produces. Due to the shape of the filament, incandescent flashlights tend to produce beamshapes with light and dark rings. With the latest technology of LEDs which produce a pinpoint source of light, the output is much better controlled. Additionally, instead of using smooth reflectors, today’s most advanced flashlights utilize computer generated, specially designed reflectors with textured or “orange peel” reflectors to smoothen out the light and dark spots. The ideal beam has a bright center hotspot for identifying distant threats fading out to a smooth sidespill of light used to see peripherally.
7) Switch Operation – Reliable and Accessible
In a life or death situation, the switch on your tactical light simply must work. If you light does not switch on when you need it to identify a threat, or it does not switch off giving away your location in the dark, you could be putting yourself in danger. The switch should ideally have a momentary on where you lightly push the button to turn turn it on, and release to turn it off. This is useful in techniques where short bursts of light give you the element of surprise as well as signaling capabilities. Finally, the switch must protrude out of the light and be large enough to easily activate while wearing gloves. Switches not specially designed for this purpose are difficult to activate under stressful conditions.
1 Comment
more...
Most tactical flashlights are composed of Aluminum. Aluminum is a nonmagnetic, light-weight material that is corrosion resistant. It is good electrical conductor making it an ideal material to construct flashlight bodies. Aluminum flashlights are very durable depending on the type of coating that is applied to their surface (explained later). The weight of aluminum can either be an advantage when using the flashlight as an impact tool or a disadvantage when minimizing load out weight. Additionally in the extremities of cold and heat, the temperature of the flashlight body can affect the way it is handled.
2) Flashlight Finish – Hard Anodized Type III
The process of anodizing gives aluminum a stronger surface. In simple terms, hard anodizing immerses the finished bare aluminum pieces in an electrolyte and runs a current through the solution. By doing to, a thin coat of aluminum oxide forms on the surface. By cooling the acid solution to the freezing point of water and substantially increasing the electric current, the aluminum becomes hard anodized producing a much thicker coating that penetrates deeper into the base material. This finish is essential for tactical lights as is makes it substantially more durable and resistant to the harsh conditions faced by special forces teams. The standard of finish today is Type III Hard Anodized.
3) Power Supply – CR123A Lithium Cells
Regardless of how bright and reliable the flashlight, without the proper batteries, the light is worthless. Tactical lights have moved to the standard of lithium cells, mainly the CR123A sized 3V lithium battery. These batteries are ideas for mission use for a number of reasons. First, they are small, compact, and light weight. Lithium cells have the ability to perform in extreme temperatures ranging from -40F to 140F. Their high energy density allows then to be used in devices that have high current draw like high output LED flashlights. Lastly, they have a shelf-life of 10 years which allows them to be stored for long periods of time without any decrease in capacity.
4) Light Source – LED
LED technology has come a long way. Today, there are many high powered LED tactical flashlights and searchlights can produce hundreds of lumens and some nearing 1000 lumens. There are many advantages to choosing LEDs over xenon bulbs. LEDs are more durable and can withstand the shock experienced with heavy use and combat. They do not simply burn out and have life-spans in the thousands of hours. They are more efficient and can put out more light while having longer runtimes. Finally, they are versatile. The brightness of the LED is dependent on the current supplied to it. Many tactical lights have multiple light outputs so you can use the same flashlight on low illuminating a map to navigate then switch it to high to identify distant targets.
5) Light Output Quantity – 65-100+ Lumens Minimum
There is not an official standard for the amount of lumens that a flashlight must product in order for it to be used tactically. Incandescent lights previously quantified the minimum output to be around 65 lumens. Today, many high powered LED flashlights easily put out over 100 real world lumens. The amount of output required to illuminate or momentarily blind a target depends on the ambient light as well as the distance from the light to the target. The true minimum is operator and condition specific.
6) Light Output Quality – Bright Hotspot with Smooth Sidespill
The quality of light output is equally important as the amount of light a device produces. Due to the shape of the filament, incandescent flashlights tend to produce beamshapes with light and dark rings. With the latest technology of LEDs which produce a pinpoint source of light, the output is much better controlled. Additionally, instead of using smooth reflectors, today’s most advanced flashlights utilize computer generated, specially designed reflectors with textured or “orange peel” reflectors to smoothen out the light and dark spots. The ideal beam has a bright center hotspot for identifying distant threats fading out to a smooth sidespill of light used to see peripherally.
7) Switch Operation – Reliable and Accessible
In a life or death situation, the switch on your tactical light simply must work. If you light does not switch on when you need it to identify a threat, or it does not switch off giving away your location in the dark, you could be putting yourself in danger. The switch should ideally have a momentary on where you lightly push the button to turn turn it on, and release to turn it off. This is useful in techniques where short bursts of light give you the element of surprise as well as signaling capabilities. Finally, the switch must protrude out of the light and be large enough to easily activate while wearing gloves. Switches not specially designed for this purpose are difficult to activate under stressful conditions.
Take 5% Off All 4Sevens Flashlights With Pinnacle Flashlight’s Spring Sale!
by PinnacleFlashlights on Apr.07, 2010, under Store Updates
Don’t miss this special on some great 4Sevens LED Flashlights!
Use coupon code “4sevens5” to take 5% off ALL 4Sevens LED Flashlights including the very popular Quark and Preon models!
-
Welcome to the Pinnacle Flashlights Information Center
Here you will find a wealth of information about the specialized LED & HID tactical flashlights found at www.PinnacleFlashlights.com as well as general flashlight articles. Our store features Fenix, Nitecore, EagleTac, Zebralight, Polarion and Microfire flashlights. Check back often for new updates!
Visit us at: www.PinnacleFlashlights.com
Highest Rated Posts
- Most Advanced Flashlight in th...
- Fishing with the Nitecore EX10...
- Packing a Punch: Tons of Light...
- EagleTac M2/M2X Switch Modific...
- New EagleTac Additions to the ...
- New Arrival to Pinnacle Flashl...
- More New Arrivals to the Pinna...
- Stun Potential: Using Your Fla...
- Revised Nitecore EZAA’s Back i...
- Site Overhaul and New Products...
- Most Advanced Flashlight in th...
