Tactical Lights

[Griffen]

For those of you looking to add a tactical light to your nightstand, right next to your 9mm, I found a good deal on a set of 3 lights at Costco in Lewisville.

These are for a package of 3 lights for $18. They are constructed of aluminum, use 3 AAA cells, 100 Lumens, Low/High/Strobe switch, adjustable focus ring, wrist lanyard, and have something called an electronic optimizer that maintains constant lumens for the life of the batteries.

I bought my first package not thinking these lights would be high quality. However they are surprisingly effective. They have an extremely bright LED when aimed at the eyeballs, even in the low setting. The strobe is blinding. I bought my second package today for use in our cars, both nightstands, one in the kitchen next to my carry 9, and one for dog walking in early AM. I taught my significantly better half how to use it as a defensive weapon in the darkness, (hence I can say for sure how blinding it is) particularly in the strobe setting.

Its made by CREE LEDs, model XPC LED, and imported for Costco Corp. I've seen prices for lights at gun shows and they can get pretty pricey. For those who are more economically minded but want a quality light, I'd highly recommend these pieces for only $18 for 3.

[KinnyLee]

Thanks for posting! I've looked at them yesterday at Costco. Will come one up next week.

[TxSheepdog]

I have one in front of me right now. I keep it downstairs near the backup gun at my computer. Very bright, solidly built, cheap. All good things. One thing I don't care for is the 3 position click tailcap. I wish you could set it and have it come on in bright. Cycling through the levels for a tactical style light isnt so great, especially since it starts out in Low. But it was cheap! I bought them when they were 2 for $14. I keep the second one in my backpack I take with me to work in the event we lose power at night (the backup generator isn't so reliable )

I have a Surefire for my primary weapon light though.


ETA: it even has a crenelated bezel and tailcap in case you need to take a swipe at someone.

[shipwreck]

Just an FYI - At Candle Power Forum - some of these Costco lights have been reviewed and taken apart. Word is that their lumen rating is overestimated, and that the insides of these lights don't have the best quality. Depending on the frequency of usage, they may or may not hold up over time.

I have over 20 LED lights. Generally, I mentally compare lower end lights to a $25 Solarforce I can buy. Granted, buy a light at the store is convienient, and one can always return them (I've prev tried a few coleman lights at Wal-Mart). But, the Solarforce lights are pretty high quality clones of Surefires, with newer LED technology than Surefire uses. I have 8 of their lights now, and they are pretty nice.

[dalto]

Generally, I mentally compare lower end lights to a $25 Solarforce I can buy.

Link?

[shipwreck]

Generally, I mentally compare lower end lights to a $25 Solarforce I can buy.

Link?

Here is the link to their store:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/INTERNATIONAL-TRADING-COMPANY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have ordered from them 8 or 9 times now with no problems...

Here is the $24.99 one I told you about...

Black:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solarforce-BLK-L2 ... 037wt_1180" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A Sand colored one with a lanyard attachment for $26.99 (they apparently just went up $2 to get the lanyard attachment)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solarforce-SAND-L ... 3efa1c5d00" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And this is one of my new favs... It's around $35, but the body has better anodizing, and the light's a bit fancier. It also has an R5 LED drop in, which is nicer and brighter than the R2s in the other models... I got 1 of these recently, and am awaiting a 2nd one because I liked it so much:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Solarforce-L2P-BL ... 3f03243740" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


Be aware that they sell entire lights, as well as just flashlight bodies and the LED drop ins seperately. So, if you cruise their stuff, make sure you get an entire light and not just the body - unless ya wanna mix and match parts yourself. These are surefire clones and all solarforce parts usually interchange between models just like lego

[zaroffhunts]

When did Ebay stop being an auction site?

[shipwreck]

It seems that they do auctions and also straight sales...

[Tregs]

I just bought the R5 version. Thanks for the tip Shipwreck.

[shipwreck]

No problem. It will take about 10-12 days to arrive.. I am awaiting another L2P with an R5 drop in, as well as a 2nd R5 drop in to replace an R2 in another Solarforce light,

[big 54r]

thanx shipwreck I will try them out as I am a flashlight freak!
I bought a cheap rocky brand set of 2 lights from sam's as work lights etc. and they are good cheap general use lights.

for serious work at night I have a surefire G2 and a trl1 on my Glock.

[shipwreck]

Yes, I am a flashlight nut too. When my parts and 2nd L2P come in, I'll have 8 Solarforces I think. I also have 3 Inovas, 4 Eagletacs and several other lights. I think i"m up to 21 or 22 now.

For the money, I haven't seen anything that will beat a Solarforce. My P20C2 Mk II Eagletac is my fav of all my lights. However, the Solarforce L2P with the R5 drop in is my 2nd fav. It comes close to matching the eagletac. For $33, it is an awesome deal.