I want to buy a torch for patrol work

[spud]

Hi
I want to buy a torch for patrol work but I don't want to spend a fortune, anyone got any ideas.  I have been told the peli versabrite is useful but I need a proper torch not just something to use to write things

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

Take a look at the Surefire G2 for around £35 or the LED version, the batteries will last about 10 x longer.  For a rechargeable torch look at the Nightsearcher Explorer, 130 lumens and about £46

[jo90]

The new 5.11 Tactical torch is brilliant, it recharges in 90 seconds....expensive, well a bit expensive, but no batteries!

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

[Fed]

I can honestly say that you cant go wrong with surefire. I have got most of the models and they have never let me down once...

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

You must be rich..............

[Fed]

Either that or I must have good contacts!

[Andyy]

Do you want a light with a possibility to sign to people?
If you want to, you can buy a Surefire because they have a forward clicky.

[guy incognito]

I like to use a "hands free" torch, one that can clip on to my body armour or jacket. In the past I've used Peli Versabrite, but found them quite fragile. Both of the ones I've had have broken.

At the moment I use a Pentagon light, that I can attach to the radio loop on my body armour. This does me fine just now, but all our new kit is covered in airwaves docks, so I can see me investing in a new torch soon that clips on that way.

Our vehicle are supposed to have hand lamps in them (but they have a tendancy to go missing) so if I am at a call where I know a torch is needed, I'll take one of them out the van.

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

The Versabrite is guaranteed for life, even if you break the clip.  We have also got KlickFast to make a stud that clips on to the versabrite and into your airwave dock.  The bundle price for light and dock is £21.

If you have a broken Peli, send it to peli or to us and we will replace it.  the only thing not covered is the batteries.!! ;)

[guy incognito]

It was the older style Versabtite II I think. Long gone in the bin now anyway.

The Klickfast sounds ideal, but how bright is the latest Versabrite? The older version was surprisingly bright for such a small torch, but I dont know what the newer LED model is like.

It looks fine for taking a statement in low light, but is it any use searching in a dark alley or garden? One of my friends uses one, so I'll ask for a shot next time I see her.

[FN21]

I would always go with Surefire - they are ultra reliable and powerful enough almost all jobs.  I used to have a M3 combat light which was awesome, if a little pricey.  One of my oppo's now has a G2 nitrolon and it's just right - the cheapest torch they make, yet it is more than adaquate for open country searching, great in dark buildings and perfect for searching vehicles in that it is bright enough to deprive people in the car of a proper view of you (from an officer safety point of view).  All this in a torch way smaller and lighter than the usual issue maglites!

The only problem with more powerful torches like this are that I find them too bright for writing with as the light reflects quite brightly back off paper.  That's why  use a Peli light too!

[Litew8]

[...] The only problem with more powerful torches like this are that I find them too bright for writing with as the light reflects quite brightly back off paper. [...]

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Will agree with the above, I've got a LED Lenser, just over 100 Lumens of Power via three AAA cells, I have it wedged into my spare radio loop on the stabbie for easy access... AWESOME for looking down dark long alleys! :) However, when I need to do some paperwork I have to zoom it out from the narrow focus otherwise I need a welder's visor or go blind as it reflects LOADS from the paper... great bit of kit though and would definitely recommend... About £35 from eBay with free inscription (I got my warrant number on mine), and two (!) pouches (one the clicks onto a belt or radio loop and rotates 360 degrees and the second a standard pouch that just keeps it on your belt!).

When you look for torches check the power rating, how many batteries (and type) it needs as well as the average operating times that it will/should last for between changing batteries... LED Lenser enjoys a good reputation amongst those that I work with! A shift of coppers can't be wrong... can they?  ;)

[enforce-logic forum administrator]

Best torch for writing etc is Peli Versabrite 3, lifetime guarantee and most police officers buy the Klickfast stud to clip it to their airwave dock.  Handsfree use too, no need to try to hold the document, torch and pen all at the same time. 
Some Surefire's have dual output for such instances, but still the problem of holding the torch when trying to write....

[dickR]

I like the nightsearcher Explorer torch as it is very bright and rechargeable, so no batteries to buy...