Thanks Boogeyman for starting this thread - I too was looking for combat flashlights. Nice pictures by the way, really shows the difference.
Personally I would want a flashlight that runs on regular batteries: AAA, AA, D and is rugged and dependable. So if I drop it - I dont want that to be another $79 expense.
Maglites cost around $20 or so. Is the extra $50 really worth it? [quote/]
In my opinion those looking for a combat flashlight should buy the BEST they can afford. (it is your life on the line).
The problems with Maglites is NOT the quality of the flashlight, but the BATTERIES that it uses. Your beloved alkalines batteries AA or C or D can NOT supply a steady VOLTAGE to the bulb.
Consequently, when you put three nice FRESH alkalines batteries of a good brand such as Energizer or Duracell down the tube in a (said) a Maglite 3 "D", you are rewarded by a nice beam of 39 lumens, for about
seven minutes when it drops to 75 %, after one hour the output is 20 lumens (
50 %) and declining more and more.
To see what I am talking about, please look at this chart.
Lithium CR 123 3 volt batteries used in most "tactical" lights do a much better job of mantaining voltage. A better job is done by Nimh's rechargeable batteries.
So in your "combat" light
if the agency paid for the batteries , don't hesitate to use the best you can have. A Surefire M-6 with the 500 lumens lamp will be ideal, will blind your opponent so you have time to shoot him at leisure!!
If the money for the six batteries (20 minutes run) comes out of your own pocket, so them I recommend that you get one of my rechargeables lights. the MAG 951 or the Black bear 678 lumens, they are way more powerful than the Surefire M-6 and FREE TO RUN.
Alkalines are OUT of the "combat" "tactical" scene on flashlights. They still serve well for use in regular flashlights for common chores such as fixing the plumbing and looking under the car hood.
black bear 84