Self Defense Flashlight

[PureRockFury]

So I've been thinking lately about picking up a "self defense flashlight" - something to carry when I walk to and from work (can't take my gun to work) and I walk three miles (round trip) through the city to and from work (that's 1.5 miles in the dark at night).

So I was looking at these:

http://www.surefire.com/E2D-Executive-Defender

http://brite-strike.com/BlueDot.html

But... they're $100 +, which I just can't bring myself to spend (nor afford!) on a flashlight... so I was talking to a flashlight-geek friend of mine (he really knows it all about high-end lights) about a less expensive alternative.

He reccomended Fenix lights:

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_85

Which got me under the $100 mark, but I'm really looking to get under the $30 mark. I know, you get what you pay for, but I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with cheapies that really do the trick, or have any suggestions. Thanks!

[Kaos]

You can likely check out the candlepower forums for some good reviews of a spectrum of lights there.

[synergy]

So I've been thinking lately about picking up a "self defense flashlight" - something to carry when I walk to and from work (can't take my gun to work) and I walk three miles (round trip) through the city to and from work (that's 1.5 miles in the dark at night).

So I was looking at these:

http://www.surefire.com/E2D-Executive-Defender

http://brite-strike.com/BlueDot.html

But... they're $100 +, which I just can't bring myself to spend (nor afford!) on a flashlight... so I was talking to a flashlight-geek friend of mine (he really knows it all about high-end lights) about a less expensive alternative.

He reccomended Fenix lights:

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_85

Which got me under the $100 mark, but I'm really looking to get under the $30 mark. I know, you get what you pay for, but I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with cheapies that really do the trick, or have any suggestions. Thanks!

Cheapy? SF G2.

I have one of those, and now I primarily carry a Backup.

http://www.surefire.com/E1B-Backup

I'm not worried about striking with it...I can use a closed knife for that.

[SouthPawPatriot]

This was something I have been looking into due to the recent passing of my beloved Maglite. The flashlight that has caught my eye is the M20 from Olight

http://www.olightworld.com/proi/cn/product_list.asp

I have only held one and played with it in the store and it seemed bright, but then again the store was well lit to begin with. They are not cheap but cheaper. If I get it this weekend I'll throw up a quick review to let yall know.

[klefkow]

Try a Romisen light from dealextreme.com. I heard they are good and they are definitely cheap.

Ken

[DaveM55]

My name is Dave and I am a flashlightOholic.

When you say for self defense, are you talking a striking tool or an illumination tool?

I have many flashlights and a couple high end ones. I too carry the SureFire E1B backup everywhere I go. It can be used to momentarily blind an assailant or as a striking tool.

I really like the Fenix TK10 and plan on getting one as soon as I find a new job.

[talldean]

So I've been thinking lately about picking up a "self defense flashlight" - something to carry when I walk to and from work (can't take my gun to work) and I walk three miles (round trip) through the city to and from work (that's 1.5 miles in the dark at night).

So I was looking at these:

http://www.surefire.com/E2D-Executive-Defender

http://brite-strike.com/BlueDot.html

But... they're $100 +, which I just can't bring myself to spend (nor afford!) on a flashlight... so I was talking to a flashlight-geek friend of mine (he really knows it all about high-end lights) about a less expensive alternative.

He reccomended Fenix lights:

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_85

Which got me under the $100 mark, but I'm really looking to get under the $30 mark. I know, you get what you pay for, but I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with cheapies that really do the trick, or have any suggestions. Thanks!

Remember that running batteries through a Surefire *really* racks up the cost; I wound up with a $40 light that ate $6 batteries for breakfast.

Anything wrong with a mini-mag, and/or a pocketknife?

[synergy]

My E1B gets a $2 battery every 3 months.... and it throws PLENTY of light when I want it to. I like having a light that I can count on.

[PureRockFury]

Try a Romisen light from dealextreme.com. I heard they are good and they are definitely cheap.

Ken

+1 this is exactly what I was looking for, thank you!

And thank you to everyone else as well!

[Pa. Patriot]

I've switched from SureFire to the Coast red led Lenser (with 12Hz strobe) for my carry light.
http://store.valueweb.com/servlet/ma.../Detail?no=657

Matt's has a ton of flashlights at fair prices (tell him your from PAFOA)