Let's talk flashlights...

[RogerRoger]

So my agency issues Streamlight Stinger DS flashlights for duty carry which, while great, are very long and bulky. I'm looking to get something smaller to wear on my belt instead. It seems the flashlight world is inundated with pretender "tactical" flashlights for the layman that it's difficult to find ACTUAL police tactical flashlights. I'm talking rechargeable, bright as hell, durable, and DEPENDABLE. Anyone have any recommendations?

[cop91]

I would recommend keeping the same flashlight you were issued. I have used that flashlight for the past 5 years and i love it. It's super bright, has a strobe feature and best of all is rechargeable.

I'm guessing since you're asking - you already asked if you can replace your issued flashlight. Unfortunately my department does not allow that, however I am not upset either. I don't know if you're just getting it, but give it a shot.

While I say this, I also do not carry this on my belt at all times. I keep it in my bag, and whenever I leave the vehicle I slip it into my back pocket.

[Jim1648]

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php

Take a look at the Streamlight Strion if you want to stay with Streamlight and want a smaller rechargeable light. There are a LOT of lights nowadays that are better than Streamlight, though.

[KenW.]

A Stinger is too bulky? I went through the academy and did my first few years with a 5-D cell Maglight. This new generation has it too easy...

[JDCOP]

A Stinger is too bulky? I went through the academy and did my first few years with a 5-D cell Maglight. This new generation has it too easy...

+1
Look at the Streamlight Strion. I have two of them and haven't had a problem out of them.

[SCSU74]

So my agency issues Streamlight Stinger DS flashlights for duty carry which, while great, are very long and bulky. I'm looking to get something smaller to wear on my belt instead. It seems the flashlight world is inundated with pretender "tactical" flashlights for the layman that it's difficult to find ACTUAL police tactical flashlights. I'm talking rechargeable, bright as hell, durable, and DEPENDABLE. Anyone have any recommendations?

For duty it's as simple as Streamlight or Surefire. If you can afford Surefire that's the way to go, if not, then Streamlight. The R1 Lawman or P1R Peacekeeper check the boxes you listed. Personally I started with a Stinger, went smaller and now carry a Sl20 (mag lite size). It's rechargeable, doubles as an impact weapon and isn't that expensive. I've had 0 issues with it and plan on using it for the foreseeable future.

When I carried a smaller light it was a Powertac Warrior. Powertac is basically the same as O light, but has a lifeitme US based warranty. I used it for about 2 years and didn't have any issues, it is very bright and i never killed it in a 10 hour patrol shift. It also comes with a kydex belt holster which is nice. I also carried a Surefire back-up when using the warrior though.

R1:

http://www.surefire.com/r1-lawman.html

P1R:

http://www.surefire.com/p1r-a-peacekeeper.html

Sl20:
http://www.streamlight.com/en/produc...l/index/sl-20l

Warrior:

http://powertacusa.com/flashlights/military-police/Reloaded

[Jim1648]

Surefire is to flashlights what Motorola is to two way radios. In fact, this old saying applies to both of them, "You will never get better and you will never pay more!"

[merlin436]

I like the Inova T4R. Docking station rechargeable, body switch, 571 lumens on the latest model.

I own several. The first I bought about about 10 years ago. It's still going strong.

[Abit2585]

Powertac Warrior. Small, super bright, good runtimes, rechargeable and pretty much indestructible. There's even a torture test video on youtube.

[SCSU74]

Powertac Warrior. Small, super bright, good runtimes, rechargeable and pretty much indestructible. There's even a torture test video on youtube.

Yep, I linked to it above

[Sailorsally]

I like the Inova T4R. Docking station rechargeable, body switch, 571 lumens on the latest model.

I own several. The first I bought about about 10 years ago. It's still going strong.

I second Inova! I've had mine for 8 years. I bought a newer one because it was slightly brighter. Don't be fooled by the lumen count either. I bought a streamlight that advertised 700 lumens and it's nowhere near as bright as my 571 lumen Inova.

[merlin436]

I second Inova! I've had mine for 8 years. I bought a newer one because it was slightly brighter. Don't be fooled by the lumen count either. I bought a streamlight that advertised 700 lumens and it's nowhere near as bright as my 571 lumen Inova.

You like the newer version? I've been thinking of getting the newest model, as my current daily carry is either the 303 lumen version I bought several years ago or an older 227 lumen I've had even longer. I have 4 total T4s I've picked up over the years, all running strong.

I've been warming myself to purchase the newest model, I just need the right nudge.

[BNWS]

A Stinger is too bulky? I went through the academy and did my first few years with a 5-D cell Maglight. This new generation has it too easy...

The mag lite had a dual function that had nothing to do with illumination.

[Lublin]

I had a Streamlight which kept dying way too fast. Picked up a Fenix PD35 Tac with rechargeables and never looked back. Tough, dimmable and tremendously bright if you need it to be.

[HI629]

Surefire Fury PX3. I’m not a fan of rechargeable batteries, personal preference, as I like to know that my batteries won’t be getting shorter and shorter life over time. With the disposables, I know that I need to change them about once a month (based on my current use).

In any case, I enjoy the 1,000 lumens that the Fury provides. Good luck with your search.