Flashlight for traffic stops?

[act330]

What do you all think the best flashlight is for a traffic stop? The most light? I have a stinger xt and i dont think that is doing the trick for me. not enough light. Let me know what you all use and think. I was thinking about buying a 3-D or 4-D cell mag lite and upgrading the light with a led bulb. if you've used something similar let me know.

thanks,
-act330

[luckydog]

pelican 7060. it will blind anybody you point it at and it has good distance on it. i wear mine between the taser and radio so i always have it on me. i got tired of the mag charger hanging from my belt but i am one of those guys who always has a light on every call, even on dayshift.

[Paladin Sponge]

On nighttime stops, I'm using a surefire 10x dominator. It burns through the juice fast, but it does the job fine for me. Depends on how much encumbrance you're willing to put up with.

[SCSU10]

I like the Streamlight Ultra Stinger 75,000 Candle power vs 10,000 with your XT and it is about the size of a 3d cell Maglite and it will fit in your existing XT charger and it is only $74.99 with free ups at optics planet.com

[nadler20]

The pelican 7060 is wicked. Compact and effective. If I had the dough I'd have one. I also have a maglite from I think 1982 and just threw in the mag lite LED upgrade and I'm thoroughly pleased; it works great. But if you don't want to hump aroung the mag, get the 7060.

[FLTPRdude]

On traffic stops I use my "Ultra Stinger" but have my Surefire M3 Combatlight on my duty belt. I prefer the light output of the M3 but normally use the Ultra Stinger since it is rechargable. The Pelican LAPD light is awesome and I want one. I beleive that is the light mentioned above. I have a total of 5 flashlights in my patrol car and extra batteries....never no when you need an extra light.

[dep126]

Flashlight

I purchased a WolfEyes Thunder a few months ago and it is by far the best and brightest light I have ever owned. I have placed it side-by-side with a pelican 7060 and the thunder is 2-3 times brighter. It will light up the ENTIRE interior of a veh, even through heavily tinted windows. I work in a relatively rural area, and have been able to light up treelines and be able to see clearly several hundred yards away. It is very close in brightness to the squad spotlight. On one occasion I shined it at someone and they almost fell over!! I will buy another one in a heartbeat if the current one dies, but I have dropped it several times and it still keeps going. Mine uses rechargeable batteries and if those go dead can still use cr123's. Great light, I bought mine from pacific tactical solutions.

[FLTPRdude]

Dep126, I was looking at some Wolfeyes lights yesterday at a local gun store and they looked impressive. One of the lights had a max output of 1800 lumens ??? Holy crap , I want to see that at night. I'm glad to here you like yours b/c I am interested in getting one.

[LA DEP]

Streamlight SL-20.....doubles nicely as an impact weapon

[pulicords]

Streamlight SL-20.....doubles nicely as an impact weapon

Although the above is an excellent light, I went to the Ultra Stinger. It's about double the brightness, is slimmer and also can be used (in an emergency) as an impact weapon.

[LA DEP]

Although the above is an excellent light, I went to the Ultra Stinger. It's about double the brightness, is slimmer and also can be used (in an emergency) as an impact weapon.

Havent tried the stinger....but, I'm not gonna cough up another $100 for a light when I already have 2 streamlights

At least we didnt have to go to the "Nerf Light" that LAPD is saddled with

[act330]

That WolfEyes Thunder looks awesome but for $250 thats alotta cash. Im thinking about the ultra stinger now.

thanks everyone,
-act330

[Gene L]

Not for self-purchase necessarily, but we have these "video flashlights" that give good light and record whenever you push the button. The traffic units mostly have them along with the SRT team. They're full size, rechargable, and bright. Great for traffic stops, a fairly short duration on the video, (maybe two hours or less?) and when you use the video recorder, re-charging is needed.

For handy, small flashlights, hard to beat the Stinger or the Surefire. We had general issue Pelican lights about six years ago or more, but they laid down on us and generally burned out quickly and permanantly. They're probably much improved by now, but it left a bad taste with us.

[Bizzy930]

Has anyone tried the LED upgrade from TerraLux Ministar5 for the Maglite's?

[act330]

So ok, i went out cheap today, cause im low on cash right now. I got the 4-D Cell LED Maglite for $35. Im gonna make a stop tonight as soon as it gets dark. Ill let you all know how it works compared to my stinger.