As a LEO training officer I always tell my students that a flashlight is one of the tools they will use the most and don't skimp on quality or price. I go weeks and weeks and never pull my duty weapon out of the holster on duty, but I use a flashlight nearly every shift, often numerous times a shift. I very seldom use the department issue rechargable MagLights any longer.
It's been my experiance that bad things happen in the dark so I always have at least three flashlights on my person when in uniform;
- Streamlight Stinger. My primary flashlight, I have one on my duty belt and one in the cruiser on the charger. Charge is good for hour and a half or so and I swap them out for charging as necessary.
- Surefire E2E. Backup flashlight I keep in my pocket. Every bit as bright as the Stinger in half the size. Runs an hour and a half on two lithium batteries.
- Blackhawk Sentinal LED. About the 3/4the size as the Surefire E2E but with it's LED it will run several hours on one lithium battery. It rides in my cargo pocket.
*** I've seen all three of the above listed lights go through some tough abuse and still come out shining. I've busted out several vehicle windows with my Stingers.
- Streamlight StylusPro. When off duty, if I'm carrying a gun I always have this very bright LED micro flashlight with me. Small and compact and will run over 7 hours on one set of batteries. I've directed traffic several times with this little gem.
