Flashlight

[the_weasel]

what kind of flashlight would you reccomend using? I dont mean which is the brightest because as surefire light seems like it would give away your position, what is the best light you can use effectively without shining to far?

[tryxter]

MAG lite makes two small types one uses a single AAA battery called a SOLITAIRE the other uses two AA batteries called a MINI MAG. I use both with red lenses and have several colored lenses for the MINI there are similar types and most are good enough.
Always have a couple spare bulbs.

Likely there are better more high speed flashlights issued to the SOC types.

[okami]

what do you intend to use it for?

[TheBigC]

SureFires are still the best, just use a red light filter. They have apapters theat have a flip switch for ease of use. The only drawback to the SureFire is the cost.

[Jesse]

Phantom warriors are nice. I have the MOUT model with a bright light option. You can't get them unless you are in the military though.

[the_weasel]

Use it for Hunting and Airsoft, what color lense is the best to use?

[themadmedic]

I like the medic version of the Phantom...

[the_weasel]

Theres no way us cake eaters can get a phantom?

[AMMOTECH]

Originally posted by the_weasel
Theres no way us cake eaters can get a phantom?


http://www.phantomlights.com/

[Hoepoe]

I use a surefire, powerful, tough design, but hell, it goes through batteries!!

The red filter/bezel is also very overproced!

Hoepoe

[Huey One Four]

I use the 4D maglite. Its bright but not too bright. YOu can also easily get filters for quite cheap.

Im looking for a night vision filter for one. I cant find any on the net. Anyone got any clues?

[Herdsman]

Get a Phantom Warrior or one of the smaller MagLites. I've a Phantom Warrior with the thumb switch and the High Search Option along with a MagLite Solitare (single AAA) and "Micro" Mini MagLite (two AAA) and a Mini MagLite (two AA).
The big advantage in a tactical situation with a Phantom is that you can dim it. You can pre-set the light level for only the amount needed. You can also reverse the bateries for and IR light (Really cool when doing searches or signaling with NVGs.
The Maglites are Just plane inexpensive and hard to beat for the money for a utility light.
Colored lense filters are nice for preserving your night vission but if the enemy has night vission, any light, no mater what color, will give away your possition. The Phantoms' LED does have a low NVG signature and with some care, it's use will reduce your chances of being seen (Not totaly but some).
SureFires are cool but very expensive to buy and operate. They are one of the best tactical "search" lights avalible. I would only use my SureFire for searching and CQB/Mount work. They are almost exssesively bright and with the low burn time I only turn it on when needed. It's a tool like a one ton duelly truck, you don't use it just to get grocerys.

[Jesse]

Originally posted by the_weasel
Theres no way us cake eaters can get a phantom?

You need a military e mail, or some other proof, to get to the order page of the Phantom warrior sight. They don't want to give the enemy the chance to get an advantage, you have to respect that becaust they loose out on a lot of business by doing that. I love mine, it's almost as bright as my surefire, with AA batteries, and the option of LED light for admin tasks.

[Herdsman]

I think an AKO acount is all they rquire. I'm not possitive but don't think you have to be in the military to get an AKO acount. You might try calling them and see if you can talk to them about getting one but not being in the military.

[saboteur64]

I agree with Tryxter, Maglite is still one of the best flashlights for operational use. I use Mini Maglite with red filter as a main flashlight and i wear Solitaire (as a secondary) around my neck using a paracord. I have always a spare battery taped on Solitaire.
Surefire is an excellent flashlight but is designed for other purposes. (The batteries cost too much)

[TXSWAT]

I use the SL-20 b/c it's issued, rechargeable (so I don't use up all my lithiums while working accidents or other frequent uses) and a fine impact weapon if needed. I also have a Surefire Z2 and M3 on my belt for various uses, a streamlight M3 mounted on my Glock with pressure-pad accessory on the grip and the Surefire M900A on my entry weapon. The blue LED lights on the M900A work great for navigation, location, and communication without the compromising wash of light experienced from the white light.

I couldn't tell you what to use for airsoft stuff, but a good, powerful light used tactically can be very effective and may not be as compromising as you think. Otherwise I'd find something in the LED variety along the blue color spectrum. LED's are cheaper, however if you are using lights in an official capacity, you can't compromise too much on price for quality and intensity. Luckily, other companies are finally starting to compete with the Surefire design and costs should start to diminish as a result of the competition.