I’ve been meaning to update the site with some additional flashlights for some time. I am planning on two or three updates in the next couple of days.
If you are law enforcement, first responder, or just looking to replace your Maglite or Streamlite, you need to take a look at the 5.11 Tactical Light For Life flashlight.
This flashlight is amazing. As advertised, it does only take 90 seconds to recharge. If you are thinking that that is impossible, you would be mistaken. This light does not use batteries, it uses super capacitors. I have recharged this light four or five times and it usually takes between 60-90 seconds to fully recharge. I had this light at a show and people were playing with it for two days without having to recharge it. Not a real world test, but still pretty amazing.
As you can see in the picture, this light usess three CREE leds. On high it is very bright: approx. 270 lumens with a good balance between throw and flood. You have to hold down the button for high. It puts out 90 lumens in general mode with one click. And with two clicks from off it strobes on high.
Runtimes are fairly decent though not outstanding, especially for someone looking for runtimes in the hours. For example, the Jetbeam Jet-III M with run for three hours on high (225 lumens) for three hours on an 18650 and up to 200 hours on low (2 lumens). However, the Light For Life on takes 90 seconds to fully recharge. It will run on high for 15 minutes with a 25 minute reserve at 20 lumens. It will also run in general mode for 60 minutes with a 25 minute reserve at 20 lumens. For the person that would use this light, they would almost never run this light completely dead before being able to recharge it. And remember, it’s only 90 seconds to a full charge.
The light is made out of a high strength polymer. Here is a review from a law enforcement officer that I read on 5.11 Tactical’s website. I am glad someone was able to put this light to the test.
“Over the last 20+ years I have used many different flashlights while on patrol. I have never seen a light, or any other law enforcement equipment, as durable as this flashlight. I was told this was nearly indestructable, so I had to put it to the test. I have dropped it, tossed 20-30 feet on concrete and asphalt, thrown it down onto the concrete as hard as I could. I have kneeled down and pounded the light on concrete and asphalt like a mini sledge hammer, and still it works. It still charges from dead to full in 90 seconds. The light is still incredibly bright.”
Light comes with a 12v charger and mounting bracket (light can be left in the charger), plastic belt bing with nylon strap, and instructions. Additional accessories for purchace are an AC adaptor and light flare w/colored lense filters.
Cost for this light is $150.oo shipped.
If you are thinking that this flashlight is too expensive, you need to look at cost of ownership. The ultra capacitors can be recharged 50,000 times, that’s once a day for over 130 years. And there are no batteries to dispose of either. The leds are rated for 50,000 hours of use. That too would be one hours use a day for over 130 years. Cost of ownership over 10 years is actually less than half that of other flashlights.
For more information check out 5.11 Tactical’s website: http://www.511tactical.com/browse/Home/Law-Enforcement/Flashlights/Light-for-Life-Flashlight-UC3400/D/30100/P/1:100:10000:11300/I/53000
Filed under: 5.11 Tactical | Tagged: 5.11 Tactical, Light For Life, UC3.400, ultra capacitors | Leave a Comment »
