Flashlights For Protection

[GBExpat]

Relative to the Kel-lite, holding it by the head also protected the external, sliding On-Off switch, the Achilles Heel of the Kel-lite, especially for those who did not know how best to hold/use it.

The MagLite folks gave the product the protected switch and the BIG head. To me, the big head on the MagLite was never as comfortable as the one on the Kel-lite.

EDIT: My original Kel-lite was stolen ~35 years ago, but I still have a few MagLites, although they get little use now. I did install LED modules in them a few years ago so that they are now MUCH brighter.

 

[bnolsen]

I have a pair of those cheap chinese ones that actually work pretty well. I take one on my carryon when travelling and leave another in my son's bedside dresser as I have a light on my pistol.

 

[Tiro Finale]

I don't currently, but that's a good idea. The most armament I've ever carried is my multitool, as I don't have a carry license and just don't feel comfortable packing heat everywhere I go. The multitool has a blade, but it's folding, non-assisted, and very slow to deploy. It is NOT a fighting knife at all.

 

[entropy]

I carry Bushnell lights; cheap, well-made, and have sharp angled cuts on the bezel face that make it a strike weapon also. I have several, pick them up at work when the go on sale or clearance.

 

[Mauser lover]

When I worked security in rough sections of Dayton, OH, back in '94, I held my MagLite exactly like that.

Isn't that how they are supposed to be used?

 

[Danoobie]

I don't currently, but that's a good idea. The most armament I've ever carried is my multitool, as I don't have a carry license and just don't feel comfortable packing heat everywhere I go. The multitool has a blade, but it's folding, non-assisted, and very slow to deploy. It is NOT a fighting knife at all.

But it IS a tool you use fairly often. (At least, it is, for me.) A light is also a EDC tool I use all the time. The brighter lights are getting cheaper.
I would far rather temporarily blind someone, in order to get away from them.

 

[Tiro Finale]

I would far rather temporarily blind someone, in order to get away from them.

Same. I believe that one should always try to get away from an attacker before escalating force, and a bright flashlight is a great tool for that. Pair it with a good can of pepper spray, and you've got yourself a winning non lethal SD combo.

 

[GBExpat]

For those planning on responding to an assault with is a dazzlingly-bright light and/or pepper spray, you probably already know this, but I will state it for those who may not ...

Also plan for the (excellent) possibility that some focused violence, quickly applied, may be required to safely extricate yourself from a street attack.

... and also be aware that the after effects of the adrenalin dump you will experience during such a scenario will, in short order, probably leave you wobbly and pretty-much defenseless for a minute or so.

Be Safe.