New to the forum, but not new to [duty] lights. Thought I'd share my set-up and what I've learned:
Concerning lights, from day one it was drilled into our heads that "Two is one and one is none". Meaning, better have a back-up. There is no perfect duty light, but having a few good lights for different purposes will go a long way.
On my vest I carry a Quiqlite in the front pocket
http://www.quiqlite.com/ . This light probably sees the most use, believe it or not. It has two bulbs, one white LED and one UV LED. The UV is used for ID's and the white is used for filling out paperwork, notes, "36" cards, etc. The little swivel feature is nice, as it can be tilted up and used to go through my duty bag without the vehicle dome light (I HATE DOME LIGHTS!!!).
My back-up light sits in a custom pouch on my vest right next to the taser. That is a Surefire Centurion C2. I have never needed it, but I know it will work when I need it (tested the first night of the work week). Lumen rating isn't the highest, but it's my backup.
On my belt I carry my Blackhawk Gladius. Couple of reasons: I got a rockin' deal on it at the time, ease of operation, and all of our "SWAT" guys carry them. The "SWAT" guys go through lots of gear to find what works best and have landed on this light. I like the fact the button makes no noise and is easy to use. I use this light to illuminate vehicles and for small tasks not requiring long periods of illumination.
In my vehicle map pocket I keep my trusty Streamlight SL-20. The thing is a great all around light and is rechargeable. I use it for longer lighting tasks such as looking for shell casings, blood trails, scene security, traffic, etc. It's easy to use, hard to lose, and dependable.
On my Glock 21 I have mounted a Streamlight TL-1. Got a good deal on that as well, otherwise would recommend the Surefire handgun lights. I have seen a few guys TL-1's switches go bad after a few years use. Also, the Surefire's mount is easy to use, the Streamlight's has to be tightened with a knob.
My AR-15 will have an Inforce light on it when I scrape together the money. They are light (not heavy) and throw a good amount of light down range. One of our rifle instructors has the rail mounts custom made so that the light mount has a slight slope so that the beam of light and point of aim meet at exactly 50 yards.
My take on weapons lights:
If working nights, they are a must. Yes there are all the hand held techniques, but having a free hand is key:
-Clearing a house and entering a room where the 3 SP's are hiding in a closet. Partner took the 10% and I'm facing a three to one situation. I yell for my partner and can clear on the radio while keeping the SP's at gunpoint and illuminated. Try clearing on the radio, holding a gun, and holding a flashlight.
-Clearing vehicle trunks. Partner pops the button in the vehicle since the key doesn't work. I can open the lid with one hand and have the gun and light on with the other.
-Clearing trash cans/recycle bins/dumpsters - same as above.
My take on strobing features:
If there is other ambient light (building lights, street lights) they don't work well. In CQB situations in complete darkness, they are effective. I use my strobe for mainly one function - signaling our Air Unit. That strobe has never been missed when they come overhead asking for our location. A quick burst with the strobe and they have locked on our position. Is it a must - no, but a nice feature.
That's all. Hope this helps. I'm very particular when it comes to gear that I have to depend on and have spent [wasted] lots of money finally ending up with the lights that work best for me. Oh, and having a flashlight that cuts through vehicle tint - that's called the spotlight on your vehicle. :twothumbs