EDC AA Light that can be used to strike. Suggestions?

snare · #1 10-29-2009, 06:01 AM

I am looking for an EDC two AA light.

My guidelines are:
-over 100 lumens
-long battery life
-crenelated bezel on the lens end or at least able to survive multiple hits as a weapon
-tail cap that is either also crenelated or at least able to survive multiple hits as a weapon
-momentary on
-pocket clip or decent quick draw holster available
-easy to EDC, particularly for a small woman
-durable/reliable

The lady and I both study a combat style that is heavy on FMA and kubotan use, so the light being designed with crenelated ends (preferably) or at least designed to hold up to multiple uses as a weapon (both ends too). That is why I am thinking of a two AA light as it will be long enough in the hand to use both ends for striking.

I am thinking of AA batteries for ease of finding them, cost, ease of finding/using rechargables and to standardize battery types in our gear.

Otherwise I'd probably just go with the Surefire ED2. In fact, if there was something just like that in AA, I'd probably be all over it.

As far as programmed functions/modes....honestly I don't need much more than a high, a low and momentary on......maybe a medium level, but I tend to think KISS is best.

I have considered the Nitecore D20. I have never held one. We have handled a D10, the UI was ok. Just not sure about the lens bezel in striking. This seems like the best bet so far.

Another one I have considered was the Fenix LD20, but I don't believe it has a momentary on.

The Fenix TK20 looks good, but I would prefer longer battery life.

Quark Tactical.....but I prefer the regular tailcap for striking purposes....can the regular tailcap be added to the tactical version and have momentary activation?

Thoughts?

Oddjob · #2 10-29-2009, 06:31 AM

How about the Nitecore Defender Infinity. The bezel has pretty pointy crenelations but no clip though. Its a single AA light but should be long enough to extend past the top and bottom of a ladies fist.

xeltrop · #3 10-29-2009, 06:42 AM

I have been looking for the same thing recently, well really for any pocket edc that has a functional 'strike bezel'. It seems that many pocket lights have a very minor 'superficial crenelations' that are mostly a styling choice to make them look more "tactical".

The ones I have found that do look promising are:

C-8 3W Cree LED 2xAA

Kingpower K2 3W Cree Q5

MTE C3-1 Stainless Steel Cree Q5

The last one there is a copy of the Nitecore Defender Infinity (which is a great light), it only uses one AA cell so it is shorter and more pocket-able.

If you really want the best pocket tactical light you may want to broaden your search criteria beyond the AA realm. A 2xCR123 light isn't going to be much less like a kobutan than a 2xAA, and it will almost certainly be more powerful.

I don't own any Surefire lights, but the E2D LED Defender and the E2D Executive Defender (which is an incandescent) are supposed to be really the cream of the crop as far as defensive/tactical edc lights (yea...and way more expensive).

Hey it's my first post too!!!

snare · #4 10-29-2009, 06:43 AM

Thanks.

I think that would be a bit short, particularly when being used for control/locks etc.

I will try to make something with the same length and see if it would be enough.

This is why I was focusing on the two cell AA lights.

Zeruel · #5 10-29-2009, 07:49 AM

I think 2AA is kind of long for kubaton. I think I might have the perfect one for you although I'm not too keen on the UI. Introducing "The Teeth", Tiablo TL-1.

But the newer version has its teeth blunted.

Ajax517 · #6 10-29-2009, 08:31 AM

I've got a LD10 and it does not have a momentary on. It also shares a bezel with the LD20 and while it is slightly crenelated, it's hardly what I'd call a self-defense bezel. The LD20 would be long enough for use as a kubaton though.

Ajax517 · #7 10-29-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeruel

I think 2AA is kind of long for kubaton. I think I might have the perfect one for you although I'm not too keen on the UI. Introducing "The Teeth", Tiablo TL-1.

But the newer version has its teeth blunted.

GOOO! The head on that Tiablo is naaaaaasty!
That thing is definitely a carnivore.

Too bad they nerfed the teeth on the next gen.

xeltrop · #8 10-29-2009, 08:55 AM

I just thought of this. It is probably the best 2xAA flashlight/kobutan item you can get:

A Mini Mag lite (modded any way you like) with one of these: http://www.xcapecap.com/products.html

You wouldn't have the benefit of a tailswitch, but that Tungsten Carbide tip beats any "strike bezel" hands down. It's the ultimate force multiplier, I carry one in my car.

post tenebras · #9 10-29-2009, 09:02 AM

TerraLux LightStar 100 TLF-1C1AA

vizlor · #10 10-29-2009, 09:06 AM

I'd say go with the E2D.

Gunner12 · #11 10-29-2009, 02:47 PM

If you want AA, the Tiablo TL-1 or the Nitecore Defender infinity could be good choices.

snare · #12 10-29-2009, 03:31 PM

I want to stick with AA. Kubatons are typically 5-6" long.

Does the TL1 do momentary on? I do value that as a disorientation tool.

For some reason lights like the AA2 Quark tactical when not using the 'tactical' tailcap do not allow for momentary on. But if you strike with the tactical tailcap you are striking directly with the clicky switch, no metal around it...so unfortunately I don't think that will do.

I am quite surprised that no one offers a AA light that is long enough, designed to be used as a strike tool on both ends (which, honestly, makes sense because you hammer fist and strike in both direction with a pocket stick/kubaton), and has momentary on. It seems like a logical set of needs in a tactical light. Especially when you are looking for readily available batteries (and I mean everywhere availability) and ease of rechargability.

Gunner12 · #13 10-29-2009, 03:48 PM

I think it's a good thing that it is harder to find strike bezel AA lights. One less thing for the mall ninjas and untrained people to their hands on.

kts · #14 10-29-2009, 04:44 PM

Fenix L2T V2.0..forward clickie and 2 simple modes...

hyperloop · #15 10-30-2009, 08:19 AM

i would still stick with the TK20, the durability of the form factor more than makes up for the lack of an assault bezel. i just got one and am totally awed by the build

deranged_coder · #16 10-30-2009, 01:35 PM

Hmmm... the Eagletac P10A2 runs on 2xAA and you can replace the regular bezel with a SS crenelated bezel. Worth looking into, I think.

TMedina · #17 10-30-2009, 02:19 PM

Check out the new Solarforce offering L2-R.

Comes with the Klingon spikes and entirely customizable based on your preference.

-Trevor

divine · #18 10-30-2009, 02:44 PM

Any AA light can be used to strike depending on the circumstances.

I wouldn't trust the Tiablo light. If the UI is anything like the A7, you will probably get it and never want to use it.

Zeruel · #19 10-30-2009, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMedina

Check out the new Solarforce offering L2-R.

Comes with the Klingon spikes and entirely customizable based on your preference.

-Trevor

You mean these spikes?

ftumch33 · #20 11-01-2009, 12:24 PM

I usually EDC a Surefire 6p with a combat ring and a very bright Cree Q5 drop in, especially on my night runs. What I like is the 6P fits my hand well and the bezel comes out of the bottom of my hand about an inch and a half to 2 inches. I have a 9P also but I find the 9P is too long for my thumb to reach the button to turn it on. I like to blind my bad guys and them beat them silly

A surefire L2(the old kind) I actually like better for a kubaton but I find they`re not that bright and need to send them off to someone to mod them so they can be blindingly bright.
Where do you study/train and which martial art?
-Tank

shark_za · #21 11-02-2009, 05:09 AM

I don't think a specific light is needed for industrial action.
Something cheap would do, unionists are frugal.

You would want general illumination for placards and if your strike involves being tied to a tree then I would have one with no protrusions or sharp edges.

Short and Round · #22 11-03-2009, 05:43 AM

I have the Surefire E2D Led and am happy with it. Very bright and it's bezel can do some damage if used properly!

snare · #23 11-03-2009, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftumch33

Where do you study/train and which martial art?
-Tank

I am in North Carolina.

I study with a man who began his studies in 1960 with Ed Parker (Kenpo) and has been a full time instructor and student of combat arts since 1964. When sudying under Ed Parker one of his classmates was Dan Inosanto. He has maintained that relationship and studied with Dan and Mr. Lee.

Throughout his study he has been integrating kenpo, jui jitsu, ecrima, jkd, western boxing, fencing, white tiger kung fu and tai karate.

He does not teach sport, only survival. He emphasizes spontaneity and improvisation. We train for all ranges, from weapons distance, to striking, to trapping to ground work.

We do alot with stick, knife and pocket stick weapons.

Frankly, it was exactly what I was looking for and I feel blessed to have him as an instructor and a fellow student.

Trever, thanks for the Solarforce suggestion. To be honest, after taking a quick look at the site, I am a bit confused. Can the light be run on either 123s or AAs? Or can you get different bodies for each battery type? I will take some more time to research what is on that page.

Gunner12 · #24 11-03-2009, 06:27 AM

On the solarforce site, it seem like the light can be run with both CR123s, 18650s, and AAs, depending on the battery tube and drop-in placed in the light.

For example, a boost driver drop-in (the .8-4.2v ones) will work with 1 CR123, 1 AA, or 1 Li-ion battery. Which one to use will depend on the body. If you have a 2 AA body, it will fit 2 AA sized batteries, but the 18650 and CR123 won't work because they won't fit the battery tube. You'll need different bodies and the matching voltage drop-in to suit the battery type.

Mattedhead · #25 11-03-2009, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snare

I am in North Carolina.

I study with a man who began his studies in 1960 with Ed Parker (Kenpo) and has been a full time instructor and student of combat arts since 1964. When sudying under Ed Parker one of his classmates was Dan Inosanto. He has maintained that relationship and studied with Dan and Mr. Lee.

Throughout his study he has been integrating kenpo, jui jitsu, ecrima, jkd, western boxing, fencing, white tiger kung fu and tai karate.

He does not teach sport, only survival. He emphasizes spontaneity and improvisation. We train for all ranges, from weapons distance, to striking, to trapping to ground work.

Snare-

I am very interested...where in NC is this practice?

DM51 · #26 11-03-2009, 06:56 AM

Threads that discuss the use of lights as weapons do not usually last long, as sooner or later the emphasis tends to shift away from the merits of the lights themselves to an aggressive discussion of how to inflict maximum injury on others, at which point the thread is usually closed.

Apart from one post, the discussion here has so far steered clear of bravado and violence, so on that basis it may continue.

snare · #27 11-03-2009, 07:01 AM

Ok, so it doesn't show the runtimes on Solarforce's site for the 3 mode drop in run by 2xAA. Or am I missing it?

So....

L2-R $20.99
.8-4.2V 3 Mode Drop In $13.99
L2-S4 (Scratch and Dent) forward clicky tailcap $13.99

I wonder if they'd swap the reverse clicky tailcap for the forward clicky one.

So what is the general consensus on Solarforce quality etc?

snare · #28 11-03-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DM51

Threads that discuss the use of lights as weapons do not usually last long, as sooner or later the emphasis tends to shift away from the merits of the lights themselves to an aggressive discussion of how to inflict maximum injury on others, at which point the thread is usually closed.

Apart from one post, the discussion here has so far steered clear of bravado and violence, so on that basis it may continue.

DM51,

I apologize if anything I have written has been construed as such.

Mattedhead.

He instructs in the AVL area.

To anyone,

Is the sbflashlights.com site posted above still active? I have been searching the forum here and I think I saw that Jake25 owns and runs that business, but I thought I also saw that he may be redoing his site, perhaps. Unfortunately I still can not use the PM feature, so I have to ask here.

The L2 R looks promising so far.

Thanks!

csshih · #29 11-03-2009, 03:10 PM

jake25 owns the business, and he's still going.

I got a bunch of solarforce a day ago to test out from because of him, and from what I can tell, they are very good quality.

the crenelations are a tad bit too spikey for my tastes, though, but they may be perfect for you.

PhantomPhoton · #30 11-04-2009, 06:41 AM

There are two different styles of click switches. Forward, which allows a momentary on, and reverse which you must fully engage (click) before the light will turn on. Forward clickies stick out further and are usually left easier to access, thus protruding from the end for ease of activation, especially in gloves. Reverse clickies are more compact and are easier to cycle through multimode UIs with for many people.
Personally I don't like reverse clickies all that much. You could buy an extra tailswitch and use a reverse clickie with a tactical head, yes it will work. But you loose easy momentary activation due to the switch type.