"Flashlights" Series
In this series of 4 articles we will delve into the world of tactical flashlights, discovering their features, specifications, benefits and functionalities and getting to know more about the products of the American brand Nightstick, leader in the flashlight market.
Article 2 of 4
"Handheld flashlights"
Tactical handheld flashlights offer several advantages, especially in the operational or personal safety fields. Among the main advantages: portability; resistance to impact and atmospheric agents; possibility of being used for self-defense; ability to illuminate effectively even in low light conditions.
Key Points
I. Benefits
II. Nightstick Models
III. About Nightstick
5' reading
I. Benefits
Portability and compactness
Tactical flashlights are designed to be easily carried and stored in your pocket or bag, making them accessible when needed.
Robustness and resistance
Constructed from durable materials, such as aircraft-grade aluminum or polymers, they are designed to withstand impacts, drops, and harsh weather conditions.
Self-defense
Bright light and solid form can be used as self-defense tools, intimidating, dazzling, or striking an attacker.
Armed defense
In conjunction with the use of the gun and with appropriate grip, it clearly illuminates the potential target especially in night operations: first of all by allowing the recognition of a possible threat (if the subject is armed, intentions); in case of threat, it also allows to dazzle the subject, besides a more precise pointing of the weapon on the target and placement of shots.
Effective lighting
Tactical flashlights are designed to emit a powerful and focused light, which allows you to spot obstacles, people, or objects in dark environments. In some models with double illumination, a second light facing downwards allows the reading of maps or documents, illuminating the operator's path while avoiding obstacles or traps.
Versatility
Several models offer dual power supply: with rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries (and relative battery charger) plus an adapter for normal batteries. Some flashlights offer multiple activation buttons so that you can hold to operate the flashlight conveniently and comfortably.
Relevant for professionals
In the operational field (police, armed forces, private security, emergency services), tactical flashlights are essential tools for activities such as daytime (corners, interiors, underground, pipelines or tunnels) and night patrol, signalling, self-defence, lighting of intervention areas (medical, accidents, evidence search, etc.).
II. Nightstick Models
NIGHTSTICK USB RECHARGEABLE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT - BLACK (USB-558XL)
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The USB-558XL flashlight uses an LED rated at 1100 lumens in high mode for 2 hours, but can be extended up to 22 hours in low mode (125 lumens). With a length of only 15 centimeters and a weight of only 162 grams and made of 6061-T6 aluminum, this flashlight is multifunctional, alternating between high, medium and low light modes.
This tactical flashlight is rechargeable via a special port in the body and USB cable: the charge indicator changes from red to green when charging is complete, and it is also equipped with a sliding USB port protection ring; furthermore, the supplied cable has a length of 60 centimeters. However, it has dual power mode: a battery holder adapter for 2 CR123s is also provided (batteries not supplied). The rear button allows both "momentary" and "continuous" illumination.
The body is knurled for excellent grip even in the rain - it is waterproof with IP-X7 certification (immersion up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes)-; it also features a high-power LED light with high-efficiency floodlight for a beam that is always focused and sharp. The torch has a chemical-resistant Type III hard anodized surface finish, and also features an integrated faceted anti-roll ring and metal clip.
NIGHTSTICK USB DUAL-LIGHT TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT - BLACK (USB-588XL)
This USB rechargeable tactical flashlight is Dual Light, it is rated at 1100 lumens through the front dish but also offers a 350 lumen downward facing flood light. In dual-light mode, the USB-588XL outputs a combined output of 850 lumens. The flashlight is 15 centimeters long and weighs 162 grams, and is constructed of 6061-T6 aluminum.
The tactical flashlight is rechargeable via a dedicated port in the body and USB cable: the charging indicator changes from red to green when charging is complete. It is equipped with a sliding USB port protection ring and the supplied charging cable has a length of 60 centimeters. However, it has dual power mode: a battery holder adapter for 2 CR123s is also provided (batteries not supplied). The rear button allows both "momentary" and "continuous" illumination.
In the image: above, the top view of the USB Dual-Light Tactical Flashlight (USB-588XL) with the charge indicator light; below, the flashlight bottom with the flood light: this lower intensity and non-focused, downward-facing projector allows the operator to read maps or navigate by observing the terrain in search of evidence or any traps on the path.
NIGHTSTICK DUAL SWITCH RECHARGEABLE TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT (TAC-660XL)
The compact Dual Switch Rechargeable Tactical Flashlight (TAC-660XL), measures 15.9 centimeters in length and weighs 167 grams; it is rechargeable, with dual power supply and double operating buttons: one on the floodlight and one on the rear.
The TAC-660XL flashlight uses a 1100 lumen LED light which, in combination with a high-efficiency deep parabolic reflector, creates a usable light beam of up to 228 meters. Power is provided by a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery (and battery charger), it also includes the possibility of using a pair of CR123 batteries (not included) thanks to the CR123 battery holder included. It is not compatible with rechargeable batteries such as CR123.
Both the switch on the bezel and the one on the rear cap offer the possibility of momentary or constant illumination. The torch is made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard anodized finish. The non-slip handle with fine knurling has a characteristic helical pattern. It is adjustable in lighting power: in high power it delivers 1100 Lumens, on average 550 Lumens and in low 150 Lumens.
NIGHTSTICK METAL DUTY/PERSONAL-SIZE DUAL-LIGHT RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT (NSR-9944XL)
This multi-function utility flashlight features a 1100 lumen LED as the main high-intensity beam, plus a second and smaller 250 lumen unfocused bottom floodlight. The flashlight, made of 6061-T6 aluminum, is 24.1 centimeters long and weighs 374 grams: in emergencies it can also be used as a compact tactical baton.
The flashlight, being Dual light, can selectively use the lower headlamp for night navigation purposes, obstructions to the path or for evidence research (in the image above, it is instead used together with the main beam) . The presence of multiple switches (2 on the floodlight, 1 on the tail) allows different types of handles for maximum versatility and momentary or fixed functionality.
The NSR-9944XL flashlight includes: rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, charging station, two socket or car power supply options (cigarette lighter), additional anti-roll ring.
NIGHTSTICK POLYMER DUAL-LIGHT RECHARGEABLE FLASHLIGHT (NSR-9924XL)
This tactical service flashlight, compared to the previous aluminum version, has a glass-filled nylon polymer body with aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum tail-cap and bezel. The features as well as its length (24.1 centimeters) remain unchanged, but the weight drops to 281 grams.
Multiple switches (2 on the body, 1 on the tail) allow for multiple grip solutions for maximum versatility and momentary or fixed light functionality with a set of user-selectable high, medium, or low brightness settings. The NSR-9944XL POLYMER flashlight includes: rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, charging station, two socket or car power supply options (cigarette lighter), additional anti-roll ring. The lower weight due to the use of polymers also facilitates prolonged use.
III. About Nightstick
Nightstick, with HQ in Texas, is a global brand of professional lighting products including flashlights, headlamps and Intrinsically Safe lighting solutions that exceed the industry standards in performance, quality, user-safety and value. Nightstick products are built not only with lumen ratings that exceed most competitor products, but also with optimized performance characteristics such as candela, beam distance and run-times. Nightstick products are also designed and manufactured using the best quality housing materials, precision engineered reflectors, reliable real-world switch functionality, state-of-the-art electronics and latest generation battery technology. Innovations such as Nightstick’s exclusive Dual-Light design, combining a flashlight and a floodlight into a single light with the ability to turn both on simultaneously for added versatility and safety, is altering the idea of what a flashlight is.