New Flashlight Moves Beyond the Battery

• R.K. Miller
• Law Officer Volume 5 Issue 1
• 2009 Jan 1

R.K. Miller: We were introduced to 5.11 Tactical’s new rechargeable Light for Life flashlight by its president, Dan Costa. There are still cops who remember the early days of illumination tools, when the standard was a two-, three-, four- or even six-cell battery powered flashlight. Fast forward to today. The new 5.11 flashlight departs from the current heavy battery technology. 5.11’s Light for Life works off an ultracapacitor that will run for 90 minutes and—get this—recharges in 1 minute. Skeptical? So were we. However, this was quickly dispelled by Costa when the light performed as promised when he dropped it into its charger, which is included in the cost.

Another feature that caught our attention right off the bat was the number of options this light brings to the field. A single side-mounted switch allows for two different levels of illumination: 100 lumens and 300 lumens, backed up by a strobe light option that is worthy of a 1970s disco. 5.11 says this flashlight can be recharged and still function properly for 150 years, even if it’s recharged every single day. (Think about passing it down not just to your sons, but maybe even your great grandsons.)

Made of high-impact polymers, the light also sports a hex-head design that will prevent it from rolling away, a handy feature for cops who have placed flashlights down on the roof or trunk of a patrol unit and then driven off. Another bonus: Should the ultra capacitor run out of juice with no charger available, you can slip regular batteries into the unit and it will work fine.

Although the price tag for such technology will obviously be above that for a standard flashlight, the Light for Life’s promise that it will last longer than your career is a strong selling point that will surely influence many potential law enforcement buyers to make the investment.

5.11 Tactical
4300 Spyres Way
Modesto, CA 95356
Tel. 866/451-1726
www.511tactical.com

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• Law Officer Magazine Volume 5 Issue 1

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