Flashlight help!!

[scozzy22]

We are starting shooting in the academy and our instructor said we will be doing a lot of night shooting. I need a bright durable flash light, looking to spend no more then $120 any good suggestion?

[Samuel]

I don't have time right now to help you find out what flashlight best meets your needs - there are a LOT of things to consider and "bright" and "durable" doesn't narrow down the choices at all.

Best/quickest bet - ask your instructor.

Your instructor will know if you have any flashlight policies you need to adhere to, how you will be using the light in conjunction with shooting, and what flashlights work well with your normal equipment/gear load out, etc.

If you're not sure, buy the cheapest light that will fit the bill. Later on, after you've done your research here:

CandlePowerForums

You can find something really really nice ($120 gives you a LOT of options).

[scozzy22]

The reason i am putting it on here is because our instructor said to ask around, i was looking at the
streamlight stinger ds, anyone have any reviews on it?

[mcsap]

I have a regular Stinger and it is a small bright light. But there are others.

[scozzy22]

Okay any suggestions?

[Samuel]

Okay any suggestions?

Suggest you take a look at this PARTIAL list of considerations, then go read candlepowerforums.

In no particular order:

What policies do you currently have for equipment, specifically flashlights?
What will the primary purpose of the light be?
What kind of material(s) do you want it to be made of?
What size/weight/length do you want it to be?
Are you restricted to a brand/brands?
Can you and/or will you possibly be using it as a weapon of opportunity/necessity?
How will you be carrying it on a regular basis?
Do you prefer alkaline, lithium, rechargeable NiCad/NiMH/Lithium powered?
How many batteries?
Do you require charging as a unit or do you mind taking the batteries out to charge?
How quickly do you require it to charge?
How long do you need it to run?
Do you prefer single mode or multi mode or “dimability?
If multi mode, how many modes and what kind of modes?
Do you need more throw or spill?
How much of each?
Do you prefer reflector or optic?
Do you prefer “focusability”?
What size head diameter?
If reflector, do you prefer smooth or orange peel?
If orange peel, light or heavy?
Do you prefer incandescent or LED or HID?
If LED, single or quad die or multi LED or?
Any preference between Cree, Seoul, Luxeon, SST, etc?
What tint/kelvin temp LED output do you prefer?
How much output do you want, lumens or candlepower wise?
Do you prefer a button on the barrel or tailcap end or both or rotating switch?
Do you mind reverse clicky?
Are you going to be using it while shooting?
What kind of firearm/flashlight technique(s) do you employ/prefer?
Do you already own any decent/tactical flashlights?
Would you want to buy an all new light or possibly upgrade something you have now?
In what kind of environments or situations/surroundings will you be using the light?
Do you need water resistance and, if so, how much?
Impact/drop damage resistance?
What range of temperatures will the light be exposed to?
Are you going to be using it for anything else non-LE work related?
Do you need it to be free-standing or adjustable head?
Do you need more than one type of light source in the same flashlight or more than one color?
Do you plan on being able to “mod” it later?

track record, reviews, customer service, reputation,

btw, IMO, the streamlight stinger DS is a decent light...

[G35 Mass]

I have a Streamlight Strion LED and Magcharger. Each have their uses, and each fit those needs very well.

They might be awful for you.

[MPI1]

I have a Surefire and love it. That being said, when I was qualifying during my academy (put myself through) I had a Streamlight and loved it as well. As others have stated, there are thousands of flashlights. Some good, some GREAT, and some horrible. Streamlight and Surefire are good picks!

[Joeyd6]

Surefire 6pX....LED....200 Lums....and $100 or so. Brightest light for size in my gear.

[McNulty]

I have both the Streamlight Stinger LED and the Strion C2 LED. The Strion is the perfect size for your duty belt and has great battery life. The Stingers are mounted in our vehicles and while they're great, bright lights, I find it too large to add to a duty rig.

[NightR0ver]

Streamlight Stinger LED. I swear by it. Brightest light out there. Compared it to co-workers lights including the 5.11, Surefire and Blackhawk lights.

[TEXASCOP]

My Strion LED seems nearly as bright as my stinger LED. The stinger just seems to have a tighter beam. What I love about the Strion, it has the lithium battery and it lasts longer and holds its charge. I prefer just sticking it on the charger and being done with it. My back up light is a Fenix TK12 and it is brighter than both the Strion and Stinger. It takes rechargeable lithium batteries. I think I paid $115 for my Strion LED with 2 chargers and $70 or so for the Fenix and another $15 for 2 lithium batteries+charger.

[MikeG]

Okay any suggestions?

I've bought flashlights from here before (primarily because of candlepower forums mentioned by Samuel):
Romisen RC-F4 II CREE R2 with Forward Tactical Click Switch "1-mode"

For $20 it's like the Surefire lights in brightness. I'd never bet my life on it, but if you don't have a department yet or you're looking for something on a budget to get you through initial training this might be an option. For reference, you want "forward clicky" with momentary on. Most of the LED flashlights get their LEDs from one of two major manufacturers. The difference between a Surefire flashlight and these knock-off's isn't going to be brightness or battery life or LED. It's going to be in build quality, testing and warranty.

I am not a LEO, but I've given flashlights as gifts LEOs. The polystinger DS is one I have bought. It has a switch on the tail and and head of the flashlight so you can hold it various ways and control the light.. It has a lifetime guarantee (I know because I had to send one back that failed - luckily not when needed - they have loaner program too but you have to pay shipping). Other than the one failure I haven't heard any complaints. It's bigger than the tactical flashlights. The patrol people here use a duty flashlight like that in addition to a weapon light attached to their pistol. I wouldn't go cheap on those lights. I don't know if the more recent versions are brighter, but the version I bought has an older LED. Get the charger with the spare battery charger built in.. That way when you forget to put the flashlight on the charger overnight, you have a fresh battery at the start of shift and you can swap it out.

Incidentally, the most popular/used/favorite flashlight I've given is this one:
Romisen RC-C3 II NW Neutral White LED Flashlight "Black"

It is twisty switch but can be used as momentary on/off on the tail. It's tiny but very bright. It has a clip to attach to clothing. It's also $15 so hard to beat not trying it.