Kuragari wrote:Not nearly as good as the recent serenghetti flashlights, these are more expensive and aren't as good.
I disagree. I have both. I have 6 of the Serengeti light, sold two weeks ago and 8 of the Brinkman models sold last year, ones with the Luxeon 3-watt emitters.
The Serengeti, at full power, is slightly brighter, with a similar beam width. However, the smaller flashlight (the Serengeti) does not have the total energy of the D-cell unit.
(3 * AAA-cells x 1.41 Wh = 4.23 Watt*Hours vs
2 D-cells x 20.83 Wh = 41.66 Watt*Hours, a 10-1 ratio).
The D-cell units will work for hours and days. Let it roll around in the back of the truck. It will be easy to find when you need it. It will last as long as you do. The smaller light works well when needed, but fills a niche focused more on convenience, than utility. Durable, but made for burglary, not day-long sieges.
Size can matter in other ways. When wearing gloves in cold weather, the smaller light is hard to grasp for long. The larger, 2-D cell really is more comfortable for long use or when gloved. I can tuck it under an arm when walking in the dark. I have used the butt of the D-cell light to break ice in watering troughs, de-ice padlock and to nudge a sticking door on a coop.
If an attacker does threaten, I know I have a choice. I could blind him with the light, bludgeon him with the case butt or spotlight him for proper targeting as I take a combat brace with the Glock resting on the barrel of the light.
OTOH -- when you need a handy, pocket-sized flash to find your keys, read a map or blind someone approaching on a lonely street corner, the small pocket flash is ideal.
If threatened I would not use the tiny "tactical" Serengeti as a bludgeon or fist weapon, but it also pairs sleekly with the Glock for targeting, for those at home in the more refined urban or suburban environment.
Each light has it's place. As I said, I have both. Both work well as lights or shooting accessories. Every citizen should carry the essentials appropriate to their environment.
BTW -- the Glock I usually carry is a compact frame model, built for the powerful, mad-bull-stopping 10mm round. But I also have the matching 0.40 caliber barrel for this Glock, chambered for the more economical, lighter recoil, FBI-lite round, more suited to the urban environment. Especially true when paired with hollow point ammo (vs metal jacketed) to prevent stray rounds penetrating walls. Either work well on wolves, wild-dogs or drunks. I recommend considering the combo for those comfy in both city and country environments.
Just a tip to the well-equipped but considerate citizen.
