5.11 Light for Life flashlight

[Agent Orange]

Any LEOs here use one of these and care to comment good or bad? I'm thinking of getting the mid-sized one. 10 oz weight, 90 second recharge time, snap in charging cradle, etc. Thanks in advance for any input.

[Triad]

I want to like this light...but it feels like a toy. A couple of my partners have it and the light output is good compared to my Streamlight but it doesn't "feel" like a flashlight.

My humble observations/opinion

[J_B]

Lil bro has one. Says its too lightweight....otherwise output is great.

[ckim34]

output is great but it doesnt last very long so make sure you carry a backup light. also its useless as an impact weapon.

[Mister BLASTEE]

I'm not an L.E.O. But I know this light pretty well, DO NOT waste your time or money on this! This light has problems with the coils on the tail end which results in charging problems. If you really like the polymer body go with Pelican or a PolyTac Stinger!

[tcop143]

I like the light and have used one for just about a year now. The quick charge feature is awesome, as is the dimming capability. The charging base on my first light failed, but 5-11 replaced the entire light under warranty. My only complaints are that it's too short to put in my sap pocket (easy fix though) and as mentioned above, it would be useless as an impact weapon. My Ultra Stinger filled that capacity nicely. The charge on my second light doesn't seem to last as long as the first one, but not to such a degree that I need to replace it. Definitely carry a back up light, but that should be done no matter what primary flashlight you choose.

[MaHoTex]

Non LEO here. Are the 4 and 5 cell MagLites officially out of style? I have one which I really like and wonder why I never see those mentioned. I recently found I can change the reflector and/or light inside to something called a Terralux for fairly cheap.

Are the Maglites just not good or something?

[Agent Orange]

Thanks all. Found a review here:

http://tinyurl.com/7l9g5cq

Think I'm going to go ahead and get it. Pricey but the charge time, ruggedness, weight, and lack of batteries appeals to me. As Triad pointed out I wish they'd come up with something less toy-like though. Hopefully as the technology matures they'll be better products. I'll let everyone know what I think after it arrives.

Blastee: The mid-size light doesn't use contacts in the tail end. Uses a magnetic charging cradle.

MaHoTex: Mags were good in their day (I loved the MagCharger) and the LED upgrade is nice but they're heavy, old technology, and I find dealing with batteries a hassle. I'll say one thing for them though: they don't cost $150!

[Spyder]

I've got both the big and small size mounted in my truck. Haven't had any issues with either of them yet, though the big one goes dead much quicker than the small.

They are VERY bright, and the 90 second recharge feature is fantastic when you're on a long search and start running out of lights. The light weight I like, as I carry enough heavy crap already. Mine have been through plenty of terrible weather, both rain and salt water, and they still work fine.

[HoMa506]

As they say... get the right tool for the job. I work at the Range as a full time assignment. I have the reading light model which is perfect for checking targets without blinding myself. I still have the full power light when needed. Decide what you REALLY need your flashlight to do and go from there.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I am sticking with the full size aluminum Streamlight SL-20 until the PC police come and take it away. It is plenty bright enough for LE applications and can double as a 'weapon of necessity' if needed.

[Mister BLASTEE]

Agent Orange: You are correct! But still not my top pick.

MaHo Tex: Mags are bulky & outdated technology IMHO

[PositiveInfluence]

Non-LEO

Was issued one from the company I work for and it has been great. All of my Security Officers are issued one now. I actually prefer lightweight and charging time over the "durability". I have seen these lights first hand get dropped, thrown, run over and scrape on the ground during a physical altercation. Have yet to call up 5.11 and return any. I have also seen SacPD Officers with them and have never heard any negative comments.