I'd like to hear more about defensive uses. How close was the suspect before you decided to deploy the light and how long did it take you to get it out and used? What was your thought process for using the light instead of other tools? Were you already using the light for important stuff, like being able to see, and the opportunity for the strobe presented itself?
For riotus quietus
I have my duty belt set up so my support tools (flashlight, radio, gloves) are accessible by the left hand. My flashlight is carried directly at 9 o'clock on my belt. Without getting to into the details, I was contacting a subject in a dark area (but not pitch black) and was already in the process of taking out my flashlight. When I got within about 12-15 feet, the individual puffed their chest and took a bladed stance and began verbally threatening me. At this point, I already had the flashlight on the medium brightness and aimed towards the pelvic area of the person, anticipating they were going to be compliant, however once they displayed the aggressive behavior I quickly pointed it towards their face and strobed them for ~3 seconds while giving a clear directive to turn around and place their hands behind their back, which they did. By about 2 seconds of exposure I could tell the dude was totally blinded/stunned and had his OODA loop effectively interrupted.
Excellent video, thanks. Found out that he has a few more on tactics and different brands. He also does a video on pepper spray. The parts where his gag reflex is triggered are actually pretty funny.
I think that's a valid and important point. My search right now is for something that the person without a firearm can use as both a deterrent and as a defensive weapon if absolutely necessary. Detection, identification, delay and retreat are the main purposes of the light in this setting. Possible use of pepper spray is also an option, but only to be used if necessary.
I'm no expert but have used a flashlight as a deterrent a couple times and it did work because once they knew they were being watched/highlighted they left the area. But I was not close to the suspected criminal.
Had a discussion with the Sheriff yesterday that included several of your points. Awareness, your confidence level, acknowledging a predator, and your actions all have an effect on an aggressor. I would disagree about a flashlight. I believe that it is a great tool as a deterrent and for detection, but it depends on the situation. 90% of the people in my classes won't have the opportunity to carry or use a firearm or pepper spray so they need something else.
Malkoff makes an excellent product and several serious light assemblers use them including Arisaka. They also make a bunch off legacy light upgrades that bring several older lights into the 21st century and they make the only head worth owning that will power from a single CR123 battery. I have pretty much standardized on Modlite with a little CD and SF sprinkled in there.
Most of mine are 18650 or 18350, I still have a few CR123 but my next one will be a 21700.
