Why your flashlight grip is so important – The experts explain

Grips on your flashlight are important. Think of it this way, when is a flashlight the most handy? In situations when the lights go out, when you’re looking for something in the dark, you’re lost or you’re under the hood of your car on a dark road. One of the things about stress is that it can make your hands sweaty. This can make it hard to hold smooth objects – like a cheap flashlight!

Tactical flashlights come with a variety of grips designed to help the user keep a firm hold on the tool:

Ridged – This grip is an oldie, but it’s a goodie! It involves tooling concentric ridges along the metal tube portion of the flashlight. The ridged grip allows you to have a firm hold on the flashlight at all times. However, it does have its limitations, if the flashlight needs to be twisted to turn it on or switch modes then a ridged grip can cause problems when you twist – especially if your hands are wet.

Knurled – This grip is one step up from the ridged grip. Rather than ridges, a knurled grip has a crosshatch pattern directly in the metal. A knurled grip eliminates the problem of the flashlight slipping when twisted. However, some people say that the grip is a bit rough on their hands.

Rubberised – Rubberised grips have been around for a long time. They come in a variety of different patterns and they work quite well. They are especially good in cold climates, you definitely don’t want to grab onto a metal tube in freezing weather! But, the problem with rubberized grips is that they wear out over time, especially when they’re exposed to heat and cold.

Grip Tape – The last grip option is to just apply grip tape to the flashlight. Obviously this will work no matter what the underlying grip is. There are a wide range of grip tapes in different patterns, from smooth to knurled. While it is effective in providing grip and insulation, many people don’t like it because it throws off the aesthetic of the flashlight.

So, these are your grip options. Each has its positives and its negatives. Which grip do you prefer? You can find a variety of tactical flashlights with different grips in our store, simply visit Klarus Light and take a look! 

How heavy is too heavy for your flashlight?

Weight can play a big role when it comes to deciding what tactical flashlight you want to buy. Weight generally means size and really more power. A larger, heavier flashlight mat not necessarily offer a better level of brightness than its smaller, lighter counterpart. So, when is bigger better and when is it just an obstacle.

When a larger tactical flashlight can be a great fit…

A larger flashlight has some of its greatest benefits when weight isn’t an issue. Larger, heavier tactical flashlights are perfect for home use or camping when weight and size are not so important. They are also excellent for the car, boat or even your emergency go-bag. Many security and law enforcement professionals favour the larger models because they can be used as self-defense weapons.

Bigger is not always better, but if you’re not planning on carrying your flashlight for a long period of time, then investing in a large tactical flashlight might be your best option. Make sure to evaluate a variety of weights and models before your decide on the right one for you.

Ideal large flashlight: Klarus RS80

When a smaller tactical flashlight can be the right choice…

Smaller lights have their place, and that place is normally attached to a wrist or in a backpack. Small, lightweight flashlights are ideal for those who engage in activities covering long distances, such as backpackers. They love small flashlights because they don’t take up much space, they don’t add weight to their backpacks and they’ve still powerful enough to illuminate a trail. Plus if you have the right accessories, like a head strap, they can be used as a headlamp. Runners also love the smaller tactical flashlights as they can easy fit on a lanyard or in a running pack.

Keep a lightweight tactical flashlight in your car, your emergency kit or even in your handbag or pocket. Your choice of tactical flashlight is entirely a matter of personal choice. With the weight of a flashlight being measured in grams, they could potentially all be a match for your goals.

Ideal small flashlight: Klarus XTQ1

Flashlight weight plays an important role in choosing the right flashlight for your needs. Big or small? Which flashlight will you choose?

Looking for a tactical flashlight at an affordable price? Klarus Light has a wide selection, ranging from flashlights for police use to general purpose torches you can do in everyday situations.

Questions you should ask yourself to find the right flashlight

When shopping for a quality tactical flashlight you will be faced with many pricing options, ranging from cheap to high prices for the models with all the bells and whistles. Of course, only filtering your options by price doesn’t necessarily help make the selection any easier. There are still many to choose from across a wide range of styles and sizes.

To help you narrow down your choices to just a few rather than hundreds, you should ask yourself these questions…

“How much light output do I need?”

Tactical flashlights can generate an enormous amount of light, some even over 3000 lumens. In many cases, a flashlight that generates 100 lumens is enough for most purposes. Depending on your activities you might want a light with a higher output. If you are involved with search and rescue or even tactical operations, you’ll need a high lumen output to meet your needs.

“What type of battery does the flashlight use?”

Battery life will be listed on the outside packaging or in the specification list. It is measured in hours. You will also want to consider the expense of replacing batteries all the time and if they are rechargeable or not.

“What size flashlight is right for me?”

Tactical flashlights come in all shapes and sizes. There are large tactical flashlights that can also double as a baton and there are flashlights that can easily fit in your pocket. The size you choose is normally a matter of comfort and ease of use. You want the flashlight to be comfortable in your hand as well as easy to operate. Size also includes weight; the larger flashlights will be heavier.

With the variety of flashlights available, it’s best to narrow it down to one brand. Klarus Light has a wide variety of innovative and affordable flashlights in a range of shapes and sizes. If you have any questions or wish to purchase a flashlight – contact Klarus Light today!

4 handy ways triathletes use headlamps

Each triathlon challenge has its own unique set of challenges. Whether it is dealing with the waves in the swimming portion, the scorching heat radiating odd the tar during the running portion or the challenge of equipment and riding in a pack during the bike portion. With each challenge comes the need of specialized equipment.

Once challenge that rarely gets any publicity is the darkness. All the coverage of triathlons takes place in the bright sunlight, but much of the preparation takes place in the darkness. Triathletes should really consider a quality headlamp to light the way, here’s why…

           TRAINING
Most people work during the day, most of your training will be done during the evening and night. If you’re going to be on the road in the dark, you will need a way to see and be seen. Headlamps are a great option when training at night.

 

           RACE PREP
Triathlons don’t start at midday, so in order to get into the check-in, you’re going to have to get up early in the morning. That means racking your bike, getting your gear together and making your way in the dark. You can see where a headlamp would come in handy.

           FINDING YOUR WAY AROUND
Some race staging areas are well-lit, while some are not. Regardless of this, you’re going to have to deal with it. It is your responsibility to get your bike and gear to the right place, checking in and making your way to the start. Being able to see where you’re going will certainly help with that.

           RACING
Depending on your flight, you may or may not be racing in the dark. It goes without saying that bumbling around in the dark is not going to help you set a new personal record, so make sure you have a headlamp and a spare in your bag for the race.

Keeping your hands free allows you to prepare everything you need, from putting the rack on your truck and tuning your bike to lighting your way through the dark. The universal torch headband from Klarus is fully adjustable and made from a soft elastic material, which provides a comfortable fit. The Klarus head strap also takes a number of different size flashlights