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

Do you really NEED the world’s brightest flashlight?

When it comes to lumen output, more means better, right? Well, not really. The UltraFire 18T6-20000 for instance produces over 20 000 lumens. To put that in perspective, your average car headlight produces about 1500 lumens, so the 18T6 produces over 13 times that!

20 000 lumens is enough power to set paper on fire and even cause blindness. That’s not quite like staring into the sun, but it’s pretty close. The 18T6 has some serious cornea-melting power.

So, when will you ever need that much power? The answer is – probably never. It’s hard to think of a good reason why you would need to carry around a portable sun in your backpack, but you never know.

Regardless of why you would need it, there are practical things to consider as well.

These mega-flashlights make a lot of heat and as efficient as LEDs are, losing energy in the form of heat is bound to happen. In some cases, just the heat can set paper alight or even char wood. Battery life is also something that needs to be considered. In order to power a massive light that produces 20 000 lumens, you’ll need a battery the size of a backpack.

Rather than going for the most powerful, over-the-top flashlight in the world, why not instead choose a power flashlight that is also practical? Like the Klarus RS80, which produces 3450 lumens. 

Take a look through Klarus Light’s broad range of innovative, durable and powerful flashlights, these flashlights are guaranteed to be a great investment, even though their beams can’t start a forest fire!

You need these accessories to extend the use of your flashlight

Part of the fun of owning a tactical flashlight is the ability to accessorize. You can do that with any old cheap flashlight! There are a variety of flashlight accessories available that can extend the use of your light and none involve glitter or sequins decorations.

Bike Mounts

Do you enjoy riding your bike along the streets or trails after dark? Well then you need a way to light up your path to avoid any unfortunate accidents. A mount for your bike will allow you to clip your tactical flashlight directly to your handlebar – illuminating your path. Once you arrive at your destination you can simply detach your flashlight from the mount.

Headlamp Mounts

There are times when you need to use both hands, but still need to light up the dark. This is where headlamp mounts come into the picture. Headlamp mounts allow you to mount a small tactical flashlight to a headband and turn it into a hands-free flashlight.

Filters

Various filters will allow you to change the colour of the light emitted by your tactical flashlight. This can be especially important when you wish to preserve your night vision. Red, blue and green filters are available and each can have its benefits.

Remote Switches

A remote switch is essential if you plan to use your tactical flashlight in conjunction with a weapon. A remote switch allows you to activate the light with a slight amount of pressure with ever having to remove your hand from your weapon.

Picatinny Rails

A Picatinny Rail System will allow you to mount your tactical flashlight directly to your weapon. Installing a Picatinny Rail will allow you to quickly attach and detach your flashlight from your weapon in seconds.

Accessories are a way for you to personalize your tactical flashlight and make it the ideal tool for your chosen purpose.

For a wide range of tactical flashlight accessories, take a look on Klarus Light's website and place your order!

4 things to keep in mind when you’re searching for the perfect security guard flashlight

Security guards have a tough job, as do most jobs that include protecting people and property. It can be a cold, dark and repetitive grind punctuated by moments of adrenaline, chaos and excitement.

Because of the nature of the job, it is no surprise that security guards choose to invest a lot of money in their most valuable tool – the tactical flashlight!

Walking the rounds – Every security guard is familiar with this part of the job. It’s when you take the time to walk the perimeter of a lot or the interior hallways of a building to check on things. This is a general survey of the surroundings and for this you need a light that casts a large cone of light. A nice diffused cone of light that can illuminate a large area is ideal.

Interacting with people – In the course of your duties, you may be called to interact with people. Whether that is someone who just took a wrong turn, a group of drunken college kids or a potential dangerous threat, you want the ability to probably access the situation. A flashlight that is able to “dial down the power” is perfect. You want to have a clear view of the area but at the same time to want to be able to switch to a lower output so you don’t blind anyone.

Investigating disturbances – When you investigate a potential disturbance you need laser-like focus. You need to find the threat and assess the situation as quickly as possible. A light that offers a high lumen output as well as a tight cone of light is great for these situations. Anything over 100 lumens can be temporarily blinding, so if you’re looking underneath cars and behind dumpsters, shining that bright light can give you the time to subdue your target.

Depending yourself from an attack – Often security officers are advised not to engage with potential criminals. But, it rarely happens that the police get there on time to handle it. There might come a time when you need to defend yourself from an attack. Tactical flashlights are a great weapon; the strobe can temporarily blind and disorientate and the bezel can be used as a striking weapon.

At Klarus Light, a large range of tactical flashlights that meet the needs of the security professional are offered. Feel free to browse the website and look through the inventory before making your decision.