Choosing Every-Day Carry Gear: Illumination

flashlights, Brite Strike Technologies Pen Light, Surefire E2D LED Defender, $26 Brite Strike BTL, Fenix PD32, Surefire EB2 Backup, FordEx Group Led Flashlight
Here are a few flashlights the author recommends as suitable for everyday carry. From top, the Brite Strike Technologies Pen Light, about $70; the Surefire E2D LED Defender, $265; the Brite Strike BTL (Basic Tactical Light) about $70; the Fenix PD32, about $60; the Surefire EB2 Backup, about $235; and the FordEx Group Led Flashlight, about $14.

 

One of the most common questions I get is what gear a person should carry on a daily basis. With all the new and amazing super-cool gadgets and gizmos available these days, it can be confusing to choose what you need versus what you want. Some people may just be getting started in the personal-responsibility lifestyle and have no idea where to begin.

A handheld flashlight should be one of those items you have with you daily.

Everyone who is willing to take responsibility for the safety of themselves and their loved ones should always have a light source with them. If everything went pitch black where you are right now, at this very moment, would you have the ability to quickly and efficiently navigate yourself and/or others to safety? Many people will say, “I have a flashlight app on my phone for emergencies.” There is a difference between a utility light source (cell phone app) and a handheld white light (handheld flashlight). Which one of these do you need? Well, that depends on why the lights went out, now doesn’t it? If it is a temporary power surge or a blown transformer, then it might be fine to use the app.

What if it is a mass shooting attempt at the mall, or a robbery, or a home invasion, or a fire? The cell phone app isn’t going to cut it in any of these situations. You need to be able to utilize a powerful handheld light. Besides, if it truly is a legitimate emergency, you will need to use the phone to call 911, not as a flashlight. A vast majority of personal-defense shootings in the United States occur in no-light or low-light conditions. These days, it is so easy to find small, bright LED flashlights, there is no longer a valid excuse not to have one.

Companies like Surefire and Streamlight have been at the top of my carry list for years because of the variety of quality products those companies produce. However, there are many others that are making less-expensive daily-use options as technology advances. Companies like Fenix, Klarus, and Olight all have a variety of good lights, depending on what fits your lifestyle. Even Smith & Wesson has gotten into the game.

I recommend everyone who carries a firearm for personal defense start carrying a good flashlight daily and seek out quality training on low-light shooting techniques. When it’s dark, you will be so glad you did.  by Trent Lozano

 

Trent Lozano is first and foremost a loving and devoted father. He is a 15+ year Law Enforcement veteran whose experience includes several years as a Patrolman, Major Crimes Detective, and SWAT Team Member. He is a certified Law Enforcement Instructor, Pepper Spray Instructor and Taser Instructor. Trent also has several years’ experience as a Texas Concealed Handgun License Instructor, NRA Pistol Instructor, NRA Chief Range Safety Officer, as well as a Master Instructor for the TI Simulator system. In addition to Law Enforcement, Trent has spent several years in the private sector as a professional Bodyguard/Personal Protection Agent and Private Investigator. Trent is also a speaker and writer and regularly speaks at various events and seminars on the subjects of firearms, self-defense, use of force, tactics, civilian interaction with law enforcement, how to live the armed lifestyle, and more.

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