Best Torch for Self Defence?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Well we all know that most modern aluminium bodied torches are capable of delivering a nice healthy to unsavoury type's, but which one's best for the task, preferable without looking too aggressive?

I use my LD20 for the task, as not only is it blinding to an adversary, it's length gives me the confidence to use it like a kubaton, as well as a restraint tool

So what do you use for this task, and what made you pick that particular model?

And does it's defensive/offensive qualities even factor into your choice of light?

[cgk]

Oh wait you mean a flashlight, I keep forgetting that British funny talk.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

 

Mind you, if I could figure out a way of edc-ing a maddened mob, I'd use them for self defence

[Mr. Whippy]

Maglite 4D. 

Basically a club that doubles as a flashlight.

[Neil]

4D 

6D with LED upgrade

Why? Because nothing succeeds like excess

[Styerman]

Quite a number will be OK , tools that can become "weapons of opportunity " . It would need a clicky switch or a Surefire style Twisty/with momentary button , either single stage or hi first two stage . A rugged body , with good grippiness is an asset . A length slightly greater than the width of your palm .

What you do not need is an agressive crenelated bezel or tailcap , these will just as likley cut you. They also turn a tool pressed into service in an emergency into an edged weapon .

Under duress , you tend to default back to your lowest possible skillset , so figure on something simple like hammer fisting to the face plate . 

A few lites I'vs handled /owned that would be OK would include mundane but rugged , toollike lights like the Surefire L2 , L4, A2, Gen 1 and 2 L1's  , and the E1B .

Just good solid kit nothing nasty looking .

I'm not too big a fan of the biga$$ed mags , as the probability of actually having one in your time of need is pretty low , and they a tad bit too likley to cause compound depressed skull fractures . They are also slow moving , hard to conceal , and not socially acceptable in lots of hoods . Due to incidents a lot of police services have banned their carry , and issued smaller lights like Streamlite Polystingers . Such Officers will not take too kindly to plain Jane Civilians sorting such hardware .

Just a few random thoughts .

Chris

[Blackbeard]

[ACHË]

I'd say something that fits the hand well and that you can get a very good grip on.

Most quality aluminum lights are thick enough to be many times stronger than human bone or tissue.

Some designs are a bit too aggressive and because of this can cause trouble when using them in their primary intended roles.



If only they didn't look so good.

[Styerman]

Small crenelations are cool , as they let you know if you leave the light on and bezel down .

Chris

[prime77]

Crenelations are good if you are trained to use them and the brightness of the light to your advantage.



I think I would just piss my attacker off. With the bright light and then not know what to do.

[Magnus]

This:

is my EDC light, it makes quite a nice kubaton IMO.

4D 

6D with LED upgrade

Why? Because nothing succeeds like excess

you forgot the side handle attachment  .

[rp252]

 



In all seriousness pretty much any of the current aluminum offerings would make a decent makeshift defense.  You don't need aggressive strike bezels to make a hard object jabbed at a vulnerable part of the body hurt like hell.  As mentioned above you could use them a little like a kabuton or if all else fails just swing or throw it.   

Maglights and other big torches can also act as a club and could be very useful to affect grips and throws if you know what you're doing.

I still think the best way to use a torch in self defense is the dazzle someone and leg it in the brief time that might give you.  Better still use your brain and stay out of trouble altogether, though I know that isn't always possible.

[cerbera147]

I assume these assault crowns or strike bezels are designed for defence / offence or is it all about tacticool? 

Of course a bright light used effectively can be an effective weapon 

What about these? Although the Maglite's are hard to beat Err I mean easy to beat Not the Solitaire though   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Great post's guy's and let's keep the suggestion's coming

[Mr. Whippy]

If you're going much farther into the defense side and farther away from light side:


Laser site.  Great throw, lousy spill but good for defense 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

 

Might be a tad difficult to purchase on over here though

Perhaps you could send me one for my Birthday?

[John]

Here's one the baseball bat light 16" long alu bat,make sure you carry a ball with you to avoid 

[Styerman]

My current setup , far from ideal , but a very high probability I will actually have it on me !

The lanyard set up is designed to go on the left palm , even with the palm open , light can't be dropped .

My take on "blinding " , the effect is very short lived , and only works at all on a dark adapted eye . All it will do for you is create an opening -you better have plan B . Think 1 sec. window of opportunity , when asshat covers his eyes with his reaction side hand . If your timing is bad all you have done is forced him into a guard position .

Chris

[Mr. Whippy]

Might be a tad difficult to purchase on over here though

Perhaps you could send me one for my Birthday?

Stop by.

You can borrow mine.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Might be a tad difficult to purchase on over here though

Perhaps you could send me one for my Birthday?

Stop by.

You can borrow mine.

Won't your missus plug me on the way out

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

My current setup , far from ideal , but a very high probability I will actually have it on me !

The lanyard set up is designed to go on the left palm , even with the palm open , light can't be dropped .

My take on "blinding " , the effect is very short lived , and only works at all on a dark adapted eye . All it will do for you is create an opening -you better have plan B . Think 1 sec. window of opportunity , when asshat covers his eyes with his reaction side hand . If your timing is bad all you have done is forced him into a guard position .

Chris

You really know your stuff mate

[Blackbeard]

This will scare most people off:

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

It'd scare me

[Blackbeard]

LOL, I can't think of anymore...maybe i'll post a pic of my lights in a few.

[Blackbeard]

From Left to right:

Fenix TK11, Ultrafire WF-502B, Ultrafire WF-501B, Ultrafire WF 606A, Trustfire 801, Ultrafire A10

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

There's some pain there alright

[Blackbeard]

Those pics stunk, just the fenix:

[Blackbeard]

Arrrrgghhh!! I need to practice with this camera, lighting conditions not great today, looks better b4 I upload also, not sure whats happening.

[Sazabi]

Arrrrgghhh!! I need to practice with this camera, lighting conditions not great today, looks better b4 I upload also, not sure whats happening.

>.>  You realize I'd love to have the ability to take photographs as good as you, right?    The pictures are fine. 

[Blackbeard]

Arrrrgghhh!! I need to practice with this camera, lighting conditions not great today, looks better b4 I upload also, not sure whats happening.

>.>  You realize I'd love to have the ability to take photographs as good as you, right?    The pictures are fine. 

Thanks. My camera has so many settings it make me dizzy, but I think a tripod would be a good investment for me.