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Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights
TigerLight GOLD 7.5V Recharegable - Overall Score> 4.75 Stars Highly Recommended (Out of 5 Maximum)


Introduction to : Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights

The Rechargeable Police Type Flashlights sub-section of Personal Illumination Options is a collection of illumination products that span the vertical range of products that are typically used by security or police. The products on this page provide task and goal based solutions for a targeted end-user base of customers. As such, they represent a narrow scope of products that share a common feature of rechargeable batteries with the illumination source being either a Luxeon LED or an incandescent bulb.
The evaluation criteria for this special class are similar to the general flashlight evaluation criteria but with the addition of discussion aimed at rating output brightness, throw and run-time between charges- factors that may be of greater interest to professionals that depend on thier flashlights nightly or during duty rounds.
1)Vortex
XR-1
2)Vortex
TR3
3)Space Cannon vH Delux 4)LEDLenser LL7459 5)Vortex
CR-2
6)TigerLight GOLD 7)Streamlight Ultra-Stinger 8)Vortex
DR-2
9)MAG Instruments 6V Recharegable
 

Table1) Specifications

  Total
Length

Head
Width

Body
Width
Net
Weight
Bulb Type

MDOI
At Spot
Focus

Beam
Type
Beam Color Bulb
Replacement
Line Score
Brand / Model                    
                     
MAG         Custom 10W
Tungsten/Halogen
250' (4.5) Combination 3,400ēK 3
7.5
                   
Vortex
DR-2
        Standard 10W Tungsten /Halogen 190' (3.75) Combination 3,400)K 3
6.75
                   
Ultra-Stinger         Custom 10W
Tungsten /Halogen
325' (5) Combination 3.400ēK 3
8
                   
TigerLight GOLD         Custom 10W
Tungsten/Halogen
200' (4) Combination 3.400ēK 3
7
                   
Vortex
CR-2
        Standard 6W Tungsten /Halogen 170' (3) Combination 3.400ēK 4
7
                   
LEDLenser LL7459         5W Luxeon LED 90' (2) Squared Spot 5,800ēK 900Hrs (4.5)
6.5
                   
Space Cannon vH Delux         5W Luxeon LED 160' (3) Combination 5,700ēK 900Hrs (4.5)
7.5
                   
Vortex
TR3
        3W Luxeon LED 180' (3) Combination 5,700ēK 10,000Hrs (5)
8
                   
Vortex
XR-1
        Mini Bi-pin/Xenon 10' (1) Combination 3,200ēK 2
4
MAXIMUM POINTS  
10
 
KEY
MDOI Maximum Distance for Object Identification
 
1)Vortex
XR-1
2)Vortex
TR3
3)LEDLenser LL7459
4)Vortex
CR-2
5)TigerLight GOLD
6)Streamlight
Ultra-Stinger
7)Vortex
DR-2
8)MAG Instruments
6V Recharegable
NOTE: Space Cannon vH Delux Battery is not accessible and is therefore not shown

Table 2)Ease of Use & Charging Details

  Switch
Accessibility

Switch
EOU

Focus

Stock
Battery Type

Charging
Status Indicators

Connection

12V
Adapter

Time to
Full Charge
Instructions Trickle or
Top-off
Charge
Line
Score
Brand / Model                      
                       
MAG 5 5 4.75 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 12Hrs Excellent (5) Trickle (4)
41.25
                     
Vortex
DR-2
5 4 4 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle/Direct
(5)
Yes (5) 12Hrs Fair (3.5) Trickle (4)
38.5
                     
Ultra-Stinger 4 5 5 NiCad 6V(4) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 10Hrs N/A Trickle (4)
37
                     
TigerLight GOLD 4 5 N/A (5) 7.5V NiMH (5) Yes (4) Cradle (5) Yes (5) 10Hrs Very Good (4.5) Trickle & Top-off (5)
42.5
                     
Vortex
CR-2
5 4 4 NiCad 6V (4) Yes (4) Cradle/Direct
(5)
Yes (5) 10Hrs Fair (3.5) Trickle (4)
38.5
                     
LED Lenser LL7459 3 4 N/A (5) NiMH 7.2V (5) Yes (5) Direct (4) No (4) 10Hrs N/A Trickle & Top-off (5)
35
                     
Space Cannon vH Delux 5 3.5 5 Li-Ion7.4V (5) Yes (5) Direct (4) Optional 6Hrs Excellent (5) Top-off (5)
37.5
                     
Vortex
TR3
5 4.75 N/A
5
NiMH 6V (5) Yes (5) External
Charger (5)
Yes (5) 3 Hrs Very Good
(4.5)
Top-off (5)
44.25
                     
Vortex
XR-1
5 5 2 NiCad (4) Yes (4) Direct (4) Yes (5) 1 Hr Very Good
(4.5)
Trickle & Top-off (5)
38.5
MAXIMUM POINTS  
45
 
KEY
EOU = Ease Of Use

Description
The TigerLight Gold Rechargeable flashlight pays cursory homage in its form to the venerable 3 X D cell MAG Police type flashlights used by police and security as well as civilians world-wide. The TigerLight Gold is in many ways a departure from the light on which its design is based. The Gold Series light has a dual function. In addition to being a formidable rechargeable illuminator, it also has in its tail section a defensive pepper spray dispenser that gives the enforcer an added non-lethal tool in one device. Unlike many lights in this genre, the TigerLight Gold does not allow the user to focus it's beam, but instead provides a fixed spot focus - mitigating against the error and lost time that may be associated with variable focus heads. Also unlike the other lights that we evaluated, the TigerLight Gold has a specially treated grip surface that significantly enhances tactile traction or grip. The lamp assembly is shock isolated through the intervention of a rubber collar that sits between the bulb assembly and the body of the light. In every other respect it is a viable contender in the top three of this elite class of flashlights for law enforcement, self defense and security.
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Sales Source:http://www.tigerlight.net/

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Specifications for:

  • Dimensions:L= , Head Dia= , Body Dia =
  • Net weight: gms / oz
  • Colors: Black Hard Anodized III)
  • Composition: Proprietary Aircraft grade aluminum, Acrylic + other
  • Bulb type: Custom 10W
    Tungsten/Halogen
  • Average Bulb Life Expectancy:
  • Battery Type: 7.5V NiCad
  • Top-Off Charge Time:
  • A/C, Current requirements:
  • DC, Current Requirements:
  • Run-time (duration) to 50% of Maximum Brightness
  • Accessories Included: Charging Cradle + A/C (USA) & D/C 12V Cigarette Plug Instructions
  • Optional Accessories

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Evaluation Results & Summaries


Ease of Use
Very Good. The user first locates and depresses the click On/Off switch button to turn the light On and Off. A partial pressing allows for momentary On activation.
Using the Tigerlight Gold series flashlight, while similar in many respects to using other lights that employ a pushbutton switch on the body, does entail a different approach and retraining of muscle memory. The key differentiator is the fact that the TigerLight's switch is positioned slightly to the rear of the halfway point along the body section. This approach allows for the operator to effectively toggle between light activation and pepper spray deployment, without having to either slide their hand from one end of the light to the other or to switch position through a rotation of the light in the 'strong' hand. There are basically three methods of holding this type of light. In one, the first (index) finger is poised to deploy the pepper spray whilst the third or fourth hover over the switch. In the second, recommended by TigerLight), the operator's thumb is poised over the pepper spray switch , while the first, second or third finger (operator variable) hovers over the On/Off switch .Lastly, the light may simply be picked up and pepper spray deployed with the index finger- as is typically the case with defensive pepper spray methods. As such the light requires more training to uses reflexively but this extra effort is rewarded by the added spray functionality. Since the light bulb is factory mounted and fixed at the point of narrowest focus within its reflector, that is one less variable for the operator to think about. Battery replacements are not likely to occur very often with a rechargeable flashlight, but they are significantly more cumbersome in the case of the TigerLight Gold - entailing a dicey removal of the bulb assembly and then the disengagement of the battery from its wired connector. Charging simply entails a firm push of the light's head into the dedicated cradle. An indicator light signals that charging is taking place. Because the tail-piece is flat, the light may be stood upright for a ceiling bounce style of illumination indoors. In most cases, the light may be stowed head down on a flat surface or it may be carried in dedicated belt accessories designed specifically for that purpose. While the TigerLight Gold has a body diameter or girth that is the widest in its class (making it less desirable for individuals with small hands) this drawback is compensated for with the exceptionally aggressive grip's texture and tenacity.
4 points
------------------
Task performance optimization
Very Good. The TigerLight provides a practical source of bright hand-held illumination for contexts that demand a combination type beam that is able to pinpoint a subject at distances from a couple of meters to 200' as well as provide a broad disc of context revealing illumination that makes it a perennial favorite for navigation, search and tactical applications .Unlike other flashlights in its genre, the Tigerlight Gold also doubles as an effective pepper spray dispenser. Though seemingly the same heft as lights of comparable girth and length, it's actually significantly lighter in weight. This is due to the use of a compact NiMH battery and thus several inches of the body are devoted to housing the pepper spray canister. Because batteries are charged while inside the light, repetitive removal of batteries is unnecessary- eliminating a potential source for risk, wasted time and component loss. The unique placement of the activation switch button and the fact that the operator must take the light off the subject in order to effectively deploy the spray, reduces the dual capability to alternate rather than simultaneous functions. Expert views vary on this point and we make the caveat that effectiveness is often related to specific circumstances, level of training and operator preparedness.
4.5 points
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Documentation Quality
Fair. The instruction booklet is in English. It's written and illustrated in precise, concise and professionally laid out step-by-step sections that enhance optimal information absorption and that minimize mistakes. Typographic font size is an average size and in a style that is easily readable. Hints and Caution warnings are clearly labeled and positioned to be easily noticeable.
4.5 points
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Battery Charging (Ease, Frequency, Maintenance)
Very Good. Based on a procedure described in the instructions, the charging set-up and procedure are easy. Frequency of charging will depend on the user but since the manufacturer recommends charging after each use, the customer doesn't have to monitor re-charge cycles too closely. A caution is made to not over discharge the battery (running it down flat) and to remove the unit from the charging cradle if it hasn't been used in a month. Unlike flashlights that use NiCAd batteries, the TigerLight Gold Series is furnished with a NiMH or Nickel Metal Hydride pack instead. This type of battery doesn't exhibit the 'memory' issues associated with NiCad batteries, however they do loose about 1 minute of runtime per day in storage. Since they are designed to be charged on a regular basis, this isn't a noticeable drawback. There are two contacts on the body section diametrically opposite the activation switch that mate to two contacts inside the charging cradle. The connection is positive. Unlike other such lights that use long cylindrical battery packs, the unique triangular pack of the TigerLight requires some care and effort to replace, making it less likely that the operator would carry a back-up battery. As long as a charging routine is established and the 12V adapter plus a spare cradle are kept inside the operators vehicle,then a fully topped off battery will always be at hand.
4.5 points
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Balance, Grip-ability, Stow-ability, Tabletop Stand-ability

Very good. The TigerLight Gold performs in a practical manner to be immediately available to its user whether it's placed head up or tail up on a table, head up in a belt carrier or otherwise stowed in luggage. The light balance perfectly at it's midpoint with a full pepper spray canister in position. The enhanced gripability afforded by it's tenacious surface texture, coupled with a relatively light weight, make the TigerLight Gold a delight to hold for all but the smallest handed users.
5 points

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Items of Note:
Pepper spray is increasing in popularity as a less than lethal defense option as well as compliance tool. By combining this feature with a flashlight, anyone who needs both tools will find that the TigerLight Gold is a difficult package to resist. Pepper spray is not a casual defensive option. Its effective and safe use requires training and sound judgment. CAUTION: Pepper spray can be as effective on the operator as it is on the assailant. Get training before using it and carry de-contaminant wipes or spray in the event of accident. The use and possession of Pepper spray in public may be illegal in certain states- consult local laws before carrying pepper spray in public



ABOVE,Left- Light in charging cradle | Right-12V DC Adapter (Cigarette Plug)

ABOVE- Detail of bezel removed, showing bulb assembly & reflector housing

ABOVE-
Left, pepper spray can insertion | Right, Inert (training) refill

ABOVE,Left- Pepper Spray Deployment | Center, operator point of view| Right, Subject POV


ABOVE,Left- On/Off activaton switch button | Right-Dual charging contacts

ABOVE,Left- Full-frontal view of head | Right-Direct Beam Shot at maximum spot focus (DBS)

Stars Rating Key

Rating - 5.0 Stars = Highly Recommended - Best In Class
Rating - 4.5-4.75 Stars = Highly Recommended
Rating -3.5-4 Stars = Guarded Recommendation
Rating -2.5-3.0 Stars = Marginally Recommended

Disclaimer Notice- TigerLight and TigerLight Gold Series are trademarks of the TigerLight Inc. All other trademarks and brand names are the properties of thier respective owners. Use of company trademarks and brand names by us for the purpose of description is not an endorsement by either the trademark holders or by Imägo Metrics LLC.
 
 
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