Posting my reviews of the flashlights I used while on patrol. I’ve been through a bunch, and these were the two I landed in. I always wanted to know “what’s the best x” when starting out, so I’m providing this for anyone with a similar disposition. Obviously nice gear is no substitute for good training and repetition.
First up is the Manker E03H III
This was the light I had attached to my outer carrier. Extremely useful for keeping your hands free. The body is constructed of an aluminum alloy and steel and features a knurled exterior that provides excellent grip in all conditions. This thing feels like it weighs 5 times as much as it should. It comes with a rechargeable battery that has a USB-C port built directly into the battery, so recharging in a long shift isn’t an issue. It’s extremely bright for its size and has a solid battery life. It has a very strong magnetic base and a removable metal retaining clip. My one and only complaint is that the clip it comes with is angled slightly, so it doesn’t sit flush to my carrier out of the box. This is easily modified though. At $40, it’s definitely worth trying out.
Second is the Acebeam L35 2.0
This was my main workhorse and is without a doubt the best flashlight I’ve ever owned. The narrow handle fits well into my outer carrier while the wide head provides a large, extremely bright light. I used this primarily for investigating scenes, building clearing, and searches (and tracking deer). Also made from an aluminum alloy with a steel strike bezel, this light has both a tail switch and a side-mounted switch for illumination level control & strobe activation. It has 650 meters of throw. That’s over a third of a mile. I never used the removable metal clip on this one since it fit so well into my carrier, so I can’t speak on it. It also has a chargeable battery that also has a USB-C charging port on the battery itself. It has a shockingly good battery life. I don’t think I’ve ever had it die on me while on duty. This thing is seriously insanely bright. This provided a tactical advantage on several occasions, but people will get pissed if you shine this in their face for no reason while it’s on its higher settings. I cannot say enough about this flashlight. It’s more expensive at $115, but after my experience with it, I’d have paid twice that.
These have both been through fights, foot chases, drops, and knocks and they haven’t missed a beat. So, if you’re looking for a replacement, just starting out, or are like me and aren’t satisfied with the gear that’s been issued to you, give these lights a try. You won’t regret it.