Gunfighter

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 714 Location: Warrior Nirvana

I have just completed six month testing of the Streamlight PolyTac handheld flashlight and found it to be a superior piece of tactical illumination equipment.

It is avalialable with white bulb but the LED version is only a couple dollars more and a no brainer at 3 hours of burn time and with 120 lumens it is extremely bright. A minimum100 lumens is reccomended to identify and see the hands of a threat at 100 yards. Several drops up to six feet did not break the bulb. This light is comparible in looks, function and toughness as the Surefire G2 LED but is available at a much lower price.

With a grenade ring attached for finger swivel and carried in a Hoffners quick access carrier it is an unbeatable rig ready to perform...Perhaps I will offer this setup as a package.

Hoffs reccomendation: BUY!!
(I love mine and just ordered four more at only $33 each)

You can find the Streamlight PolyTac at a great price in black, yellow, or tan at http://www.opticsale.com/streamlight-polytac-led-flashlight-w-lithium-batteries.-black-22570-prd1.html?gdftrk=gdfV2656_a_7c772_a_7c3291_a_7c056_d_020_d_88850

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 266 Location: Houston,Texas

Hoff, I saw a story last night on the news involving this flashlight I belive. An HPD Officer was using it on a search and had it in his left hand up by his face when it exploded causing injuries to his hand and face. I dont belive it was the flashlight itself, I think it had something to do with using after market batteries in it. They said streamlight states to use their batteries only. Maybe you can shed some light on this for us. Twisted Evil

Hoff · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 714 Location: Warrior Nirvana

Here is the story:

HPD officer injured by exploding flashlight

08:28 AM CDT on Monday, October 5, 2009

khou.com staff report

HOUSTON—A Houston police officer was injured on the job Sunday night when his flashlight exploded.

Police said the officer was responding to a call at an apartment complex at Crescent Park and Southlake when the incident occurred.

Investigators said the officer was one of two policemen searching a darkened apartment when the flashlight he was holding blew up in his face.

He was rushed to Memorial Hermann in stable condition.

The second officer was hit in the arm by debris from the explosion, but he was not transported.

Police said the exploding flashlight was made of plastic, rather than metal like the older models. They believe the battery may have caused the malfunction, and the plastic wasn’t strong enough to contain it.

HPD officials said they plan to inspect all of their flashlights to see if any others could be dangerous.

I wont know anymore until I investigate it this week. HPD officers are not issued lights, we buy our own and there are many differant models being used. Many officers are rechargables. Batteries are volatile but this is the first I have heard of this type of incident.-Hoff

mab · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 6 Location: Pearland, Texas

Uh Oh. I ordered two of these this morning. Sad

Muzzlebreak · Joined: 06 Oct 2009 Posts: 2

There has been much speculation that incidents like this one are usually caused by mixing old batteries with new. The new battery overheats trying to "recharge" the old one(s) and explodes.

We'll see what the investigation reveals (maybe).

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 266 Location: Houston,Texas

I dont belive it was the light itself. I belive they said it had to do with aftermarket batteries that were put in it. The manufacturer recomends certain brands for a reason apparently. Twisted Evil

Ragnar · Joined: 26 Jan 2009 Posts: 110 Location: Outer Magnolia

I have always been suspicious of that Energizer rabbit.

garum · Joined: 11 Jul 2007 Posts: 25 Location: Hill Country, TX

[Police said the exploding flashlight was made of plastic, rather than metal like the older models. They believe the battery may have caused the malfunction, and the plastic wasn’t strong enough to contain it. ]

A metal flashlight body may actually be more dangerous if a battery explodes-more pressure build up and jaged schrapnel.

dpdtc · Joined: 19 Oct 2009 Posts: 2 Location: Spring TX

I just recieved 2 this evening. Inside the light is a piece of paper that dictates certain batteries to use. Rest assured I will follow that direction. Now why Hoff started this thread.
These lights are extremely bright. I have never had a flashlight illuminate anything as well as these do. I have one for the house and one for my truck. I may order a few more. They are inexpensive for what you get. I am glad I purchased these.