The Brasstard » Accessories

In Review: “Strelok” Ballistic Calculator App for Android OS

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 04:50:10 +0000

Images Courtesy of Igor Borisov - "Strelok" Developer

The “Strelok” app by developer Igor Borisov is a free, high-quality ballistic calculator for Android OS that has many noteworthy attributes (the “donate” version is $9.99). This independent review post will take you through the top features and highlights of this excellent marksmanship tool.

Aside from being free, Strelok is an autonomous software package that once installed, does not require an internet connection to provide full functionality. This is nice if you are out in the middle of nowhere and need to use it. Furthermore, as of the date of this post, Strelok does not require invasive permissions, nor does it bombard you with piles of annoying ad’s like other “free” apps do. It only requires read/write permissions to the SD card to store your data. This app is also very resource friendly, meaning that you can use it for many hours in the field without excess drain on your battery from background processes.

Images Courtesy of Igor Borisov - "Strelok" Developer

Strelok is an easy to use and highly functional calculator that processes the relevant ballistic variables, and spits out useful data for making accurate shots. The user interface is simple and easy to navigate. You can build customized weapon profiles that are stored on the SD card for rapid retrieval, and there’s a whole boatload of reticle profiles built into the app (more are added with each update). Despite being a bit rudimentary from a design perspective, the interface is very user friendly and should be easy for non-techies to handle. You simply fill in the information for the variable fields, choose the appropriate reticle, and Strelok does the rest.

Images Courtesy of Igor Borisov - "Strelok" Developer

Some of the other key features include:

Temperature and barometric inputs
Slope angle inputs
Wind direction and speed inputs
Detailed cartridge data inputs
Customizable reticle variables
Graphic ballistic compensation output
Graphic angular data output
Table-based data output
Data output in metric, inches, MOA, MILs, clicks, etc…

Image Courtesy of Igor Borisov - "Strelok" Developer

Strelok is a great tool on the range and in the field. In the future, I expect to see even more reticle options as the developer rolls out subsequent updates. I would also urge them to add a database of ballistic coefficient (B.C.) values for major bullet makes & marks, as well a B.C. estimator/calculator. Currently, you have to get your B.C. values from an external source. Nonetheless, this is by far my favorite ballistic calculator for Android, and one of the friendliest “free” apps on the Google Play store.

Have fun and play safe!

The Brasstard

Next Generation Techlite Lumen Master

admin — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:27:23 +0000

It appears that the folks at Techlite take customer concerns into serious consideration. Not too long ago, Techlite released a Gen-2 Lumen Master 150-Lumen Tactical Flashlight, and more recently, a 200-Lumen version as well. Techlite addressed some major points of contention that arose from the troubled Gen-1 version. You can read more about those problems in the user comments on this page. In the following post, I will report on my test findings of three of the updated Gen-2 Lumen Master flashlights that I picked up at Costco.

First of all, let’s talk about the things that Techlite upgraded in Generation-2 to improve on the shortcomings of Generation-1.

They fixed the numerous problems caused by the overly-complex circuitry in the old tail switch. The simplified new switch is covered by opaque black rubber and does not have a low battery indicator. It also does not have a voltage threshold; in other words, it does not require a fresh battery level of voltage to operate. You can run the battery down until the light just dims out, rather than stopping abruptly when the voltage threshold has been reached.
The first change also fixed the failure to reset the switch circuit after the low-battery indicator came on. This had caused some lights to permanently stop working after the first set of batteries went dead… even after installing fresh batteries.
The first change also fixed the dormant battery drain issue regarding batteries being consumed when the light is stored with batteries installed. The new switch does not appear to allow any current to flow when the light is turned off. Read on for the burn time results of the Gen-2, 150.
They beefed up the battery retainer. The Gen-2 retainer sports a thicker, higher-quality and more robust plastic that is less prone to cracking when batteries are installed and removed.

Test Results

I tested a 3-pack of Lumen Master 150’s using the standard Duracell Coppertop batteries that were included in the package from Costco. Before testing, I installed the batteries and left the lights in a drawer for 6-weeks. After sitting for a month and a half with the batteries installed, I ran each light through one of the following tests.

[Light 1] High-Beam Burn Time: 129 minutes of total burn time, with notably diminished brightness after 108 minutes.
[Light 2] Low-Beam Burn Time: 236 minutes of total burn time, with notably diminished brightness after 189 minutes.
[Light 3] Abuse Test: For this portion of the test, I subjected one light to the worst form of abuse I could come up with… I gave it to my two-year-old. She has been banging it around for about 2-months now, and it is still alive and still running on the original batteries.

I was amazed at the long run times recorded, especially considering that my Gen-1 Lumen Master’s would not even turn on after 6-weeks of sitting. The 200-Lumen version has similar switch architecture, but will undoubtedly produce a shorter burn time than the 150. These lights produce a bright, well-defined primary beam for visual incapacitation, along with a wide-circumference secondary beam to illuminate your surroundings. Overall, the light beam quality is top-notch.

On a side-note of personal opinion, I would still like to see the activation switch further simplified by only having on/off/momentary. I also wish the 1-second delay of the momentary function was not there. For these reasons, I still find that this light leans more toward sport/utility use than tactical use. I prefer my tactical light to be as simple as possible, and of course, instantaneous.

Overall, these critical updates make the Techlite Lumen Master a real contender in the sport/utility light industry. At $20 for a 3-pack with batteries and lanyards, it certainly is an incredible value that should not be passed up.

In Review: Akuna Brass Catcher (ABC)

admin — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 20:00:10 +0000

If you reload for auto pistol’s, I am certain that you are familiar with the hassles of tracking down your spent brass after it has been launched into the upper edge of the exosphere. This article will take an in-depth look at the latest version of brass catchers from Sherwood Akuna.

The Akuna Brass Catcher (ABC) is attached to the pistol via standard accessory rail, and can be locked into place by (gasp) bending the lower-front bar into the retaining notch.

The brass collection basket is supported by dual, coated metal rods and a tension wire.

The collection basket is made of a coated synthetic mesh, with a detachable collection pouch.

The collector covers both the top and side of the ejection port.

_______________________________________________________________

Performance:

The field testing of the ABC revealed some strengths and some weaknesses. The first thing I noticed about it (before I even set foot on the shooting range) is that the rubberized coating was flaking off all over my hands and my gun. I can’t imagine that the coating will last very long with heavy use if it is coming off from merely installing the unit. As a result of the brittle coating, there were a couple of spots where the metal rod beneath was exposed… and this was right out of the box.

The next issue I had with the Akuna Brass Catcher was the fact that I had to bend the metal bar in order to get it to lock into place on the Weaver rail notch. Over time, tightening and releasing this lock bar will most likely work-harden the metal, causing it to become brittle and break off… sort of like bending a paper clip back and forth until it breaks. On a positive note, the unit attaches pretty firmly even without engaging the lock bar. So, it will stay in place with lighter recoiling target loads even if you do not bend the bar into the retaining notch. However, when I fired some 10mm max loads without the lock bar engaged, the recoil moved the ABC out of position after just a handful of rounds.

The final issue that got to me was the fact that the ABC only caught about 40% of the brass I fired. The rest hit the rim of the basket and fell to the ground at my feet… still better than ending up in the next zip code, which is where my 10mm brass usually ends up.

As it stands, the current level of design and materials do not coincide with the substantial price tag of $80. Ideally, this device would have a frame made of injection-molded polymer, with an easily-engaged lock mechanism, such as those you would find on a tactical light/laser combo. That way we could reduce the weight, bypass the messy rubber coating and questionable lock system, and simultaneously tame the excessively high price tag.

Unfortunately, small businesses have difficulty affording the massive up-front design and tooling costs of injection-molded parts, and instead rely on tedious, hand-fitted wire bending, and baths in mystery rubber. Despite all of it’s shortcomings, this is actually one of the better units currently available. That says a lot about the massive void in the status quo of this niche market.

I can only hope that Mr. Akuna chooses to reinvest his sales earnings into creating a molded unit. He is on the right track with the basics of the design concept, but really needs to address the critical issues above to create an item of value. Until then, the search for the ideal pistol brass catcher treads forth.

For more info, go to http://www.sherwoodakuna.com/

Happy Shootin’

The Brasstard

In Review: Garmin eTrex GPS

admin — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:53:16 +0000

For hunters, fishermen and outdoorsmen, navigation to and from our recreation site has become much easier in recent years. As GPS units become cheaper, smaller and more accurate, we have run out of reasons to procrastinate the adoption of this technology into our outfit. The eTrex unit in this review came in a package deal with a Burris Fulfield II rifle scope. Though this exact model is not in production anymore, it is virtually identical to the newer eTrex H, which has a more sensitive receiver with the same basic features. Garmin’s eTrex line is a no-nonsense trail tracker unit designed for ease of use, long battery life and enough navigation features to get you home safely.

The eTrex controls are simple and the entire unit is waterproof rated at IPX7 (1m for 30 min). This means that a quick wade through a shallow river won’t shut it down.

The power button also turns on the display back-light if you are hiking in the dark.

When you first turn the unit on, it takes a few minutes to track your location. You will see the progress on the satellite tracking page above. Once you see “ready to navigate”, you are good to go. Ideally, you will have line-of-sight view with at least four GPS satellites. If not, you can get by on only three with a bit less accuracy.

The next page is the track log, which generates a small “map” of your journey. This unit does not actually contain any real maps that you would normally install via data port. However, it does give you a zoomable visual reference of where you have been so you can easily backtrack to your trail head. You can store 10 track logs, 20 routes, and 500 waypoints.

The compass screen provides an accurate heading and speedometer. Just remember, the unit does not have a real magnetic compass built in, so you have to be moving to get an accurate reading. Additionally, if the unit loses signal, runs out of batteries, or otherwise fails, your compass is gone too. No one ever said that a GPS unit is a replacement for a good old fashioned compass and map. Think of it more as a navigation enhancement accessory to add to your existing orienteering arsenal.

The trip data page allows you to customize the data that is displayed in the five fields. You can select things such as bearing, odometer, ETA, vertical speed, etc.

The menu page is easy to navigate and allows you to setup the eTrex GPS to your own specifications. This is also where the time/date and battery meter is located.

The Garmin eTrex 12-Channel GPS runs on two AA batteries. Garmin claims up to 22 hours of continuous-use battery life according to their website. In my experience, you can realistically expect about 15-17 hours with alkaline batteries depending on how much you use the back light. You can get slightly longer life out of lithium batteries. Nonetheless, this is plenty of juice for day trips, and with a hand full of spare batteries, you could leave it running for an entire weekend.

The eTrex has some cool features built in such as “hunt/fish” which gives you estimates for the best times to find game in that area. This is a somewhat rudimentary estimate as this data can vary greatly from one species to the next. It also gives you sunrise/set and moonrise/set and phase for a given waypoint. You can also use “project” to create a new or future waypoint from your current location.

The “go-to” feature allows you to select any marked waypoint to navigate towards. It gives you bearing and heading markers, speed, ETA, and distance remaining.

Conclusion:

The Garmin eTrex GPS is a decent little entry-level unit for basic outdoor navigation and venture tracking. It is easy to use, lightweight, and affordable. You can expect to pay between $80-100 for one of the eTrex H units online.

The only problem I have had with this unit is that it can be sensitive to how and where you hold it. For example, don’t expect it to work well if you toss it in your pants pocket and hike 12 miles into the back country before checking it. If you lose signal, the unit cannot track your course, so when you regain a decent signal, your tracks will have chunks missing. It seems to work best when you hold it in your palm, away from your body with the screen facing skyward. When I do this, I get perfect reception every time. I am assuming that the newer eTrex H will not have this issue as it is endowed with stronger reception due to improved receiver sensitivity.

I also noticed that the elevation of my waypoints can vary from day to day by as much as 40 ft even when I have at least four satellites to track. So, don’t expect pinpoint accuracy to the nearest inch. It will however, help you find your way back to the car/camp/boat after a long day of fun in the sun.

So, if you are looking for a compact, easy to use GPS unit to toss in your tackle box, take a good look at the Garmin eTrex or eTrex H GPS. If you are like me, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how useful these simple units can be in the field.

Have Fun Out There!

The Brasstard

Ka-Bar’s Khukuri “Kukri” Machete

admin — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 22:48:13 +0000

Ka-Bar is well known for making useful, durable and affordable blades. Their fighting knives are good enough for the US armed forces, and their Khukuri “Kukri” machete is no less a solid and serviceable product. If you are in the market for a great Khukuri but lack the funds for a top-end brand such a Himalayan Imports Khukuri, give the Ka-Bar a good look.

The Pros:

The Taiwanese-built 11.5″ blade is made from uniform 1085 carbon steel, and is cut with a 20-degree hollow grind making it a breeze to sharpen. At 1.7 lbs, it is heavy enough for serious chopping duty, and is very well-balanced. The blade is also coated with a non-reflective finish that is both durable, and does a good job at retaining lubricant. The Kraton-G handle has a good-sized tang, and is very durable and weather resistant.

The Cons:

The hollow grind is a point of contention for me. On one hand, it makes the knife easy to sharpen and can be made very sharp with relatively little effort. On the other hand, the lack of edge support makes the edge somewhat weak. In other words, with rough use it will not stay sharp for very long. I believe that for a working knife, it is best to have a convex grind, or at least a flat grind to provide better support for the blade while chopping hard materials. Also, the Kraton-G handle could use a rougher texture for better grip. It can get a bit slippery when you sweat. And of course, the cheap-o sheath (though it serves it’s purpose) leaves much to be desired.

Regardless of some of the weaknesses, it is hard to beat the Ka-Bar Khukuri “Kukri” machete at this price point. It is a great tool for general utility use. And if all else fails, it would make a formidable weapon. With a freshly sharpened blade, a solid strike with the “sweet spot” would easily sever a limb or deliver other devastating mortal trauma to a would-be attacker. In this respect, the Khukuri design is not a true machete. It is derived from ancient battlefield weapons that were built to kill. Therefore, it may not the best choice for clearing your way through a dense jungle. It is made for lopping off limbs… be it the limbs of a tree, or a man. And in that task, it works like a charm. Ka-Bar Knives

The Brasstard

Holster Buyers Guide For CC’ers

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 19:43:14 +0000

Image Courtesy of kcdsTM

With the amazing growth in the issuance of concealed carry permits throughout the United States, many new CC’ers are confronted with the daunting task of choosing a proper holster. Unfortunately, the industry has yet to develop a single holster that will suit all of your needs. Therefore, you can realistically expect to acquire at least two or three holsters for each handgun you carry. This post is intended to be a guide to help you chose the holsters that are right for you and your lifestyle.

Concealed carry methods are dictated heavily by your attire, your physical dimensions, and your daily activities. Keep these factors in mind as you shop around for your holsters. Now lets take a look at some of the common carry methods in a bit more detail…

1) Outside-The-Waistband (OWB)

Image Courtesy of Desantis

In my opinion, carrying OWB is the most secure and comfortable way to carry, plus your draw will likely be much faster than other concealment methods. Above, we have an offering from Desantis called the Thumb Break Mini Slide. This is a high quality holster with great retention (active and passive) to keep your gun secure.

Image Courtesy of Galco

The product above is the Galco Concealable Belt Holster. It is a bit more compact than the Desantis and lacks a retention strap, but comfort is top notch. It is lightweight and compact while still maintaining a solid feel. Quality “pancake” holsters like these will keep your gun high and snug for maximum comfort, concealment, and accessibility.

Image Courtesy of Galco

For all of you revolver buff’s out there, you will find some great options for keeping your wheel gun secure. Above we have the Galco Wheelgunner that keeps even the heaviest steel-frame revolver high and snug on your hip. When choosing an OWB concealment holster, high and snug are your two best friends. If the muzzle rides too low, it could poke out the bottom of your concealment garment, exposing you to the prying public. If the holster does not hold the gun snug on your hip, it will flop around as you move, and can even direct the muzzle into your thigh. Needless to say, these factors are not desirable byproducts of an OWB holster. Do some research and take a hard look at the design before selecting your own.

2) Inside-The-Waistband (IWB)

Image Courtesy of Galco

A good IWB holster can offer a very diverse range of uses, from heavy winter wear to lighter summer dress. There are many options to chose from at varying price points. These range from the tuckable, leather Galco Tuck-N-Go above, to the simple, affordable and effective Uncle Mike’s IWB below.

Image Courtesy of Uncle Mike's

When choosing your IWB holster make sure it allows your gun to ride far enough down in your pants that the gun’s grip does not print excessively through your shirt. However, you don’t want it to ride too low so that you lose the ability to quickly and firmly grasp the weapon. Again, some research and design inspection is necessary to decide what will work best for you. Remember that the IWB holster (or any belt holster for that matter) is only as good as the belt you use to secure it. Choose a belt that is sturdy, durable and is as wide as the holster will allow.

3) Pocket Holsters

Image Courtesy of Desantis

Sometimes, weather calls for little more than a tank top over shorts and flip-flops, leaving no room for concealment of anything but the spare tire around your waist. In these situations, you may decide to not only get a pocket holster, but to also get a pocket pistol to go with it. There is nothing fun about having a 25 oz chunk of metal in your pocket. The Desantis Nemesis above will help you stow that J-frame revolver or mouse gun in a front pocket with minimal printing. It also has a nice outer grip surface that will stick to the inside of your pocket while the inner surface allows the gun to slide out with ease.

Image Courtesy of Galco

If you want something in a more traditional material, the Galco Pocket Protector above is a great option. It has a rigid metal plate in the flap to minimize unwanted flexion, and an internal adjustable metal retention insert around the top rim. Again, there are many options from many companies out there. Take some time to figure out what will work best for you.

4) Shoulder Holsters

Image Courtesy of Galco

If you wear a suit or sport jacket for most of the day, you may want to consider a good shoulder holster. My personal favorite is the Galco Miami Classic above. It is made of high quality leather, is adjustable for a great fit, and comes pre-molded for a number of popular guns. The Miami Classic comfortably holds a full-sized duty pistol along with two standard capacity spare mags. It can also be accessorized with different attachments. This is my number one pick for jobs that require a lot of sitting… such as writing articles about gun stuff.

Image Courtesy of Galco

If you cannot afford the Miami Classic, worry not… Galco also offers the affordable Classic Lite. To reduce manufacturing cost, the Classic Lite is made of a softer suede, and is not molded like the Miami Classic. It includes a single spare magazine holder and a thumb break retention strap similar to the Miami Classic. Sure, the Classic Lite won’t make you look as cool as Don Johnson when he skids across the Miami coastline in the heisted power boat of a dead drug lord. Nonetheless, we are talking about CCW here. And if you are doing it correctly, no one should see the holster anyway.

5) Alternative Carry Options

Aside from the standard holsters we covered above, there is a vast number of other options out there if you need to improvise. These range from CCW-specific purses, jackets, fanny packs, undergarments, ankle rigs, chest rigs, backpacks, and brief cases, all with built-in gun compartments. There are literally thousands of creative ways people have invented to carry concealed firearms, so please forgive me if I forget to mention your favorite trick here.

When choosing an alternative carry method, keep one thing in mind… a gun is only useful if it is in your immediate possession when you need it. Therefore, I strongly recommend you consider carrying your gun on your body rather than packing it in some 3rd party accessory. In other words, you might be better served having a little .32 ACP in your waistband that is secure and ready to go, than a big’ol 10mm Auto in a backpack or purse.

In the end, how and where you carry is a personal choice that only you can make. Take your time with it, and don’t hesitate to try several different options. Have fun and stay safe.

The Brasstard

In Review: “Tactical” Lumen Master Flashlight by Techlite

admin — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:16:15 +0000

In the world of “tactical” flashlights, it’s hard to beat the simple, robust and reliable design of Surefire lights. However, the quality you get from a Surefire comes with a steep price tag that many of us find hard to justify. In this review, we will take a look at the value-priced Techlite Lumen Master LED that I recently purchased at Costco. I will compare it side-by-side with one of my favorite Surefire lights, the E2D Executive Defender.

CRITICAL UPDATES POSTED: This post refers to the first generation Lumen Master with the translucent tail switch. Techlite has made major updates in their 2nd Gen lights. You can read all about the new lights here.

At first glance, the Techlite has many similarities in appearance compared to the E2D. However, they are two very different devices. First of all the Surefire above is not using an LED, but instead relies on an incandescent bulb to generate it’s 60 lumen output. Surefire also offers an LED version of the E2D for about $40 extra. The Techlite uses a CREE LED to produce the claimed 160 lumen beam. The difference in perceived luminosity however, is not as extreme as you would think. The Surefire produces a very bright and focused spot beam with very little flood lighting effects. Though it is not an adjustable beam, the incandescent light is crisp, white and defined, making it an excellent blinding device in the dark. The Techlite on the other hand, produces more of a blue colored light that is partitioned with a spot beam and a flood beam. It is also adjustable so you can fine-tune your spot light diameter. Having more flood lighting makes Techlite very useful for utility purposes such as camping or performing repairs. Both lights are plenty bright to cause temporary blindness in an assailant’s vision on a dark night.

The next major difference is their size. The Techlite is significantly larger in all dimensions. However, it is not nearly as robust as the Surefire. The Surefire body, lens, and bezel are thicker than the Techlite. This gives the Surefire more of a feeling of durability without any added bulk. This is something to consider if you plan on carrying the light on a daily basis.

If we look at the activation switches of the two light’s, we see even more differences. The Surefire uses a simple but reliable switch with momentary on/off, and constant on/off capabilities. The Techlite has several additional options built into the switch. One click gives you a low intensity beam that draws less power for extended battery life. Two clicks give you a high intensity beam for full power lighting. And, three clicks give you a strobe effect that can be used to disorient an attacker, or function as a distress beacon in an emergency. It also has momentary on/off like the Surefire. However, I’d like to note that the momentary on/off function on the Techlite is not instantaneous. There is about a 1-second delay, which can be a problem when seconds count. I believe that this multifunction switch can be counterproductive in a “tactical” situation where simplicity seems to work best.

The next major difference is what powers these lights. The Surefire runs on a pair of lithium 123A batteries, and the Techlite uses three AAA’s. The 123A batteries are more expensive, they drain faster with the incandescent bulb (75 min burn time), and the E2D light lacks “constant drain” technology. This means that the light will become less bright as the batteries are used up.

The Techlite Lumen Master LED has “constant drain” technology, meaning that the light output is regulated until the batteries reach a critical low point of drainage at which it just stops working. The Lumen Master battery life is not bad, but not great. You may get an hour or more of continuous use at best. Nonetheless, AAA batteries are cheap, and readily available virtually everywhere. Also, it should be noted that the activation switch does drain the batteries even when the light is off. So, if you leave it sitting for a long time with batteries inside, it will be dead when you get to it. The Surfire does not suffer from this issue.

Another feature the Techlite offers is the low battery indicator. When the batteries reach 20% capacity, a small red LED turns on in the translucent activation switch to let you know it’s time for a swap. Unfortunately, there is one critical problem with the Techlite low battery indicator. When the battery power reaches the critical 20% level and the low battery indicator turns on, the “constant drain” regulator makes it so that the flashlight will not turn on anymore. This happens without warning, leaving you (in an unpredictable instant) without a working light. I believe that the low battery indicator should turn on before the battery fails. This is a major weakness in any “tactical” situation. What is the point of having a low battery indicator if it does not warn you ahead of time?

The final diagnosis…

As I mentioned before, it is hard to beat a Surefire when it comes to durability, reliability, and simplicity… three things that I believe are essential in a “tactical” situation. However, it can be hard to justify spending $100-$150 on a flashlight unless it also doubles as a light saber. The Techlite Lumen Master costs about 1/20 the price of the E2D LED version, but you get what you pay for. My first Lumen Master failed after less than two months of very light use around the house, and the switch tends to be finicky and unreliable; hardly desirable in a defensive “tactical” light. The E2D on the other hand, has been working flawlessly for several years now despite being thoroughly abused.

Both lights are water resistant. Both come with a body attachment; the E2D has an integrated clip, and the Techlight comes with a lanyard. Both are made of high grade aluminum, and both have strike bezel’s on their cap and tail ends.

As much as I like the Techlite and the value it offers, I am not a big fan of the activation switch, or much less the lack of reliability. And, the bulk of the Lumen Master is a bit taxing on my limited pocket space. The Techlite is more complex, less robust, experiences instantaneous battery failures, and suffers a delay in the momentary on/off switch. Regardless of this, I do plan on buying another two pack from Costco because they are a decent value for a utility light. I will put one in my vehicles, my motorcycle, and my tool box… and plan on keeping the battery insert out during storage.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the Techlite as a viable alternative to a high-end “tactical” light such as the E2D. It just does not contain the right balance of functional elements that I prefer in a life or death situation. Despite the fact that the Techlite is not a perfect “tactical” lighting solution, it is still pretty useful for such a low price.