Why you need a Police Tactical Flashlight
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- Опубликовано: 11 июн 2024
- I look at 3 Flashlights from Armament Systems and Procedures to see what makes them different.
ASP are a market leading supplier to law enforcement all over the world. In this video I take a close look look at the ASP Scribe, The ASP Tungsten, and the ASP Raptor.
My name is Jonathan, I have a passion for all things 'gadget, travel and EDC' which has filled both my personal and work life for many years. This includes sourcing, reviewing and product development and the creation of two UK national retail chains. Find out more here: • About Jon Gadget - Who...
This channel is here to help you find great travel and carry gear on the back of solid and detailed reviews along with years of experience. I also hope to give you ideas and inspiration when it comes to everyday carry gear, travel gear and gadgets, which make life a little bit easier and perhaps more fun.
I welcome any feedback on my videos or the channel in general. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Product Web Affiliate Link:
ASP website -
Contents of this video to help you navigate:
00:00 - Intro to ASP
01:01 - ASP Tungsten
08:10 - ASP Raptor
11:12 - ASP Scribe
13:14 - Outdoor and Indoor comparison
14:31 - Conclusion
🐦 You can find me on twitter at:
/ jongadget
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Comments:
I really appreciate the feedback in the comments - I find it a source of knowledge and inspiration - so thank you to all of you who take the time to contribute. I have recently found that if I continue to respond to all the comments as the number of videos builds, it takes time away from being able to produce new content which would be very counter productive! - so my aim is to read everything I can and reply when I can, after each video goes live, until the next video goes live a week later. I'll see how that works out 😊
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Actual Police user here. Here’s my take if interested. Torches are by far our most used piece of kit. And yes they need to be simple and reliable, but not too big (mine is mounted to my duty vest for quick access). Most police forces issue terrible LED Lenser ones, but officers tend to buy themselves either Nitecore, Fenix, Olight, Klarus or a cheap Amazon jobber. I carry an ASP baton and cuffs, but I’ve never seen anyone use an ASP torch. Can’t say I’m tempted. They do seem quite low power by modern standards, and searching across open spaces is common (and turned down for confined spaces and vehicle searches). USB C is an absolute must, as we have phones and tablets that these days are all USB C now and have charging stations/lockers (I don’t buy the line from asp about users being setup for micro usb). Also overpriced I think, especially given that most officers have to buy their own (if they want something half decent, and few people will spend more than £100). For me and most colleagues it’s Fenix at work (with a Nitecore head lamp), and Olight at home for dog walking/camping and DIY.
Thanks for the review! Excellent presentation as usual. Much as I enjoyed looking at the new products, I feel I haven't found a candidate to replace my NiteCore P20iX yet. Looking forward to your future reviews.
I made a purchase based on your recommendations on a video you produced a while back on the Fenix TK16 V2 . I’m pleased with its performance and one of the reasons I subscribed .
The TK16 v2 is a great flashlight - not as simple as the ASP to operate for police use - having to step through more light levels - I have a review of the successor to the TK16 coming up in a few weeks!
@@JonGadget I'm looking forward to it. I still have been considering the TK16 based on your review.
I bought one a couple of weeks ago, very impressed with it, Jon’s review was a big factor in making that decision.
I don’t know if you reviewed this but the Streamlight 88061 ProTac 1L-1AA 350-Lumen Dual Fuel Professional Tactical Light, is a very dependable EDC light. I carry it as a backup. It takes batteries, but it can use CR123, AA & AAA lithium batteries 🔋. The lumens change depending on which battery you use but the fact it only needs one of either gives you a better chance of having a spare battery on hand. Good for earthquake kits.
Agreed, ive mine for 5 years and never failed me once.
I'll check it out - many thanks for the information
Great products here, Jon, which make a very interesting review. Always nice to see features available - food for thought.
These products are too expensive for me, but still a great watch!
Thanks Nigel - too expensive for most I would say - niche user but has a place
My edc has been a Klarus XT1c. Good little light, but I realize it’s a tad small for tactical purposes…(hard to grab in a true emergency). Definitely some helpful info here for choosing my next upgrade.
All very good torches , well built well thought out . But sorry to say , too expensive . Sad but so true in our climate .great review , really like the midsize . 👍
Thanks Sassy for the feedback
I had the Tungsten DF b4.. damn solid. I would get it again maybe next time!
A great presentation as usual, Jon, but even if price were no object there are still so many deal-breakers here. I just replaced my ancient Fenix PD32, gen 1 with the Fenix E30r which I think is just about perfect for operations/edc.
I agree this is not for the majority - it does the simple things well though
Hello, Jonathan, good review! You might want to check out Nite Ize - they have holsters for flashlights like the ones you demonstrated, especially the largest one... they can be worn horizontally as well as vertically...good job!
There is definitely something to be said for simplicity, I recently switched to carrying the RovyVon in my pocket and noticed that it takes me significantly longer to get it the right way round and find the button than the Streamlight it replaced. While I wouldn't buy any of these ASPs for EDC, I can see their use. The proprietary battery is a turnoff, but if you were buying dozens to equip a team then it's not an issue.
Yes - depends very much on the use-case
Another great video, thanks Jon. Although solid I think these flashlights are somewhat pedestrian. I purchased the TK16 (V2) based on your recommendation. It is the perfect tactical flashlight. 👍
There is a flaw with the TK16 V2 in that when cycling through the light levels, the light goes off completely between levels.
The previous TK16 does not do this and neither do my Nitecores.
@@stoater1551 Only for a fraction of a second with the presses, which I do not find distracting and merely part of the function rather than a flaw. But true, I would rather not have it.
Review of TK16v2 successor coming up soon....
@@JonGadget Thank you. Looking forward to it. 👍
I love the Raptor
I've been a flashlight/torch aficionado, hoarder and user for 30 years, and though I have heard of the Asp baton I had no idea Asp made flashlights. They are so unknown here in The Colonies that they are not even offered on Amazon.
I was intrigued too as I had not come across them before in the usual circles
Yikes John, expensive stuff. I'm using the cheap Chinese Cree copies, personally I prefer the smaller 14500 ones but my missus prefers the slightly larger 18650 ones. I've got a few ( 🤔) of both and use Nitecore batteries, they seem to work. I've not tried a proper waterproof test but dropped one of the smaller ones from about 7 foot and it still worked. Hey though, if someone is sending you them for free, you must be doing something right, thanks for all the reviews mate.
These seem like quality lights but the waterproofing and somewhat aged tech along with a very high price, I'm not sure if I can recommend these... The market for tactical lights is very saturated, I think there are better options for all kinds or needs
I agree there are some shortcomings here - price is high - lots of options in this space - simplicity under stress is the focus here
Great video !
Glad you enjoyed it
I have several Nitecore and Fenix lights including the TK16 V2.
The one I use the most is the
Nitecore MH12S.
I use it with the NTR10 tactical ring which makes it easier to carry.
The MH12S is much more compact than the Nitecore P20i and the Fenix TK16 V2.
I hope that the TK16 replacement
Includes a form of tactical ring.
I use this NTR10 ring and that is why I much prefer to carry
the Nitecores.
Fenix is missing a trick here.
great feedback and food for thought
Surefire and olight are my brands I like.
Hey Jon, can you recommend a good £30 ish pocket organiser? I can't find any good British makers or vendors so I'm close to making my own
Jon, thanks for the review however the fact they’ve used their own proprietary battery is a massive no-no in my book. I am in the market for a new flashlight but these guys have shot themselves in the foot as a result of this.
I think a Police user is unlikely to be put of by this - but those who like to collect for different applications it will be an issue
@@JonGadget Actually, we are put off by this, as it would tie our procurement department to specific batteries from a specific supplier, and we'd be at the mercy of their pricing strategy. We avoided Olight for the same reason.
If shtf one could find common 18650 in laptops but using a proprietary battery you are out of luck.
Nitecore, fenix.👍🏻
Way too expensive for very little performance per volume. There are way brighter and longer lasting flashlights for half the price, like people listed in the comments.
I went with a Nitecore p20ix for close range, propietary battery but wider beam than any other I found. Not sure if too big to edc yet. Acebeam E70 was close, with no propietary battery and smaller, but different UI and worse toughness and strobe.
Look out for reliability (Lumintop and Imalent not good apparently), stepdowns (high output duration) and of course beam pattern and UI.
Once a policemen told me he would stick he's baton where the sun doesn't shine. He is a asphole.
🤣🤣🤣
Any comments on LEDLenser gear? I love their stuff personally!
I've got a very old one that's still going strong - the moving lens approach is quite unique - I need to explore latest options
Misleading title, only ASP advertising. However, as usual, a good tutorial.
'Police need these' with big picture of ASP light I hoped would be clear. Advertising would not refer to shortcomings. Idea is to show what makes a police/military focussed light 😊
Thank you for the interesting video. I like looking your videos very much. the prices of the flashlights are shocking. I suspect they're so high because they're paid by agencies that don't spend much time comparing market rates. because otherwise I don't know why you should spend so much money for a lamp with such specifications.
May be smaller quantities for specialised market too perhaps?
For me, DF is critical, firefly/moonlight is very important, and tail stand is good. But seems costly to me...
There's no doubt these cost more - not too unexpected for a more niche product
Thanks for the review, but the proprietary batteries and that price point make these a no go for me.
No worries - yes, these are not cheap!
Seems decent build quality but pathetic lumen output on the Tungsten and for the Raptor, bigger light with a tiny battery, behind the times, should be on a 5000mah 21700
I was surprised it wasn't 21700 at this size
Streamlight, Malkoff or modlite for heavy police use
good to know 👍
Look at the Nextorch 30 Ta Max usefull Lamp used by German Police
Very nice looking torches but I think ill stick with my olight because of its higher capacity 21700 battery and magnetic charging
Magnetic charger means you are stuck with a proprietary charger. No way. USB c is a must
@@chiquita683 the only reason I'm not a huge fan of USB ports is when they are on the outside of the torch where they could let dirt or water in or covered with one of those rubber flaps that seem to always fall off
check out TK20v2
Way too expensive for very little performance per volume. There are way brighter and longer lasting flashlights for half the price, like people listed in the comments.
I went with a Nitecore p20ix for close range, propietary battery but wider beam than any other I found. Not sure if too big to edc yet. Acebeam E70 was close, with no propietary battery and smaller, but different UI and worse toughness and strobe.
Look out for reliability (Lumintop and Imalent not good apparently), stepdowns (high output duration) and of course beam pattern and UI.
Thanks for the comment - I tend to favour Fenix and Nitecore although my true EDC is a tiny Rovyvon.
Better than the fenix tk16?
For the Police maybe but in my use-case I prefer more modes and a bigger battery.
👍🏻
I'm a long time leo, personally I use surefire and streamlight for handhelds. We have olights mounted on our weapons currently. I tried a fenix once, but I had problems, switched back to the bigger/older brands; reliablilty is more important in than lumens/functions in le work. Just imo.
Thanks for the feedback Scott - good to know - I'm aware Streamlight and Surefire are also used by professionals
I've been capricorn since birth.
Great reviews but I can't bring myself to buy a torch that's made in China anymore. TBH I can't buy anything that's made in China anymore when it comes to my EDC gear. ive had too many products that failed on me when i needed them so I'd rather spend $500 or more for a torch that's 100% made in the USA. many companies to choose from that not only make great torches but also have awesome customer service. some of those companies are Surefire, Elzetta, Princeton Tec, Phantom Products, First Light USA, HDS Systems, Maglite not to mention countless others that are making custom torches assuming you don't mind paying upwards of a grand or 2 for a custom. IMO Surefire makes some of the best torches on the market whether you want a handheld EDC torch that'll easily fits in your pocket or a rail mounted for a firearm.
Acebeam all the way, it seems that Shenzen has left the rest Of the world in the dust, when it comes to Flashlights.
When it comes to sheer illumination, I think Acebeam wins too. But, they haven't kept up with Olight when it comes to machining, or magnetic charging, imo.
@@dandildarious4849 in regards to Acebeam's tactical Flashlights, they are solid, durable and relyable so far. The IP68 rating is also reassuring hehe.
@@HarryPottard Yes, I EDC a L17 w custom holster. and have carried an Acebeam for years. I won't say they are 100 percent reliable, but I also have an Elzetta Alpha as secondary light.
@@dandildarious4849 Nice one! I use the L35, L19 2.0 for my security work. I have many friends in the police aswell. The 2 lights that i use, far outperforms their standart gear in every aspect, according to them.
.
Otherwise i have a whole sweep Of their newer Flashlights hehe.
Acebeam do have some great options
I enjoy your channel, thanks for the work you put in to it! A personal thing though, please don't call them flashlights! They are torches to us Brits!
As for these ASP torches, as already mentioned they have shot themselves in the foot with a proprietry battery system and the cost, it's a no from me.
Thanks again for the review though :)
No worries, I'm glad you enjoy the channel. The bigger audience is from the US and torch has a double meaning! Good to get your feedback though.
@@JonGadget I get that about torch/flashlight, I was pulling your leg more than anything!
Again, I do really like your channel though, thanks again for taking the time to put in the work you do to make it enjoyable 🙂
The comments shine a bright light on the difference between people who buy flashlights for the fun of it, and those who buy them for very specific work purposes... I agree that there are better lights for the designed task, but we've got people talking about lights that have zero value in the arena of a tactical light, aren't anywhere near as durable, have goofy interfaces and switches, and many have double the lumens with half the candela... This is why a person needs to understand the intended use and design of a flashlight before they buy.. there's a reason why police departments and military units don't buy olight or something; the reason is because those lights have hard to use interfaces, dorky switches, low candela, poor quality control, and they do not withstand rugged conditions. Nobody cares if a light has 3000 lumens if it has 20,000 candela, a hard to use UI, terrible quality control, and it breaks easily...that is not a tactical light, but a consumer grade playtime light. ASP isn't the best, but it's better than the junk lights people are comparing them with in many of these comments.
простым людям такие фонари не нужны , дорого !!! остальных может отпугнуть "фирменный аккумулятор" по безумной цене , какое - то позорное зарядное устройство для этих аккумуляторов . если всё это отбросить , то фонарики чрезвычайно хороши , видеоролик тоже хороший , автору респект )))
me with a 24,000 lumen sofirn ec06:
wtf r thease 🤣🤣🤣
Old Maglite - lifetime guarantee and AA or C cells readily available
They are not very powerful, that is the problem.
I agree - I used to sell lot's of Maglite torches in the UK but they have not kept up
Bigger torches can have the bulbs replaced for more modern higher output chips.
I don't need it. The (6 D cell) Maglite LED flashlight, three 18650 Led, and vintage Ray-O-Vac stainless steel 2D cell (with LED bulb) flashlights and 6 volt Brinkman lantern I bought over the last ten years or so (which I still have and which operate flawlessly) are quite sufficient for my needs. Two of the 18650 flashlights do double duty as headlights on my Miami Sun traditional adult trike.
Great video.
Sorry but that don't look to be 1900 lumens.
I think it is - don't forget 4x lumens is only visually twice as bright - and ASP were a founding member of the ANSI FL1 standards committee so I sure it will be accurate
@@JonGadget maybe if i was given one for free, i might agree.
Maybe a side-by-side comparison against say a trusted company say Olight, fenix or nitecore.
A lot of companies claim high lumens, a test over illuminance meter would also be good for there claim.
They seem way too expensive. Especially the raptor, I have a Olight warrior 3 and it’s nearly half the price of the raptor and has much more superior run times.
🇵🇬🇵🇬🇵🇬
If a person really needed a light in an emergency (as a civilian) you need both hands so a head touch will be more practical.
However, if you are talking self defence then a high strobe as first on would be more useful
However, everyone loves a good piece of kit that has ‘Tactical’ in the product description 😏😏
In the U.K. this tactical torch is the closest anyone will get, to actually doing anything remotely ‘Tactical’ 🤔😏
thanks for the feedback - always appreciated
@@JonGadget oh yes, I’ve been told I’m full of good feedback 😉😆😆
😆
Expensive for what you get really...
I am not impressed with
this dual fuel idea.
In most cases the light comes with a battery, an 18650 or a 21700.
If your light runs an 21700, why on earth would you run it on 18650
or CR 125s and put up with a lower lumens level ?
Some of the Nitecores come with NO battery but this is an exception.
I do not charge my lights in situ via
the external port, I believe that they
will eventually fail or the rubber cover will break off.
I charge all my lights with a proper charger, you cannot go wrong that way.
Again, why would you purchase an expensive 21700 light and put a lesser battery in it ?
Not awful lights, but they seem overpriced and underequipped compared to lights from focused brands. I would criticise the review in that you tend to frame ASP as doing things particularly well, when features are often not uncommon in the torch world. The battery commentary also leaves room for improvement, a protected cell is nothing new and I imagine a wide range of cells would likely work in the light, which is good as 2600mah is needlessly small in capacity if you're choosing to carry an 18650 formfactor.
Entertaining, by lights aimed at people that don't know better, or departments happy to pay whatever price. Still entertaining to watch though!
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, the framing was ASP do simple operation well - which is their focus so credit there - price and features would put off many general users though. Protected cells not always evident but expected here. I tried a few other 18650s in this light and they didn't work/fit - there are a lot of bespoke variations. 2600mAh is standard for 18650 and although there are 3500mAh options from some manufacturers they are unlikely to fit a will have a lower CDR which could result in overheating.
@@JonGadget I'm not sure they are a great example of simple though, as they've split fundamental operation of the light between a traditional button UI and a twist ring. It's probably a matter of taste, but a simple half press=momentary full press=on set up common in tail switch lights is less clunky and less prone to operator error.
Regarding the 18650 It just looked like a protected flat-top, there is certainly length variety in that cell, but I doubt it's truly proprietary when there isn't even a novel charging method involved, like some of the magnetic chargers. The only time I've personally experienced 2600mAh in 18650s is when cheaper products have been supplied with cells. A quick look through what I have on hand and the only 2600 cells I own came included with a cheap lantern, otherwise they are all above 3000: 3200, 3400, 3500. Brands varying from Olight, Nitecore, and Phillips (NCR18650Bs). To restrict your light to a small subset of 18650s, whilst simultaneously providing a lower capacity/cheaper cell at a premium price... It just smacks of profiteering and poor value for the customer. As the lights are made in China anyway, one would hope that they'd adhere to at least some value Chinese brands bring to, and have in some ways established as expected, in the market place.
I don't see where you actually share your thoughts regarding tactical flashlights.
A more honest title for the video would be "Why you need an ASP flashlight".
this is a close up look at ASP lights - but police issued lights all have easy operation as main feature so it is representative - not enough time in this video for Streamlight or Surefire or general tactical feature set I'm afraid
iPhones are made in china due to lower cost of energy, man power and environmental/ health and safety standards. Resulting in much lower product cost and higher profits.
British & USA workers today, both assembly cars to a high standard or fit and finish.
Energy goes into everything one makes, it's part if why India and China can make cheap goods. Port Talbot was the most efficient steal plant in Europe, carbon tarrifs crippled the company. Nissan in Sunderland was at one time Nissan's most productive factory.
They have a high tech manufacturing capability that previously would be found in Japan and then Taiwan - in the UK we have lost our capability to compete in manufacturing for high tech and high volume products
@@JonGadget sure, all the companies cluster in Shenzhen, clustering expertise and Innovation because western companies started moved their after 1985. Prior to 85 we did have the capability to make hight tech in the uk, don't you remember the 80s computers from Britain, our invention, the industrial revolution when cheap coal abd water power made us the workshop of the world. China manufacturering made in slave like labour "foxxcon jump nets" is how apple can make huge profits. British people average around 100 IQ points they're not too thick to design/innovate/create goods and services. Little Britain is still one of the top two of the worlds major financial centres. Does that not take a level of mental ability. Raspberry pi's are made in wales uk. A single board computer.
If my life depend of it I would flash it with a 9mm. Murica **** yeah!! :P
As long as you could see where it was pointing!
I can care less if the police use it. I bought a Fenix one because the quality is superior.
Police focus here is simple operation I believe
You don't need one...
That's true
Sofirn are better than those!!
we all have our favourites
Police equipment seems so underwhelming
Looks like an overpriced version of a Coast flashlight.
LOL11 One of the most pathetic sounding lights I've heard of spec wise. And ASP is used by LE??? They most offer great "package deals". That IS why any LE Dept uses any type of equipment e..g. flashlights, baton's or firearms. Not beause the one they chose is superior or "special".
So many better torches on the market e.g. FENIX TK16....more apt for LE or military use. LE/military needs to have "one-handed operation". EVERY feature accessible by a thumb press....while the other hand has a pistol.
PASS