Flashlights: Incandescent vs led

[mumbleypeg]

I have been carrying a SF L1 lumamax. I have become a fan of led lighting, power and bulbs work reliably over time. I have begun to notice that in certain situations the light becomes diffused. Outside with sodium street lights, the L1 washes out at about 10-15 yards. Introduce smoke and the light doesn't cut through as I would like.

Are there hand held led options that are roughly the same size that can work in a smoke filled environment? Should I be considering incandescent options?

My applications are civilian. Your input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Team Sergeant]

Are there hand held led options that are roughly the same size that can work in a smoke filled environment?

I've not seen a light that will work through smoke incandescent or otherwise. When you light up smoke it just reflects whatever light beam back. The closer the smoke the worse the situation. Complicating more so is a no-wind situation and the smoke just sits in one place.

When the smoke gets too bad, turn the lights off.

Just as you should dim your headlights from high to low beam in a heavy fog so you get much less reflected light back at you.

[The Reaper]

All lights have issues with smoke or haze as the particles reflect light back to the user. Most organizations try to use stronger lights to power through the haze. Another option would be to go to a different color light. Your car headlights are pretty powerful, but in dust, smoke, fog, or snow, you see how much their range is reduced.

The L1 is not designed to reach out much further than you noted, and it sounds like you have one of the newer ones with the TIR curved pyrex lens.

You might get a little more range with the L4 or L2, they have 65 lumens and 15/100 lumens respectively while you are currently working with 15 lumens max. The incandescent bulbs all have a hotter center spot and more reach than an equivalent LED. I would recommend that you get a G2 and try it to see if it will do what you want. It is the least expensive alternative that I can think of, and is only slightly larger and heavier.

HTH.

TR

[mumbleypeg]

I will need to do some experimenting with both more powerful lights and tactics. Team Sargent, your comments remind me that staying low in a smoky environment is good for breathing and visibility as well.

As my mother would say." Everyday is a School day".

Thank You

[The Reaper]

That is why we recommend mounting weapons lights below the center line of the bore.

Heat and smoke usually rise.

TR