This is a demonstration of the First Light line of tactical flashlights from the 2012 SHOT Show.
About Aaron
Aaron is a sergeant with a midwestern police department, where he serves as a trainer, supervisor and SWAT sniper. In addition to his broad tactical knowledge, Aaron has experience in DUI, DRE and undercover narcotics investigations.
Think use under stress. Lots of buttons, options and a requirement to slip the light on before moving into a dark room. How does it attach to a duty belt? It might be OK for room clearing that you know you’re going into it, but what about that quick incident that requires you to shed some light for threat/no threat identification? And do you change the grip size every time you put on or remove gloves (important in colder climates were I work). Weapon mounted lights serve their purpose well and a good streamlight TLR-1 won’t break the bank at sub-$100 prices.
I appreciate the creative thinking on this light, but I’d never use it on the streets for it’s intended purpose.
Thanks for the insightful comments David. To answer your questions the First Light comes with a clip on belt holster, and the light can be removed quickly with an unsnapping movement. There are also Molle gear clip attachments.
The number of buttons and switches, like the video shows, the operator can always revert back to a momentary on/off that utilizes a grip activation. That is probably the most used method for officer lighting by grip. The other switches deal more with the full-time, strobe, and multi-color options that can be reserved for more controlled situations (although I’d like to see easier access to the strobe).
The grip size does present some concerns (I work in the cold too), but since your grip is essential to holding the First Light, not having it completely tightened down in the ungloved use may not be as critical – leaving room for when you’re gloved.
I like pistol lights too, however some agencies will not authorize them because the controls are often close to the trigger guard and they’re afraid of accidental shootings when officers are manipulating the lights. Although the pistol light you mention is only about $100, the price of a light-mounted holster also has to be considered. If you simply carry the light in a pocket, then the “stress” movements become an issue when trying to secure the pistol light in low-light or stressful situations.
Finally, on a pistol-mounted light officers should realize that the light should never be used as a simple flashlight. The pistol light should be used only when there is a significant potential for a threat – that is, don’t wave your pistol around like a regular flashlight.
I like the creativity of the First Light and the options it provides, but I’m not sure if I’m sold completely on it either.
Thanks again for the great comments!
This is a pretty neat company. From what I was told at SOMA the owner literally whittled the first prototype out of a block of wood. All designed and made in the USA.
You are correct Eric. Talking with Josh, the rep in the video, he mentioned that the owner did in fact whittle the first prototype out of wood.