River Rock Designs announced a new distractionary device that may be a suitable alternative to a flashbang in some circumstances. The Dynamic Entry Lighted Tactical Access, or DELTA, light ball uses a “…super-bright strobe effect and steady-light illuminator [to] initially dazzle and confuse the bad guys and then lights up the target area like daylight.”
While the additional stunning/distraction from a concussive bang is absent, I could see where this might be an alternative to the traditional flash-bang in some limited circumstances. Drug labs or other locations where flammable chemicals are expected to be present would be one example.
What do you SWAT guys think? Sound off in the comments section below.
From River Rock Designs:
Light Ball to Replace Flash Bangs?
River Rock Designs, Inc., Austin, TX – River Rock Lights known for a wide line of specialized powerful and affordable flashlights and special purpose lights débuts its revolutionary new high-energy DELTA (Dynamic Entry Lighted Tactical Access) Light Ball at 2012 SHOT booth 741 next to the food court in the lower hall.
This Tough polycarbonate super-bright strobe effect and steady-light illuminator initially dazzles and confuses the bad guys and then lights up the target area like daylight.
Unlike flash bang grenades the tough DELTA Light Ball can even be thrown directly through most glass windows.
Once deployed, the DELTA Light Ball emits a high-energy 400 lumen strobe effect for three flashes and then stays on to constantly illuminate the target area with four powerful LEDs.
The DELTA Light Ball is designed for safe distraction, confusion and final illumination of threats not needing the effects of flash bang grenades; especially effective if several light balls are utilized. And of course DELTA Light Balls can be combined with flash bangs in various situations.
For building searches, aircraft, stairwells or outdoor use (trees, bushes, tunnels, boats, even vehicles, etc.) the DELTA Light Ball can be employed at a safe standoff distance without the officer having to use his target indicating personal or weapon mounted flashlight to search for threats. The DELTA may even come in handy for certain types of rescue operations.
As the DELTA comes more into use, tactics will be developed by law enforcement and the military to meet their particular needs and threat situations. And, yes other models of the DELTA are under confidential development and will be available very soon.
The DELTA Light Ball has a provision to attach a line to it for dangling, lowering or pulling through an area of interest. And the obvious; anyone who moves towards the light will be much like mice moving towards a trap.
“The DELTA Light Ball will make many rescue, search and entry scenarios much safer for all involved and yet still affords the use of more aggressive devices if necessary.”–John Sedovic, President, River Rock Lights.
Specifications:
- Material: Unbreakable Polycarbonate body
- Dimensions: Body diameter 2.6 inches
- Weight: 8 oz. including battery
- LED Type: Four 100 lumen LEDs
- Run Time: Constant on run time 30 minutes
- Water Resistance: Entry points sealed with rubber O-rings.
- Order Number: DELTA-100
- Price: Estimated $40-$50 Includes standard 9V battery (unit is immediately reusable)
- Auto Orientation: Designed so the light orientates upward.
- Battery Indicator: Indicates remaining battery charge
About Richard
Richard is the publisher of BlueSheepdog.com. In addition to writing here, he publishes GunsHolstersAndGear.com and is a regular contributor to places like Human Events, Police & Security News and The Firearm Blog.
Very interesting concept, with what seems to be a sturdy delivery mechanism. That’s a lot of light to cause the initial disorientation, and I love the relatively cheap price too. Being able to reuse multiple times, and then only requiring a 9V battery change is a huge plus here. These devices also remove the threat of fire from traditional flash bangs. The use in meth labs or other high fire/explosion risk areas is another great alternative. I’m not sure the 400 lumen claim holds true though. The specifications show there are (4) 100 lumen lights in the DELTA, not a 400 lumen rated light. There are a few other drawbacks that I foresee however.
The traditional flash bangs not only use incredible light exposure for disorientation, they use a loud sound and over-pressure from the deflagration. As such, the traditional flash bang is affecting three different senses of the suspect – sight, hearing, and touch (felt over-pressure). The ability to affect more senses is much more devastating to the suspect’s OODA Loop than simply affecting one.
Another draw back is that the DELTA goes to full on light at the end of the cycle. This could create a situation where the team is illuminated, or back-lit, and the next room or hallway (with suspect) is darkened. This may require the DELTA’s to only be used later in the deployment, and not at the initial entry.
Everything considered, the DELTA light balls should be a viable additional resource for teams to use when traditional bangs are not available due to restrictions.
I think it’s something that could be beneficial as another tool in your toolbox, but I would want to do a T&E first. I’ve seen some products that sound stupid, but end up working good, and some that sound great but don’t live up to their hype. I can see a lot of benefits to this, even in non-emergency situations, depending on whether the 30 minute run time is at full power or if it declines.