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Detailed
Information:
The Kubotan/Light combination of the BatonLite should
be an excellent tool for law enforcement and security
personnel. If you use the light in the BatonLite to
check someone's ID, you already have a great defensive
weapon in your hand ready-to-go in case of trouble.
For the average person, with adequate training, the
kubotan functionality could be a lifesaver and always
having a light with you is very handy.
The body of the BatonLite is made of black anodized
aluminum and has knurled bands around the body to facilitate
grip. Each unit is individually serialized.
The bezel contains 3 white 5mm LEDs behind a frosted
Lexan lens. The light output is good and as a result
of the frosting it is quite smooth.
3 alkaline N cells drive the LEDs for an advertised
120 hours. I would recommend changing the batteries
after about 30-40 hours of use. The light will dim throughout
its use as the batteries become depleted. These batteries
should be available at electronics stores. They may
not be available at grocery stores and department stores.
The switch is quite simple. Twist the tail section
with the last 2 knurled bands in order to turn the light
constant-on. Press the small button on the end for momentary
activation. The threads holding the switch in place
are quite beefy and should handle impacts without any
problem.
There is a collar with a metal loop which rotates
freely at the very end. This is where you would attach
your keys using the included split ring.
O-rings seal the BatonLite against entry of the environment
at both the twist switch and the push button switch,
making the light water resistant.
What I Liked: Water resistant, Tough, Good battery
life, Bright, Easy battery change, Dual purpose, Switch
threads are tough and very smooth.
What I Didn't Like: The twist switch
turns very easily. Beware of the light turning on without
your knowledge and depleting the batteries. I removed
some of the ample silicone grease that was coating the
threads and this helped a little.
Other Things I Noticed: The light
may flicker a little. I gave it a good whack (that's
what it's designed to take, after all!) and the flickering
hasn't come back. Batteries may be a little tough to
find. Pick them up at RadioShack if you can't find them
elsewhere.
Conclusions: The BatonLite is a
very tough little critter and should serve well for
anyone trained in the use of a kubotan for defensive
purposes. The light is adequate for use at night for
viewing paperwork, navigation, looking for dropped items,
etc. 3½ Stars for strong design and good light
output.
Update: I ran to Home Depot and
picked up a 5/8 x 1/2 x 1/16 #28 o-ring and placed it
the gap left between the tailcap and the body. This
creates a "stop" for the twist switch to rest
against. To use the twist portion of the switch, I can
simply tighten until the o-ring pops up and the switch
forces its way past, allowing the light to come on
for constant-on use. The o-ring re-seats itself once
the light is turned off again. This solves the problem
of the switch turning too easily and possibly coming
on while tucked in your belt. The o-ring cost $0.24.
Of course, the momentary switch on the end works just
fine with the o-ring in place. Its operation is unaffected.
Update: Bill A. of Indianapolis
decided to share with us this testimonial about the
Batonlite. Thanks Bill!
I have no idea if you are interested or not, but
I thought I'd offer to share. I am a Lieutenant with
the Marion County Sheriff's Deparment in Indianapolis,
IN. My wife is an EMT with Wishard Hospital, also
here in Indianapolis.
I purchased a Streamlight Baton light for her to use.
A few weeks ago, she lost the flashlight while on
duty. When the got a break they drove back to the
area that she thought that she had lost the flashlight
in. Sure enough, they found it. It was over along
the side of the road and had been run over several
times. Probably numbering the hundreds to thousands
as the roadway where she lost the flashlight is an
exit ramp off of I65 to downtown Indianapolis.
Anyway, on to what might interest you. She brought
the flashlight home and believe it or not, it still
works! The case shows major wear, but for the most
part, it held its shape. The batteries slide out like
normal, etc. I wanted to offer you some digital pictures
of it, if you were in the least bit interested. Needless
to say, I'm impressed as to the lights durability.
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