Since their introduction in 1898, flashlights have come a long way when it comes to bulb technology, runtimes and features. Over its 100 years of existence, the flashlight has become an essential tool for hunters, campers, rescuers, law enforcement and more. The once flash capable bulbs are now dominated by LED technology which makes them more powerful and efficient than ever.
Rechargeable batteries have also taken the market by storm thanks to their long lifespan and the fact that they are environmentally friendly. The ability to change between different types of beams and to regulate light output have also become standard with the majority of flashlights. But flashlights wouldn't be as versatile and as powerful today if it weren't for some important accessories too.
Holster
This simple accessory attaches on your belt or any item with MOLLE or PALS webbing in order to provide easy access. Torch holsters are made of different materials such as leather, nylon or Kydex and polymer blends. Leather holsters are flexible and comfortable but they do degrade over time which means they won't provide as much support later on.
Nylon torch holsters are a versatile solution and the only solution that provides you with MOLLE or PALS compatibility. They are usually very light and temperature resistant whilst being more affordable than both leather and Kydex. Kydex and holsters made of polymer blends are extremely lightweight and won't degrade even after years of use. But they can wear the edges and corners of your torch due to their non-adaptable construction.
- Maintenance of Leather Holsters
Cleaning a leather holster with a mild soap, a small amount of water and a soft cloth every 3 to 4 months is enough to make it last longer. Rub the soap in with the cloth and let the holster dry off naturally after rinsing it. Use a bit of cooking oil or neutral leather cream to slow down the degradation of the material.
To remove minor scratches rub some olive, or baby oil with a cotton swab in a circular motion. Let that sit for an hour so it dries and then wipe it with a cloth. If the scratch is still there repeat the process, but do not put a lot of oil as it can darken the material.
For deeper scratches use rubbing alcohol after you've cleaned the holster. Rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly, so you can repeat the process about every 10 to 15 minutes in case you don't remove the scratch the first time.
- Maintenance of Nylon Holsters
The same goes when it comes to cleaning nylon flashlight holsters. Just rub the holster with a mild soap, some water and a soft cloth from time to time and allow it to dry naturally. Do not submerge a nylon torch holster in water or any other liquid and make sure you check for abrasions and tears on a regular basis.
- Maintenance of Kydex Holsters
Keeping Kydex holsters clean can be done with a bit more leeway. Using a mild detergent, wash the holster under running luke-warm water but be sure to remove metal parts when drying it out. This will speed up the drying process and also prevent water from getting stuck in between metal parts which can form rust and eventually corrosion. Make sure you clean your holster inside and out and avoid washing it with hot water.
Filters
Flashlight filters are basically coloured lenses that can provide better contrast, protect your vision and to help you avoid being seen. Different colour lights will give you an advantage in certain environments and conditions.
- Red
For example, red lenses which are the most popular, will make it better to see in the dark. Red light doesn't affect your eyesight that much and it will let your eyes adjust in the dark much easier. They are also better for hunting most game animals as they do not see red light. If you are using a strong enough light, even if it's red animals will be able to see the intensity of it rather than the colour.
- Green
Green light will allow you to traverse through foggy conditions and make things appear sharper since green light is more intense than red. With a green light you won't be able to hunt game animals that easily since it's closer to their colour spectrum, with the exception of wild hogs. Pigs are easily attracted by bright light and green provides enough brightness to lure them in. But they will scare away other animals as you will cast shadows when using it.
- Blue
These filters will help you go unnoticed and read maps more easily. Some people say that they can help you find blood trails too, but this only goes with incandescent bulbs. With LED torches you'll need to combine a blue filter with a red one if you want to achieve the same effect.
Remote Pressure Switch
A pressure switch allows you to use your torch more conveniently with firearms. Unlike push button activation, remote pressure switches allow you to turn on the torch without having to extend your arm over to press a button. Instead you have the switch in your hand at all times. Remote pressure switches usually have more configuration options than push button activation.
- What to Look for
The responsiveness of the switch can tell you a lot about the quality of it. The more tactile it is the higher the quality. Also, consider finding a switch with a compatible mounting option, a picatinny rails are the most popular. The length of the cord is well important too - for the best experience it should have enough slack but also be snag free at the same time.
If you are using a laser with your torch make sure you get a dual switch. This way you can control both the torch and laser and switch between the two when needed. Whilst most remote pressure switches are easy to use you should still consider the level of ergonomics one provides.
