COSTCO Tactical LED

[Rogue Element]

Normally, I would post this under my "GEARboX" section, but this is such a great value that I had to post it here!

I was walking through COSTCO wholesale the other day (after fattening myself for lunch from a hot dog, drink, and churro - $3, plus requisite sample "grazing") and went down the hardware aisle. While looking around, I came across a bubble/blister pack marked "High-Intensity Tactical LED." Normally, I'm skeptical of wholesale-deal flashlights, especially one that claims the "tactical" moniker. Coming from a background in military and law enforcement sales, I'm familiar with brand names, such as Surefire and Streamlight, being synonymous with high quality tactical flashlights with outstanding features.

So, I began to read over the key features of this so-called "tactical" LED flashlight.

Brand: TechLite Lumen Master (China)

* Low Battery Indicator Light - a blinking red LED housed in a translucent rubber textured tailcap switch, activates at 20% batt life
* Electronic Optimizer - maintains constant lumen output for life of batteries
* High (160 lumen, 100%) and Low (50%) Beams - push button activation on tailcap
* CREE XPC LED - 100,000 hour bulb life (roughly equivalent to 11 years constantly on), made in USA
* 4 Hour Battery Life - on high beam, longer on low
* 100 Meter beam "cast"
* "Emergency" Strobe Mode - for signaling (or CQB disorientation)
* Adjustable Focus - wide (flood) and narrow (spotlight) beams
* Momentary Switch - rather than having to constantly click on the tail switch to cycle through the light modes, you can hold down the switch for a momentary "on" at full power, 160 lumens. Releasing the switch turns it off.
* Water Resistant - Silicone O-Ring, up to 1 meter
* Shockproof - up to 1 meter drop
* Wrist Lanyard - nylon
* Aircraft Grade Anodized Aluminum Body - diamond textured for grip
* Polycarbonate Lens
* Vacuum Plated Reflector - half diamond textured for optimal light reflectivity
* Runs on 3 AAA Batteries (Included) - Duracell, in an internal "triad" configuration
* Tactical "Strike" Bezels - both on lens housing and tailcap, for self defense

Needless to say, I was highly impressed - especially when compared to the features (or lack thereof) of similar Surefire and Streamlight tactical lights that retail from $60-$120.

Then came the price: $20, for two, with Duracell batteries included

My mouth dropped!

Needless to say, I purchased them on the spot!

So, if your lucky enough to have a COSTCO membership or know somebody who does, I highly suggest running out and getting these!

UPDATE: They will be discounted $5 from 3/11/10 - 4/3/10 @ $15

[bigrik]

Sams Wholesale also has a similar item in the Serengetti Tactical LED light 2 for $30. Bought 2 packs this week.

[EverettRussell]