Anyone else obsessed with nice flashlights? If you are you know just how expensive they can be. A good, bright flashlight is an integral part of any home defense kit whether you have it mounted to your weapon or just using it as a handheld. I have had quite a few nice flashlights in the past but lately I’ve been using an HX150 by Insight Technologies (sister company to EOTech) and can’t say enough good things about it. Right now through the end of the year you can get a rebate on all of their Handheld X-treme flashlights (read below)!
The HX (Handheld X-Treme) line of tactical flashlights are all made of Anodized Aluminum which makes them very lightweight and very solid at the same time. They also have a very aggressive bezel profile that is great for last resort self defense tactics. They also feature a very sturdy clip for carrying the light attached to your gear webbing but can also be used for attaching to a pocket, belt, etc.
All of the HX flashlights have a number designated with them which stands for the number of lumens they project from their Dura-Last™ LED. Mine is the tactical size HX150 so that means it has 150 blinding lumens. There is also a smaller size HX120 and a larger duty style HX200. The beam is nicely focused and is so bright it can light up the night from well over 100 yards away.
Each one of the HX models feature a programmable tailcap switch and 5 different modes. One click and hold starts the Momentary Mode where it only stays on while you hold the button in. If you click the button twice and release it starts the Constant Mode. Once in Constant Mode you can click again and hold to slowly dim the light from 150 lumens all the way down to 1 lumen. Click twice and hold on the second starts the disorienting Strobe Mode. There is also an S.O.S. mode as well.
The HX150 also runs on 2 DL123/CR123 batteries. They are very easy to replace. Simply screw off the bezel of the flashlight to replace them. With a fresh set of batteries you should expect about 2 hours runtime on high output and up to 300 hours of runtime on low output.
Insight Technologies, sister company to EOTech, is offering a mail-in rebate for all three of their popular handheld tactical flashlights. The rebates include $40 back on both the HX120 & HX150 and $50 back on the HX200. The HX150 that I have retails for about $169 and can be found online anywhere between $100 – $140. Once you purchase your flashlight you can download the mail-in rebate form. It needs to be mailed in before the end of 2011.
Check out the specs of the HX150 from Insight Technologies below. Then get one for yourself. You won’t be dissapointed!
Product Description
HX150™
The World’s Finest Tactical Flashlight with Smart-Power Technology™ was designed with your protection and safety in mind. Programmability, fit and multiple functions were engineered into this high-powered handheld, bringing you all the illumination you’ll ever need to Dominate the Darkness.™
Easy programmable tailcap switch
Blinding strobe available at your fingertips
Built from rugged Aerospace Anodized Aluminum
Smart-Power Technology™ delivers extended run time – up to 300 hrs. at low setting.
Waterproof to 15 ft.
Free adjustable lanyard included
Specifications:
Interface: Handheld
Dimensions: 1.3” Bezel, 1” Body x 5.9” Long
Weight: 6.5 oz. w/ Batteries
Light Source: Shockproof High Intensity LED
LED Output: 1-150 Lumens (Peak)
Run Time: 2 Hours on High / 300 Hours on Low
Waterproof: At 5 Meters / 15 Feet
Battery Power: Two DL 123 lithium batteries (included)
Multiple Programmable Modes: Constant, Momentary, Strobe, Dimming, S.O.S and Auto Off.
Limited Lifetime Warranty*