5.11 introduced several new flashlights that would appear to be great tools to consider for carrying on duty. One of them is the TPT R7 rechargeable duty light.
The TPT R7 is a full size light that is just over a foot long (12.2″) and uses a NiMH D-cell battery pack. The light comes with A/C and D/C connectors for the charger. So, you can install it in your car or in a building.
Like many flashlights being made today, the TPT R7 uses an LED to produce light. The specs on the TPT R7 appear impressive, with the torch throwing 504 lumens and 17,467 candella. What is even more impressive is that the flashlight will run for 5.5 hours on the high setting on one charge. That should get an officer through even the busiest shift.
My current full-size duty light is the Streamlight SL-20L. It is an amazing performer, and I don’t know if anything could replace it as my “go to” light on duty. However, the very long run time, bright output and lower MSRP of the TPT R7 is definitely compelling.
Just looking at the stats, it would appear the 5.11 puts out more total light for a longer time than the Streamlight. However, the SL-20L has a much longer reach (3x the candela and almost double the measured beam distance). It is an interesting comparison, and I might try to get a 5.11 for a head-to-head showdown.
