Let There Be Light

The ASP XT DF is Dave’s favorite general-purpose light. The dual fuel feature
allows use of CR-123 batteries if you’re ever unable to recharge.

Evil loves the darkness while good rejoices in the light.” Obviously, this is metaphorical, but there’s literal truth. If the day ever comes when you have to defend yourself or family, there’s a strong probability it will be in dim or low light.

A quality flashlight is almost as important as the firearm itself. Positively identifying the target is one of the four inflexible rules of firearm safety. My personal/home defense item priority list would order like this: firearm, light, dog, cell phone, walking stick, vehicle keys and knife. I place the knife last as I have no training in using a knife as a weapon. If I’m close enough to cut the bad guy, he’s close enough to cut me! Someone with more skill with a knife might disagree. The key point here is the light is number two on my list, only surpassed by my firearm.

The adjustable clip accommodates belts from 1" to 2.5". Belt removal isn’t necessary — it locks on.

Modern Light Tech

For an old-timer like me, the improvement in flashlight performance is simply amazing. I can recall when a flashlight from the local hardware store was made of ribbed aluminum with two D cells. It put out a dim, yellowish light with a dark spot in the middle. Half the time when you needed it the batteries were dead, the bulb was out, or the switch broken.

There are several reputable brand name lights I use and respect, including SureFire, Streamlight and Brite Strike. Another superstar light, and my current favorite, is the ASP XT DF. The DF stands for “dual fuel” as you can use the light with a rechargeable 18650 3.7-volt lithium-ion battery, or if you forget to recharge, it will accept the popular and widely available CR-123A replaceable batteries.

The XT is packed with features yet is easy enough to set and use even for the technology-challenged like me. At full power it puts out an impressive 600 lumens, enough to identify wildlife at a couple of hundred yards or disorient an assailant at close range. It can be programmed for a second level of 15, 60, or 150 lumens, or for a strobe effect. You can sit outside your tent late at night reading the fishing regulations with the light at 15 lumens, then if there’s a rustling in the bushes, quickly switch to full power and check if it’s a squirrel or a bear.

The rotating tail piece has three positions. The center position is locked so you won’t take the light out of your pack one day and find the battery dead. Rotate right for constant on, or to the left for intermittent on only when the center button is pressed. Rotating the light bezel moves it forward to reveal the programming button and a port for a charging cord.

You can swivel the ASP carrier in a full circle with 12 click stops. That’s handy if you
want to illuminate straight ahead, keeping both hands free.

Hands-Free Handiness

It may seem like a small thing, but the pocket clip is exceptionally good — large and strong. Clip the light to a pocket and the XT will be there when you need it. A side benefit: the clip keeps the light from rolling more than half a turn if it’s set down on an uneven surface such as the hood of a car or a camp table. If you don’t want it the clip can be readily removed.

The Tactical Light Case is an option and one I highly recommend. It’s easily adjusted to fit different belt widths and rotates through 12 click-stop positions. It lets you position the light to illuminate your work while keeping both hands free. If you need the light in hand, just draw it from the carrier. The carrier clips on or off the belt so you can remove it and use it to hold the light in position while you change a tire or field-dress a buck.

The XT comes with a lifetime warranty and ships with a rechargeable battery, charge cords for a provided AC wall charger or for vehicle use, the pocket clip and a well-made zipper travel/storage case. Run time is rated at 3.5 hours. The XT is 6.25″ long and weighs 6.72 oz. with battery installed.

Current MSRP is $171, which for the quality and utility it provides I consider very good value.

For more info: ASP-USA.com

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