The holiday season brings a bombardment of shopper catalogues and online advertising. I've become a sucker for the pocket sized, miniature rechargeable flashlights offered by S&W, Eagtac and many others. The beams are breathtaking and remind me of the heavy, dim, D-cell lights I carried as a street cop, years ago. Those were state-of-the art units until Streamlight and Maglite revolutionized the industry in the 80's. Maybe that's why I'm buying more of these modern, super performers this Christmas. A good flashlight provides safety and protection. It's a great gift for everyone.

County Comm had a Black Friday sale on a Maratac AAA pocket light for $19. Now inbound to my collection.

Used to play flashlight tag as a kid and that sort of “lit” my desire for lights.

I love lights, and they are absolutely another, albeit admittedly strange, expensive hobby. I really like my Malkoff lights and my Malkoff/Surefire “legos”

I just picked up a Surefire EDC1-DFT and I have to say it’s pretty amazing. Hellacious throw but still useable spill. Hell with the throw on this thing I would have been a playing flashlight sniper instead of tag back in the day.

I live rural. With no street lights or neighboring homes, it gets plenty dark. The current, compact units are handheld floodlights, bringing near daylight conditions when I'm on my property at night. Best of all, top quality, durable models are available for well under $100. It's an amazing value considering the state of this technology, not so long ago.