First light Tomahawk LE flashlight

[tac40]

First-Light tactical flashlights review for Weapon Evolution


Tomahawk LE


While attending the 2008 SHOT show, I was waiting to get into the main hall. Like everyone there, I was busy scrambling around getting my morning coffee and breakfast. From the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse what appeared to be the overhead light bar of a police car flashing its blue and red lights. Well to my surprise and amazement, what I originally perceived as the typical police car overhead light bar was in fact the display case of the First-Light USA Company with the “compact” Tomahawk LE flashlight set on “strobe” mode with blue/red lights. Not only was the flashlight bright-120 lumens but the shape of the flashlight was different from the typical tube/stick style flashlight. This definitely got my attention.

After that, I had to go by and look at their products. I met up with Clyde Caceres, President of the company and his staff; they were helpful and excited about their product line of tactical flashlights. One of the many advantages of the First-Light tactical flashlight as explained to me was the design of the flashlight (Tomahawk or inverted 90 % L shape) which allows the user to free up their support hand. Simply put, with the typical tube/stick style flashlight, if you don’t have a lanyard or some sort of retention device, how are you able to use your support hand when your strong hand is holding onto a gun, door handle or even a suspect. You may not have time to tuck or store that flashlight and then again you lose your light source.

I took a hard look at the Tomahawk LE tactical light. From the first impression, you are amazed how small (3.4” H x 2.4” L x 1.5” W) this light is and how it can produce 120 lumens, normally this light operates at 80 lumens (A lumen is the perceived power of light-a measurement of light power). The Tomahawk flashlight is powered by 2 CR123 batteries. The housing of the flashlight is aerospace-grade aluminum finished with Mil-spec Type III hard coat anodized and is waterproof. Attached to the flashlight are a plastic D-shape finger loop and a retention clip which is MOLLE ready. As for I, I clip the light either to my duty belt, uniform shirt or jacket. The Tomahawk light offers a choice of either a kydex belt holster or MOLLE mountable tactical retention system (TRS). I went with the kydex belt holster. At the time of this writing, there is a backlog in production for the kydex holsters; no holster was reviewed.

To use the flashlight, at the top of the Tomahawk LE flashlight are the controls. The controls are housed in a rubberized raised pad. To turn on and off the flashlight, you first press at the same time the 2 raised pads at the front of the flashlight (l/O button & 3 arrows in a circle). A soft green light with the symbol of a padlock will appear between the pads-this indicates the flashlight is unlocked and ready to go. A red light padlock indicates the light is locked.

After practicing with the flashlight controls, I was able to turn on/off the light on with my support hand thumb. Using your index or middle finger in the D-ring, you can securely hold onto the flashlight. In this position, you can rotate the flashlight in your hand and be able to grab or hold onto your other gear (for example, magazine reload).

Once on, the front left control pad turns on/off the flashlight (l/O button). For the Tomahawk LE flashlight, this pad controls the blue/red light-the blue/red lights are actually 12 (6 blue & 6 red) small LED lights which circles the main white LED light. Pressing the pad again, turns on the main white Led light. Pressing and holding the pad down will activate the strobe mode, mixing the white light with the blue/red light. The 3 arrow in a circle button controls the intensity of the light-low power to maximum power.
This button also controls the setting for the blue/red LED light; you can either set it on blue, red or both.

At the rear of the control pad is the momentary control. For the LE model it controls 2 functions, the intensity of the white light from 80 lumens to a burst of white light at 120 lumens. Secondly, while in the strobing mode, you can momentarily engage the white light.

For my use as a cop on the streets, this gives me several tactical advantages, blinding the bad guy, getting their attention or confusing/disorienting them, and letting your covering officers know you’re on their side (not so friendly fire). I had the chance to use the Tomahawk LE at work and that burst of white light on a suspect was enough to take him into custody without a violent confrontation.

My friends from mil-spec monkey loaned me their First-Light Liberator light as a comparison to the Tomahawk flashlight. The Liberator is a much bigger light but has the same lighting power-120 lumens. Although the Liberator is handier for use in other situations, I found the Tomahawk LE a comfortable fit for me. I have been carrying the Tomahawk LE for on/off duty. The Tomahawk was compact enough where I did not noticed it on my 2 ½ duty belt or clipped onto my 1 ¾ 5-11 tactical belt.

At a Viking Tactical carbine class, the instructor made a good point, your dedicated M4 light is shot off or not working-what do you do? Pointing the M4around and using your free hand to hold a tube/stick flashlight became interesting. For the consumer, the First-Light flashlight is offered in a standard, mil-spec, strobing and multi-color model. Pricing varies from $129.00to $199.00. The price range is competitive with other major flashlight companies such as Streamlight and Surefire.

For a comparison, both the First Light products were powered by CR123 batteries offerring max power of 120 lumens. The GI issued flashlight was powered by 2 D cell batteries and the Pentagon MOLLE flashlight was powered by a single AA battery ( both lower powered flashlights offerring approxi. 40 lumens). Not a big decision here, max light on in a darken environment directed at a subject.

Is there a market for such a flashlight? In my opinion, this is a definite yes answer for LEO, military and civilian. In this day and age of liability, seeing in a darken environment is a big advantage. First-Light USA has aligned their company with 2 training partners, Cutting edge training and Khyber Interactive Associates. Having the right tool such as the First-Light Tomahawk flashlight and proper training may save your assets in the long run. Be safe out there

GI issued flash light, Liberator, Tomahawk, Pentagon MOLLE light and my Tomahawk-L shape lights

Tomahawk family

[tac40]

Duty belt wear


How it works


Liberator vs Tomahawk


At the 25 yd line, full power from Liberator, Tomahawk and Pentagon MOLLE

[tac40]

First Light Liberator on my duty belt. The increased size of the Liberator with the handle created a "space issue" with me, I couldn't sit comfortable in my patrol car. As compared with the Tomahawk LE, size does matter.



Next to my coffee cup at work. The Liberator offers the same lighting power as the Tomahawk-120 lumens, max power. The Liberator and Tomahawk will be at work with me for further testing.

[Ursula]

LEDs can be made in all the colors of the rainbow - and even some that aren't. But the most common color is pure white. This is the one that you see on the roads when expensive vehicles drive by.