Background
A flashlight can serve many purposes. Need to find your keys under the couch? Use a flashlight. Have a breakdown on the road at night? Flashlight. Need to see the menu at your favorite (dark) restaurant? Flashlight.
But have you thought of using a flashlight as a defensive tool? A strong light can help you identify and possibly even deter threats in low light. A strong blast of candela into the eyes can disorient a potential attacker, making it much more difficult for him (or her) to see you. Even better, a flashlight can be used in circumstances when using your pistol light isn’t justified. If you’re approached in a parking lot by a stranger, you can use your flashlight in their eyes to see if they’ll continue to advance on you.
With so many great brands and products out there, how do we choose the best light for our carry? Here at LowLightDefense, we want to look at objective data and well as subjective real life factors. Which light has the highest candela? Which one has the best feeling switch? How well do we like the light output color? In addition, we also like to test durability; that will be covered in a separate article.
The Contenders
We start by selecting some of the “best in breed” lights from current leaders in the industry. We are looking for the highest output defensive lights available, leading us to select offerings from Surefire, Streamlight, Modlite, and the new Cloud Defensive light. All lights utilize 18650 batteries
| Modlite 18650 with OKW Head | Cloud Defensive 18650 MCH with HC head | Streamlight ProTac HLX USB (18650) | Surefire Fury DFT (18650) | |
| Rated Lumens | 680 | 1100 | 1000 | 1500 |
| Rated Candela | 69,000 | 71,000 | 27,100 | 25,200 |
| Price (at time of article) (source) | $309 (Modlite.com) | $219 (CloudDefensive.com) | $79.99 (Amazon) | $179.99 (Amazon) |
| Battery | 18650 | 18650 | 18650 | 18650 |
| Switch | Single mode tailcap | Single mode tailcap | Single mode tailcap | Single mode tailcap |
| Charging | External charger included | External charger included | Battery has USB charge port (cord included) | Battery has USB charge port (cord included) |
Based upon these specs, it’s clear we have two classes of lights. The traditional lights from Surefire and Streamlight are under $200, have good lumen output, but about half the candela output as the offerings from Modlite and Cloud Defensive. At 26% of the price, the Streamlight appears to be a bargain versus the top-priced Modlite. All of the lights have a single mode tailcap, recharging capability, and all can be fit with a Thrym Switchback (more on that later…).
Lab: Lumens Over Time
As usual, we start with the integrating sphere, gathering data using freshly charged batteries until they’re drained under 10 lumens. Or I get bored and simply turn the light off, which happened in this case.
I’m looking for a large area under the curve, showing how much total light output the flashlight has over time. From this chart, the the Surefire has the largest area under the curve, with Streamlight coming in second. The Modlite and Cloud were about half of the Surefire. The Streamlight provides at least 850 lumens for a half hour. The Surefire has over 500 lumens for a staggering 2.5 hours, where the next most powerful light at that time marker (the Modlite) is putting out 206 lumens.
Of course, I don’t think many of us will be using our lights for 150 minutes straight. Let’s take a closer look at the first five minutes of output.
Again, the Surefire and Streamlight dominate, with the Modlite and Cloud Defensive lagging.
From here, I can report max lumens, and calculate ANSI/PLATO Lumens and Runtime.
| Measured Lumens, Runtime | Modlite 18650 with OKW Head | Cloud Defensive 18650 MCH with HC head | Streamlight ProTac HLX USB (18650) | Surefire Fury DFT (18650) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Lumens | 764.5 | 1097 | 1288 | 1785 |
| ANSI / PLATO Lumens | 717.5 | 824.6 | 1255 | 1263 |
| ANSI / PLATO Runtime | 3 hours, 17 minutes, 10 sec | 3 hours, 24 minutes, 40 sec | 1 hour, 31 minutes, 40 sec | 2 hours, 51 minutes, 32 sec |
| Runtime to <10 Lumens | 3 hours, 27 minutes, 22 sec | Greater than 5 hours, 50 minutes | 1 hour, 43 minutes, 48 sec | 3 hours, 39 minutes, 31 sec |
Yes, I got bored waiting for the Cloud Defensive MCH to run out of charge and drop below 10 lumens. It was putting out over 32 lumens when I turned it off at 5 hours, 50 minutes.
Obviously all of these lights will put out light for a long time. Note that both the Streamlight and the Modlite exceed their claimed lumen output. I suspect that Cloud Defensive and Streamlight do not use ANSI / PLATO standards in their claims; they both are likely claiming “max lumens” which can be instantaneous readings right at the start. 1100 instantaneous lumens turns into 825 lumens average from 30 to 120 seconds. I would argue that instantaneous lumen ratings are near meaningless and easier to game than the ANSI / PLATO standards. I would encourage every light manufacturer to use the FL-1 standard so that consumers can accurately compare products.
At this point, it’s probably worth stating that in a defensive handheld, we are looking for candela to be huge, and lumens (while important) are secondary. That said, let’s look at our lumen cycle test, which looks at the average lumen output over 10 fifteen second cycles. This test shows whether a light can consistently perform across a number of 15-second on times with 45 seconds of rest between.
| Consistency Test | Modlite 18650 with OKW Head | Cloud Defensive 18650 MCH with HC head | Streamlight ProTac HLX USB (18650) | Surefire Fury DFT (18650) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Lumens | 743.8 | 1011 | 1271 | 1735 |
| StdDev Lumens | 11 | 23 | 9.8 | 27 |
| Consistency | 95.9% | 93.5% | 97.8% | 95.0% |
This consistency results are not terribly surprising Streamlights usually perform well, and the other lights didn’t do too bad. You’ll never notice a light that drops 5% of its original value using it repeatedly over 10 minutes. Nothing interesting in this test, so let’s move on…
Lab: Candela Max & Candela at Angle
This is the important stuff for a handheld tactical light. Candela measures how much light is focused in a particular direction. We measure both “max candela” (at zero angle) and candela with the light shining certain angles away from the meter.
I ran a poll on YouTube, and the majority expected the Cloud Defensive to be the top candela light.
Let’s see if the Cloud Defensive lives up to expectations:
Per ANSI / PLATO FL-1 standards, these lights are run for 30 seconds before we measure max candela. If Cloud Defensive is not using that standard, this could explain why the HC MCH is not only below their claims, but also below the Modlite. The results here reflect what we will see in the practical testing — the Modlite has the brightest hotspot, allowing the user to see the furthest. The Streamlight and Surefire perform similar to each other in the hotspot as well as in their larger flood.
Discussions With Sean at Cloud Defensive
Sean and I had a long discussion over the phone, plus additional discussions in emails regarding candela. I wanted to know why the Cloud Defensive light didn’t perform as strongly in the candela tests versus Modlite. The manufacturer specs show Cloud should have more candela, but in fact the results were that Modlite has significantly higher candela.
Sean first discussed how flashlights require thermal management, and that as soon as the light is turned on, it starts stepping down to reduce heat output. Because the HC head has higher lumen output than some of the competitors, it has to step down. It may step down more aggressively than the competitors. He said that the Cloud Defensive tests are run from time zero (T0) because this more accurately reflects when candela is needed. Note that this is different than the 30 seconds of runtime before the output is recorded that FL-1 requires. He also said that getting the light directly onto the hottest spot is tricky and important.
I described how we seek for the hottest spot of the light, and this usually takes less than two seconds. I also said that all 4 lights used the same test equipment and methodology. However, I did agree to test the Cloud Defensive MCH and the Modlite OKW at T0. Here are my results.
Time Zero Candela Measurements: Modlite, Cloud Defensive
These measurements we still not in line with Cloud Defensive’s claims, so we sent the lights off to UL for testing.
Cloud Defensive MCH Independent Lab Results
We sent two lights off to UL for lumen and candela testing. Because we were also testing an MCH EDC light at this time, we sent UL two samples. Sample A is EDC. Sample B is HC. That means you get an early report on the EDC head performance in comparison to the HC head. Below is an image for the candela results; the full test report is linked if you click on the image.
UL also provided graphs, including beam intensity over time:
Unfortunately, UL doesn’t have a true time zero measurement. The first measurement is at .33 minutes (20 seconds).
Sean also discussed with me the need to get a large sample set and average those samples. He also has videos about this. I can agree that it’s important to get a good sample set. At this point we only have 2 HC heads by which to test. We’ve been waiting some 13 weeks for our order of lights to come in at the time of this writing. I’ll admit that our sample size isn’t as large as I would prefer; certainly not as large as Cloud Defensive can build.
A Diversion: Normal Distribution and Performance Specifications
Since we are talking sample sizes, I feel it’s important to take a short diversion into the world of quality management when it comes to performance specifications. If a manufacturer specifies your car will have 385 horsepower, you expect you’ll have 385 horsepower or more. You don’t expect that the manufacturer says they have a range of horsepower output from a specific model, and given a certain range of horsepower, you’ll get on average 385, but some people will get 360, and others might get 410. Your car was built on Monday, so lucky you, you get the 360 horsepower car. As a result, when it comes to performance specifications, you expect the unit you receive will have 385 horsepower. If it has more, the manufacturer over-delivered. If it has less, then you got a defective car.
The same goes for lights. Some light manufacturers are quite good about having all units meet their performance specification. Not on average, but each and every unit. Units that are below the specification should be considered defective. Being devices with variation, the output of lights will follow a distribution. The distribution has an average, and upper and lower limits. Typical quality management specifies that products will have a certain minimum performance (Lower Spec Limit), and items below the limit are defective. The goal of the process is to ensure that each and every light is above the limit, and the more data that a manufacturer has, the better they are able to control their shipped product quality.
Let’s assume that we count the number of samples with each light output. Let’s say that 500 lumens is average. In the chart below, 500 lumens would be the center of the graph because it’s most likely to occur. Let’s assume that the Lower Spec Limit (LSL) is 450 lumens, which is less likely to occur. Similarly the USL is 550 lumens. The curve simple represents the chance that a particular sample measures that amount. X axis represents performance, and Y axis represents probability.
Why does this all matter? It matters because if a manufacturer’s specifications are based upon the nominal product shipped, then (by definition) 50% of the products will be below that specification. However, if the manufacturer’s specifications are the lower spec limit, then each and every non-defective product will meet their specifications.
I’m not making any claims on how any manufacturer specs their light. I honestly don’t know. However, I do know that some manufacturers seem to consistently meet their claims, and other manufacturers seem to be “optimistic” on their specs.
What’s worse, if one company specifies their lumen and candela as the LSL, and another company specifies as averages, then buyers cannot depend upon manufacturer claims to compare output. In such cases, you are best able to compare lights by using an independent 3rd party, one that utilizes the same calibrated equipment and processes to measure output.
Lab results from UL or LowLightDefense.com are perhaps your only way to accurately compare lights.
Lab: Color Rendering, Color Temperature, Spectral Distribution
Sean also was clear that color temperature does impact photonic barriers, with a warmer light being better. His opinion was that CRI does not matter. However, I do disagree; if we want to accurately identify key colors (such as red) on a subject, then CRI does play a role. It may not be as important as other factors, but it can help inform when comparing lights.
We utilize professional videography equipment to measure the light color temperature, and CRI. Color temperature is a measure of how “warm” or “cool” a light appears to our eyes; I prefer a color in the 5500k – 5700k range. CRI measures how faithfully all colors in the spectrum are reproduced. If a light doesn’t produce a red color, for instance, then our eyes won’t pick that color up from a subject. CRI Ra of about 70 is average for what we have seen in weapon lights. Over 75 would be better.
Here we see the Streamlight Protac and the Cloud Defensive MCH essentially tied for the best color temperature. The modlite comes in quite cool at almost 7000k. All the lights have similar CRI Ra; we are splitting hairs here, but the Surefire is the best.
Of particular note are CRI R13 (light skin color) and R15 (medium skin color). Faithful reproduction of these colors helps us see details in the subject’s face and hands. R9 is red, allowing us to see colors such as blood. The Surefire Fury has the best values of the test set, and the Cloud Defensive MCH HC has the worst values. I am a little surprised by this since Cloud Defensive emphasizes light quality, and even specifies that the HC light head should be 5200k (we measured 5900k).
For those who really want to geek out, here is the spectrum chart:
Practical Testing
First up is our warehouse test at 40 feet:
As the victim in this testing, I can say that all 4 lights prevented me from seeing the user. That said, the Modlite and the Cloud Defensive were in a class of their own, being more painful than the Surefire and Streamlight. Based on this, believe that the Modlite and Cloud Defensive light provide a significant control advantage.
From the operator’s view, these lights are in order from hottest hotspot to widest spill. The Modlite has a brighter hotspot than the Cloud, then the Streamlight balances hotspot and spill, and the Surefire has much more spill and less hotspot. Your expected use will dictate which one is best, with the hotspot strength dictating long range identification and control, and wider flood allowing better peripheral view.
We also tested longer distances with the same 4 lights. However, the photos didn’t turn out, so you’ll have to take my word for it. At long range we get the same general results; the Modlite and Cloud Defensive light have an advantage for target identification. It’s splitting hairs between those two lights as to which one is best. Surefire and Streamlight do well in flood, but less well at this range.
Finally, we punch through car headlights to see the occupant area within:
At the risk of being repetitive, the Modlite and Cloud Defensive were better at seeing inside of the cabin area, punching through the photonic barrier of the oncoming vehicle headlights. That said, I wouldn’t hesitate to use the Streamlight or Surefire; both did an acceptable job.
Buttons
I selected these lights based in part upon them having rear tailcap switches. This allows me to get a sure grip and activate the light without searching for the switch. Having a single mode means that I won’t accidentally put it into strobe or low-output mode. I pull the light from my pocket, place my thumb on the rear switch, and activate to get max output.
But that doesn’t mean each switch is exactly the same. Each of these switches sits at a different height, and requires a different length of travel and different amount of applied force to activate. Switches are critical but often overlooked because of the industry focus on lumens.
In addition, the bezels around the buttons are designed differently across each of these lights. The bezel can perform a few tasks, such as allowing the light to stand on the button end, allowing the light to be pointed toward the ceiling to illuminate a room. The bezel also protects the button from being accidentally turned on. I don’t know how many times my family has told me that my light is on. It’s a little embarrassing to be walking around with my flashlight causing my front pocket to glow. Not to mention it often gets hot! We have team members at the shop who cannot wear certain clothes or perform certain activities with the flashlight in their pocket as the light will invariably get bumped on. This “flashlight negligent discharge” can be reduced by several design techniques, including protective bezels, buttons that don’t easily press on, or buttons that are momentary only.
My assessment of the switches are as follows:
Modlite: Button is about flush with the top of the bezel. About 1mm of light press turns on momentary mode. A total of maybe 3mm of travel turns on constant mode with a clear “click”. It requires increasing pressure through the travel, but still rather light. For those of us around the shop, the Modlite will often ND in our pockets. It could use a little more protection.
Cloud Defensive: The MCH requires a bit of explaining. The light ships with 3 different lengths of screw-in plastic bezels. This means you have 4 different options for how to put a bezel around the light. I find this rather innovative, as it helps prevent light NDs. As a result, the button can be anywhere from protruding to recessed. In addition, the MCH switch is significantly harder to press than the other 3 lights. Momentary mode is activated by about 1mm of travel with medium pressure. It feels as if there is about 3.5mm of total travel to turn it on to constant mode with a clear “click.”
Streamlight: The ProTac button is about flush with a crowned bezel. The bezel cutouts perhaps help with some fingers getting a better “press” on the button. To be honest, the button itself felt almost identical to the Modlite button. It felt like it had about the same pressure and travel.
Surefire: The Fury button protrudes far enough that it’s the only one of the bunch I wasn’t able to set down on the tailcap. It has to be out 1.5mm. The button itself feels like it requires a little more pressure than the Modlite, and about .75mm of travel to activate momentary mode. Travel for constant mode feels to be about 3.5-4mm. Obviously, the lack of a protective bezel means that this light is far more likely to ND in the pocket than any of the other 3.
All of these lights are usable. The slightly stiffer switch and configurable switch bezels can help tune out some of the chance of the light accidentally turning on, which I think is a significant benefit.
Switchback
No, I’m not talking about a winding trail. The Switchback is a handheld light accessory from a company called Thrym. Think of it as a pocket clip and utility ring for your light. When used properly, it allows you to keep your handheld light and switch to a 2-handed grip on your pistol. Even better, when properly set up, you can still control when your light turns on or off. I would encourage anyone carrying one of these lights and a pistol to consider purchasing the Switchback. Even though I carry a pistol with a light, I also carry a handheld with the switchback so that I can keep control of my light when switching to a 2-handed pistol grip.
I checked, and all of these lights can be fit with the Switchback. The Fury DFX requires the DF version of the Switchback. The other lights use the 2.0 version.
The Switchback firing grip activation requires a light button and bezel that allow the light to be turned on only when desired. The challenge is that if the button is too sensitive or protruding, then the light will turn on accidentally under movement (ND). Worse, if the button is too recessed, then you’ll not be able to activate the light when desired.
Here is my observation of the lights with the Switchback installed:
Modlite: Activation works well with the Switchback.
Cloud Defensive: Due to the ND protectors, I can tune the Cloud exactly however I desire. With the stiffer switch, I have less chance of ND. Note that I did try a couple different lights, and for some reason one of them worked great with the medium ND protector, and the other wouldn’t activate with the exact same protector. I think there may be some variance in the switches.
Streamlight: Switchback activation works well. The crowned bezel may be uncomfortable for some, with the edges pressing in on the back of the middle finger.
Surefire: The switchback activates the light easily. Too easily. With the protruding button, simply moving my hand vigorously can activate the switchback. This could result in a light ND when it is least desired and when you’re not expecting it.
My favorite of the group was the MCH due to the configurable nature. I could determine which bezel worked best for me, and just run that one.
Body Size
Again, there are two groups. The Modlite and the Cloud defensive are smaller than their counterparts from Streamlight and Surefire. While sitting on the table they’re very similar in length, the larger bezels of the ProTac and Fury do make a difference. I prefer to carry the smaller lights. If we’re splitting hairs, the Cloud Defensive is the smallest of the bunch, but it’s only by a few mm in length; their bezel sizes are pretty much identical. Between the Streamlight and the Surefire, the Fury is slightly larger as well, but again, I doubt you would be able to tell when carrying.
Charging
All of these lights take 18650 batteries, and all came with the appropriate charging mechanisms. I prefer external chargers, and typically use one, even if the battery has a USB port integrated. The integrated USB port does make the 18650 battery slightly longer, and while the Surefire works with regular 18650 batteries, my Streamlight wouldn’t turn on when I installed a regular (no USB charge port) battery into it. Keep that in mind if you’re going to purchase a Streamlight thinking you’ll feed it commodity 18650 batteries.
Reliability
We are not taking reliability into account on these tests; we will perform reliability testing separately.
Verdict
There is no clear winner. Each light has its own pro & con.
| Pro / Con | Modlite 18650 with OKW Head | Cloud Defensive 18650 MCH with HC head | Streamlight ProTac HLX USB (18650) | Surefire Fury DFT (18650) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pro | – Highest candela to more effectively control subjects | – ND protectors allow customization of button for reduced chance of accidentally turning on, as well as better tuning when using Switchback – Keeps delivering usable light for an insane amount of time (I’m guessing well in excess of 6 hours) – Switch activation requires more pressure, resulting in fewer “hot pocket” events | – Great output at a significantly lower cost – Highly consistent light output as shown in lumens graph, as well as lumen cycle test | – High quality light output – Highest lumen output |
| Con | – Most expensive | – Lowest CRI of the group | – Runtime is “only” about 1.5 hours | – Susceptible to ND when using Switchback |
