Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Running; why I do it as a cop.
If your a cop and you end up looking online for exercises for Leo's, you will quickly see an ongoing debate on whether Officers should run or not. A lot of cops say that long distance running is a waste of time. They think that since most foot pursuits are short sprints that you should only run short sprints. Me, I run for multiple reasons. The first being health and the second stress relief. Now in regards to running I think the above school of thought is all wrong. Yes speed work needs to be part of your cardio training but so do long and slow runs. Simply put the long and slow work different muscles then fast running. It also increases your cardio endurance. This helps if you catch the guy and end up fighting him. I can honestly say it's awesome being in a foot pursuit and being able to call out streets, locations, and descriptions without being short of breath. Another nice thing about running is if you work in a small town everyone finds out. I remember when I took off to run a 10 mile race at the department I previously worked for. Word got out and I was never in another foot pursuit. My recommendation would be to look at halhigdon.com and find a training program. If you've not been running start with something easy and not something like the dopey challenge. Starting with to much mileage is a sure fire way to injure yourself.
Monday, January 23, 2017
Acebeam EC35 Flashlight Review
Cost $60 cost per lumen $.05!!!!
Max output 1200 lumens for 1.1 hours
Min 0.3 lumens for 1200 hours
This flashlight was given to me by Acebeam as a warranty replacement for an Acebeam EC32
Pros: This flashlight is a great deal price wise only 5 cents per lumen. This light has a wide bright floody Beam making it great for traffic stops. The light has a 0.3 lumen setting which is bright enough to look for pupil size without straining someone's eyes. The UI was done really well on this light. All the settings are usable as an leo. The knurling is more aggressive than the previous model allowing for a better grip. This flashlight does not step down at a set time instead you have a constant brightness that gradually decreases as batteries deplete/ time goes on. The anodized finish on the ec35 is more durable then the EC32. The mode switch is far more durable on the ec35 than the ec32. The stainless button looks sharp to.
Cons: As said before with the ec32 the customer service while good is not a quick response as say Streamlight. The clip's finish is not durable at all. 1 Meter drop height
Not Reviewed : holster. This light when purchased comes with a holster. My light came with just the light no accessories do to it being a warranty replacement.
So the big question is ; Is the light good for Law Enforcement? Yes the light has a great user interface and is more durable then it's predecessor. With the addition of a holster the light becomes far more usable as an LEO. It's priced great, compact and powerful. The only thing holding this light back is the drop height rating.
Max output 1200 lumens for 1.1 hours
Min 0.3 lumens for 1200 hours
This flashlight was given to me by Acebeam as a warranty replacement for an Acebeam EC32
Pros: This flashlight is a great deal price wise only 5 cents per lumen. This light has a wide bright floody Beam making it great for traffic stops. The light has a 0.3 lumen setting which is bright enough to look for pupil size without straining someone's eyes. The UI was done really well on this light. All the settings are usable as an leo. The knurling is more aggressive than the previous model allowing for a better grip. This flashlight does not step down at a set time instead you have a constant brightness that gradually decreases as batteries deplete/ time goes on. The anodized finish on the ec35 is more durable then the EC32. The mode switch is far more durable on the ec35 than the ec32. The stainless button looks sharp to.
Cons: As said before with the ec32 the customer service while good is not a quick response as say Streamlight. The clip's finish is not durable at all. 1 Meter drop height
Not Reviewed : holster. This light when purchased comes with a holster. My light came with just the light no accessories do to it being a warranty replacement.
So the big question is ; Is the light good for Law Enforcement? Yes the light has a great user interface and is more durable then it's predecessor. With the addition of a holster the light becomes far more usable as an LEO. It's priced great, compact and powerful. The only thing holding this light back is the drop height rating.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Streamlight Stylus Pro Review
Cost $19.00
Cost per lumen $0.21
Max Lumen 90
Max Runtime 6.5 hours
Power Source 2 AAA
Let's get started. I bought this light several years ago as a backup and for dui's. I paid 19 and purchase the light from Amazon. This truly is a great little light.
Pros: Built like a tank. It's practically indestructible. It has the ability to do momentary on. It's about the size of a sharpie and runs off of common batteries available just about every where. Did I mention well built even the tail cap switch is rugged. I've never had to replace it.
Cons: For what it is; none.
Recommend for Law Enforcement? Not really. As a last resort it's a nice light but it's truly not bright enough to be used effectively for traffic stops. That being said it truly is a great light for what most people need a flashlight for. The light now stays at home or comes with me on trips. It's been used to navigate in a few power losses including a hotel and it works great for that. So while I won't recommend it as a law enforcement flashlight, I will say it is perfect for a night stand or weather hazard kit.
Cost per lumen $0.21
Max Lumen 90
Max Runtime 6.5 hours
Power Source 2 AAA
Let's get started. I bought this light several years ago as a backup and for dui's. I paid 19 and purchase the light from Amazon. This truly is a great little light.
Pros: Built like a tank. It's practically indestructible. It has the ability to do momentary on. It's about the size of a sharpie and runs off of common batteries available just about every where. Did I mention well built even the tail cap switch is rugged. I've never had to replace it.
Cons: For what it is; none.
Recommend for Law Enforcement? Not really. As a last resort it's a nice light but it's truly not bright enough to be used effectively for traffic stops. That being said it truly is a great light for what most people need a flashlight for. The light now stays at home or comes with me on trips. It's been used to navigate in a few power losses including a hotel and it works great for that. So while I won't recommend it as a law enforcement flashlight, I will say it is perfect for a night stand or weather hazard kit.
Ace beam EC32 Review
Cost 52.90 plus 9 Shipping
Cost per lumen $0.05
Max output 1200 lumen for 1.2 hours
Min output 0.3 lumen for 1200 hours
Max Throw 223m
Max drop height 1meter
I purchased this light from the manufacturer at full cost.
Pros:
The cost per lumen is low at only .05 per lumen. It's a small flashlight with a ton of output. The strobe frequency is perfect. The strobe will disorientate anyone in front of it. The User interface is nice with well spaced modes with a firefly mode at only 0.3 lumens. The firefly mode is perfect for observing pupil change in low light or pupil size. Even the medium mode at 250 lumens is brighter than a Streamlight Stinger. The flashlight is floody with a larger hotspot than a stinger. This flashlight is perfect for traffic stops; it will light up the whole interior of a car.
Cons:
The finish wears off fast exposing the bare metal. The knurling is not aggressive enough and can cause you to drop the light. The light CANNOT withstand drops. Mine fell from less than waist height and was 10-89. There is no holster with the light. The clips finish is poor and thin. The clip wears out and will easily fall off of the light.
Customer service is good but could be better. Since the product comes from China there is a slight language barrier. They sometimes do not respond to emails etc. They do stand behind their product but it's still not easy.
Do to the drop issues, no available holster, and customer service hiccups I would not recommend this flashlight for Law Enforcement Use.
Cost per lumen $0.05
Max output 1200 lumen for 1.2 hours
Min output 0.3 lumen for 1200 hours
Max Throw 223m
Max drop height 1meter
I purchased this light from the manufacturer at full cost.
Pros:
The cost per lumen is low at only .05 per lumen. It's a small flashlight with a ton of output. The strobe frequency is perfect. The strobe will disorientate anyone in front of it. The User interface is nice with well spaced modes with a firefly mode at only 0.3 lumens. The firefly mode is perfect for observing pupil change in low light or pupil size. Even the medium mode at 250 lumens is brighter than a Streamlight Stinger. The flashlight is floody with a larger hotspot than a stinger. This flashlight is perfect for traffic stops; it will light up the whole interior of a car.
Cons:
The finish wears off fast exposing the bare metal. The knurling is not aggressive enough and can cause you to drop the light. The light CANNOT withstand drops. Mine fell from less than waist height and was 10-89. There is no holster with the light. The clips finish is poor and thin. The clip wears out and will easily fall off of the light.
Customer service is good but could be better. Since the product comes from China there is a slight language barrier. They sometimes do not respond to emails etc. They do stand behind their product but it's still not easy.
Do to the drop issues, no available holster, and customer service hiccups I would not recommend this flashlight for Law Enforcement Use.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Undershirts.... which ones and why.
Undershirts. Definitely a conversation that is not going to come up often is what undershirt you wear.
The absolute worst thing you can wear is 100% cotton. A cotton blend isn't much better. This includes the heavily marketed Under Armour charged cotton. Cotton is not breathable nor does it wick moisture. Once it's wet it gets heavy and sticks to you skin. For law enforcement there really is nothing better than a moisture wicking shirt made out of a synthetic such as polyester. The few times I have been asked what kind of undershirt I wear, it was always followed with," I don't know what you do for a living but I'm the Police I can't afford under armour." I always answered "I can attest we don't make a lot of money but you can afford it if you shop sales and by one piece at a time." Since then I have worn multiple high end/ high price and Burkes specials. The best overall out of any of the brands is hands down Russel 360 Dry-Fit from Walmart at roughly $14 a shirt. They are a heavy weighted synthetic. They wick moisture and keep you cool just as good as Under Amour and Nike. One issue I've had with some Under Armour in the past is that over time they peel where the vest straps go over your shoulders. It doesn't happen on all of them but it does on some. I've yet to have a Russel do that. Simply put for the price you can't beat them. If you don't believe me try it yourself I think you will be surprised.
The absolute worst thing you can wear is 100% cotton. A cotton blend isn't much better. This includes the heavily marketed Under Armour charged cotton. Cotton is not breathable nor does it wick moisture. Once it's wet it gets heavy and sticks to you skin. For law enforcement there really is nothing better than a moisture wicking shirt made out of a synthetic such as polyester. The few times I have been asked what kind of undershirt I wear, it was always followed with," I don't know what you do for a living but I'm the Police I can't afford under armour." I always answered "I can attest we don't make a lot of money but you can afford it if you shop sales and by one piece at a time." Since then I have worn multiple high end/ high price and Burkes specials. The best overall out of any of the brands is hands down Russel 360 Dry-Fit from Walmart at roughly $14 a shirt. They are a heavy weighted synthetic. They wick moisture and keep you cool just as good as Under Amour and Nike. One issue I've had with some Under Armour in the past is that over time they peel where the vest straps go over your shoulders. It doesn't happen on all of them but it does on some. I've yet to have a Russel do that. Simply put for the price you can't beat them. If you don't believe me try it yourself I think you will be surprised.
Monday, December 5, 2016
Streamlight PolyStinger DS review
If there is one brand that goes hand in hand with Law Enforcement it's Streamlight. I would say almost every Officer in the United States owns atleast one of their products. They are a marketing genius.
Now for the review. This product was purchased 5 years ago from Chief Supply with an LEO discount for $155.00.
Max lumen 185
Max duration at max output 2 hours
Cost per lumen $0.85
THE GOOD:
It charges relatively fast. It's nice to be able to charge your light in less than 2 hours.
It's waterproof and can be dropped 3m. Having the ability to sustain being dropped is important, you will drop your light in Law Enforcement it's a given.
It has a narrow hot spot that throws a long distance if your looking for something in a distance it's nice.
Streamlight has responsive customer service to inquiries.
THE BAD
The PolyStinger DS is made of a "durable" polymer that scratches and gouges easily.
The tail switch goes bad easily on this light. It was bad within a month of purchasing. It took over a month for Streamlight to fix my light. It quit working within 3 months of being fixed.
"C4" Technology was not new then and is surely not now. Their are far superior LED's such as Cree XP-L2 and XHP3.
The cost per lumen is high.
There is better switches available then what is used by Streamlight.
There are not many belt holsters to hold the PolyStinger DS. The tail cap and head are much larger than a normal stinger.
The hotspot is to narrow for most police work. A floody light works better for traffic stops then a thrower.
I do not recommend the PolyStinger for LEO use. There are not only better brands but better flashlights available for less money. If your sold on getting a Streamlight then get a normal stinger there a lot more durable.
Now for the review. This product was purchased 5 years ago from Chief Supply with an LEO discount for $155.00.
Max lumen 185
Max duration at max output 2 hours
Cost per lumen $0.85
THE GOOD:
It charges relatively fast. It's nice to be able to charge your light in less than 2 hours.
It's waterproof and can be dropped 3m. Having the ability to sustain being dropped is important, you will drop your light in Law Enforcement it's a given.
It has a narrow hot spot that throws a long distance if your looking for something in a distance it's nice.
Streamlight has responsive customer service to inquiries.
THE BAD
The PolyStinger DS is made of a "durable" polymer that scratches and gouges easily.
The tail switch goes bad easily on this light. It was bad within a month of purchasing. It took over a month for Streamlight to fix my light. It quit working within 3 months of being fixed.
"C4" Technology was not new then and is surely not now. Their are far superior LED's such as Cree XP-L2 and XHP3.
The cost per lumen is high.
There is better switches available then what is used by Streamlight.
There are not many belt holsters to hold the PolyStinger DS. The tail cap and head are much larger than a normal stinger.
The hotspot is to narrow for most police work. A floody light works better for traffic stops then a thrower.
I do not recommend the PolyStinger for LEO use. There are not only better brands but better flashlights available for less money. If your sold on getting a Streamlight then get a normal stinger there a lot more durable.
How to polish internals on a Glock
Disclaimer: I will not be held responsible for damages caused to your gun by you; proceed at your own risk.
Supplies needed:
Black permanent marker
50 rounds of ammunition or more
Gun oil( wet sand agent)
120 grit Wet/dry sand paper
1000 grit wet/dry Walmart auto detailing area
3000 grit wet/dry Walmart auto detailing area
Metal paste polish . I used metal-glo works great.
1.Take your trigger internals out. Black all the metal parts with the marker and let dry.
2. Reassemble dry fire about 10 times.
3. Take apart and look for marker worn off areas. Remember these areas, pictures write down.
4. Reassemble and shoot 50 rounds.
5. Disassemble and look for new worn areas
6. Worn areas from step 2 get dry 120 until metal is bare.
7. Wet sand 120 worn parts from step 2 & 4
8. Dry 1000 grit step 7 parts
9. Wet 1000 grit whole assembly til bare and smooth
10. Wet 3000 grit whole assembly til silky smooth
11. Apply paste let sit a minute
12. Rub paste off with soft cotton cloth
13. Continue step 12 until you are getting clean cotton( no grey/oxidation etc)
14. Clean the rest of your gun
15. Make sure to reapply oil to trigger oil area
16. Enjoy your smooth trigger
This will make the biggest difference on new/newer guns. If your gun has seen 1000s of rounds don't expect a lot of improvement.
****BE CAREFUL **** with steps 6-8 if you remove to much metal the weapon may function differently. I also polished my rails, safety plunger,etc. If you polish the extra parts especially the rails be very careful take to much off and you will need a new frame.
Supplies needed:
Black permanent marker
50 rounds of ammunition or more
Gun oil( wet sand agent)
120 grit Wet/dry sand paper
1000 grit wet/dry Walmart auto detailing area
3000 grit wet/dry Walmart auto detailing area
Metal paste polish . I used metal-glo works great.
1.Take your trigger internals out. Black all the metal parts with the marker and let dry.
2. Reassemble dry fire about 10 times.
3. Take apart and look for marker worn off areas. Remember these areas, pictures write down.
4. Reassemble and shoot 50 rounds.
5. Disassemble and look for new worn areas
6. Worn areas from step 2 get dry 120 until metal is bare.
7. Wet sand 120 worn parts from step 2 & 4
8. Dry 1000 grit step 7 parts
9. Wet 1000 grit whole assembly til bare and smooth
10. Wet 3000 grit whole assembly til silky smooth
11. Apply paste let sit a minute
12. Rub paste off with soft cotton cloth
13. Continue step 12 until you are getting clean cotton( no grey/oxidation etc)
14. Clean the rest of your gun
15. Make sure to reapply oil to trigger oil area
16. Enjoy your smooth trigger
This will make the biggest difference on new/newer guns. If your gun has seen 1000s of rounds don't expect a lot of improvement.
****BE CAREFUL **** with steps 6-8 if you remove to much metal the weapon may function differently. I also polished my rails, safety plunger,etc. If you polish the extra parts especially the rails be very careful take to much off and you will need a new frame.
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