In 35+ years in law enforcement, I have owned just about every kind of flashlight imaginable. Sound familiar? Having a powerful light used to mean carrying one that was large and heavy, rechargeable with very expensive batteries. But no more. Enter the Gladius. Designed not to roll, sturdy beyond belief. All the while light weight, compact and a good size. Not too big, not too small. I really like that it has several modes to suit an assortment of needs. In one mode, hold the end button down and the light dims to whatever level you need so you don't blind yourself. Turn it to the strobe mode to startle dogs and noncompliant citizens [you thought I was going to say dirtbags]. Truly disorienting. The Gladius has taken the place of about four other flashlights I used situationally. And yes I tested the sturdiness when I dropped the light in front of a black and white Chevy Tahoe on a gravel road as I walked forward to meet a citizen, forgot I did so and drove over the Gladius with both left side tires when I went to leave. I got that sinking feeling you get when you just broke an expensive new tool but was pleasantly surprised when I retrieved it to learn it suffered a few scratches but was otherwise unharmed. Pricy? Definitely. Worth it? Oh yeah!
By
Gary Bale from
Orange County CA