“Uh-Oh, your lights have gone out”, says the instructor. While clearing an objective during SWAT training the instructor’s decided that my team’s weapon mounted lights had run out of battery. How convenient. I recently received the ASP Tungsten DF Light and had it on my kit for such a “surprise”, so out it came. The emphasis of the scenario was to bring to light-pun intended- the importance of a backup light. Those who didn’t have one were out of luck, and out of the fight.
The last place you want to be is clearing a building/home and your light goes out. While this can be remedied with frequent charge checks you can never go wrong with a backup light. The Tungsten DF is a solid choice in my opinion. Light and compact with a boasting 450 lumens that provide ample light for any scenario. It is equipped with a clip so you can easily stow the light in your pocket, on a MOLLE tab or even your lapel. ASP strives for simplicity with their law enforcement tools and that shows in the activation of the Tungsten via a single pressure switch on the tail cap. A 3-position twist selector allows choice of intermittent, constant-on, or locked.
The Tungsten includes a high-performance ASP rechargeable battery, battery storage case, retractable USB charging cord with a wall and car adaptor. No matter your station, you have every opportunity to stay fully charged. ASP even throws in a zippered travel case. My only issue with the Tungsten is there is no strobe feature, thus the reason I would never carry this light as my primary. The strobe can be a worthy adversary to any suspect/attacker and I have even seen guys get so disoriented they began to vomit. The strobe is a must have for your primary light. However, as a lightweight, easy to carry and functional backup; the Tungsten is a good buy.
Author – Matt Walker is a Texas Law Enforcement Officer of 10 years and serves as a SWAT Operator for his department. He is also the head defensive tactics instructor and holds various instructor certificates such as Krav Maga Force Division Instructor, FBI Defensive Tactics Instructor, Tactical Breaching Instructor and various others. Mr. Walker holds and undefeated Mixed Martial Arts record and is a practitioner of Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Olympic weightlifting.
