Summary:
- Identify the threat
- Temporarily blind the attacker
- Use the non-lethal weapon against your aggressor
Why Should I Use a Flashlight for Self-Defense?
Flashlights today are up to 100 times brighter than they were in the year 2000!
- Look away
- Close their eyes
- Hold their hand in front of their face
- Turn away
A Flashlight can also be used as a weapon
Some flashlight designs have teeth called crenulated bezels that maximize the force of impact onto a smaller surface area. This feature is intended for breaking glass, but it can also be used for striking the head of an assailant.
How to Use a Flashlight for Self-Defense
Stun and Run
Prepare to defend yourself
Threat detection on its own is not easy, so you should positively identify if someone is a threat first before attacking them.Have the Flashlight Ready
Place the flashlight somewhere you know it will always be. If you cannot find the flashlight you will panic. Grab your flashlight before they are close, have it ready, and prepare yourself.
Attach a Tactical Ring Clip
A Tactical Ring Clip can be added to many flashlights to improve the grip while also gaining the added ability to clip to a pocket or a belt. Motor control can become less precise during stressful situations so it is extremely important that the flashlight is easy to locate and the motions are quick and instinctual. This step is important to practice again and again.
Preset Flashlight to Start With Strobe Mode
The darker the environment the more vulnerable a person is to experiencing temporary flash blindness. Even during the day, if you’ve ever driven towards a sunset, you will have a hard time looking directly into the light. The Strobe Mode causes the pupils to dilate and the random pattern of flashing reduces the brain's ability to see clearly. Plus, the Strobe Mode is set to the flashlight's max luminosity with the click of a button. Easy to operate = Best results. Use the Strobe.When Should I Use The Flashlight?
From Far Away or Nearby
There is no perfect distance the flashlight should be used. Compare the two options and make a decision on what the situation calls for.
When Far Away
In a dark environment, just being able to see clearly when others can’t makes a flashlight on its own extremely useful.
If someone had evil intent, their actions might be influenced knowing they can be easily seen by you and possibly others.
Shining the light too early will give him time to think and his eyes will adjust. He will then figure out how to protect his eyes and defend himself against the flashlight and you.
*If the suspect is clearly running at you, shine the light on the target as early as possible with the intent to defend.
When Nearby
In a dark environment, just being able to see clearly when others can’t makes a flashlight on its own extremely useful. Wait till the person is a couple yards away from you. Shine the flashlight at their eyes holding the light with an ice pick grip near your head. This method will give you the greatest element of surprise. The assailant will likely not have planned for this, so they will not quickly adapt. You can take advantage of their compromised vision and confusion to strike the individual in the head with an ice pick motion when they are unprepared. Take this opportunity to run away and make as much noise as possible to attract attention. The bright light will make you highly visible so make sure to leave the light on during your escape.What flashlight should I use for Self-Defense?
Key Factors
- Brightness
- A Force Multiplier
- Size & Weight