Military Angle Head Flashlights: Benefits of Right Angle Lights

Working without a proper source of light in the dark can be quite challenging. While flashlights are a popular choice, they can be quite limiting if you need to use both hands. Of course, there are many things you can do to get around this.

One of the ways that people use to remedy the situation is by setting the flashlight at a somewhat convenient location and getting down to work. However, if you have to switch positions constantly, you are likely to be highly inconvenienced.

Alternatively, some people go for headlamps. Nonetheless, despite their ability to enhance your dexterity, they can be uncomfortable, as you have to put your head in awkward positions constantly to illuminate your point of focus. Besides, headlamps might not fit properly and can be heavy.

As a result, most people with a need for a flashlight that allows them to work often wish they could find something that bridges the gap between a headlamp and a regular flashlight. Fortunately, there is the angle head flashlight.

Also known as angled flashlights, 90-degree flashlights, right-angle flashlights, or L shape flashlights, angle head flashlights are extremely handy due to their ability to clip onto clothing articles, ranging from belts to shirts. As such, you can attach an angled flashlight onto the most convenient location on your body so you can work in peace.

It is for that reason; therefore, that angle head flashlights are extremely popular among law enforcement officers, search-and-rescue personnel, and firefighters.

Military Angle Head Flashlights

The angle head flashlight traces its origins back to the Second World War when almost every military personnel found that standard flashlights were practically useless in the extreme conditions they found themselves in daily.

This led to the development of the TL-122 military angle head flashlight, whose design has since become the blueprint for all angled flashlights that have followed it. The angle head flashlight is a staple on an average soldier’s toolkit today. It has become a common sight to see a soldier carrying this flashlight on the front of their load-bearing suspenders.

The military angled flashlight, in particular, has a belt clip on the side as well as a D ring that you can unfold from the flashlight’s base to allow for easier hanging. It also comes with a rubber O-ring seal that serves as an additional coating for enhanced water resistance.

The lens of a standard military angle head flashlight is a thin, clear plastic. However, some come with colored lenses to avoid interfering with a soldier’s night vision equipment. Colored lenses also greatly reduce the chances of being spotted by the enemy from greater distances. In addition to being a versatile flashlight, the military angled flashlight can double as a weapon if the situation calls for it.

Benefits of Military Angle Head Flashlights

While the right angle flashlight was designed for military use, civilians also have the ability to get their hands on this extremely convenient tool.

Some of the advantages that the 90-degree flashlight has over regular flashlights include:

Ergonomic Design

Thanks to the right-angle design, you can hold this flashlight without having to contort your arm or wrist into awkward positions. The significantly less strain that the military angle head flashlight has on your wrists and arms means that you will be able to keep fatigue at bay for longer.

Hands-Free Use

Again, due to the flashlight sitting at a right angle, you can put the flashlight on its base to provide adequate illumination to an area. As a result, your hands will be free for you to work with more ease. This is the primary reason behind the military angle head flashlight’s immense popularity.

Durability

The military version of the angled flashlight is made from extremely durable materials that makes it so sturdy that it can be used as a weapon. Additionally, its design ensures that it does not fail you in extreme conditions involving water thanks to rubber O-rings that make it waterproof.

The design also ensures that you can carry extra lenses and bulbs with you in case of the unexpected.

Safety

Even as a civilian, your dexterity when walking at night in poorly lit neighborhoods is important. A military angled flashlight will not only illuminate your path so you can avoid accidents, but will also ensure that you are not compromised in the event you have to protect yourself.

Energy Efficiency

Military angle head flashlights typically come with a rechargeable battery. This allows for enhanced convenience as you do not have to keep replacing batteries. These flashlights also come with LED bulbs, which significantly consume less power than incandescent bulbs.

Today’s Military Angled Flashlight

Even though this design is well over seven decades old, it has undergone very few changes over that period. The only differences that today’s angled flashlights have from those of the past lie in the materials and technology used.

The most significant advancement has been the incorporation of LED lights in today’s angled flashlights. Past flashlights used incandescent bulbs. The benefit of using LED is that it is far more durable, which allows it to survive impacts that would destroy incandescent bulbs. Additionally, LED uses a lot less energy to produce the same amount of light. This means that these torches will last significantly longer on a single charge.

When it comes to materials, original military angle head flashlights were made from metal. Unfortunately, this made them susceptible to corrosion. Today’s flashlights are made from either high-impact plastic or aluminum, which are materials that are both strong while being resistant to corrosion. This has also made them lighter and hence more comfortable to use without compromising on their build.

Closing Statement

Military angle head flashlights are extremely capable tools that will prove to be invaluable to people who work in the dark constantly. You will no longer have to curse under your breath due to your flashlight feeling uncomfortable in your mouth or on your head. Give one a try and let us know what you think.