Within the tactical flashlight world, there is a wide gap between those who consider strobe to be a useful self-defense feature and those who consider it to be nothing more than a gimmick. People from both sides have been debating each other over this issue both online and offline for decades.
The history of strobe lights for defense goes back further than one might think. Back in the 1930s, one of the fathers of modern armored warfare, Major General “Boney” Fuller, thought it would be a good idea to mount a rapidly flashing light on a tank. This device, called the “Canal Defense Light” or CDL, flickered 6 times a second and shone at a blazing 12.8 million candela. This powerful vehicle-mounted light was used to great effect to defend the Bridge at Remagen (of movie fame), where it was able to blind Nazi frogmen saboteurs who were attempting to blow the bridge. Observers also found that when the light was activated, it was impossible to locate the vehicle accurately. In one test, a CDL-equipped tank strobed an anti-tank gun and was able to close the distance from 2,000 yards to 500 yards with the gunners unable to hit the tank. There was also the claim that a strobe light this powerful would cause dizziness, imbalance, and nausea.
The CDL. Note the "bulb" mounted in the upper turret.
In the modern world, a strobe flashlight could be a powerful tool to disorient one’s attacker, causing temporary confusion and potentially giving the user an opportunity to escape. The rapid blinking of the flashlight could also serve as a warning signal to passersby, potentially alerting them for help.
In a tactical scenario, one might have a handheld flashlight and leave it on strobe in a hallway, room, or other chokepoint, to serve as both a deterrent and a decoy. Hostile elements would either approach a strobe light with caution or not approach at all.
However, against some individuals – particularly those who are high on drugs – strobe lights may do nothing at all but aggravate them. Of course, there’s no predicting what an assailant will do, and everyone reacts differently. There is also the possibility that the flashing lights may affect the user, which is especially bad if the user is prone to seizures.
On the opposite side of the fence, opponents of the strobe light would argue that it’s simply not practical.
A modern altercation would typically last only a few seconds, and in that extremely short time frame, it’s unlikely that a strobe would be on an assailant for sufficient time to give him a bad case of nausea. In the scant few seconds the flashlight wielder has, his primary objective is to disorient his attacker in any way possible. This can be done simply by shining a very bright light in your attacker’s face.
Modern INFORCE lights will be enough to cause flash blindness, which is defined as “the temporary or permanent impairment of vision resulting from an intense flash of light.” In addition to this, in a low light environment, the flashlight user will effectively be cloaked by the intensity of his beam. In a self defense scenario, this could be used to step out of an attacker’s angle of attack or identify if the person you’re shining a light at is an armed threat.
An INFORCE WML Gen 3 has a beam intensity of 10,000 candelas.
On the other hand, in some states, using a high-intensity flashlight in a defensive manner could be considered a form of assault if it's deemed excessive or unnecessary force.
Proper training forms the cornerstone of effective self-defense, regardless of the tool employed. With flashlights, understanding how to utilize features like strobe functions or high-intensity beams optimally is essential. Training should encompass techniques for deploying the flashlight in various scenarios, such as close-quarters encounters or navigating dark environments. This includes learning how to maintain control of the flashlight while executing defensive maneuvers and minimizing the risk of disorientation to oneself.
Moreover, situational awareness plays a critical role in determining when and how to use a flashlight for self-defense. Being attuned to one's surroundings enables individuals to assess potential threats, anticipate danger, and make informed decisions about deploying their flashlight. This awareness extends beyond mere observation of physical surroundings to encompass factors like time of day, location, and the presence of bystanders, all of which influence the appropriateness of using a flashlight in a defensive capacity.
Equally important is adherence to legal guidelines governing the use of force in self-defense. While a flashlight can be a non-lethal tool, its misuse or excessive use may still carry legal consequences. Understanding the laws pertaining to self-defense in one's jurisdiction, including the thresholds for reasonable force and the duty to retreat, is paramount. Additionally, individuals should be aware of any regulations specific to flashlight usage, such as restrictions on shining lights at certain individuals or in certain contexts.
In summation, the effectiveness of flashlights, like any self-defense tool, relies on a combination of training, situational awareness, and legal compliance. By honing their skills, staying vigilant, and operating within the bounds of the law, individuals can maximize the utility of flashlights as defensive implements while minimizing the risk of unintended repercussions.