ExtremeBeam S.A.R. 7

I keep flashlights pretty much everywhere. In fact, I have all kinds of flashlights-high-end SureFire and L3 tactical versions to Maglights and even a few cheap plastic flashlights-stashed throughout my home and vehicles. In one of my survival bags rests a Bushnell HD Torch, which is a very interesting full-size light that provides illumination without the dark spots (the beam appears as a square) of traditional round-beam flashlights.

I even prefer to carry a small flashlight in my pocket on a daily basis, and since I’m bad about misplacing my pocket lights (I still claim the kids hide them) I was thrilled to see the ExtremeBeam S.A.R. series of compact flashlights. With three versions available for under $100-the S.A.R. 5, the S.A.R. 7 and the S.A.R. 5 with charging kit-the S.A.R. series are the most-affordable, high-output flashlights I’ve found.

Sure, there are more powerful flashlights, with more features, but most of them will rip two C-notes from your wallet, not counting the $10 cost for replacing batteries.

The S.A.R. 7 fires 130 lumens of self-defense light out to 450 feet with a single push of a button. Its total length is only 3.15 inches, and it weighs a mere 2.1 ounces, making is ideal for all-day pocket carry, hanging from its belt clip or encased in the included holster. The light, powered by a single CR123A battery, is powerful enough to light up a room or disorient an attacker and is the right size to be wrapped in a fist and used for striking. The aircraft aluminum body comes with a matte-black coating for concealment and is waterproof to 3 meters. The light can also handle recoil up to a .223 Rem., so it can be mounted to an AR-15.

My only complaints are that the rear button on the S.A.R. 7 must be fully depressed and released to activate the light, and that the button makes the standard clicking noise when depressed. Even though this probably wouldn’t make a difference-the light gives away your position anyway-I would prefer it to be quieter, with a press and hold activation feature. Even so, I think I’m going to pick up couple more for when the kids play hide and seek with my carry light.