streamlight vantage

[Rodger]

just wondering if anyone has tried or seen this light in action? tried to look up some product reviews but they are all from the manufacturer. thanks.

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=146

[Nagrom]

I haven't seen this light, but I do have a handheld Streamlight (not used for firefighting) that takes the Lithium 3V batteries. Apart from being expensive (not that bad if you get bulk from someone like Surefire) they are strong, and last quite a while. I got my light in March, still on original batteries, for household now and again use.

I would say the 3V is a good choice.

[irsmith]

The new Vantage lights are awesome. It puts out more light than the Survivor and at 5 ounces you don't even notice it on your helmet. It tucks under the brim very well.

Available from Morrison Fire Protection

[ghfd04]

All I can say is WOW! By far the smallest and brightest helmet light I have seen.

[ve2vfd]

Does anyone sell it online in Canada?

Pat

[Iceman26]

Does anyone sell it online in Canada?

Pat
Under "find a dealer" type in your postal code (instead of zip code) and you will get dealers within 100 miles. At least it worked for me here in Ontario. Don't know if anyone of them are on line though.

[Rodger]

i broke down about three weeks ago and spent the money. its an awesome light for sure. I have used it a few mva's and two fires, it works really well! highly recommended!

[pitottube]

Where did you pick up your light from? Canadian or American dealer?

[R_Reid]

Really is a great light, I got mine from Saftey Source Ltd one of the reps is a member of our department. They are based in Fredricton NB 1-506-453-1995 I don't think they have a website.

[westernfire]

Yes I have been using this light since it came out... very impressive!!!!! it cuts through smoke like no other. The brightness and range is impressive and the blue taillight is a great feature that at first I scoffed at but no longer. In daytime operations it really fills in those dark shadows inside vehicles and rooms. Everyone in our department has commented on it. But now I have a problem... we just got new helmets and the chief won't let me put it on the new helmet until he can check if it is NFPA approved!!! So the light that has become as important to me as my gloves is suddenly not acceptable.

[pitottube]

Having done a fair bit of research for personal lights i failed tofind any NFPA standard for a personal flashlight other than a standard for chargers mounted in apparatus. Obviously the vantage was designed for the fire service so it should be intrinsically safe as well as certifed by the ULC. other than that im pretty sure you have nothing to worry about. Perhaps your chief is a little jealous?

[westernfire]

Having done a fair bit of research for personal lights i failed tofind any NFPA standard for a personal flashlight other than a standard for chargers mounted in apparatus. Obviously the vantage was designed for the fire service so it should be intrinsically safe as well as certifed by the ULC. other than that im pretty sure you have nothing to worry about. Perhaps your chief is a little jealous?

Well my district chief has no problem with it (how could anyone?) it is the regional guy who "needs to look into it..." whatever... so I wait until he figures out that this light is almost indestructible and safe.

I purchased mine from botachtactical.com paid around $99.00 worth every penny. By the way customer service is excellent from Streamlight. I lost one of the small angle spacers first time out and they sent me a new one free of charge. I suppose that would be the only drawback I could find. The small angle spacers can slip out.

Thanks for the heads up about the standards for personal lights... I'll use that info.

[irsmith]

You are not going to find a NFPA approval for your flashlight.

Streamlight's Survivor and Vulcan series has NFPA approval for their charger rack (NFPA 1901-12.1.7(1999)) because the lights lock into the charger. The lights themselves are at least Class 1, Division 2 and Applicable European Union Directives.

The Vantage helmet light meets applicable European Union Directives (ATEX) for products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. The National Electric Code (NEC) also defines hazardous locations. They divide these into Classes (I, II and III) and Divisions (1 and 2). The difference between the standards is that the ATEX directive categories equipment into two groups, Group 1 (mining) and group 2 (non mining).

Soooo..... The Vantage Helmet Light complies with EU Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX) for all products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the EU member countries. This standard meets or exceeds the requirements of other certifying agencies.

This is a simplified explanation of the safety approvals. Your jurisdiction is responsible for the proper selection and application, in a properly defined area, of any hazardous locations approved product. The NFPA and IEC are helpful references for defining hazardous locations.

Get your Vantage Helmet Light at www.morrisonfire.com

[CrazyLadder]

Ah yes the shameless company plug

[westernfire]

Soooo..... The Vantage Helmet Light complies with EU Directive 94/9/EC (ATEX) for all products intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres within the EU member countries. This standard meets or exceeds the requirements of other certifying agencies.

This is a simplified explanation of the safety approvals. Your jurisdiction is responsible for the proper selection and application, in a properly defined area, of any hazardous locations approved product. The NFPA and IEC are helpful references for defining hazardous locations.

So then the upshot is that I have a perfectly acceptable light but have to see what the chief decides by his authority.
Thank you for the detailed information is was very helpful.

maybe he doesn't want the helmets scratched. :O

[ve2vfd]

Get your Vantage Helmet Light at www.morrisonfire.com

I just ordered one off the morrisonfire ebay store... can't wait to try it.

Pat

[ve2vfd]

I received my light a few days after ordering it (that was fast!)

I've used it a few times and WOW! thats a seriously BRIGHT light.

The last helmet light I had was a pelican with a clip 10+ years ago. I dumped it in less than a month as it was basically useless and would get hung up in everything. Now the Vantage is a different story!

We have Brightstar Responder angled flashlights (one per FF) with charger base on the trucks. They are not bad when brand new, but most are scratched to hell and barely put out any light. Besides I find that a light hanging on your chest isn't too usefull when down on all fours...

The vantage as personnal light definetly kicks butt.

Pat

[PierreRDCounty]

I just ordered mine thru Botachtactical.com for $105 including shipping to Alberta. The only draw back is to do a wire money transfer at the bank. My Fire Service Manager says he as no problem for me to use it and if I like it, the Department might get one for every firefighter. I'll let you know what I think about it.

[PierreRDCounty]

I decided not to go with that company. $25 fees to send $105 wire transfer. I went with Morrison. They take Master Card. I should get it this week. I'll let you know.

[FMB7207]

Check the BBB before you deal with Botrash!

[PierreRDCounty]

I got my flashlight from Morrison. Very fast shipping. I just need to get to the hall and install it on my helmet. I tried the light already and it works fine.

[PierreRDCounty]

Got my light and put it on the helmet. It is very bright and I like it a lot. Already have a few guys who want to buy one. It's not heavy so your head doesn't tilt on one side. I recommend it.

[training_officer]

Yes I have been using this light since it came out... very impressive!!!!! it cuts through smoke like no other. The brightness and range is impressive and the blue taillight is a great feature that at first I scoffed at but no longer. In daytime operations it really fills in those dark shadows inside vehicles and rooms. Everyone in our department has commented on it. But now I have a problem... we just got new helmets and the chief won't let me put it on the new helmet until he can check if it is NFPA approved!!! So the light that has become as important to me as my gloves is suddenly not acceptable.



Vantage®
HELMET-MOUNTED TACTICAL LIGHT

The solution to firemen’s hands-free lighting needs. Compact, powerful, shock-proof, and virtually indestructible!

Now meets requirements of NFPA 1971-8.6 (2007)

[North_of_60]

just to add to this conversation...

I have one as do 4 or 5 other members on the department and they are the envy of many. these lights are reallty great and although I was sceptical about the tail light I have heard from a neighbouring department about how well it cuts through smoke in a big box type incident, so streamlight has definitly done their homework.

This light definitly gets a thumbs up from me!!!

Stay safe out there,

North_of_60

[GodSpeed]

80 lumens isn't really a lot at all. You guys are saying it's enough?

I was looking at a Fenix light that was 340 lumens on high and 800 on turbo.

My hesitation is size and price though. This thing solves both of those; I'd just be worried about brightness.

[FLASHOVER05]

Godspeed,

The Vantage produces 100 lumens, not 80.

The output is nice, I have found them to not mount well to structural helmets with a visor, they seem to shine right into the visor

[GodSpeed]

Thanks Flashover. Good tip on the visor as well.

[Firebug12]

It is a Brilliant light for sure I use it along with my little me on the chest for when it comes to medicals at night and mvi's wher ei dont want to blast everyone I look at in the face with it but great for a fire pritty well does everything it says its goign to do. Great light.