By Steve Kirkpatrick
The Brite-Strike EPLI (Executive Precision Lighting Instrument) is a great (slightly larger than) pen sized flashlight. At 5.125" long and just over .5" wide this is a small yet surprisingly bright pocket flashlight. I think carrying a flashlight is one of those things that you don't realize how much you can use until you have it.
While I do my share of outdoor activities, my day-to-day routine is in an office environment. Because of this, I don't want to carry a flashlight that would be much larger in size. It would be bulky and out of place. However, with the EPLI, I have it clipped on my left pants pocket almost every waking hour, on jeans, khakis, dress pants, you name it.
The flashlight has three settings than can be rotated between by pressing the tailcap button. The first is high (160 lumens), the second setting is low (80 lumens) and the third is a strobe setting. All three have their purposes and work great! The light is turned on by pressing the tailcap, obviously, but it can be pressed lightly and turns off when pressure is relieved or pressing it harder locks the light on. When the light is on, turning it off and back on switches to the next setting, whether it was locked on or not. After a small period of time of the light being off, it will reset to come on at the first (high) setting again. I’ve heard some arguments against setups like this because users may want only one option that always works as expected. I, however, think this is a great setup for an everyday, lightweight light that could be used for many situations. If you’re worried about pulling this in an emergency, possibly life-threatening, situation, you can train to know how many clicks you want for each setting (it’s as simple as 1, 2, or 3 clicks or taps).
This may not be the ideal flashlight for a camping trip or a long hike. I’m sure a heavier duty, longer lasting, and brighter flashlight would be a better choice in a situation where you are certain you’ll need one for a long period of time. However, for day-to-day use, this is great! And that’s not to say I wouldn’t trust it for the aforementioned tasks, it just might not be the BEST for them. Requiring AAA alkaline batteries, the power source is often easily replaced in any environment. I believe every concealed carrier should carry a light along with their firearm, and I believe this would be a great option for that situation.
Functionality aside, this is a really sharp looking flashlight. The black anodized finish and polished stainless steel and brass bezel look great on this flashlight! The only downside I found with this light is that the paint on the clip chipped within a month and not from heavy use. I wrote to Brite-Strike customer service and they eventually were willing to replace the clip for free, but I would have to pay shipping. Knowing it would be the same clip and likely to do the same thing, I just stuck with what I have, not willing to pay any extra for the same result. It’s tolerable, but not what I’d expect from a light that retails at $80.00. The body of the light itself is starting to show a little bit of wear on the edges, but I would expect that after a year of carrying almost every waking hour. Besides the clip paint chips within the first month, it has held up very nicely.
All-in-all, I love this flashlight. If I were to lose it today, I’m pretty certain I’d get the same one again. Sadly, these seem to go for $55.00+ now, whereas I was able to get mine for $40 new on eBay in April 2013. Still, for as great of a flashlight as it has been for me, I’d spring for the extra $15 that the price has risen.
Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points
Claim to Fame: Slim and sleek penlight
Target Market: In their own words, “for the warrior whose battlefield is the board room”...in reality, it’s great for anyone looking for a small, easy-to-carry but bright flashlight.
FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):
- Max Output: up to 160 lumens / Lo-80 Lumens
- Waterproof and Shockproof
- Battery: Two AAA Alkaline (included)
- Length: 5.125 inches
- Runtime: Hi-(.5 Hours) Lo-(6+Hours) Strobe-(.75 Hours)**
- Gift Box (included)
What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?: The Brite-Strike EPLI Flashlight is only available in black.
What others are saying?: "the Executive light is indeed a white LED with a focused beam. Of the two lights featured herein, this one is ‘long and thin’. The Executive’s size is actually deceptive, looking at it you wouldn’t believe the light is as powerful as it is (220 Lumens) or that it is so stout and well made." - Paul Markel, Officer.com
Price Point:
I need it now! Availability: You can purchase this flashlight from many retailers, including Amazon, Optics Planet, and directly from Brite-Strike.
Our Rating: + Bright + Compact + Small + Lightweight + Sturdy + Functional
- Could use a more durable finish on the clip
Score: 9.0 Amazing
