USB-588XL by NIGHTSTICK

Tactical flashlights for the police must be robust, bright, and reliable. They serve as tools for personal safety, for search, and for disorientation. The requirements include technical data and physical properties. Additionally, the lamp should be characterized by a compact design and ease of use. The tactical flashlights from NIGHTSTICK impress with a combination of high performance, professional robustness, and exceptional value for money. These flashlights have been specifically developed for use by police and military. The models USB Dual-Light Tactical Flashlight USB-588XL and USB-588T offer an intense, focused beam of light and the innovative “Dual-Light” technology that enables a combination of flashlight and floodlight. In this article, we take a detailed look at the USB-588XL. The USB-588T will be presented in a separate review.

What is the difference between USB-588XL and USB-588T?

The Nightstick USB-588XL (Slim/Standard) delivers a range of approximately 235 meters with about 13,843 candelas. The light pattern is less focused on extreme distance but provides a broader, more practical illumination. The flashlight is more compact, thinner, and about 15 cm a bit shorter and easier to maneuver. Its runtime on the highest spot level is approximately 2 hours.

The Nightstick USB-588T (Turbo) impresses with its impressive brightness and range. With a modified head and an updated LED, the Turbo version achieves an extreme 85,000 to 100,000 candelas and a beam distance of up to 547-600 meters. The light is extremely focused. The lamp head has a diameter of about 37 mm, making it slightly larger; the lamp has an overall length of approximately 178 mm and a more robust shape for more presence in hand. The runtime on the highest spot level is approximately 3 hours.

What are the similarities?

At the highest setting, both flashlights offer up to 1,100 lumens. They both feature a downward-facing floodlight with a power of approximately 350-370 lumens and support the Dual-Light mode, where a combined power of around 850 lumens is achieved. Additionally, both utilize a dual-fuel system (rechargeable Li-ion battery or two CR123 batteries) and have a built-in USB-C charging port under a protective cover. The flashlights are IPX7 waterproof and made of 6061-T6 aluminum.

The flashlight USB-588XL from NIGHTSTICK

Now let's first discuss the technical details of the flashlight USB-588XL from NIGHTSTICK. It is 150 mm long, 28.2 mm wide, weighs 162 g, and has a grip diameter of 25 mm and a head diameter of 30 mm. The slim design provides high carrying comfort in everyday use. Serially numbered for personal identification.

The USB-588XL is verified with a waterproof rating of IPX7. IPX7 means that an electronic device is protected against the ingress of water when temporarily submerged for a maximum of 30 minutes at a water depth of no more than one meter.  

The housing is made of aircraft aluminum 6061-T6 with a type III hard-anodized surface. This composition offers extreme wear and abrasion resistance, as well as an extremely hard, ceramic-like surface that provides excellent protection against rust and chemical influences.  

The square roll protection at the lamp head prevents the flashlight from rolling away unintentionally if it needs to be set down.

The flashlight features a tail cap switch with momentary or constant light as well as three brightness levels (high, medium, low).  

The floodlight switch is located above the LED battery level indicator at the lamp head.

The power supply for the USB-588XL is provided by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery of type 18650 (560-BATT). This can be charged flexibly without reducing the battery's lifespan. The Li-ion technology has no memory effect. The arrow on the battery indicates how it should be inserted into the flashlight.

The flashlight is charged via a supplied USB-C cable located beneath the lamp head. The typical charging time is approximately four hours. The indicator light at the base shows when the batteries need to be charged: Green means “normal operation” and Red means “low battery,” i.e., a capacity of less than 30%.

To access the USB port, the discreet sleeve below the lamp head must be rotated downwards.

The operation is also possible with two CR123 batteries, which are not included in the delivery. However, a corresponding CR123 battery holder is included.

The USB-588XL from NIGHTSTICK is equipped with an 1100-lumen LED and offers a runtime of two hours in the brightest mode. In the dimmest mode with 125 lumens, it can illuminate for up to 22 hours. Switching between "High", "Medium", and "Low" modes is possible. The light color is white. There is no strobe light with this flashlight.

To switch on temporarily – hold half-pressed. Release to turn off. "Permanent On": Press fully, click, and release to switch on or off. If the button is held down, the light cycles approximately once per second from high to medium to low and back. The desired mode is selected by releasing the button.

The high mode indoors provides very good brightness and illumination, meaning that the light is optimally distributed and all areas are well lit.

High brightness: 1,100 lumens, runtime: 2 hours, range: 235 meters. 

The medium mode is a very good choice for searching in tight buildings, as it allows for good target identification without blinding oneself.

Medium brightness: 450 lumens, runtime 4.5 hours, range 148 meters. 

In low mode, one can work longer. Again, good illumination of the rooms is ensured, and there is no blinding from the own light beam.

Low brightness: 125 lumens, runtime 22 hours, range 79 meters.

The Dual Light System

The USB-588XL features its unique "Dual-Light" design. By combining spot and flood light, it outperforms conventional tactical flashlights in various applications. The downward-facing floodlight has the advantage of allowing visibility of the ground underfoot. This is particularly crucial when searching terrain or buildings.

The floodlight is very well suited as a work lamp for stationary tasks, reading identification papers, or maps. The brightness of the floodlight is 370 lumens. With high dual illumination, the runtime is three hours.

Delivery Contents and Accessories

The flashlight USB-588XL is delivered with a USB Type A to C cable, a battery holder for CR123, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery type 18650 (560-BATT), a steel clip, and a user manual.

A case for the USB-588XL is not included in the delivery, but a steel clip is provided. This allows the flashlight to be carried with the lamp head downwards. 

The flashlight USB-588XL fits very well in the Universal Magazine Pouch from TASMANIAN TIGER or in the AH3 Tactical Holster from KLARUS LIGHTING, which was recently introduced by us.

The company NIGHTSTICK offers a comprehensive selection of accessories. For the flashlight, there are, for example, safety cones in various colors. These can be used for traffic regulation and for illuminating hazardous areas at the roadside. They are ideal for nighttime use. 

When the flashlight is not in use, the cone can be removed and the flashlight can be stored inside it. A good and practical idea.

CONCLUSION

The USB-588XL from NIGHTSTICK is a powerful and robust dual-light flashlight. It optimally combines a bright spotlight with a practical work light for close range. It is an excellent choice for everyday carry (EDC), profession, or service duty. Those looking for a handy, extremely bright, and versatile lamp with flexible power options will find this model to be a professional device.

The flashlight USB-588XL from NIGHTSTICK is available at POL-TEC in Germany or at TACSTORE in Austria for 192 EUR.

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