Gear Review: SOG Dark Energy DE-03

Without light, you can’t do much.

You can’t fight, you can’t navigate too well, and you damn sure can’t see where you’re going.

This is why we are so big on EDC kits having some form of illumination, whether it’s a weapon light, or a standalone flashlight.

Currently we keep a good light on the night stand, in our backpack and in the truck.

We also insist that the flashlight source has several functions which are necessary to be utilized in a tactical environment:

Momentary On:

This is crucial – you need to have the ability to turn it on for a second, then off. Having a light on gives away your position. In a tactical setting you should only be using it to scan and check, then move. Especially in your home where you know the layout very well.

Bright when on:
It should be bright, blindingly so, so you can fully illuminate the area you are scanning and possible engaging.

Strobe:
A tactical light should have a strobe mode to blind or disorient an assailant. In some cases, the light will subdue your opponent, and allow you to get to an advantageous position without firing a shot.

All of that being said – the SOG Dark Energy Flashlight DE-03 has these functions, and much more.

I recently checked out a SOG DE-03 – the 1 AA battery version of the SOG DE-04. I really like this light for several reasons. It has the same rugged 6061 T6 aluminum construction with a jagged bezel for CQB applications, as well as a 1 meter drop rating and the ability to be submerged up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. All of this screams tactical application. Couple that with an overall length of about 4 inches, an integrated belt clip, and 128 lumen output at max brightness. It also has a 40%, reading, and strobe mode – giving the user 66 minutes at 100%, and over 67 hours at reading level. However, some users are reporting over 2 hours at 100%, so this would depend on your battery I guess – all of this is great though, especially considering its powered by 1 AA battery, which are never in short supply.

In short, the SOG Dark Energy Flashlight DE-03this is my new EDC light. I love it, you will too.

PROS:

What we like is that it has great texturing to retain the light in wet or bloody conditions, momentary on, high, low, reading, and strobe modes, rugged construction, and bright output. Also it takes 1 AA battery, which are easily procured.

CONS:

None. A solid light. Buy one.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alex Castiglione lives in Atlanta, and is an avid outdoorsman and competitive shooter.

Where-abouts include getting after it in his garage gym, practicing martial arts, hitting the trails, or running CrossFit and Strongman competitions for his non-profit, Barbells for Bullies, which holds fundraiser fitness competitions dedicated to aiding Bully breed rescues, dog rescues, or other non-profits with similar missions.