SOG has been known for putting out quality gear at a fair price. We’ve reviewed a bunch of their stuff here at SGPT, but I was excited to check out their new flashlights. More tactical illumination than just flashlight, their SOG Dark Energy Flashlight is living up to the SOG reputation.
The DE-04 is about 6 1/2 inches in length, 5.6 ounces, and runs on 2 AA batteries. AA’s are never in short supply, so off the bat I like this aspect. It has a powerful 220 lumen at 100% output, pretty good for this size and price point.
However, given the size, I find it a little too cumbersome for EDC. It, however, makes a great tactical light for the bedstand or pack. With four modes, 100%, 40%, reading level, and tactical strobe it performs well in outdoors or tactical applications. It also is waterproof, and capable of being briefly submerged, but I wouldn’t recommend it. However, if you need it in a rainstorm, have at it.
It has an aggressive texture on the 6061T6 aluminum body and sharp bezel, which can be used as a weapon in a pinch. It also has the integrated pocket clip, which is sturdy and holds on as it should.
I feel like the SOG Dark Energy Flashlight would also be very well suited clipped to the front of a tactical or entry vest. It can burn for 38 minutes at 100% output, or for nearly 2 days at 40%. In addition, it comes with a limited lifetime warranty, as do most SOG products.
Check price at Optics Planet
PROS:
What we like is the brightness, this tool is really bright. It’s also easy to manipulate, has four settings including a strobe which to me is crucial, as well as rugged aluminum construction. It’s waterproof, and takes easy to procure batteries, and has a long run time at 40%.
CONS:
What we don’t like: It’s a bit too big for EDC in concealment, but is good for first reponders in the field. Also, I wish the burn time at 100% was longer, but you have 40% and reading level light for days, literally. Lacks a focus function to narrow or widen the beam.
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.
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