The fireman’s flashlight plays an important role in “search and locate victim” operations. In zero visibility, when it is not possible to use the naked eye to identify what they find, firefighters must rely on their sense of touch and hearing. It’s the flashlight that enables them to identify whether or not they have found a victim.
The new Model RT4-4322 Gear Keeper retractor/stabilizing tethering system for medium sized flashlights (3C or 8AA batteries) has a threaded stud mount and retails for $29.99. The new tethering/stabilizing system enhances safety and ease of use while providing security against loss. This innovative tethering system combines a retractor force balanced for the weight of the flashlight for easy extension and retraction with a unique stabilizer strap that eliminates the annoying swinging and dangling commonly associated with fireman’s flashlights.
For fireman who don’t require the added benefits of the stabilizer strap kit for the medium flashlight can also choose the new medium-size flashlight standard tethering system which includes a heavy-duty snap clip for attachment to a D-ring or belt loop. Both of the new tethering systems have a 16 oz. retraction force and a nylon coated stainless steel cable with a 22″ extension. The medium flashlight basic version (Model RT4-4412) retails for $24.99.
The two new flashlight tethering systems complete the company’s line of flashlight tethers that includes similar systems for small and large flashlights. In the case of a Right Angle flashlight, the stabilizer strap maximizes visibility and safety by always keeping the light properly positioned and pointed forward. When the situation requires crawling, each of the Gear Keeper tethering systems permit flashlights to be easily removed from the stabilizer strap, enabling them to hang forward. Firefighters need only to grab their light, use it and let it go; it will always be right where they need it.
Making it impervious to some of the harshest elements faced on the job, flashlight kits also feature Gear Keeper’s patented automatic flushing system that clears debris from the retractor, essential for the smoky and ash-filled environments where firefighters work. Flashlight retractor/stabilizer kits include the patented Q/C-II quick release connector that allows flashlights to be easily and swiftly removed from the tethering system. All flashlight systems are available with customizing options.
“When involved in a fire rescue it goes without saying that it is extremely important to have your gear readily accessible,” says John Salentine, Vice President and co-founder of Hammerhead Industries, which manufactures Gear Keeper systems. “Particularly in the case of the Right Angle flashlight, it is equally important that the light is always facing forward. While all of our products at Gear Keeper are designed to meet very specific needs, everything centers back to our expertise in creating solutions for situations when holding onto the gear with your hands alone, is simply not an option.”
For the smaller 4-AA flashlights, the basic model RT2-4412 has a gentle 12 oz. retraction force, a 20″ extension with a nylon coated stainless steel cable and comes standard with a heavy-duty snap clip for attachment to a D-ring or belt loop ($24.99). As an option, the small flashlight tether model RT2-4322 is available with a threaded stud mount for a flashlight tab, pocket or webbing strap and includes the flashlight stabilizer ($27.49).
For the larger 3-C/ 4-C rechargeable Right Angle flashlights, the basic model RT3-4483 has a 24 oz. retraction force, 32″ extension, and an 80-lb. break strength Spectra/nylon line with a brass snap clip for attachment to a D-ring or belt loop. Available options include; Stainless Steel snap clip (model RT3-4493-$29.99); Carabiner clip (RT3-4401-$29.99); and a threaded stud mount with flashlight stabilizer (model# RT3-4323 – $32.49).
For more information regarding Gear Keeper’s Fireman Flashlight Retractor Kits (4-AA flashlight model RT2-4322 & the larger 3-C/ 4-C Rechargeable Flashlight model RT3-4323) visit: http://gearkeeper.com/Flashlight/firemain.html. Gear Keeper offers a complete line of tethering systems.
