For a long time, I was against rechargeable lights. Not lights with rechargeable removable batteries, but rechargeable lights that had no removable battery. After having kids who’ve gotten into small electronics, I’ve changed my mind. At least when it comes to EDC lights. Do you know how many times my kids have taken all of my triple and doubles As? With that in mind I stumbled across the 5.11 Tactical Deploy PL-USB.
5.11 Tactical sent me the light to test and review, and it’s my second rechargeable only light. Other than the Deploy, I also have a Streamlight Wedge, which I like a whole lot. The Deploy offers a smaller, more compact light for a bit more discreet carry.
The slight rectangular shape makes sure it doesn’t look like a light. And that it lays flat in your pocket. It’s a lot less disturbing to the pocket than the typical round EDC light.
As you’d imagine, the Deploy PL-USB charges via USB. Specifically, it’s USB-C since it’s not 2014 anymore. The light charges quickly and efficiently. The body of the light is made from aluminum and comes with a reversible pocket clip. As a result, the little light is super carry-friendly, and I’ve downsized the crap I care about. The Deploy fell right into line with my individual EDC goal.
The Deploy Power
It’s a little light, and as you’d imagine, little lights don’t have a ton of power. The light has two modes. The high mode gives us 300 lumens and 740 candela, and the battery lasts about 90 minutes. However, the low mode kicks out 30 lumens and 100 candela, and the battery lasts nine hours and 40 minutes.
That’s a fair bit of battery power for such a small light. The high mode isn’t anything Cloud Defensive would produce, but it’s enough room to cut through a dark room and light it up. The beam has a ton of spill and it fills your vision from eye to eye. It impressed me. Indoors and out, it’s enough light to find your keys, change a tire in the rain, or deal with a trip to the breaker box.
Low mode gets a lot dimmer. It’s fine for basic admin tasks, simple navigation, and doing little tasks. Even in the low mode, the Deploy gives you enough light to read, walk through a dark house, and other little chores. This isn’t a search and rescue-light, and it’s not going to be great for finding bad guys or cutting through photonic barriers.
However, for normal, everyday stuff, it’s a great little light. The small size and lightweight nature make it comfy to carry. It drops flat in your pants and fits beside your pocket knife without getting in the way of your keys, wallet, or whatever else is in your pocket.
The Controls, Ergos, and More
The light keeps things simple. It’s mostly flat with a little rubberized cover to protect the USB-C slot. This helps with the waterproof design, which is IPX4-rated. This means it can be splashed from any direction without much worry. Don’t submerge it, freeze it in an ice box, or take it scuba diving, and you won’t run into any issues.
The ass end hides a rubberized clicky button. Hit it once, and it’s in high mode. Turn it off and back on, and it swaps to low mode. You continually change modes by turning the flashlight on and off. The outside of the light is textured here and there for a solid grip, even if it’s wet or your hands are sweaty.
You can grab the Deploy in a fencing-style grip and comfortably wield the little fella. It’s simple, reliable, and rugged enough for daily carry. The price just happens to be right, or at least right for me. The Deploy is a new part of my refined, lighter, better concealed EDC, and it’s looking to stay.
For more information, please visit 511Tactical.com.
