Let’s literally light it up with 5.11 Tactical’s Deploy TL-USB. I liked the PT-USB so much that I had to upgrade to this larger, more capable model. The 5.11 Tactical Deploy TL-USB features a flat form factor, delivering a lightweight and easy-to-carry EDC (Everyday Carry) option with more power than your average compact flashlight. Its size allows it to fit comfortably within the EDC realm without burdening your pockets.
The 5.11 Tactical Deploy TL-USB
The Deploy TL-USB is larger than the PT-USB but offers greater power and capability. Its dimensions are 4.875 inches long, 1.25 inches wide, and .625 inches thick. It’s remarkably flat, allowing it to slip into your pocket without the bulk of a typical round flashlight. The light is crafted from aerospace-grade machined aluminum, anodized in the same manner as AR parts.
The Deploy TL-USB includes a reversible pocket clip that can be completely removed if you prefer. The body of the light is textured and machined from aluminum, providing a solid grip even with gloves or wet hands. This robust construction offers 1 meter of drop resistance and an IPX4 water rating.
The Deploy TL-USB: Getting Clicky With It
The Deploy TL-USB features two buttons: a main rear clicky cap that activates the light, and a button on top that displays the battery life. Below the mid-button, a small series of LED indicators shows you the current battery level.
The clicky tail button allows you to switch between various modes. A quick on and off sequence changes the light’s power level. If you turn the light on, then off for a couple of seconds, it will return to the last saved setting. The modes are as follows:
- High: 1,000 lumens backed by 2,540 candela. Battery life: 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Medium: 500 lumens backed by 1,180 candela. Battery life: 2 hours.
- Low: 80 lumens backed by 150 candela. Battery life: 7 hours.
These are respectable outputs. This small light offers a fair amount of power for its size. The candela is somewhat low, so don’t expect long-range illumination from the Deploy TL-USB. It’s a close-range light, designed for use inside a room or building. It’s not intended for spotting threats in a wide-open urban environment.
The light offers both a momentary and a constant-on mode. A slight, half-press activates the momentary mode, while a full press provides a constant beam of light.
Size and Shape: It Matters
The Deploy TL-USB’s flat design makes it convenient to carry and easy to use in conjunction with other tools, such as a firearm. Its flat profile makes it easier to hold when using a handheld light in coordination with a firearm. It can also be held in your mouth, pirate-style, if you need both hands free. Furthermore, the flat design allows it to be set down in various places without rolling away when you need a stationary light.
While the light is considerably larger than the PL-USB, the extra power is well worth it. The TL-USB remains highly pocketable and convenient to carry thanks to its flat design. The ability to charge it via USB-C is also invaluable and incredibly useful for EDC purposes. It shares the same charger as my phone, which is, to say the very least, convenient.
The Deploy TL-USB offers a pocket-sized option with more “juice” than most other compact lights. It’s handy, ergonomic, and affordable. That combination is tough to beat.
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