This light has 500 Lumen's of light, that is twice as much power as most Tactical flashlights. It is my go to light for any noise in the house that requires me to investigate. While I use it in combination with my 9mm for defense, it is essential to note that the light has its own defensive component, it is blindingly BRIGHT! I gave one to each of my Daughters and my Wife as Defensive weapons that are child safe and can be taken anywhere, even on an Airplane. The effect of this light to impair a persons ability to see after having been blasted with 500 Lumen's of light is incredible... red dots are all you can see for about a minute. That gives you time to take defensive action and escape the threat. The darker the environment, the more effective it is, but even in daylight, it works! Some pratice of using the light in different methods can help too, for instance, in home Defense you could use the light as a sudden shock effect on a person in the house by not walking around with it lit, but rather have the light against a doorframe as you are aiming your gun towards the person walking towards you in the dark. Then move the light to shine in their eye's, instantly causing a temporary blindness, while also giving you positive I.D. of who this person is, friend or foe and whether or not they are armed? This is a great way to prevent accidental shhooting's of innocent people, yet keeping you safe. We all know that a shot in the dark can be a terrible mistake, but a dim flashlight just gives away your position and eliminates your element of surprise, this light... is a surprise!