I have a scarred Brute (hmmm, that came out the wrong way!).
Cold Steel apparently sold their remaining lot to either Brigade Quartermaster or Us Calvary, where the torches were renamed The Enforcer. That dealer managed to cut the price down until selling out the stock.
One design flaw was positioning the on/off button on the butt; with a SureFire sized torch, such a design has its benefits. With a longer, heavier flashlight, it is awkward.
As that switch was vulnerable to any sharp impact, I attached a collar or ring
to it (a spare part for the flashlight I purchased from Cold Steel). Now, if the torch accidentally thrusts tail first into something, the button is somewhat protected but I can thumb it on just as swiftly.
I attached a combo of tennis racket grip and strong tape to the "head" end of the flashlight, where I usually carry it. I repeated this procedure with all of my large MagLites. Don't want to drop any of these gadgets on my foot again.
As for bulbs, Carley Lamps sells Krypton and more powerful Xenon bulbs compatible with 7 cell flashlights. The Brute/Enforcer can make use of either lamp and will light up a dark room good even with the Kryptons. My 9P Surefire is brighter still, but expensive to run and the C and D cell Mags have adjustable beams but the Brute's appetite for name brand AA batteries doesn't hurt my bank account.
The flashlights' barrel walls and reflector are thicker than even a heavier MagLite, lending the Brute tremendous ruggedness.
The torch's weakness is primarily the springs in its head and button mechanisms.For instance, if the Brute falls onto the ground, you might wind up with a faulty flashlight when the contact is seperated. However, I have adjusted these springs by hand on several occassions and my torch is up and running.
Anybody want to revive the design? With a few modifications (on/off button near the head; adjusted, maybe even tightened focus; considerably stronger "guts"), a new Brute could provide an effective, cheap to operate, alternate to heavier lights.
Jeff
