While true flashbangs are immensely fun, the truth is there’s just so few circumstances in my civilian life where I could safely and legally use one.
However, there’s countless imaginable ways one might need a bit of a distraction. Mostly on the professional side, but I’ll let you ponder the possibilities as we take a look at the Nextorch ND30B, an electronic distraction device.
Tech Specs:
- LIGHT OUTPUT: 11,000 lumens
- SOUND OUTPUT: 130 dB
- DEPLOYMENT MODES: 4 (Single/Double/9x/12s Continuous)
- BATTERY TYPE: Built-in 18650 Lithium
- ACTIVATIONS PER CHARGE: 4,400 (Mode 1)
- EFFECTIVE RANGE: 70 meters
- WATERPROOF RATING: IPX7
- IMPACT RESISTANCE: 3 meters
- DIMENSIONS: 127mm (L) x 47mm (diameter)
- WEIGHT: 265g
- CONSTRUCTION: 6061-T6 aerospace aluminum
- CHARGING METHOD: USB-C
So we’ve a very grenade/flashbang shaped distraction device. You’ll find this is a pretty easy item to use, a single read-through of the manual is plenty (and not really necessary). Pull the pin, release the spoon (which stays attached), and the device rips off.
You can choose how long the delay is before activation: .5 seconds, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, or 3 seconds. You also get to select how many light blasts you’re looking for, with 1-, 2-, and 9-burst modes available, as well as a 12-second continuous barrage.
But how’s it look? Here, have a video! (WARNING: extreme strobe effect and migraine trigger if you’re sensitive.)
The sound is a great deal different from a traditional flashbang. Rather than a disorienting, concussive BOOM, you’re looking at something closer to a car alarm. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s definitely distracting.
The 11,000 lumen light pulses are pretty significant. In the middle of a sunny day outdoors you’re not going to be blinded of course, but even moving indoors on that same day makes a big difference. Blasting this at night will absolutely dazzle your retinas.
This is totally functional in its job as a diversion. It’s not an overwhelming blast, but everyone in the area is either staring directly at it, or quickly turning away from it.
So… what are the primary uses? Well, this is definitely easier to acquire than full-strength flashbangs. For law enforcement, mil-sim, or paintball/airsoft, this is a unit that becomes a better deal the more times you use it. While not quite as effective as an explosive flashbang, a training aid like this lets you build reps and reps without resorting to throwing a rock and yelling “bang”. Past that, I’ve found a couple other uses you might not consider….
First, as a helicopter pilot having a (very) small bag of emergency supplies is always the SOP when you’re flying remote. Or at night. The ND30B is visible and audible from a significant distance, and can be repeatedly set off even in your hand. Pilots, hikers, anyone who needs emergency signaling, check.
Second, despite living in an extremely rural area, I’ve had the distinct displeasure of finding people on my property at night. While I can’t say I felt threatened while closely observing these guys while under NVG’s and with an SBR (I was already looking for coyotes), not everyone will find themselves so fortuitously well-equipped for unexpected guests. While tossing a legit explosive flashbang at my curious methhead neighbor seems like it should be considered a reasonable response, the truth is that in many areas I would find myself heading to jail, not him. A Nextorch ND30B, however, is in a distinctly different legal category.
An easy, non-explosive way to absolutely gain the upper hand.
Bottom Line:
The Nextorch ND30B isn’t a replacement for traditional flashbangs, it’s a viable alternative. Non-explosive, reusable, programmable, and very effective. The ND30-B runs $319.99. Check it out!
Jens “Rex Nanorum” Hammer
@Rexnanorum