Kel-Lite was the first heavy-duty aluminum bodied flashlight, which became popular with law enforcement agencies due to its heavy construction. They were designed to be carried in place of a police baton and also provide light.
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The Kel-Lite was a highly-durable, weather- and shock-resistant flashlight (UK: torch), made of heavy 6061-T6 aluminium (commonly known as "aircraft aluminium"). it was developed in 1968 by Donald Keller, Frank Patti and Norm Nelson. It was later redesigned by Norm Nelson into the modern version with a battery charger, adjustable lens, baton lights, push button switch, and in three sizes (DKL (D-Cell Kel-Lite), MKL (Medium Head Kel-Lite), SKL (Small Head Kel-Lite)), and pinlight versions. The company merged in 1983 with Streamlight. Kel-Lite had manufacturing capability and Strealight a marketing team.
The first Kel-Lites were made in San Dimas, California in 1968. Then the company moved to Covina, California in 1970 as demand increased, and on to Barstow, California in 1973 to a larger facility with a full service machine shop, plating, assembly line and world wide shipping department. Donald Keller left Kel-Lite in 1972 and continued designing lights, for Brinkmann, ASP, and Maglite, which were manufactured for sale in Law Enforcement and in other markets, however lacked the quality and durability of the Kel-Lite that was designed and manufactured specifically for Law Enforcement, Security and Fire Services.
Surviving Kel-Lites are still in use worldwide, with the final design by Norm Nelson (Excalibur) made by Streamlight into the early 1990s. A similar model, also designed by Keller, is still being sold as the Brinkmann Legend series of flashlights.
The Kel-Lite was intended as a replacement for the baton carried by police officers. The series of Baton Light models (available in various lengths from 18 to 26 inches) were designed by Norm Nelson as a direct replacement, which would fit into a standard baton ring on the officer's belt. [1] Kel-Lites were available in sizes ranging from a model using two "1/2 D" cells (together the length of one D) to those using 7 D cells, and any size in between, as well as C cell models. A total of 49 different models were made.
Prior to the Kel-Lite, flashlights were relatively fragile and undependable, usually made either of molded plastic or stamped sheet metal. Dropping one would usually break the bulb, and dents would often lead to frequent replacement. Keller, Patti and Nelson designed the Kel-Lite to be robust, and salesmen trained by Nelson demonstrating the light for public safety customers would demonstrate this by pounding large nails into a block of wood, while the light was operating. Other demonstrations included throwing the light as hard as possible across a concrete parking lot, or turning the light on and putting it into an aquarium and driving over it with a truck. Nelson also produced a flashlight targeted for the truck driver known as the Stud-Lite, which was a Kel-Lite flashlight with a different name, and anodized finish. This model was also very popular and sold in truck stops, truck dealerships and parts houses.
The success of the Kel-Lite led to the rise of competition, primarily Maglite and Streamlight, who improved on Keller's basic concept. Streamlight opted for high-output models using rechargeable battery and halogen bulb technology. Maglite developed a improved switch and a variable-focus system, allowing a single light to be used for a high-intensity flashlight or wide-angle lantern. Mag-Lite later developed their own high-output rechargeable, as the police market converted entirely to that style of flashlight. A decade later a new company, Laser Products, miniaturized the tactical flashlight with their SureFire series.
These more advanced and mass-produced products eventually took over the market. Kel-Lites were one of the more durable makes and large numbers are still in use today. They remain popular on the used market both as working flashlights and collectibles. A Kel-Lite torch was also mounted on the High Standard Model 10B bullpup shotgun.