PDA

View Full Version : surefire or streamlight?


yongxingfreesty
November 21, 2006, 11:26 PM
i need a nice light to carry everyday. can anyone help me? i would also like to spend under 80 if possible.

lesjones
November 22, 2006, 12:41 AM
I started with a SureFire E2D (http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/1132/sesent/00). It's incredibly, unbelievably bright, but it drains its batteries in less than an hour. As an EDC light it got old because of the battery costs and frequent blackouts, so now it's a dedicated weapons light for the bedroom.

What I carry now is a StreamLight TwinTask 2L (http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=49). It runs for 2.5 hours on the high-intensity bulb, or hit the switch again and you get 3 LED bulbs that run for 28 hours.

We carry the bigger TwinTasks in the cars and love them. Cost is around thirty bucks, which is very fair for the quality.

stdlrf11
November 22, 2006, 12:50 AM
I am no expert, but here's my opinion...

Surefires are good lights and you can play with the outputs by switching bulb assemblies, etc. That isn't for me. Their lights come prefocused with a good hot spot and decent flood area combined in one. I sell quite a few of them to coworkers. they seem to enjoy the G2 and the 6P. ($35 and $60 respectively)

Streamlights are good lights but I haven't heard of any real great upgrades available. I picked streamlight lights because of the adjustable focus. I have an older TL2 that has a recessed tailcap to prevent ADs. I love that light!!! For $50 it pumps out 100 lumens and my batteries last 4-5 months with nightly use. (quick 1-30 second intervals 5-10 times per night)
I just got a strion and it has the new tailcap that protrudes out a little bit. It is good for some things, but I don't like the ADs. (it costs around $100)
Coworkers have scorpions also, but for some strange reason they have problems with battery life. (1-3 months with weekly use) I personally don't like the clickie tailcap. (they cost around $40)

All of these lights fit well in the pocket. Some have pocket clips, which make it easier to access when you need it.

Hope this helps,
stdlrf11

CountGlockula
November 22, 2006, 01:02 AM
I'm a true fan of Surefire, their customer service is great!

MountainBear
November 22, 2006, 01:27 AM
+1 for Surefire. I have carried a G2 for the last 3 years both professionally and personally. I've never had a problem with it. Its bright, tough, and lightweight. Never looked back. And $35 is a great price tag.
My roommate carries the 6p, the next step up. I believe it has a lockout tailcap, which is a nice feature if you aren't going to carry the light in a hard sided holster. But you pay for it. I think they go for around $60 or mayhaps a little more.

Handgun Midas
November 22, 2006, 02:52 AM
You won't notice a Surefire G2 in your pants.
I thought it looked too big for pocket carry, but I was wrong.

A word of warning though, you won't know the batteries are almost dead until the light goes out.
It goes full tilt to dead with no middle ground. Keep a spare set in your car.

yongxingfreesty
November 22, 2006, 02:58 AM
THANKS TO EVERYONE for their opinions! does the streamlight tt l2 have led/xenon function ? and the surefire g2 only has high output?

I basically just need something that is 7/8-1" in diameter so i can fit it into this holster

http://i15.tinypic.com/4gzyqzn.jpg


ok, final vote. which of the following would you pick out of the two auctions below?

the streamllight
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160053595868&rd=1&rd=1

or

surefire
http://cgi.ebay.com/SUREFIRE-G2-TACTICAL-NITROLON-FLASHLIGHT-LIGHT-TAN_W0QQitemZ230051333646QQihZ013QQcategoryZ106974QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem

stdlrf11
November 22, 2006, 11:59 AM
Streamlight Twin Task has a side body mounted switch. Both high and low output for a GREAT price. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Surefire is bright and powerful with a push button tailcap. The G2 is lighter than the twin task.

The main question is, what are you going to use it for?
Do you want one that is powerful and simple to operate, or do you want one that can light up your back yard AND the area behind your desk without blinding you?

Edited to add:
The Twin Task is 1.35 inches in diameter, so it probably won't fit in that holster without modifying the holster. The G2 will probably fit the holster just fine.

Hope this helps,
stdlrf11

yongxingfreesty
November 22, 2006, 07:47 PM
thanks alot stdlr. just need something to light up a dark neighborhood. thanks for the heads up

Ala Dan
November 24, 2006, 04:23 AM
I use a Streamlight Strion for most of my darker needs.:uhoh: Thus far, its
been a champ~!:uhoh: :D

LAK
November 24, 2006, 05:02 AM
I have both; both well made and effective. The best value for money IMO is the Streamlight Scorpion. I have seen them for less than $30 a piece.

----------------------------

http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org

Spreadfire Arms
November 24, 2006, 11:51 PM
i own several of both brand lights. if you want something that isn't overly expensive (like $40ish) that has three light settings then look at Streamlight. i just got a NightCom and it has an "off" (to prevent accidental light activation), a low LED (dim single LED), high LED (two bright green LED's), and the xenon high beam. you can select which one you want to set it on, and not have to scroll through them like some other flashlights. it also has a tailcap activation:

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=90

NIGHT COM™The lithium powered NIGHT COM™ combines High-Intensity Xenon illumination, state-of-the-art LED night vision protection and Streamlight's new Dual Switch System.

Powered by two 3 volt CR123A lithium batteries with a shelf life of nearly 10 yrs. (incl.)
High-pressure xenon bulb; plus 2 ultra bright, and 1 indicator type 100,000-hr. life LEDS
72 lumens typical with xenon bulb; 8 lumens from2 LEDs
Up to 2.5 hrs run time (xenon); up to 130 hrs (1 LED)
1.33” (D) x 5.43” (L)
5.44 oz
Push-button tailcap – steady on and momentary on/off operation
3-position lighting – 2 ultra bright LED’s (red or green), 1 low power LED (red or green) or optimum night vision protection, and xenon
Available in matte black

clipse
November 25, 2006, 02:05 PM
I just got a Surefire E1L. Its really nice. If you shop around you can get one for under $80. Very bright, good runtime for a single cell and won't just 'go out' when the battery is dead.

You can also check into the E2L, the same thing only it take two batteries and is brighter. I think it costs alittle more though.

If your concerned about battery consumption, look into rechargables. Something like the Fenix L2T with rechargables would be really nice. It puts out almost 50 lumens for almost 2 1/2 hours. Its also is well into your price range. :)

Shipwreck
November 25, 2006, 08:16 PM
I have both; both well made and effective. The best value for money IMO is the Streamlight Scorpion. I have seen them for less than $30 a piece.

Yes, I have had my scorpion for about 10 years - I really like it a lot :)

648E
November 25, 2006, 08:53 PM
www.brightflashlights.net

You can get a Surefire 6P (metal body) for a little more than the G2 on eBay.

You could also get a G2 from him for a good bit cheaper.

Give the guy a call, the best prices and SUPREME customer service.

10-Ring
November 26, 2006, 03:18 AM
I have TL3 that just rocks! :D I like the value in the streamlight vs. '07 ;)