Anyone besides Surefire make a decent light?

[KBintheSLC]

I'm looking for another compact "tactical" flashlight for CCW... I already have a Surefire E2D that has been great, but they cost a bundle... $110.

Just wondering if there are any alternatives to Surefire that are more affordable... in the $50-$60 range. I'd like an LED version that puts out at least 60 lumen's and has a momentary on-off button in the rear like the Surefire's. If you have owned another brand that has been good to you please share.

Thanks...

[dirtygrunt95]

You can find surefire G2 or 6P for around 40 and then buy the led lamps for them which are like 90 lumens for something a little more resonable.

[CoRoMo]

Streamlight does. IIRC, they offer lifetime warranties. Their stuff is probably as good, but not better, than SureFire.

BTW, I got my G2 for $26 before tax.
I hear ebay has them for deals too.

[Mike the Wolf]

I'm grossly unimpressed with Streamlight. Poor light output, bluish hue from their LEDs, and more. I'll never buy another one.

INOVA makes an excellent light, and they're superior to Surefire in many ways, particularly when you compare price, and light output to runtime. They're in the $50 to $60 range, right where you're looking. Their LEDs are hot white, too, not blue, so you see things clearly. Durable, too. I've dropped both my INOVAs countless times with not even a scratch.

For best results, pick an INOVA that's powered by CR123A lithium batteries. These batteries are about $1 apiece, and last a very long time, so it's more than worth it. INOVAs have voltage regulation circuitry, so they don't start to dim until the batteries are very nearly dead.

INOVA also makes some household flashlights, their Radiant series. My second INOVA is one of these, powered by 3 C-cells. It has a plastic body, but it's still very tough and obscenely bright, easily as bright as my smaller CR123-powered one, although not as focused. I'm retiring my MagLites. Enough said.

[Kind of Blued]

I had the weirdest dream about flashlights last night... :eek:

I've never owned one, but it may be worth investigating Streamlight.

[DAdams]

Fenix and Nitecore (D10 and D20 get good reviews).

https://www.4sevens.com/

I have two of the Fenix lights an L1T V2.0 (1AA) that is my EDC, and a TK 10 (225 Lumens X2 123A batteries) for home blaster. I have been very satisfied with both. Lifetime warranty.
I prefer those which operate on AA cells just for availability for EDC.

There are pressure switches for the TK series.

[acmax95]

I have a pretty good selection of flashlights, most being Maglites, but my INOVA T5 is by far the best flashlight I own. It's fairly small, but probably too big for everyday carry, but extremely powerful, easily outshining my 4D maglites. I also own a Streamlight Scorpion that I carry hunting and I have been very impressed with it. If I wanted a light for everyday carry I would look at either a Streamlight Scorpion or one of the smaller INOVA T series light. Also INOVA's customer service is top notch.

[CWL]

You can also buy a LED conversion head for your existing Surefire.

[Bill_G]

Streamlight and Fenix make good tough lights.

[Kind of Blued]

Thanks for the mention on the INOVA lights. They're apparently BRIGHT and CHEAP!

I'm looking at the T-series, but...

Can you lock them 'on' for hands-free use?

Are they a fixed focused beam?

[LAK]

Streamlight Scorpion. Good strong beam that is adjustable, non-slip rubber grip, momentary and constant on/off all with one tail switch.

An even better buy might be the Strion. It is rechargable which should more than offset it's higher price since you do not have to continually buy those pricey little lithium batteries.

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

http://gtr5.com
http://ssunitedstates.org

[KBintheSLC]

You can also buy a LED conversion head for your existing Surefire.

I thought about that... but they cost the about the same as a new unit... like $100 for an LED conversion for the E2D !!!
I can get a complete Surefire P6 LED Defender for that price.

[mr2guru]

Try....

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/index.php

There not that expensive but they are awesome. I have a 240lumen drop in for my surefire fore end on my 870 and it completely blows away even the P61 120lumen surefire upgrade lamp.

They also have 700 lumen drop ins for the Maglites. :what:

I'll be getting one of those next.

[highorder]

Hold onto your hat, and find your reading glasses:

www.candlepowerforums.com

www.lighthound.com

www.fenix-store.com

[Malodorousroadkill]

The Fenix P2D Q5 is my EDC light. It has been an excellent light and has multiple brightness settings. The new P2D0 is a more tactical version of my own. I am considering getting one. Both the P2D and the P2D0 are well sized for pocket or holster carry, and they are well under $100. I do wish they had good pocket clips. The AA and AAA versions do though.

[dontshakepandas]

I just bought a ITP C7. From what I understand they are fairly new, but are making impressive products at low prices. For an extra $12 I got a body tube to convert it to a C9 to make it even smaller. So I got 2 flashlights for 50 dollars. The flashlight head will work with any of the body tubes so it allows you to adapt the light into what you need for the day.
http://www.itplight.com/
I bought mine from http://www.shiningbeam.com (the only place I could find the additional body tubes.)

[mfcmb]

Take a look at dealextreme.com. I think they operate out of Hong Kong, and have an enormous variety of tactical-style flashlights (some better than others) at excellent prices.

I've been very happy with their #13094, Spiderfire C-R8, 240 lumen flashlight for $31.

they've also got other neat stuff, like a 100mw green (handheld) laser for $39.

[WarHall]

And build your own!

[aliasneo07]

I would opt for a Surefire 6P with the xenon light, because its cheaper. Then buy a Cree Q5 Drop in lamp from dealextreme.com....its a VERY bright LED drop in and works well with all surefires. More and more people are using this module. I've tested quite a few including the ones that come with the surefires...I would order the Cree Q5 module, its AMAZINGLY bright.

As for the body...eh...spend the money for the surefire if you can.

[Generic Name]

+1 Fenix L1Tv2 (1xAA tube) and L2Tv2 (2xAA tube). Good EDC lights with forward clicky switches. Two light levels, Low is selected by un-screwing the head a bit. You can rig up a 1x123a tube with the forward clicky switch module to use with the L1Tv2 head also. Nice modular design. Reasonable build quality and light output for the money. Good customer support and fanbase.

[Mike the Wolf]

INOVA's can be locked on. The specific method depends on the model. The Bolt 2L that I have is locked on by twisting the tailcap. We had a power outage on Saturday night. The Bolt is effectively a pocket flashlight, and the same size as most weapon lights. Point it at the ceiling and you'll effectively light up a good-sized room. Best light I've ever had the pleasure of using.