Surefire wanna-be?

[mr_dove]

I can't afford the huge premium on owning the tactical status symbol of a name brand SureFire light.

Has anyone used one of the look-a-likes that claim to be as effective as a sure-fire light?

I figure they should all work well. Flashlights are not super-high tech electronics and are not that complicated.

All the sellers of these knock-offs have thousands of positive feedback. It would seem that their customers are satisfied.

I've looked at the Inova X5 knock-offs as well.

What say you all?

SureFire Knock-Off (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3662955255&category=36258
)

Inova X5 Knock-Off (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2790023619&category=16037
)

[DigMe]

Personally unless I heard some real good reviews from several people I'd go to Wal-Mart and buy a Brinkmann Legend LX before I bout that. The Legend LX has great reviews all around and is backed in warranty by a reputable company and is only $19.99 with similar brightness to many of the Surefires. It's built tough too. You might want to try registering over at www.candlepowerforums.com and asking this question. Actually I'd do a search first because it may have already been asked.

brad cook

[VaughnT]

I wouldn't buy that model just because I've never heard of it and it looks a bit cheesy.

I have heard good things about the Brinkman lights, though.

Pelican and Streamlight are also making good lights now that Surefire has shown a market for them. My next light will probably be a Pelican M6 LED.

Surefire has the lead, but they suck when it comes to customer service. And they are very arrogant, imnsho.

[Size15s]

I have a few SureFires and think they are well worth the money.

However, there are two brands of two-123A flashlights I also rate:

Underwater Kinetics 2L (aka UKE-2L)

I have one - it's light-weight, compact, long runtime, waterproof. I carry it in my rucksack I take to work. Mostly use it as a waterproof SF123A carrier for my everyday carry flashlight (SureFire X200A)

and

Pelican M-6 (aka PM6)

I don't have one but for the price it's meant to be hard to beat. It's a little on the large side but it's got a bright beam and can be focused to a tight spot by all accounts. I have no need of one myself though.

I've got a Brinkmann LX - it's got the worst switch I've ever used. The only switch that came close of that of the ASP TacLite that actually hurt my hand to use. Anyway, of all the non-SureFires I've tried (and I've tried lots), the Pelican PM6 gets my vote as best of the rest.

I also have the Inova X5T - It's a useful reading light for long runtime books or maps etc. Again, waterproof SF123A carrier for me mostly.

A note of warning - some of the really cheap "SureFire wanna-be" come with really cheap 123A batteries can have been found to leak and/or explode. There have been several public recalls. Regardless of the model/brand of flashlight you buy, I suggest you only use American made SureFire SF123A or Duracell Ultra M3 DL123A batteries.

Al

[W Turner]

For a super small, inexpensive pocket light you may want to go to Wal-Mart. I found a Dorcy 1-AAA LED light that I have had for about 3 months. I carry it every day and have dropped, kicked and generally abused it the entire time.

It just a shade under 3.5" long and is bright enough to use to navigate around a dark garage safely. It won't send a BG to the ground writhing in pain just by flashing it in his eyes, but it is bright enough to make him a little uncomfortable. It has a push-momentary/twist constant tail switch that works just fine and best of all it was only 6 bucks.


Mino

[DigMe]

I've got a Brinkmann LX - it's got the worst switch I've ever used.


That was my only complaint with this light but it got better with use. The battery life has been very good for this type of light as well. The momentary on feature of the tailcap switch was very easy to activate but when I first got it I really had to give it some effort to click it all the way on. It's gotten pretty easy though. Either way I haven't found a better value in a quality lithium/xenon light.

brad cook

[45crittergitter]

You can get a Surefire G-2 for $30-35. You will not be disappointed.

[powertoast]

The only prob with the Surefire G2 is that it doesn't have a lockout feature like the more expensive Surefires, meaning that you can't adjust it so that it won't accidentally get activated in your pocket. If you don't carry it in a pocket, or aren't concerned that it won't lockout, its one of the best values out there, IMO.

[Zer000]

The only prob with the Surefire G2 is that it doesn't have a lockout feature like the more expensive Surefires, meaning that you can't adjust it so that it won't accidentally get activated in your pocket.

I carry my e2e without the lockout activated, and I've never had my light come on in my pocket. YMMV. The deal killer for me was the lack of a pocket clip on the g2.

[Onslaught]

The only prob with the Surefire G2 is that it doesn't have a lockout feature like the more expensive Surefires,
True, and a very good point.

But that's comparing it to the "more expensive Surefires". When comparing the G2 to other inexpensive lights (where it was made to compete) it's a good buy.

One thing I've mentioned before though... SureFires et.al. are excellent indoors and close range, but for outdoors, longer ranges, only the focusable really "shine".... (truck light etc.) I can use my Streamlight like a mini-halogen spotlight across a 3 acre field. :cool:

[c_yeager]

Ive used an old 4cell maglight in the car and a streamlight stinger on my belt for years and havent once found either wanting.

[DigMe]

One thing I've mentioned before though... SureFires et.al. are excellent indoors and close range, but for outdoors, longer ranges, only the focusable really "shine".... (truck light etc.) I can use my Streamlight like a mini-halogen spotlight across a 3 acre field.


I agree...same thing with my Legend LX. However, I've heard that the newer ones aren't focusable. That sucks.

brad cook

[TarpleyG]

I am not sure what your budget is but call Grant at G&R Tactical. He has Surefire 6Ps for $45. That is a bargain compared to what they were. I just bought two more from him. At that price, the Nitrolon model isn't a bargain anymore.

G&R Tactical
757-515-8580
sales@gandrtactical.com

[TechBrute]

Flashlights are not super-high tech electronics and are not that complicated. Um... they can be. The Surefire LED lights feature digital circuitry and cutting edge LED technology.

[Size15s]

Simple things these SureFires -

SureFire L1
http://www.pk-engineering.com/pk/SS2004/IMG_4466.JPG

SureFire A2
http://www.pk-engineering.com/pk/SS2004/IMG_4462.JPG

These are functioning flashlights...

Al :cool:

[mercop]

That is a killer price on the 6P for sure. I also dig the G2s. My EDC light is an E2EHA. I prefer to wrap them with 550 to make a lanyard and carry them in a pocket in a positon that places my thumb on the tail cap right away. I hated the pocket clip on my E2EHA since it did not aid in the idexing of the light upon drawing.

[ktd]

quote:
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The only prob with the Surefire G2 is that it doesn't have a lockout feature like the more expensive Surefires,
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I just turn the bezel (the lense end) until the light is a nogo. I am sitting out somewhere in the middle of the big I at the moment and I decided to take the G2 instead of one of my nicer surefires as it is lighter. Also won't hurt as much when I destroy my light or lose it.

[clubsoda22]

the ones they have in the cheaper than dirt catalouge are actually really durable and VERY bright. It's brighter than my twin task...i'd say the 2 lithium model puts out over 90 lumens.

[Fudgie Ghost]

I'll second the Underwater Kinetics.
Just bought three after poster here mentioned them. Very bright.

Not "tactical" as such (on/off works by screwing down head), but for $25 (including batteries!) each, a good bright light in a waterproof, robust housing, with key ring and plastic clip.

I gave one to my wife, put one in my car, and have one in my briefcase. Being lithium I know the light will work even if I don't use it for a looonnng time.

Besides, I have a Surefire by the bedside for tactical responses--:p

[Ktulu]

My wife got me a Surefire for Christmas. I'll never waste money on Maglites (got a few), Brinkman's (got two), or any other flashlight again.

[Sisco]

I bought one of the "Police" models like in your first link at a gunshow a couple of weeks ago, gave $15 for it. It's no Surefire by any means but it does put out some pretty bright light.
Can't comment on how rugged they are, tossed it in the night stand drawer. Thinking about mounting it on my Mossberg HD 12ga but not sure how well it'll hold up.
The tail cap has a momentary pushbutton or twist on feature, but it would "twist on" way too easy; like every time you pushed the button!
I put a rubber O-ring on it to stiffen it up and took care of that problem.