burrhead
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Thinking abut a Surefire G2. Like 'em? Best price on the web?
Surefire G2
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Green Lantern
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You could save roughly half the cost by picking up a Brinkmann Maxfire LX at your local Target for $16. One of the best bargains I've seen in a tactical light...
OP
OP
burrhead
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anymore?
John Hicks
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Every once in a while, LAPoliceGear will do a sale on them. They won't be cheap, but they will come with a ton of extra batteries, or a spares carrier, spare bulb, etc. 12 free batteries is the equivalent of saving a lot at a local store.
I have the G2 with the ultra bright bulb (P63, I think). That's for defense only. For fixing the car and looking for my keys in the grass, I use the factory bulb. They change out pretty quick, but the bright one is too bright if you are looking at something close. However, for blinding a bad guy while you run for cover . . .
Good luck. It's a great flashlight.
I have the G2 with the ultra bright bulb (P63, I think). That's for defense only. For fixing the car and looking for my keys in the grass, I use the factory bulb. They change out pretty quick, but the bright one is too bright if you are looking at something close. However, for blinding a bad guy while you run for cover . . .
Good luck. It's a great flashlight.
Green Lantern
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Educate me about the switch on Surefires. I was doing some reading on them, and I think it said "momentary illumination?" As in, you have to constantly HOLD the button down, it won't "click" on and off?
Cromlech
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I was under the impression that it was a two stage switch, like on the Maglite.
John Hicks
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The G2 has a rear cap that twists for permanent on, or a button to push for momentary on.
hope this helps.
hope this helps.
Switch
Tailcap has a momentary switch. Press and hold for light, release for no light. Constant-on is achieved by screwing the tailcap a couple revolutions into the body of the light.
We have a G2 that has ridden in the fiance's purse for a couple years and suffered all the attendant abuse. No complaints.
In that general price range, I'd also take a hard look at the Streamlight Nightfighter 2. Have one of those, as well - and I think it's a lot more light for the money than the G2.
Tailcap has a momentary switch. Press and hold for light, release for no light. Constant-on is achieved by screwing the tailcap a couple revolutions into the body of the light.
We have a G2 that has ridden in the fiance's purse for a couple years and suffered all the attendant abuse. No complaints.
In that general price range, I'd also take a hard look at the Streamlight Nightfighter 2. Have one of those, as well - and I think it's a lot more light for the money than the G2.
anotherinkling
Member
I have the G2Z (a jazzed-up G2) and the Brinkmann Maxfire LX mentioned by Green Lantern. It's a great little flashlight, similar to the G2. The SureFires are better made, but the Maxfire does have a simple click-on/off button and a nice rubber sleeve that makes for a good grip. Here's a good link that compares the two.
But you asked about the G2...I just gave one as a gift to my pastor. He loves it. Very rugged, blindingly bright, light and compact. You can't go wrong with one.
But you asked about the G2...I just gave one as a gift to my pastor. He loves it. Very rugged, blindingly bright, light and compact. You can't go wrong with one.
45crittergitter
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ebay.
ripcurlksm
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OR know someone at surefire and gets it for free 
Robert Hairless
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Just for kicks I bought a SureFire G2 and a Brinkmann Maxfire LX on the same shopping trip a while back. The G2 cost me almost exactly twice the price of the Brinkmann Maxfire LX at Target.
Both have exactly the same quality light and power, at least to my eyes. I can't tell the difference between them from looking at their beam.
The Brinkmann Maxfire LX tail switch is more positive, is easier to operate, and strikes me that it would be much easier in a hairy situation. It's also "grippier" because of the rubberoid wrapper, which can be slipped off should one prefer.
But that rubberoid wrapper on the Brinkmann Maxfire LX makes it much better for use when shooting. It provides a firmer grip on the light.
The SureFire G2 is about 1/4" shorter because the Brinkmann Maxfire LX has a crenellated lens standoff. I'd considered grinding that standoff down to make both lights the same length but decided that the standoff provides possibly useful lens protection.
I'd used both of them before but never thought to actually test them together, and since I needed a few more lights of that size I decided to do it now. After giving both of them a thorough wringing out, I put the G2 in my pocket and drove back to Target for several more of the Brinkmann Maxfire LX. If I lose the G2 I won't get another. I'll use a Brinkmann Maxfire LX instead.
As Green Lantern said, the Brinkmann Maxfire LX is one of the best buys around in a tactical light. Its construction is also about the same quality as that of the G2.
Both have exactly the same quality light and power, at least to my eyes. I can't tell the difference between them from looking at their beam.
The Brinkmann Maxfire LX tail switch is more positive, is easier to operate, and strikes me that it would be much easier in a hairy situation. It's also "grippier" because of the rubberoid wrapper, which can be slipped off should one prefer.
But that rubberoid wrapper on the Brinkmann Maxfire LX makes it much better for use when shooting. It provides a firmer grip on the light.
The SureFire G2 is about 1/4" shorter because the Brinkmann Maxfire LX has a crenellated lens standoff. I'd considered grinding that standoff down to make both lights the same length but decided that the standoff provides possibly useful lens protection.
I'd used both of them before but never thought to actually test them together, and since I needed a few more lights of that size I decided to do it now. After giving both of them a thorough wringing out, I put the G2 in my pocket and drove back to Target for several more of the Brinkmann Maxfire LX. If I lose the G2 I won't get another. I'll use a Brinkmann Maxfire LX instead.
As Green Lantern said, the Brinkmann Maxfire LX is one of the best buys around in a tactical light. Its construction is also about the same quality as that of the G2.
Airburst
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Thanks for the comparo report Hairless. I will get one of the Brinkmans today. I have a surefire, but had an accident with it about six months ago. The batteries exploded and blew off part of the tailcap. I emailed surefire last night to see if they will warrenty this light. In the meantime, Target, here I come.
SoCalShooter
Member
Great light, inexspensive and light, definetly worth it, get the extra batteries though.
GunnySkox
Member
I don't have any special experience with flashlights in general, but I do have a Surefire G2. When I ordered it, I also got the lanyard thing (I don't use it, it's uncomfortable, to me, and I just keep it in a sheath on my manpurse), an extra lamp assembly, a box of batteries, and a "spares carrier" (which is surprisingly cool; it holds six extra batteries and a spare lamp assembly).
So far, I've replaced the batteries on it twice so far (I use it almost-never-at-all, but when I use it... whoo! by God does it get the job done!). I'm considering giving my dad one for Christmas.
~GnSx
So far, I've replaced the batteries on it twice so far (I use it almost-never-at-all, but when I use it... whoo! by God does it get the job done!). I'm considering giving my dad one for Christmas.
~GnSx
Robert Hairless
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There's a SureFire trick worth knowing. Your finger doesn't have to press the momentary contact switch to operate it. When the tailcap is screwed to just the right position, hold the flashlight as you normally would use it, with your thumb comfortably against the lamp housing, and simply squeeze to turn it on and release the pressure to turn it off. As a bonus you keep a firmer grasp on the flashlight.
MaterDei
Member
What do you want the light for? If you're looking for something to use in home/self defense then go with the G2. If you're looking for more of a general purpose light then I would strongly suggest getting an L1. On a single $1 battery the L1 will give you 90 hours of very usable light (walking around the house at night, etc.) or 4 hours of regular 2D cell flashlight brightness.
I would be interested in knowing how Surefire responds to your email. Were you doing something odd that caused your old light to blow up? Here is their warranty statement.
Lamps will burn out and batteries will be used up.
Everything else is covered by our no-hassle guarantee:
If it breaks, we fix it.
I would be interested in knowing how Surefire responds to your email. Were you doing something odd that caused your old light to blow up? Here is their warranty statement.
Lamps will burn out and batteries will be used up.
Everything else is covered by our no-hassle guarantee:
If it breaks, we fix it.
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