Surefire vs. Coast

[MachIVshooter]

I was going to place this in the tactics forum, but there didn't seem to be a whole lot of traffic there. This is gun related in the context of CCW accessories.

While I don't really have any experience with Surefire lights, I use Coast LED flashlights everyday at work. The model I have is a single diode rechargeable about the size of the Surefire executive. While it lacks the ability to spot the way a Zeon light does, it is plenty bright to illuminate a very large area, such as an unfinished basement or a stockroom, in addition to being literally blinding at close range. The primary advantage I see to the LED lights is battery life; I average probably about a half hour of use per day, and this critter will easily go a month without recharging. I would estimate about 10-12 continuous hours of use on a single battery. Also, LED's last darn near forever. The coast lights use stainless steel and aluminum construction.

My daily load on my person is my wallet, a Kershaw Blackout knife, Gerber Scout plier, brass Zippo (I smoke), and my Witness Compact 10mm w/ one spare mag. The only light I currently carry is a MagLite Solitaire on my keyring. I will be adding a good flashlight to my daily attire, and I am leaning toward the Coast LED. If for no other reason, it is considerably less expensive than a Surefire (Coast rechargeable LED Lenser w/ charger and battery is $100).

I would like the input of anyone who has used both, or at least the pro's and con's of the Surefire's. Other light suggestions are welcome too.

 

[MachIVshooter]

Anyone?

I will also add that Coast advertises up to 80 hours on a full battery with their V2 4-1/2" lights.

 

[444]

I have a number of Surefires. Most cost less than $100. The one I carry every day at work was $29.
I only have one that is LED and it is also the only one that cost more than $100. I have an executive that I added an LED head and the whole package was expensive. My experience is about the same as yours: blinding close up, more than adequate light for most uses, extremly long battery life.
I can't compare it to any other light because Surefire is the only light I currently buy.

 

[cslinger]

You cannot go wrong with a Surefire.

If I was shopping for a serious light I would shop....
Surefire, Inova, Streamlight.

Chris

 

[GI Jane]

surefire is the way to go. I know they can get expensive but they are very durable and work very well. Hadn't had a problem with any of ours ever.

 

[hso]

This is an apples and oranges question because the surefire is a high intensity halogen that sucks up batteries like an eager kid in a milkshake slurping contest while the led coast sips battery power like you maiden aunt at tea. The lights are intended for 2 different thing.

If you get the G2 Surefire then you can stay well below $50 and have a light that you want to use sparingly for when you need lots of light. Add a Coast of your liking for everyday all-around illumination and you've covered both needs.

I've got a G2 and a Innova side by side in the vehicle.

 

[444]

You certainly can get many (most, all ?) Surefire lights in an LED version.

 

[RKirby]

Not knocking Surefire by any means, but for less than $50.00 ( I paid $39.00 ) you can get a Streamlight Twin Task and have the benefits of an LED and a xenon light in one package.

It uses the same xenon bulb and batteries as the Surefire and produces the same intense xenon beam when you need it and the battery saving LED mode when you don't.

When I bought mine I was looking for a Surefire but could not find one locally. I bought the Streamlight as a second choice until the Surefires were back in stock...I never went back for the Surefire.

 

[cslinger]

Just as a point of contention.

I have two Streamlight Twin Tasks and I love them for what they are but they are nowhere near as intense as a Surefire G2, Streamlight Strion, TL2, Scorpion etc's beam. They produce a very wide diffuse beam of light that is very useful but not very penetrating.

Once again I love my Twin Tasks, poor man's aviators but they are not blinding, penetrating bright. Here is a review of a TT2L vs. a Surefire A2.

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=83558

Here is a review of the Strion rechargeable as well if you are interested.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=84811

 

[riverdog]

I've got a Surefire G2 for times I need a really bright light and a UK4AAeLED for usable light using much cheaper and more common AA alkaline batteries -- great battery life. Interestingly, the G2 only got 4 stars, while the UK4AAeLED received 5.

 

[NMshooter]

I carry two flashlights.

A Surefire 6P and a Gerber Infinity task light.

I use whichever flashlight is most appropriate.

 

[Ala Dan]

Streamlight

The flashlights found in my home consist of Streamlight products;
as each of us (X4) has a Strion (5.3" X 13.5cm), and we have one
SL-20XP. Both are rechargeable flashlights, and serve our every need.

 

[DNA]

You may also wanna go out to your local "Target" store and check out the "Rock River" LED lights. They've got tight spots and have the ability to throw... granted, not as well as a good Xenons, but hey, they're under $30 and the batteries last a while due to the semiregulation.

Then again you may just want to stick with Streamlights. I've got the Stinger XT for work and it works well for my applications and is rechargeable to boot. The SL-20 is also good, although it's a bit larger than the Stinger, the SL is about the size of a 3D Mag.

Dan