SureFire vs. The World ???

[David]

I see that Surefire has many new direct competitors (for example: Streamlight Tactical models and the Pelican M6) being sold lower prices.

Can anyone say how these other "Surefire-like" flashlights compare the the real-deal Surefire?

I think my Surefires are great, but are a bit pricey, in my opinion.

Are these other brands a good choice to make instead of buying a genuine SureFire, or should I stick with my Surefires?



What are your opinions?

 

[BerettaNut92]

I don't like the beam put out by most of the other lights....but that's just me.

 

[hksw]

The biggest selling point, especially for hardcore flashaholics, is that there are no dips in intensity of the beam pattern of the Surefire across its diameter. This is due to the fact that the bulb and reflector are one piece and the reflector has been designed to be so uniform. The other less expensive but similar lights like the Scorpion have the reflector and bulb seperate. The problem with this is that the reflector is not optimized to cover any dull spots and so there is a 'blind spot' generally in the middle of the light beam.

There are benefits, though, with this design. You are able to focus the beam and since the bulb is seperate, all you have to buy if the bulb burns out is the bulb itself instead of the whole bulb/reflector assenbly. Much less expensive. The 'blindspot' of the focusable lights really aren't blindspots, just areas of lower intensity. You can still see what is in the center of the beam within the blindspot, it's just not as well lit up.

The Surefires are, IMO, generally of higher build quality. (I'm comparing my older 6Ps against Scorpions, haven't tried any of the newer offerrings from both companies.) You do pay for it though. I use a Scorpion most of the time at work where beam quality is not a big issue.

There are also oother differences like rubber vs. aluminum vs. plastic, types of switches used to turn them on, methods of attaching lanyards/clips, etc. These, IMO, are much more subjective than the beam (and cost) issue.

 

[jthuang]

In addition to my Surefires, I have a Streamlight UltraStinger. It does not compare well to my Surefires b/c the UltraStinger is a NiCd rechargeable light while all my Surefires are lithium powered.

I find the UltraStinger to be much better suited to impact weapon purposes than any Surefire I've handled. I know SF makes the baton-light but there are some places where a baton is frowned upon by the authorities, while a flashlight will not get even a passing glance.

The beam quality of the UltraStinger is not as good as the SF beam, but the difference is not that much.

Justin