Which SureFire model to get? Some thoughts as I try to decide...

[emc]

Looking over some of the threads here, it seems that one of these lights would be a good addition, particularly for the car, and for the nightstand. BUT, which one makes sense? What I've decided so far is:

1. Getting one with the capability of going to 120 lumens seems to be a good feature. Much shorter battery life, but the advantages of much brighter light.

2. The aluminum bodied models should be a better bet if a blow had to be struck with the light, if it came down to that. I have nothing against the Nitrolon models, so if it is just as rugged, please advise. If so, then I could consider the G2Z.

Let me know if I'm really off-track. Using these features, I would think that the best models to choose from would then be the 6P, Z2 or C2. Unfortunately, I have no clue what the Surefire term Z-grip means. The Z2 and the C2 make mention of the double ring and single ring Z-grip. For use with a firearm, SureFire recommends the Z2 or the C2.

Anyhow, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,

emc

 

[TarpleyG]

Well take it from someone who has one of everything. This is what I think.

a) Streamlight Scorpion - Inexpensive, 60 lumens, but hard to carry in a pocket because of the rubber grip. ~$35.00

b) Surefire E1 HA - Great for pocket carry but only 30 lumens. I carry this when I can't use a belt carrier. ~$45.00

c) Surefire 6P - Awesome light but on the expensive side. 60 lumens out of the box and you can get the P61 lamp for 120 lumens, lots of accessories. ~60.00

d) Pelican M6 - About $20 less than the 6P but it is longer than the Surefire 6P. It has 120 lumens out of the box so no extra cost there. Problem is, the tailcap is about to fall off when you dial it out to lock out mode. I sent my first one back to Pelican and they sent another with the same problem. The quality is not what the Surefire's are. It will hang out in the safe from now on. ~40.00

One major flaw to all of them is that they have plastic lenses that scratch easily. I had heard someone mention Pyrex at one point and think it may be an option for the 6P. I'll check.

Best bet is Surefire. Any one will do based on what size you need and what you are using it for. The 6P is a nice universal compromise IMO.

GT

 

[Soap]

My favorite so far is the E2. There is a pocket clip and it is sized just right for carrying all the time. It can run for 1 hour with the standard bulb or 20 minutes with the 120 lumen one.

 

[BerettaNut92]

A2

 

[Soap]

Skunk- I thought the A2s were hard to find right now?

 

[BerettaNut92]

[gloat] Yep. [/gloat]

 

[Admiral Thrawn]

Well, for a compact light, I went with the SureFire Z2 CombatLight.

And for a larger more heavy duty light, I chose the SureFire M3 Millennium Combat.

Hey Skunk, I had a look at this 'elusive' A2 on the SureFire website;

mmm, looks tempting... (especially with its backup LED system - very cool.)

 

[VaughnT]

I just bought a 6P and couldn't be happier. When using it in conjuction with a pistol, I either use the Harries Technique or the Neck Index method. The Rogers Hold recommended for use with the Z2 just didn't feel very positive for me. Maybe I need some more practice.

Originally, I intended to get a G2Nitrolon but COHIBA didn't have any in stock. I definitely don't regret getting the 6P, though. This is one tough light and it would make a good impact tool or fistpak, especially with the TID from GG&G.

The one downside is the nitrolon model will be more comfortable to use in cold weather. I also believe that the knurling on the aluminum body doesn't offer as positive a grip as the texturing on the G2nitrolon.

Anyhow, I plan on buying another Surefire or two. These are great flashlights and I don't see how you can go wrong. Heck, that G2Nitrolon is only about $30!

 

[45R]

For your purposes any 6P variant will do.
G2
6Z
C2
Z2.

They are all good choices.


You wont regret buying Surefire. I have one for the car, bike, crisis bag and night stand. They are great flashlights. Buy lots of batteries though. You will need them the first month you have your light.


45R

 

[Gomez]

FWIW, I started carrying a 6P back in '91 or '92, switched to an M3 for duty and a Z3 for plain-clothes sometime in '99 or '00. Loved them all, but the real gem, the light that is always with me, nowadays is an E2e. When I first got the E2e, I thought "ain't it cute". But once I actually started carrying it, I realized how convenient it really was. It's large enough that it feels good in the hand without being so large that it requires some sort of carrier. It's thin diameter comes in very handy when I use it with a longgun, also, (an unexpected benefit).

Granted, it's "only" 60 lumens, but in my experience the mega-lumen lights (100+) are too bright for a lot of applications. I prefer something in the 60 - 90 lumen range for general defensive use.

If I were going to go with a standard diameter 6-series, I'd stick with the basic 6P or the plastic G2. Considering that G2s can be had for sub $30, they are a pretty sweet deal.

 

[Gordy Wesen]

I use the old Surefire 3P all the time for work.
The single battery (3v) output penetrates the darkest attic or crawl space but still allows me to read schematics with it. The 2 battery models obliterate writing and drawings by virtue of their stunning brilliance.


______________

"If high doses of B vitamins don't restore mental acuity, see a doctor."