I am thinking of purchasing a Surefire Model 6P and wanted to get some opinions. Is this line of flashlights overrated? or are they worth the money?

That's really a tough question given the amount of information we have. Can you give us any more info on what you are wanting it for?

A SureFire can save your life!

Be warned: once you buy a SureFire you will end up with several of them. They make all normal flashlights look like toys. Borrow someone?s SureFire and take it home. Then at night collect all your best flashlights. I tried a 3D cell MagLight, a 6 volt lantern battery flashlight, and other flashlights. There is just no comparison. The SureFire has a pure white light that will blind an attacker or light up a hiking trail about as far as you want to look. They are also great for working on a car. Shine the light in there to look at the belts or oil leaks etc.

I suggest you buy a SureFire G2 first.

My family has: G2, C2, and two E2e. I'm thinking of getting a yellow G2 for my PSK/CamelBack.

<img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I love my surefires, they are great lights for EDC. Tough, durable, bright, ect. However, if you are looking for a light for your BOB or your pack for outdoors go with something that uses AA's. Now, if you are going to buy a Surefire personal light for EDC go with one of the LED models, that way there are no bulbs to burn out, and no need to carry spares. Then you only have to worry about feeding it batteries (which are expensive if you buy them in retail stores and sometimes hard to find in other countries or out-of-the-way places). LEDs also have better battery life. I recommend the L2, L4, and E1L. If you are dead set on an incandescant go with the A2, that way you atleast still have some light if the bulb burns out.

Also, check out the new Blackhawk Gladius light, many people that have one like that over similer surefires right now.

I have to disagree on the G2 over the 6p. I own 3 surefires and have played with several more and I think that the g2 is over-rated. I bought one for my wifes purse and won't buy another. The 6p works out to roughly 10$ more than a g2 by the time you figure in shipping. A lot of online retailers will ship surefire lights free, except the g2.

While the Nitrolon in the G2 is supposed to be super tough, I think it feels cheap, and to me it's worth it to have a product that feels nicer, looks nice, and is made in the US instead of overseas. The G2 is the only light that surefire makes (to my knowlege) that is made overseas.

The LED models cost a lot more money and do not offer commensurate utility. I have used my SureFires "often" for over a year and the bulbs have not burned out. Carry a spare bulb in your PSK. The incandescent light is brighter and more focused (more reach/distance). If someone gave me an LED model I would be happy with it but I would spend the extra money to buy one.

<img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

This is what I EDC.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_q-3.htm

I also carry 2 spare batteries. I have had it several months and think its great. I don't have any surefires but I really don't use a flashlight THAT much to warrant the expense. This way you get the high-output LED, without the cost of the Surefire.


Marc

I love the feel of my G2!

I did not know they were made outside the US. I want a new yellow one with the locking tail-cap. The G2 works great for the SureFire/Roger's pistol shooting hold! I like to keep my top finger along the side of the flashlight to keep it from touching my trigger finger when I shoot.

My C2 and E2e have the hard finish. I suspect that if you get the black 6P the finish will wear off over time.

Yea, but when it does burn out you are stuck in the dark. That happened to me twice, once at a bad time, but never will again. If it is an EDC light chances are most people wont be carrying a spare bulb on their person.

The incandescent light isn't always brighter and more focused, if you think so you haven't seen an L2, E1L, or Gladius. The price difference isn't that bad either when you think in the long run. An L2 (2 battery) is $165 directly from Surefire, the C3 which has basically the same lumens, run time, and size is $135 (but it uses 3 batteries). I would pay the extra $30 for a flashlight that I never have to worry about it burning out. In fact if you bought a spare bulb and the extra battery they would cost the same.

Marc,

I don't sell or have stock in SureFire but you have to try a 60+ lumen SureFire. Borrow someone's SureFire (like the G2) and try it at home in a dark room and outside. Shine the light on a far tree. The tree will go from dark to bright green, if it is a green tree. They really are that good! I had a friend that bought a knock-off. He thought it was bright. He showed it to me and I pulled out my C2 and shinned them both at a far wall at the same time. The SureFire was much brighter and whiter. SureFire is the real deal! A G2 for $35 is well worth the price!

If you want a 6 volt incandescent and don't want to pay for an A2, there's also the Streamlight TL2, basically similar to 6P but smaller, and it has a spare bulb tucked in the head assembly. The 6P is a classic though.

The Nuwai Q3 is sort of a poor man's E1/KL1, no momentary switch, and about half as bright as an E2 or 6P or L4. But it's an excellent value.

The real bummer is not the bulb, it is that when the batteries die; it's lights out. You get a little dimming of the light and the next time you turn it on, nothing! I carry a CMG Infinity Ultra (AA LED) in my pocket for everyday normal lighting. The SureFire is my defensive and special use light.

Yea, the only incan that doesn't have that problem is the A2 since it is regulated (it kicks down a notch to let you know to change the batteries). That is another thing you don't have to worry about with LEDs, they just get slowly dimmer.

The model 6P is the first surefire I've purchased (and only, for the time being). It's a little bulky, compared to some of their other models like E2E, but will still fit into a pocket. I like to put it in the leg pocket of carpenter pants.

Shortly after I purchased the 6P, I bought a brinkmann maxfire from walmart for $19.99, because a bunch of people online (glocktalk, etc) were raving about them. Except for the cheaper construction/plastic body, it seems to be neck and neck with the Surefire 6P and G2. It's just as bright as the stock surefire bulb, same focus free spot, and similar size.

I still want a Surefire E2E eventually for personal use... but for things to put in the car and so forth, a Brinkmann Maxfire works just fine. I don't regret buying the 6P though <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I like the E1E, but the price is just outrageous...

Personally I feel that the same job can be accomplished with a streamlite poly or UK 4aa just as effective. AND CHEAPER! However It all depends on what you will use the light for.

I've got a 6P and a G2. I think the difference is aethetics; maybe the aluminum body is tougher, but in the real world I don't know how you'd tell.

Because of limited battery and module life, I also carry a Inova X-0 in my FatBoy. Very nearly the same output. I also use an Inova X-5 for EDC. The quality of the light of the LEDs takes some getting used to.

I am wondering the same thing. I haven't purchased a Surefire light yet, but I am considering getting a C3. It matches my needs perfectly, except for short battery life. I seriously favor brighter light, but not at the expense of what I read on Surefire's site about 20-60 minutes output from a 3 $1.30 batteries. Anyone have any suggestions?

There's a guy called AW on candlepower forums who's selling protected 17500-size lithium ion cells (3.6-4.2 volts) for around $10 each. Two of them will substitute for three CR123 and should fit in the C3. Runtime will be ever so slightly less than the 123's, but you can recharge them. Brightness will be about the same despite the nominally lower voltage, because of less voltage sag.

The Surefires are about the same size as an AA Maglight and are beyond bright. They will light up any room/path whatever. It’s like using a car headlight. The special batteries last about an hour. If you get them on-line they are about $1 each. If you would like more light, Surefire offers an upgraded bulb assembly (with about half the run time).

However, the Surefires get hot, very hot. The light will get hot enough to burn things so be careful.

I’d get a 6P before I bought another G2. The plastic is fine, but aluminum is better and I think the 6P has a lock-out tail cap and a Pyrex glass lens. The new G2s come with a lock-out tail cap (I think) but I only have several of the old models. Without a lock-out tail cap, I don't store batteries in my G2s.

Other lights:
An AA Maglight with a Night-Eyz LED replacement kit is pretty good. Plus it will run on standard AAs.
Nuwai Q3s are very nice and use a LED
Inova makes some excellent LED lights.
Streamlights are good. The 4AA LED ones are also waterproof.
CountyComm has little LED lights for $1 each. I have them scattered all over.

Yes, I live in a place with frequent power outages. Plus I like gadgets.

I was actually thinking about a L1 Lumamax. The price being the biggest drawback for me. But I like the fact that it has LED and runs on one battery. It claims to have incredible run time too. Anyone out there have one so they can share opinions?

By the way, don't buy lights directly from surefire, dealer prices are quite a bit cheaper. Usually around $10-$20 cheaper, so look around.

Ors, the L1 is a nice light, pretty large for a 1 cell light and maybe not so up to date any more. Depends what you want it for. Personally if I wanted a high end 1 cell 2 stage LED light I'd skip the L1 and get a McLux III PD which is a semi-custom light and just beautiful, though somewhat more expensive than an L1 ($200 to $250 depending on setup). That's still somewhat less than the lowest priced Sebenzas, to put it in context. In pure functional terms it works out about the same way: the PD is a just a flashlight and a Sebenza is just a pocket knife, and you can find alternatives that do the same job about as well for a tenth of the cost, just without the "ooh" factor. If you're a flashlight or knife buff, the PD and Sebenza are both exquisite and worth every cent.

If you're not into being a connoisseur and you just want a nice bright LED light of this general form factor, try a Nuwai Q3 at around $30. It's 1-level but there are 2-level mods for it over on CPF.

I have a number of Surefire; flashlights are an addiction to me. My everyday carry light is an A2, soon to be replaced by a L2, and I love it. The size is perfect, only when I put my hand in my pocket do I notice it is there.

I carried a 6P for years until I replaced it with a Z2 (Christmas present), later an E2E and finally my current A2. The 6P is a great light; very durable and reliable. Mine still sits at my bed side with the brighter bulb (P61) for emergencies. For those of you that are wondering, I own 6 surefire lights.

Now, Surefire lights are a great investment, however the aren’t for everyone. There are a number of lights on the market that work very well that aren’t quite as expensive, or use less expensive batteries. Some of them have been listed in this thread.

One that I like is the Pelican Stealthlight – 4AA light is pretty bright and very tough, one of these has resided in my turnout jacket pocket for years and has held up remarkably well. A few members of my crew have them attached to their helmets without issue. The Recoil 2410 is the LED version and just as reliable but a little brighter and longer running. I have replaced my G2 in my truck kit with one of these because of the AA batteries. These are a little big for an everyday carry light; however I did see someone with one on his belt today.

There are many lights out there today, most are pretty good. If you’re looking for an everyday carry light, and can afford it go with one of the Surefire personal carry size lights, the E2E sells for under $100 and the L2 is the most remarkable LED light I have found.

Some good points on this post. I have been on the never ending quest for a reasomable, reliable, long running, flashlight that i can depend on, and i think i have found it. I purchased a Dorcy Metal Led (1watt) from Walmart the other day (to beat all places) and it is one of the best flash lights i have used in a while. I've seen all the usual brands, with all their bells and whistles, and This one ranks pretty good in my book. Its a 1watt Led light, soild metal body (aluminum), very rugged build. It runs off 3 AAA batteries, and has a spot beam. The Beam projects around 100ft before dispersing. Run time so far(and i have ran the heck out of it on purpose) ...well im at least 30 hours roughly and still very bright ( note i am using just regular akalines too). Its seems to be sealed fairly well...i took my chances and dunked it a few times just to see. For the quality bulid, size, output, and compared to mags and your average LED light-its hard to beat. To sum it up it was under $20 bucks..........i know your thinking Dorcy? $20 ? Cheap right?..............judge for yourself..........if nothing I'm VERY impressed for the quaility/price!!

..unless it broke, how can one say the G2 is not fine?....If it works, is bright, & is lightweight, what's the problem? <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Here is my thoughts on Surefire...

Are they overpriced??? That depends. Is a Mercedes or BMW overpriced compared to a Chevy?

That is the essence of the argument. Surefire lights are top-notch, but at a top-notch price. You can certainly find lights that perform almost as well for a lot less. But if you want that little extra bit of style, performance, and reliability, then you have to drop big coin for a Surefire.

You just have to ask yourself: are you a BMW guy, or a Chevy guy...

Just my $0.02

**EDIT**
Disclaimer: I am a Chevy guy. If I had over $100 to drop on gear, there are things that I can use worse than a Surefire. I already have an Arc LS-L, Arc AAA, PT Attitude, Twintask 2L, PT Blast, Tigerlight, Hummer Shake Light, and a few others...

I learned that the hard way when I bought my first Emerson knife. Directly from the manufacturer...paid way too much. Then realized after my second Emerson that I wasn't all that happy with them in general.

Point being, I rarely buy direct from the manufacturer anymore. But isn't funny when you find a dealer charging MORE than the manufacturer? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

BMW vs. Chevy? I'm perverse, I suppose. I'm a Land Rover guy. They don't call em 'Strange Rovers" for nothin.

I have 2 G2's and 1 6P.
I love them both! I use the G2 regularly and the 6p is my backup. I know the 6p will outlive the G2s simply because of its construction. Don't get me wrong the G2s will last years and years but overall I think the 6p could last a lifetime!

Both are great!

Want a two stage 3 watt LED flashlight ? see this Nuwai light for instance ...

> I was actually thinking about a L1 Lumamax.

I have one. I hate it.

I researched it before buying and probably came to the same conclusion as you. LED with two levels, one for bright and one for battery life, seemed ideal. The problem is that it has a narrow beam with no spill. If you are walking down a forest path at night, the low beam gives a faint spot of light which is useless for anything. The high beam gives a brighter spot that blinds you to anything outside of it. The spot is less than a foot across, so you can't see ahead to where you're going at the same time as seeing what you're feet are actually walking on.

The L1 does have good throw - that is, the ability to illuminate at a distance. The low beam isn't bright enough for that, but over distance the high beam spreads out a bit and can light up a reasonable - though still smallish - area. But by "good throw" I really mean good for an LED. Incandescents generally beat LEDs for throw. I dug my old cheapish incandescent torch out of my car, and it has better throw and also a more useable spill. I suspect you need to spend a lot of money to get an LED that can compete (I keep looking longingly at the SF U2). And even then you'll get more glare from fog or mist.

Frankly, if I am going for a walk at night I'd rather take a tiny Photon Freedom keyring light than the L1.

I am told that the fix is to buy a beamshaper, which spreads the spot of light around a bit. I've not been able to source one. Surefire want another $30 for shipping a $12 part, and no dealers seem to have them in stock (including Lighthound). Also I am concerned it will seem like an engineering bodge. Extra weight and length on a torch which is already big compared to other single-cell lights.

The build quality of the L1 is good, and it's not put me off Surefire, but I can't recommend it, especially not without the beamshaper. And it's not cheap.

Currently I carry an Orb Raw for casual use - it's not a survival light by any means, but it's much smaller, much brighter and has much a better beam than the L1. I carry a Photon Freedom as backup - this is the light I actually trust. I have a Zipka+ headlamp which I also trust - a hands-free light is really useful if have to work in the dark, and its batteries last over 100 hours. Those three together probably cost less than the L1.

I notice Doug Ritter mentions an L1 in his waist pack. Be aware that Surefire changed the design of the L1. Earlier models are apparently less bright but with a better beam shape. I suspect the people who like the L1 either have one of those, or else have the beamshaper; I don't know if Doug would agree.

I have an early Surefire G2, and I like it. A lot. And I'm not a flashlight geek, as many here will certify. I find that even with the lower intensity bulb, it makes a fine replacement for my old, heavy, big Mags in every capacity except for, uhm, diplomacy.

I don't mind the synthetic construction. It is thick and tough, it reminds me a lot of what goes into pistol frames these days. Tough enough for me. And, since the color goes all the way through, even if it gets scuffed or scored, it won't show through, and a few seconds with a small blade or nail file will probably take care of the rough spot.

The bulbs, though are pricey. Almost the cost of a new G2, actually. That is the big downside to it, and half the reason why I have a Streamlight Twintask 1L on my belt EDC. I like it, but I wish they had a lock out function on the side power switch- found it had been turned on accidently somehow, and the battery was dead. but I always cycle it so that if that happens, it goes into the LED mode, and it is easy enough to prevent just by making sure that the switch is facing in or towards the leatherman that lives in the other half of the pouch.

I am also a fan of the Petzl Zipka+ headlamp. I have one in the Petzl pouch wrapped around the shoulder strap of my PSK/BOB/CamelBack. You can put the cord around the pouch flaps and mount the light on the pouch sideways. When it is hot out and you are wearing a hat is can be a bother to keep positioning the light back on your hat after you take it off to wipe off sweat. I love the different intensity levels and the blink mode. I have been on a night hike with it. It has good spread for seeing the trail around you and enough reach to see as far in front of you as you normally look. We got separated from our group and I had to use my SureFire to look down the trails at an intersection to see which way we to go.

My general purpose/EDC light is my CMG Infinity Ultra (AA LED). It has a clip. I can clip it to the bill of my hat and use it as a headlamp. It is an AA LED so it is not anything like a SureFire. One AA battery will last at least 25 hours, at full brightness, with many more hours of diminished light.

I also have a Photon I red and a Photon I ultra violet light on my key ring. The ultra violet is fun to use when looking for scorpions. The red is good for a quick look at night so you don’t lose your night vision.

I admit it: I carry 4 lights on me for EDC and the Zipka+ and a Photon III white are in my PSK. I keep the Photon III white in my first-aid kit. Plus my PSK has an extra SureFire bulb and batteries for all the lights.

Gen. 1:3-4 “And God said, Let there be light and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good…”

This is the wrong tread but here is a couple of interesting signaling ideas:

If you want to signal at night to airplanes or a distant location try pointing your SureFire at the airplane or horizon. Give them 3 good flashes and then rotate your body and give another 3 flashes, etc. The SureFire will reach farther than a D cell strobe light. Another way to signal at night is with your ferro rod. Face in the direction you want to signal. Make 3 good sparks and turn your body some and make 3 more big flashes, etc. It works like a strobe light. Get someone to observe at a distance of several hundred yards and give it a try. Try out different whistles while you are at it. You will find that the Storm whistle is significantly louder than any other whistle. Get one for each family member: $4.88 at Wal-Mart.

I switched to Surfire because I needed a small reliable light on my belt for work.
I started with the E1e Executive light, and it was fantastic. I then found an E1e withthe KL1 LED and that is even better.
Both lights are brighter and have better beams than my 3 cell Maglights.
I would buy a LED model because of battery life and it is more robust than a fillerment globe.
I also use my old Mini Maglight belt holster. With the E1e's you can keep a spare battery and the light in the pouch.

Keep in mind there are two models of the SF L1. The older version had a wide floodish beam. The new version is much more narrow. Personally I think the old version is much better.

As stated, the SF F04 beamshaper can make pretty much any light with a 1" bezel into a flood.

In general, I love my (old style) SF L1. However, today, I think the HDS EDC lights offer everything the L1 does and lots more in a similar price range.

Consider when you look at the HDS EDC options that the L1 on high is rated at 22 lumens. If you look at the EDC options, that means a HDS EDC Basic 42 is the closest to apples to apples.

But the Basic 42 is the bottom of the HDS product line and current options go all up to 85 lumens with lots more flexibility.

review

There is also the lens kit for the EDC. If you get this option, you can choose between a lexan lens, a glass lens, and attach a mild diffuser to get the beam the way you want. This, and you can also use the SF F04 diffuser (it fits perfectly) if you want mega flood.

-john

Edit: Here are some photos of the HDS EDC compared to the SF L1 and the SF E2e. Keep in mind that the U85 pictured is about as bright as the E2e but can be set to 20 levels of light as well as SOS, strobe modes, etc. The rubber "armor" in the picture are SF F05 filters with the lens pushed out. I probably won't carry it that way, but was just seeing if it would work. pics

Edit2: This thread at CPF has links to most of the HDS EDC threads on CPF.

WOW! Thanks for all of the feedback. I was expecting about a 50/50 reponse for the Surefire, but most of you really have great things to say. I will more than likely go ahead with the 6P (I prefer the aluminium body). I will let you know what my thoughts are after I try it out.

Thanks everyone!

I will add my recomendation of the Petzl Headlamps. I have a few of them none have ever let me down. My favorites are my Tactikka Plus and the MYO 5... The MYO 5 is the best headlamp I have ever had; the combination of a 5 LED light for close in work by and a Halogen spot/flood for distance lighting. Petzl has always made exceptional equipment, their LED headlamps are no exception.

Left to right: SureFire L2, A2, L1 and E2 defender.

I have 4 Sure-Fires. I have a E2 defender which has an incandescant bulb. It has the crenulated (sp) bezel for use as an impact weapon. I dont care for it as the bezel hurts me when I carry in pocket. I keep it clipped to my truck visor. The A2 Aviator has an incandescant bulb and 3 red leds. It was my favorite light until I got my L1. The A2 is nice but I would recommend the white/white led. I love my L1, I carry it daily and use it daily. Has 2 outputs, high/low. On low it will run a very, very long time. It only takes 1 battery that I have yet to replace in 6 months. I bought the L2 thinking bigger = better. Wrong. It puts out about as much light as far as my L1, only a wider circle. I highly recommend the L1/A2. Working in EMS for almost 12 years and being a gear queer, I have owned many Mag-Lights, Streamlights and Surefires. My top picks are the L1 and the Streamlight Stylus leds.

Camping section?

Ors,

The Storm whistle is in the boating section. While you are there look in the sporting goods area and pick up a copy of "The Pocket Survival Guide" by J. Wayne Fears. It is about $5.00. You can't miss it. It is bright orange and is 4.5" x 6.5". Keep it in a quart size Ziploc bag.

i too, use a nuwai Q 3 as EDC, relative cheap and good performence, i don't mind the cheaper axonized finsih. I also load them up with rechargble's to save cash. But carry a space normal lithium aswell.

see: http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=213

I actually have that book. I got it in late summer. Some of the ideas were really good, but some of them seemed a little off to me. I guess it's because I'm learning what else is out there for equipment. Maybe I'm becoming a gear snob, but...

Thanks for the tip...I'd have been looking all over!

As a flashlight nut I bought into many brands before buying surefire. Why? I always thought that surfire is overpriced, snobish company that wont compromise for the customer in terms of price. Also battery life on some of their light was sort of a joke. I bought into Inova lights, Arc lights and Pelican lights. By now I still have my other lights that I distributed among my BOB and my car but my primary EDC is Surefire E1L, my job lights are L2 and M3. They are worth every penny and if you shop around on candlepowerforums you can get them cheaper that MSRP. Surefire offers you great warranty, are made very strongly and reliable. Battery life? Yes it is a problem BUT that goes for all the strong lights. I have M3 with 20 min lapm assembly installed and I've been using it for a month and still haven't changed the batteries. Up to today I broke 2 invoas, have deffective Pelican M6 and send in my old ARC for repair but Surfires are as good as new.