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?