How different they are? How powerful? What are the benefits/disadvantages of one over the other?<br><br>Matt

I have just bought my first surefire product, but have not received it yet, so my knowledge of these products is second hand. Surefire products are built like tanks, are high intensity and great for short periods of time, due to battery usage. I understand they are coming out with an LED soon. The Inova X-5 is a well-built LED flashlight. It is one of my EDC flashlights. I would suggest you go to http://www.candlepowerforums.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi for a complete comparison of flashlights. Pete

Paramedicpete: What SureFire did you order?<br><br>I have read MANY excellent reviews of the Inova X5 and X5-T. I will be a purchase in the near future for me.

I just won a SureFire M3 Millennium on EBAY. I hope it arrives in the day or so. Pete

That's going to make you a happy camper!<br><br>For those interested in the IX5, here's a link to a good pictorial.<br><br>http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/flashlights%20main/inova_x5_tactical.htm

The Inova and the Surefire are not really comparable. They are used for different purposes. You would use the Inova as a task light or for short-range illumination. The Inova still has value as a signaling device since it can still be seen from a mile or so away. The Surefire is really for longer range illumination and for use with firearms. Given their battery life, I would not use a Surefire as an emergency light, except in cases where I would already be carrying a firearm, or couldn't carry flares. <br><br>That said, a Surefire is great to have for walking alone at night. The "dazzle" effect is good for deterring and/or escaping from attackers. Their new hybrid light should be very interesting.