Surefire Aviator 2017 thread

[chainsolid]

I ' m looking for Aviator Model , I have E1D , How about beam shot between E1D and Aviator or Vampire

 

[winternight]

I bought 2 aviator flashlights. One amber and one red. The amber one has flickering problem and I sent it back to Surefire to fix the problem.

 

[RichardWad]

Did they make you verify where you purchased the light?

Who pays for shipping to their repair center? Thx

Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

 

[winternight]

Did they make you verify where you purchased the light?

Who pays for shipping to their repair center? Thx

Sent from my LG-H932 using Tapatalk

they don't wanna know where u bought it, but the serial number, they prepare an RMA with all your information and send it to u via email.
You have to pay the shipping from u to surefire, but they pay the shipping back.

 

[jarobi]

Thanks for posting the video, ICU812. Great job.

I received the amber version today. Really, really diggin' it. No flicker thus far, will update if any problems arise after the heavy use it'll get this weekend. Went with amber to see better while night fishing as presbyopia with red makes tying knots difficult. Hopefully insects will disregard the amber like they do porch lights in similar colors.

The amber low on mine ramps up slightly, the high ramps down ever so slightly. The low change is easily seen. High mode one really has to watch closely to perceive the slight change.
S/N is 4051, twist only mode change.

 

[jarobi]

FWIW, I change modes twisting the body, grasping just above the threads, while keeping the head stationary.

 

[jarobi]

Original started flickering on amber/low. The mode, color, and reason I bought it to begin with. Intended for long term use at night. Returned to the Mothership. They promptly replaced it. The replacement flickers on amber/low out of the box. S/N is 1,000+ higher than the original. Going to use it at work tonight to see it I can live with it, but what a bummer at this price point.

The usual kudos to SF's excellent customer service.

 

[CerLo]

Original started flickering on amber/low. The mode, color, and reason I bought it to begin with. Intended for long term use at night. Returned to the Mothership. They promptly replaced it. The replacement flickers on amber/low out of the box. S/N is 1,000+ higher than the original. Going to use it at work tonight to see it I can live with it, but what a bummer at this price point.

The usual kudos to SF's excellent customer service.

Original started flickering on amber/low. The mode, color, and reason I bought it to begin with. Intended for long term use at night. Returned to the Mothership. They promptly replaced it. The replacement flickers on amber/low out of the box. S/N is 1,000+ higher than the original. Going to use it at work tonight to see it I can live with it, but what a bummer at this price point.

The usual kudos to SF's excellent customer service.

Pretty disappointed by their customer service on this one. I had the same issue. Bought one with the pull and twist head. Sent it back and received the newer twist no pull head and still I am having the issue. Don't know how they could just give you a newer version along with a inspection card saying they've fixed the issue when they clearly haven't. Sounds like it's a common problem they're having with it and they're just cutting corners with no remorse.

 

[RWT1405]

Pretty disappointed by their customer service on this one. I had the same issue. Bought one with the pull and twist head. Sent it back and received the newer twist no pull head and still I am having the issue. Don't know how they could just give you a newer version along with a inspection card saying they've fixed the issue when they clearly haven't. Sounds like it's a common problem they're having with it and they're just cutting corners with no remorse.

I hate to say it, but I haven't purchased a new SureFire in many years, and can't imagine purchasing one any time soon (this thread reminded me why).

I purchased my first SF's in the mid 1990's (I believe 1995 or 1996, when I got 2 - 6P's and a 9P), and loved them at that time, and again after I was able to "upgrade" them with Malkoff's.

I still have the original 3 lights, and many, many more (E series, original Aviators in Red and Y/G, etc, etc) since, but these days I pretty much stay with Malkoffs and StreamLights.

I like to think I didn't leave SureFire, SureFire left me.

 

[jarobi]

I'd venture to say CS does the best they can given whatever production problems their product may exhibit. They're mass produced, after all.

 

[CerLo]

I hate to say it, but I haven't purchased a new SureFire in many years, and can't imagine purchasing one any time soon (this thread reminded me why).

I purchased my first SF's in the mid 1990's (I believe 1995 or 1996, when I got 2 - 6P's and a 9P), and loved them at that time, and again after I was able to "upgrade" them with Malkoff's.

I still have the original 3 lights, and many, many more (E series, original Aviators in Red and Y/G, etc, etc) since, but these days I pretty much stay with Malkoffs and StreamLights.

I like to think I didn't leave SureFire, SureFire left me.

I'd like to say I'm leaving but the pros of their lights outweigh the cons. Quality is there. Quality control for the most part is too. The customer service is usually prompt and very helpful. I'll stay interested. I have my couple e series that are malkoff upgraded so really no need for any of there new stuff for the foreseeable future. Custom makers is where it's at IMO. The money spent just for a quality malkoff head makes you see the value in surefires products....most products.

 

[RWT1405]

I'd like to say I'm leaving but the pros of their lights outweigh the cons. Quality is there. Quality control for the most part is too. The customer service is usually prompt and very helpful. I'll stay interested. I have my couple e series that are malkoff upgraded so really no need for any of there new stuff for the foreseeable future. Customer makers is where it's at IMO. The money spent just for a quality malkoff head makes you see the value in surefires products....most products.

I wish I could agree with you, however in my opinion, and seems to be also many I work with (I'm a 35 year career Paramedic, a TEMS Medic, and Fire Fighter), that SureFire is not what it once was.

There are far too many flashlights out there these days, that provide as good as, if not better then Surefire, and at much better prices.

I am all for everyone buying what they please, but for what SureFire provides these days, and charges, I certainly have no time or money for them, and I've been using them (SureFire) since the mid 1990's.

YMMV

 

[CerLo]

I wish I could agree with you, however in my opinion, and seems to be also many I work with (I'm a 35 year career Paramedic, a TEMS Medic, and Fire Fighter), that SureFire is not what it once was.

There are far too many flashlights out there these days, that provide as good as, if not better then Surefire, and at much better prices.

I am all for everyone buying what they please, but for what SureFire provides these days, and charges, I certainly have no time or money for them, and I've been using them (SureFire) since the mid 1990's.

YMMV

It's great to hear from someone with as much experience as yourself. I guess that's the big debate these days when it comes to the argument of "Is it worth it". I got 8 years in while with DOC and used the Chinese Led's at the start of their Big Bang. I had one fail me, luckily not in a hairy situation, while on my post (Thrunite). Another while cleaning it (Olight). I also had a great experience with the first XT11 Klarus when it first came out. All in all, I try and stick with the American manufacturers when using for my job. Simply for the quality. I hear a lot about what Surefire use to be. It's a shame that there has to be that tiny bit of doubt when purchasing such a iconic name. The playing ground seems to be evening out these days. I'll still pay that extra for the higher quality.

 

[RWT1405]

It's great to hear from someone with as much experience as yourself. I guess that's the big debate these days when it comes to the argument of "Is it worth it". I got 8 years in while with DOC and used the Chinese Led's at the start of their Big Bang. I had one fail me, luckily not in a hairy situation, while on my post (Thrunite). Another while cleaning it (Olight). I also had a great experience with the first XT11 Klarus when it first came out. All in all, I try and stick with the American manufacturers when using for my job. Simply for the quality. I hear a lot about what Surefire use to be. It's a shame that there has to be that tiny bit of doubt when purchasing such a iconic name. The playing ground seems to be evening out these days. I'll still pay that extra for the higher quality.

"I hear a lot about what Surefire use to be. It's a shame that there has to be that tiny bit of doubt when purchasing such a iconic name. The playing ground seems to be evening out these days. I'll still pay that extra for the higher quality."

I do agree with all of this, and it is a shame that Surefire has allowed this to happen..


For me, Surefire began to lose "credibility" when they introduced the P60L, which was a complete and utter joke and what "drove" me (and I believe many others) to Malkoff.

I've always been a fan of Streamlight, even long before I knew (my first Streamlight was in 1985) SureFire existed, and their offerings, along with Malkoff's give me all I need these days, and I don't think I'm alone on that.

I do certainly hope that SureFire can someday "earn" my loyalty back, but I really have my doubts.




​

 

[RWT1405]

Ok, I'm here to eat some crow.

I don't know how I missed it (yes, I had been away from here for 2-3 years, but no excuse), but somehow I missed SureFire coming out with the EDCL2-T.

I see many here are calling what I always knew as the SF 2-stage switch/tailcap (such as on my old beloved L2's and L1's) a "gas pedal" (when exactly did they start calling it that?) switch, and perhaps that is how I missed it.

One of my biggest problems with SF had been their doing away with the 2-stage, sorry "gas pedal" switch/tailcap.

Please excuse me, it will take me awhile to get used to calling the 2-stage switch/tailcap, the "gas pedal".

So anyway, when I realized this last night, I ordered an EDCL2-T, and I'm here to admit I was wrong.

 

[CerLo]

I guess you have been away for a while. They've, in recent years, used it on the Eb2 also(EDCL2's predecessor). I'll be getting this light in the mail from Surefire soon by default! That weird story's for another thread.

 

[Jose Marin]

Got one a week ago and so far not to bad. This particular copy is the pull out and twist version, not sure if it that was the original version or not. Im not to crazy of the beam pattern, it seems like the tir isnt focused the best it can be. Has a nice hot spot but has a faint hotter spot in the center kind of like the elzetta avs if anyone has one. Put a stick on diffuser tp smooth out the beam and a malkoff tri cap for easier operation.

Anyone know of a place where i can get a selection of clear diffuser film that ia sticky on one side? I like the kind i have from skylumen but want something that diffues a little less

 

[jarobi]

@Jose Marin
YHPM

 

[michaex]

Allow me to dig this one up.

Has anyone attempted a runtime graph on white with Aviator?

If not, could I ask for a mA measurement with a fresh cr123 please?

I'm considering trying one out

 

[bykfixer]

Here's what SureFire says

Aviator | Dual-Output Multi-Spectrum LED Flashlight | SureFire

A classic SureFire design, the dual-output Aviator tactical heavy-duty flashlight features a primary white LED and secondary colored LED in one sealed head, both focused into a useful beam with ample reach and surround light by our proprietary Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens.

www.surefire.com