How to spot fake surefire handhelds

[Jphaphol]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had a way to spot a fake surefire edcl1t. I've seen many post and threads about fake weaponlights but never one about handheld lights.

 

[bridgman]

Haven't seen discussion about edcl1t specifically but this thread about g2's might help:

How to tell a fake G2 from a real one?

There’s a lot of those chinese made knock off surefire g2’s on ebay and other places. They look pretty much like the real thing in an internet photo. Aside from not buying a G2 that ships from china are there any tips to tell a real one from a fake?

www.candlepowerforums.com

There are some good arguments that public discussions like this can make things worse by helping counterfeiters to improve their products, but I haven't thought of a better solution yet unfortunately other than being very careful about where you buy from.

 

[bykfixer]

Trouble is, once you have said fake in your possesion the faker has the money in hand and you have the fake. Buy it at eBay or Amazon and it's a roll of the dice.
To prevent buying a fake buy from authorized dealers like Bridgman said.

 

[s85sss]

just pay attention to the serial number, most of the fakes have the same one

 

[hamhanded]

I have seen plenty of fake weaponlights on the used market, likely targeting the airsoft crowd. I haven't come across any fake EDCLs, but that's not to say they aren't out there. If you have the time to study a real one, you might be able to spot a fake from the TIR lens.