Upgrades for my old Sure-Fire 9z

[lem66]

I have an old Sure-Fire 9z that I'm debating on upgrading or replacing. I've searched around on here and found some info, but it is all 5 to 9 years old. I would like to replace the bulb with some kind of LED, get some rechargeable batteries for it and possibly a keymod mount if this is possible and cost effective. It still looks like brand new, purchased sometime in the early to mid 90's. I am not at all familiar with LED lighting so I'm not sure about lumen ratings, colors or voltages so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

 

[peter yetman]

I assume that you've done a search on CPF for surefire 9z.
It looks like it takes standard P90 dropins, so you can use standard sized P60/P90 Led dropins. Work out the voltage that you are going to use - 3 x CR123 primaries = 9v, or you may want to use rechargeables 2 x 17500 / 16500 = 7.4v. 3 x RCR123 = 11.1v.
Have a look at Malkoff P90 type drop ins. Check the voltage requirements and go...
For less money look at Solarforce drop ins.
There's lots of other stuff on Illumn.com check it out.
P

 

[Kestrel]

:welcome:
The older Z's are quite dear to my heart, so I'd most certainly recommend upgrading such a classic. :thumbsup:

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With rechargeable cells, your best bet IMO are a pair of AW 17500 LiIions.

In theory these bodies can be bored out slightly to accept 18mm cells (i.e. 2x 18500), but for the cost and inconvenience I don't really think that the modest increase in runtime is worth it for these longer (i.e.non-18650) bodies.
I have an 18mm-bored similarly-configured older SureFire C3 (a semi-collectible 3-flats) which I now regret having had done; it would be just as happy unbored with 17mm LiIons these days.

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I will leave it to others here for dropin recommendations but my first two thoughts are the Oveready Triples or the Malkoff M91's, as these units are a near-perfect match for the higher voltages from 2x LiIion (or even reasonable compatibility with 3x CR123 lithium primaries for backup).

Most of the lower-end high-output LED modules are designed for single LiIon cells only - which aren't appropriate for these longer "3-cell" SF bodies.

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Edit: Since you mention that your 9Z still looks to be brand-new, you might want to keep in mind that these are collectible lights now.
There are of course very durable but their values have increased substantially and if it was me I would handle it somewhat carefully during use.

 

[Timothybil]

Lumens Factory sells some nice D26 (P60/P90 are D26 drop ins) drop in LED lamp assemblies. You can get them in Neutral White or 90+ CRI, and either single mode or triple mode (5%/30%/100%) that will work with any of the cell combinations Kestrel mentioned. Best of all, they are under $30 USD. I have two, one in my original G2, and one in my 6P. If you want to stay old school, they also have some 12v incan lamps that would work with the three RCR123 cells.

 

[archimedes]

Malkoff, for sure.

@Kestrel , I'm a bit shocked to hear your change of opinion on the boring issue, my friend

I agree that a vintage 9Z in nice condition is an uncommon and collectible treasure.

I would certainly keep it stock, but upgrade the dropin, if you plan to continue to (carefully) use it ...

EDIT - Although getting increasingly difficult to find, the M60LL is a fantastic choice for this size tube, with great flexibility in terms of power options.

 

[lem66]

Wow, thanks guys. A lot of information here to sort through. I didn't realize these were collector items. Am I better off selling it to one of you collector guys and replacing it with something that won't make me cry when it gets banged up? Here is a picture of what it looks like and the accessories I bought with it. I had forgotten I bought a spare bulb for it, still sealed in the package. What I am after here is a rail mounted weapon light that can be on momentarily or turned on and left on. Here is a picture of the 9z

 

[Grizzman]

Malkoff's and classic Surefires make great partners.

I also wouldn't bore it, considering the modest increase in mAh from 18500s over 17500s.

 

[Kestrel]

That is a beautiful 9Z. In your shoes I'd buy a 'user' and keep the collectible 9Z in its current condition.

Or, using the proceeds from its sale, a different SureFire host and a Malkoff M91 LED dropin.
(Just please keep in mind, no selling in the discussion forums, thanks.)

 

[lem66]

Wow, this is a lot of information. I am currently reading about the M91 option. A bit pricey but I want to consider all options. How concerned do I need to be about the lumen rating? The Malkoff M91b has a rating of 700 continuous. And thanks again for all the information, I really appreciate it.

 

[Kestrel]

While there are many other LED options, the Malkoffs are the only modules (that I'm certain of) that are weapon-light-rated, since you mention an interest in that aspect.
And the M91's are my favorite Malkoff units for a number of reasons.
As you say, much to learn on these topics, lol.

 

[bykfixer]

X3 (or however many previous +1) on the Malkoff.

And don't bore that ole jewel. Leave it stock ID and get ya some protected rcr's.
Just my 2¢…

If you want a rail mount you may consider passing this one to a collector and buy a Malkoff turnkey MD2, as it arrives already sized for an 18650.

 

[SG688]

I carry my 9Z every day at work. [And I am very careful with it.] I don't think I could find anything newer that I'd like more.

Currently running a Sportac.

 

[RWT1405]

Malkoff

 

[socom1970]

Another vote for Malkoff drop-ins.

I have some 6p, 9p, Z2, Z3 bored bodies, but I would leave the 9Z alone. Get 2 of the AW 17500 protected Li-Ion rechargeables, at least 2 spare 17500's, and a Malkoff M61 drop-in module (great output) or M91 drop-in module (really great output) and a good Li-Ion multi-cell charger. Then have fun!

 

[lem66]

Are the M91's not available anymore? I can find M61s available but no M91's?

 

[socom1970]

Are the M91's not available anymore? I can find M61s available but no M91's?

They're listed in the P90 upgrades area of the products section on MalkoffDevices.com

http://malkoffdevices.com/collections/all/p90-type-led-upgrades

 

[lem66]

They're listed in the P90 upgrades area of the products section on MalkoffDevices.com

http://malkoffdevices.com/collections/all/p90-type-led-upgrades

Thanks socom, Just an update on what Im doing so far. I have decided to upgrade my 9z, but I'm going to keep it for home use and retain the old parts that it could be put back together as factory original. I'm looking at other weapon mounted lights such as the Malkoff MD2 and some others. You don;t realize how much there is to a flashlight until you get into reading and learning all the different parts and choices that are available for them. Still reading, still trying to figure out what exactly I want, but I definately know just a little more than I did a week ago. Thanks for all that replied offering advice and suggestions.

 

[bykfixer]

Are the M91's not available anymore? I can find M61s available but no M91's?

When you get to 'parts selection' click "all" to see the M90's

 

[swampgator]

http://www.lawmens.com/ in Columbia SC has police trade in Z2s with holster for $40.

I already have two.

IF IF I had a 9Z I'd safe queen it and grab a Z2 as my beater light. Run it on any battery configuration you'd like with the appropriate LED or bulb assembly..

 

[Woods Walker]

Wow, thanks guys. A lot of information here to sort through. I didn't realize these were collector items. Am I better off selling it to one of you collector guys and replacing it with something that won't make me cry when it gets banged up?

Cry nothing I say use it. You're only alive once and sooner or later someone else will use it, toss it or entropy will beat on it. Shouldn't entropy's agent be you rather than someone else or time? I second or third or probably 5th at this point recommend a Malkoff.