A Z2 Combatlight

[DannyP]

Hello all.
I don't know anything about flashlights other than surefire seem to be held in pretty high regard. I Recently purchased a 9P because it was recommended. I'm after a general purpose flashlight for a descent price. Was tossing up between 6P, 9P and Z2 Combat. Now that i'm a fan of surefire i might get them all anyway. So, is the Z2 a good light - is it worth its price - what has it got that the 9P hasnt?

Any help much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Size15's]

Welcome to CPF!

What does the Z2 have that the 9P doesn't?
As it's name suggests, the Z2 is intended for combat.
Specifically, this means it has SureFire's CombatGrip which affords the firearms user more options when it comes to hold and using the flashlight in conjunction with a firearm (typically a handgun).

So if you are an firearms user you may find that using a CombatLight compared to regular straight-bodied flashlight is more effective. I suspect that any advantage gained would be enhanced as the result of having been trained and practiced using light in such situations.

Another advantage the Z2 has over the 9P is that it's an inch shorter. Sometimes length and/or weight is an issue be that in your pocket, on your belt etc.

I would personally advocate the G2Z (SureFire's Nitrolon polymer version of the Z2) rather than the Z2 due to Nitrolon being better able to protect the bulb, and the flashlight weighing less too.

If you don't think your need the CombatGrip then I suggest you look towards the E2e since it is far more compact and easier to carry (it has a pocket clip).

Have you considered any LED lights yet?
There are many options but if you want to stick with SureFire I urge you do wait until the new L1 is released.

Al

 

[lightemup]

Firstly Welcome

Three main things the Z2 has that the 9p doesn't - not as bright, rubber 'combat' grip, and is shorter.

It really depends on what you are going to use the lights for! If I was starting out like you i'd get a L4 or E2e etc, because they can be carried in your pocket a lot more easily than the 6p / z2 / 9p series.

If you want to stick to the 6p / 9p series a G2 is cheap, you can choose your colour and it'll show less wear and tear than the z2 (polymer construction also imhmo is more shock resistant). A g2z is the same price as the z2 (as far as I know), but once again it'll look better for longer.

I have used and been trained in using Surefires with firearms. When I first got my g2z I thought the rogers / surefire method was great, but after I expanded my toolbox through training I've honestly never used it since. I hold my g2z and M3 just like I hold a 9p or 6p. This is entirely personal preference, but the 'combat grip' isn't as huge an addition as it seems.

I have all of the lights i've just discussed so this is the opinion of someone who has played with / used them all If you like the look of the Z2: get it!

Will it do anything the 9p can't? IMHO: No. It is shorter for pocket carry (which can be handy), but for me at least I use my executive series for pocket carry.

Remember: 2 is 1, and 1 is none. If your 9p lamp blows, or if it is on your nightstand and you're in the car, your z2 could be worth its weight in gold if you need it.

Hope my response at least gives you some food for thought.

 

[lightemup]

LOL Al you just beat me

Al I just opened my shot 2005 g2, finally couldn't resist keeping the seal on the box Might see you in February if you're going, not sure yet. Finally put the Lu60 to good use as well that PK gave me, i'll send you a pic when I take one.

Danny to let you know, my z2 is a shelf queen, my g2z has been to three continents and is always with me, in a bag or in the car (for reasons we discussed above). Of all my surefires it is my 'go to' light. Closely followed by my L4. The rest I use depending on the occasion, similar to my other half choosing ear rings or shoes...

 

[Size15's]

That's a good point - if you are using your flashlights with firearms then just like the rest of your kit, "Two is one, one is none."
The 9P may be great for your use - the higher output and decent size may fit your requirements just right. It's still a great idea to have a backup though. The Advantage of an E2e or L4 (or soon to be released new L1 ) is that they are so much smaller and more compact that you can carry two flashlights.

Al

P.S.
DannyP, we are referring to the SHOT Show in Vegas (Feb 2008) where CPF members attend to see some of the main flashlight companies at the show. SureFire is there in force and tends to show of things it wants to release in the coming year ahead. PK is SureFire's Engineering VP and has hosted a party of CPF members.

 

[JNewell]

Even if you don't intend to use the light with a firearm, you might prefer the "syringe" grip that the combat body provides. This is pure personal preference.

 

[jlomein]

I've loved my G2 ever since I got it. You all are making me wonder if I will love a G2Z even more lol. I've never tried using a combatgrip surefire, so perhaps it is time to try one out.

 

[EV_007]

Even if you don't intend to use the light with a firearm, you might prefer the "syringe" grip that the combat body provides. This is pure personal preference.

The Z2 in a pocket can be deployed much quicker since the grip allows your thumb to be on the tail switch ready at a moments notice. The 9P is a bit larger and forces you to use the hammer grip with the thumb on the tail switch which is a bit awkward when deploying from a pocket.

I have both and love both. My Z2 runs the G90 LA 105 lumens on two unprotected Li-Ions.

The 9P gives you brighter options. I run mine with an A19 extender and two protected 17670s running either the P91 at 200+ lumens or the LF EO-9 at 380 lumens.

 

[Size15's]

I've loved my G2 ever since I got it. You all are making me wonder if I will love a G2Z even more lol. I've never tried using a combatgrip surefire, so perhaps it is time to try one out.

There's something about the G2Z that makes it feel more than the G2.
Perhaps the G2's low price compared to other SureFires is clouding my perception but the G2Z just feels better.
I also have this impression of the Z2 compared to the 6P.
And the E2e compared to the 6P too.
Perhaps because the G2 and 6P are what I consider to be standard flashlights against which all the rest of the two-cell flashlights are judged.

Al

 

[JNewell]

The Z2 in a pocket can be deployed much quicker since the grip allows your thumb to be on the tail switch ready at a moments notice. The 9P is a bit larger and forces you to use the hammer grip with the thumb on the tail switch which is a bit awkward when deploying from a pocket.

I am so wedded to the combat grip that I got a Z3 to go with my old 6Z.

 

[ScooterBug]

i have both and prefer the G2Z.:twothumbs

 

[rdh226]

Hello all.

Howdy! Welcome!

...
Now that i'm a fan of surefire i might get them all anyway.

You've come in with the right attitude fer sur!

This place has a way of presenting wallet-draining opportunities...

-RDH

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