Any Surefire 6PL or 6PDL reviews?

[liquidsix]

I've been a member here for over 2 and a half years and I think I'm starting to get the surefire itch. I've always loved the look of the E2L but I'm not a fan of the 2008 model starting on low low every time (if it was reversed it would be better, but I still have a bit of a hate on for any multi-click UIs), and the 2007 just seems like a little too much output compromised for runtime (and is it possible the 2008s have a more efficient emitter anyways?). So with that being said, I'm looking at the 6PDL.

I can't seem to find any reviews of the surefire 6PDL 'Drop-in' (if you could call it that when it comes with the light), how it's beam pattern looks, can it run off an 18650?

Can a protected aw 18650 fit in a 6PDL? Would a 17670 have less runtime than 2CR123s (okay not a surefire question)?

Are there any reviews of the single stage Dereelight P60 dropins or at least some advertised output and runtime numbers on a quality P60 single stage drop in? I've googled, and run the internal search but I can't find much. Some of the brands I have seen seem sketchy to me, I've never heard of them.

I guess I can say that if I can find a good quality P60 Drop in that runs regulated off of an 18650 before dropping to 50% for somewhere between 5-8 hours then I'm absolutly sold.

I hate starting these useless "Help me find a flashlight" threads (actually this may be my first), so thanks in advance.

Edit: Yes I have found the P60 drop-in thread, it's pretty good but its still hard to tell what's quality and worth considering just from the links that it gives.

 

[Sgt. LED]

I've been a member here for over 2 and a half years and I think I'm starting to get the surefire itch. I've always loved the look of the E2L but I'm not a fan of the 2008 model starting on low low every time (if it was reversed it would be better, but I still have a bit of a hate on for any multi-click UIs), and the 2007 just seems like a little too much output compromised for runtime (and is it possible the 2008s have a more efficient emitter anyways?). So with that being said, I'm looking at the 6PDL.
Save your money and get the plain 6P or even better 9P(3 cells give more runtime, and in a 3 cell body you can use 2X17500 AW cells) and a better drop-in like tran's great R2 or any Malkoff like an M60 or M60L.
I can't seem to find any reviews of the surefire 6PDL 'Drop-in' (if you could call it that when it comes with the light), how it's beam pattern looks, can it run off an 18650?
18650 won't fit in a stock Surefire but a 17650 will. P60L beam pattern is floody and blueish. There are plenty better!
Can a protected aw 18650 fit in a 6PDL? Would a 17670 have less runtime than 2CR123s (okay not a surefire question)?
Yes a 17650 will have a little less runtime but it's better than buying primaries over and over.
Are there any reviews of the single stage Dereelight P60 dropins or at least some advertised output and runtime numbers on a quality P60 single stage drop in? I've googled, and run the internal search but I can't find much. Some of the brands I have seen seem sketchy to me, I've never heard of them.
You totally get what you pay for. Try Wolfeyes, Malkoff, Bugoutgear, or Dereelight
I guess I can say that if I can find a good quality P60 Drop in that runs regulated off of an 18650 before dropping to 50% for somewhere between 5-8 hours then I'm absolutly sold.
Yeah me too! To get that you need a Leef 2x18650 body & tailcap, a Surefire bezel, and one of the mentioned drop-in's. And that's just what I'm currently running to fantastic success, just isn't cheap. The 9P and 2 17500 cells will give you a real good runtime with a M60L. You don't tell me how bright you want the light to end up being though.
I hate starting these useless "Help me find a flashlight" threads (actually this may be my first), so thanks in advance.
Oh I dropped pleny of these in my beginnings, no problem!
Edit: Yes I have found the P60 drop-in thread, it's pretty good but its still hard to tell what's quality and worth considering just from the links that it gives.

 

[Stainz]

I'll carry the standard for the simple 6P LED. I bought one in early Feb, along with a Fenix '4 in 1' kit with the P2D Q5 Premium - 180L on 1 CR123. I followed up with an evil-bay 6P to add a 'super drop-in' to. Availability of some drop-ins seemed to me to be spotty - one must basically 'take a number' to get some - or pay a premium to an entrepreneur. I looked at the T1, etc, too. The simple/sturdy 6P LED beckoned!

I had an occasion to use both the P2D and 6P LED outdoors - at an auction where the outdoor lights failed to come on. The P2D had to be used on a lower setting due to it's heat build-up. The 6P LED was on for over two hours. Yep, it's light color is cooler than the Fenix, but it was easier to use to illuminate the art objects. I went to the local store and bought a S-F P60L, converting that 6P to another 6P LED. No, it doesn't have the highest output, different level settings - or strobe, but it is a decent performer that is well made. One is by the bed, one is in my Jeep.

I had bought a couple of spare CR123s with that 6P LED - they've been used in that Fenix. I ordered 3 dozen from S-F - great price. I have yet to use one in the S-Fs - the two original 6P LEDs have not dropped the CR123s below 3.00V yet. That P2D on 180L dumps a CR123 quickly. I bet my three dozen S-F cells will last a while, if kept mainly for the S-Fs.

Keep in mind that I am not in LE or a security guard - my use is mainly around the house/car. I do carry the P2D in it's sheath on my belt most of the time. Half of the time there is a 6P LED in my pocket, too. After all, what does that Jeep need a flashlight for if I am not in it? Now, when I go camping... that Fenix may just go, too... but I know that 6P LED would work, just too bright!

Stainz

Edited: I checked the S-F CR123s in my 6PLs... dated 5/15/08 - date changed - measured 2.97V today. So, they were changed - once, since purchase - and they are dropping now. I guess I will be using those S-F Li cells afterall!

 

[Superdave]

I use the heck out of my 6PDL, instead of the SF LED i'm running a deep reflector Q5 dropin that i found on ebay a while back. The throw is great and spill is very usefull.

It gets used at work in the casino 10-20 times a day, frequently at home for automotive use and at the race track when trying to figure out problems.

 

[stuart]

I bought a 6pl a few weeks ago. Just did a quick check outside with my E2 with the Kx2 two stage (E2L two stage). The 6pl has more usable spill. At about 70 yards the E2L appears a tad bit brighter on the tool shed than the 6pl but not enough to make a difference. E2l is only 60 lumens on high but did appear slightly brighter at a distance due to the optics. Overall I would agree that the 6pl may be the better choice for general use.

On the non-output side of things, the 6pl feels better in my hand then the e2 series and I like the simple tailcap, (nothing to break). If its your first surefire then I think you'll enjoy it. I was impressed with the machining and its heaft. I just feels like a "real" flashlight. With that said I now edc the e1backup and still play with my other lights, but have really grown fond of the simple 6p. I look foward to the new p61led when it comes out and may pick up a malkoff just to check it out, but even without the upgrade, its now my bedside light. Just simple, pure, no frills illumiation.