Are SureFires worth the coin?

[LawKid]

I'm looking at buying a couple flashlights. I've owned Maglites and they were ok, but I want something more compact.

I bought an Inove X03 the other day and it seems to be ok, but I have heard great things about Surefire.

I was looking at getting one or two of their higher-end LED models.... the only drawback is that they're pretty pricey.

Now, I'm willing to shell out the cash if they're worth it, but I want to make sure I'm not just paying for a brand-name.

So - are Surefire's worth the price, or are you paying mostly for the name?

 

[RdlyLite]

If you haven't already, click on reviews at the top left. After reading some of them I get a good sense for the product at hand. But if you are looking for first hand experienc, sorry.

 

[roadie]

hmmm well owning a surefire is not actually on the brand name itself, its abt the quality .....

when u do carry the lights for daily usage, the more 'branded' ones will out last the cheaper ones ..... usually

however, surefire is using 123a batteries, if u are looking for normal alkaline battery usage u got to look elsewhere like innova, many many others ....

Ironically, surefire was soley made for "tactical" usage like in the swat, not the general population ........

 

[LawKid]

I don't mind using 123A batteries. My X03 uses them.

These would be for everyday carry, as well as in emergency situations.

I am looking for tactical style flashlights.

 

[Cartman]

You know, I was doing some browsing of low cost pac-rim lights today and wondering why the hell my surefire's cost so much. But I realized that I've never had a failure and even if it did, I always have the comfort of a lifetime no hassle warranty. So, besides the build quality, you're also paying for the warranty. I also believe they stock parts and lamp assemblies for just about everything they've ever made so you can get a LA in five or ten years. Of course, in ten years a flashlight will be quite different and with the pac-rim lights, you can afford to toss them.

 

[carrot]

Not all Surefire models have proven themselves reliable, but for the most part I believe Surefire makes reliable flashlights that will take abuse. You do pay a lot for the name, but Surefire also makes some lights that are completely unmatched by competitors, such as the A2 and K2. I also believe, but am not sure, that Surefire's grip ring is unique to Surefire lights, and is one feature I really like. On the other hand, I view Surefires in general to be worthwhile, but poor value compared to competitors like Inova and Streamlight.

On the other hand, Inova's 123-based lights seem to be very reliable, especially given that I have not seen any failure reports. Some XO's were abnormally bright (way overdriven) and showed signs of faulty circuitry but did not fail outright. In my opinion by buying a Surefire LED light you might not be getting "much more" for your money, especially in value. In my opinion if you are happy with Inova, you should stick with them. But as Inova is not making the jump to Cree/Seoul LEDs yet and Surefire is with their L1, L5, E1L and E2L LED lights (not updated yet, but will be this year) you may find considering these lights to be the current "best" Surefire investment.

Also, Tacticalsupply.com and OpticsHQ.com both offer about a 20% discount to CPFers. Check out greenLED's CPF specials thread, linked in my sig for more information.

 

[NAW]

Right now I would suggest you not get a Surefire LED. For one not only are they are rather expensive, right now many flashlight companies are coming out with Cree X-RE lights that are more effeicent and brighter than Surefire lights.

 

[kooter]

Yep they are worth it IMO. The quality, fit and finish is excellent. They just need a cree to bring them up to date. Buy from the sales section to get them cheaper.

 

[cy]

welcome to cpf and hold on to your wallet!

if your handle is any indication... best buy is not always cheapest.
Surefire light represent some of the best values anywhere.

for cpf'er resale values is of prime importance. it's not unusually for cpf'er to purchase loads of nice lights. use em for awhile, then resell for slight loss or gain.

traditionally Surefire and Arc has the best resale values. custom lights are the trickiest. lately due to cree and P4 leds. output has doubled, changing the landscape.

I'm looking at buying a couple flashlights. I've owned Maglites and they were ok, but I want something more compact.

I bought an Inove X03 the other day and it seems to be ok, but I have heard great things about Surefire.

I was looking at getting one or two of their higher-end LED models.... the only drawback is that they're pretty pricey.

Now, I'm willing to shell out the cash if they're worth it, but I want to make sure I'm not just paying for a brand-name.

So - are Surefire's worth the price, or are you paying mostly for the name?

 

[JonSidneyB]

If my life depended on a light there are few lights that I would trust. Some Surefire Models would be in that list.

It also depends on that you will be using that light for. There are a number of lights that I would trust around the house but would not trust under certain conditions.

If it was as a Tactical light the field gets smaller. The lights brands that I would trust become a very short list.

If it is a utility light but my life depended on it Surefire would still be on that list but a few more light would make the list.

Another thing to consider when getting a Surefire is RandD. Much of Surefire profits go to creating new things. Many other light companies just do what has been done before except they might mix features around.

 

[JonSidneyB]

An an Econimist think of it this way.

Take the idea of the efficient frontier for a specific application.

One the curve instead of volitility substitute detail durability and touches.
All lights on the curve are good for the price range. The Surefire will be on the curve at the high end of the slope of the curve. The lights inside the curve are not optimum at their price range but those on the curve are. A huge variety of lights would be on this curve. The best 1cent light would be on the curve if one existed and would still be not much of a light, it would still be the best 1cent light. Price rises as you move up the curve. Of course you have dimmishing returns as you move up the curve.

I guess you can ask if a Mercedes or Aston worth it in their respective catagories.

 

[Atomic_Chicken]

Greetings!

Are Surefire lights worth the $$$ ?

Oh yeah... Absolutely! I currently own 5 Surefires - a pair of L1's, a pair of L2's, and a Kroma. At this point, that represents over $900 worth of flashlights, not including the huge collection of spare batteries I've purchased to keep them running for the next 8-10 years. I own a very large assortment of other lights, but if there was ever a natural or manmade disaster you can bet every last dollar that I'll grab the Surefire lights FIRST - and leave my others behind if I don't have the room for them. The sole exceptions to this will be my Princeton Tec Impact XL's and my Inova 24/7 headlamps... but that is ONLY because Surefire does not yet have equivalent lights for sale.

I love all my lights, and spend a lot of time with each of them... but Surefire is the only company that makes what (at least in my opinion) is the ULTIMATE in durable, reliable, dependable, and seriously abuse-able lights. I am proud to own EVERY ONE of my Surefires - even though their cost/benefit ratio is way out of line with other brands.

Best wishes,
Bawko

 

[jumpstat]

I have two Surefires and I love them. I also have a number of maglites but now they stay in except for the 4D. Usage depends from model to model. For tactical if the armed forces are using them then it must be good right? Technologically, they are behind the competitors but their designs are practical for what it was designed for. Yep they run on 123s but now we can get rechargeables so no problem. They really feel solid in your hands.........all the best and wellcome to CPF

 

[RedLED]

Yes, they are professional flashlights. Can't go wrong,

Best,

Redled

 

[ScooterBug]

i have a few surefires and a few others. if had to choose which one too keep, it would be a surefire.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I would recomend the SureFire if you are willing to part with the dollars,
You can also find compairable lights for a lot less $$

 

[Campdavid]

Worth it? Yep, they are. Except for one minor tailcap issue, which I repaired while SF sent a replacement, I have had no problems with them at all. They are worth it for the "cool factor" if nothing else.

As for waiting for Cree? I guess you could...most of the cree beamshots I have seen are just okay. The added brightness of them? That's a plus to some extent but I think it really depends on your needs. The run time seems to be the best thing a Cree can offer. However, unless they come out with an led that runs like five times longer than the current ones, I am not about to ditch my awesome lights for Cree mania. It seems just plain goofy to me.

There's always some new gimick...find a light that you like and get it. When the tech jumps a few steps...go for a new one.

 

[Delta447]

I have 7 surefires, and most of them were purchased used or pieced together from spare parts. SF's are great lights to purchase used. They carry a lifetime warranty, so buying used is not very risky. They are also good tactical lights due to the temporary switch on/off feature. However, the fact that they are dedicated 123A battery only lights (unless I am mistaken on this) has caused me to stop purchasing them. HDS, Fenix and Jetbeam all make lights that can use 123A and AA batteries, which could become important in an emergency. In fact, the Jetbeam MK-II is designed to use 123A, AA's in alkaline, ni-cad and Lithium ion, various rechargeables and even AAA batteries. Trying to find a 123A battery in a pinch could be difficult. I think creating AA tubes to mate to their KL1 and KL3 heads would be a nice feature.

 

[chmsam]

They're worth it to me. I have several G2's, a 6P, and an E1e+Kl1. All are vary durable, and the incans are certainly bright. It comes down to a few simple concepts. Obviously what you need depends on the use you have for it. Quality is worth what you are willing to pay for it and how much better you think it will work for you. The quality of SF lights becomes very apparent when you actually get to hold one and see how it works.

 

[fishx65]

No question, You will be paying a premium for the name. Surefire makes great products but so do a lot of other companies that you will read about on this great forum. I used to think Surefire was the end-all flashlight company until I found this website!!!!