Different SF generations.

[Till]

A while back at a local gun shop, I noticed they had a SF M3 for sale. The box looked very similar to this L1 Box. They had the M3 itself sitting atop the box inside a locked glass cabinet, so I couldn't get a hands-on experience, but just from looking at the light and the box, it was different from most other M3s I had seen before and was obviously an earlier production. It was priced $199, well below SF's MSRP (at the time this was before SF's inflation) so I figured it was either a really good deal or the shop knew it was an "obsolete" production. Even the Surefire logo had the "crosshairs" symbol instead of the current logo.

Speaking for their lights in general, what are some advances or upgrades in current generations compared to the older ones?

 

[Tempest UK]

Speaking for their lights in general, what are some advances or upgrades in current generations compared to the older ones?

That's a pretty huge question. Many models have been updated over the years, often more than once. I think you're best off searching around yourself for the various upgrades.

As for the M3, it has seen quite a few revisions. The bezel has been redesigned a good few times. Whilst the older models are no longer in production, I wouldn't describe them as "obsolete"; functionally they are identical in most ways to the latest revision.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[Till]

It was a broad question; I didn't realize how many SF lights there were and are until afterwards - sorry about that.

I'll narrow it down a little bit. The E2D came out in 2006, right? Has it changed any?

E1E?

 

[Rossymeister]

It was a broad question; I didn't realize how many SF lights there were and are until afterwards - sorry about that.

I'll narrow it down a little bit. The E2D came out in 2006, right? Has it changed any?

E1E?

I Know that the E2D Used to have a dome shaped lens. Today a flat pyrex lens is used.

 

[Rossymeister]

The E2D came out in 2006, right?

I Believe The E2D Came Out Before 2006. The Review Date On Quickbeams Site Indicates:

Review Date ............................. March 2003
Case Material ........................... Type III Hard Anodized Aluminum
Case Features .......................... Pocket clip, Scalloped bezel and tailcap shroud, Checkered
Case Access Type .................... Unscrew bezel
Switch Type ............................. Click on/off, Momentary lighting available
Reflector Type ......................... Stochastic
Lens Type ................................ Clear Pyrex - Dome shaped

Quoted From Here

Emphasis Mine

 

[Size15's]

Some changes are visible (obvious), others not so easy to spot.
Some changes are to update the style.
Some changes are to refine the manufacturing and/or assembly processes.
Some changes are to improve performance - for example of the o-ring seals, or other gasket seals.

Perhaps there was a change from Lexan to Pyrex window - from domed to flat. Increased window thickness. Change in the multi-layered optical coatings etc.

How about changing the window retaining ring - from plastic to metal, from flat to scalloped, to crenelated...

Experiments with the type of reflector finish, or the type of anodising treatment method etc

So many changes. Thousands I'm told. SureFire manufactures in batches so can make inline changes to try things out.

Al