Do I want a 6P?

[warlord]

I always seem to see threads listing 6P parts for sale. It makes me think that it's the classic light other than the m*g variety ...something that everyone should have in thier collection. With so many knock-offs and p60 compatables I've been wondering if it's worthy of the $60. I mean a the Superfire version can be had for $9. The difference is a lot of modules.

What do you guys think?

 

[gary3911]

Firstly, I don't really think its necessary to pay $60. They can be a fair bit cheaper even brand new.

Second, it depends what you already have, and why you might want a 6P. If its for collection, well - you're right there, you probably can't say you have a proper collection without one.

On the other hand, if its for actual usage, the only real advantage is in the wide range of drop ins, otherwise, if you're going to use it as stock, if you've got something like an E2e, there's no compelling reason to get an 6P.

 

[Tempest UK]

I would definitely recommend buying one. As you said, it is a classic piece of SureFire history, and indeed flashlight history as a whole. The 6P revolutionized flashlights, and has since been imitated countless times and its innovations have now become mainstream. The 6P is where it all started.

You would be getting SureFire quality, the lifetime guarantee if anything goes wrong and an extremely versatile light. A19 one-cell extenders, KR2-BK rechargeable kits, KT1 rechargeable kits, P61/P60L/P90*/P91*...the 6P can be tailored to suit a pretty huge variety of needs.

I'm sure you can also find one for considerably less than $60 if you look on the Marketplace.

*when running 9V/3x SF123a.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[TJx]

Yes, because it is a classic and they're $34.99 right now on the bay.

 

[Monocrom]

I always seem to see threads listing 6P parts for sale. It makes me think that it's the classic light other than the m*g variety ...something that everyone should have in thier collection. With so many knock-offs and p60 compatables I've been wondering if it's worthy of the $60. I mean the Superfire version can be had for $9. The difference is a lot of modules.

What do you guys think?

I seriously doubt that the modules are the only difference. (Not including price, of course).

With lights, you get what you pay for. Especially with regards to Quality, Reliability, and Durability. That's where the other $51 for the 6P comes into play.

But as others have pointed out, you can get a 6P for less than $60.

 

[warlord]

Well, my co-worker showed me her executive defender (funny that she had one, huh?) and I must say I wasn't really impressed. I was hoping to look at it and have some understanding as to why Surefires can sell for so much. Unfortunately, nothing about it convinced me that Surefire is better than a generic brand, especially for what they charge.

I mean the design is old. It's nice that it can be upgraded but that's really just extending the life of an out of date design (or is it?). The price of the upgrades can be pretty hefty, too. It'd be an easier sell if it at least had an HAIII coating. The retention of value is nice but I never resell anything so that's a non-issue. The waranty is nice but at 5x the price of the generic I wont cry if I broke a generic...or 5.

The only real draw is to own one of the flashlights that started it all. Is that worth it? That's really what I'm pondering...

I seriously doubt that the modules are the only difference. (Not including price, of course).

You confused me there for a sec. I said the difference is a lot of modules not the difference is the modules. The difference in price ($60 - $9 =$51); which can buy a lot of modules.

 

[Tempest UK]

The only real draw is to own one of the flashlights that started it all. Is that worth it? That's really what I'm pondering...

In that case it's really up to you, and the opinions of others won't make much of a difference. As I have said, I think the 6P is worth it for this reason alone, but your mileage may vary.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[Knifekulture]

Yes, You should have one.:thumbsup:

 

[KeyGrip]

Will you actually be using the light? If so, what for? If you are not going to be counting on your light to work under harsh/adverse conditions, then a "clone" will serve just fine. If you are going to be taking the light into situations where you'd really like it to work every time then shell out a little extra for the SureFire. If it's just for a collection, then I don't think I can comment because that's all a matter of personal taste.

 

[adamlau]

Skip the Classic (no fun :thumbsdow) and start with the Millennium series (where the fun begins :twothumbs).

 

[flashfan]

You want a SureFire 6P if you want a light for its "historic" value, and intend to "use" it mostly or solely as a collectible.

In my opinion, the E2e is superior over the 6P for a two-cell incandescent, but it's the three and three+ cell incandescent lights where SureFire really shines.

 

[warlord]

Ok, thanks for the feedback. It seems that the 6P although a classic may not be what I want right now. I'll probably pick one up in the future to fill out my collection but not now.

I'll probably buy a knock-off and a bunch of good modules. Then when I forget how much money I've spent, I'll pick up a 6P and be able to upgrade it right away.

Knowing me that'll probably be next month.:laughing:

 

[HunkaBurninLove]

It's your money, warlord so you can do what you want. But I do think the 6P is a light that will give good flexibility in anyone's collection.

You can go regular/rechargeable batteries and incandescent/LED lamps.

Believe me....I am as frugal as the next guy but I think the $40+ for a 6P is a good investment.

 

[generic808]

You can't call yourself a "flashaholic" without one :thumbsup: It's a classic!

 

[chuck4570]

If you have to be convinced into getting a light that you don't want, don't bother and go get your $9 light and be happy.

 

[ttran97]

The 6P is great because it's a very sturdy, time-tested light. Add the Z59 clickie and any number of LED drop-ins (yes, I know this is the incan section...) and you have a very good light for multipurpose use! It can be upgraded whenever newer and better drop-ins become available...so it's virtually future-proof!

The parts for it are pretty cheap in the Marketplace, so if you ever ding the head or something, you can replace it for a few bucks.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I don't have any SF clones. I have lights that work on the same batteries in Incandescent and LED.

I was fairly impressed when I opened my 6PL with how it felt and looked.

Romisen RC-F4 smokes it and feels pretty good too.

I swore I'd never mention it again but there is a light at Fenix-Store.com that really rocks!

 

[adamlau]

I swore I'd never mention it again but there is a light at Fenix-Store.com that really rocks!

Which one would that be ?

 

[JPasquini]

+1

The Surefire 6P is like the proverbial hammer in the toolbox. You simply _have_ to have at least one.

You can't call yourself a "flashaholic" without one :thumbsup: It's a classic!

 

[Darien]

I say definitely no! I'm a newb, but here recently I bought my first Surefire, a 6P then two more of the same with one on the way. I guess I think alot of them, gave one to my daughter and one to my wife so I still have one to play with. Stock they are very solid and the light is good, not great, but the Malkoff drop in changed all that yesterday, awesome light now. What really hooked me is the simple but very upgradeable design. Actually I think I am going to become a Surefire freak! :laughing: You don't need one. Get the Ultrafire 501B and you'll be happy.

Darien