First Surefire - G3 w/ EO-9

[Taboot]

I finally bought a SF light. I got a gift card for LL Bean. They only sell a few models, so I selected the G3 because of it's form factor mostly. It's not too small and accepts some really bright LAs. I wish they sold the C3 or 9P plus accessories on LLBean. I also purchased a LF EO-9 LA. I'm really looking forward to getting it and testing the stock lamp vs the EO-9.

When will we have instant shipping?

In looking around CPF threads, it looks like a 2X17500s setup will work. It isn't clear to me if an extension is needed. Anyone know?

Thanks.

 

[cernobila]

You are on the right track;

Cell configuration: 2x17500

Bulb Options:
LF D26 ES-9: 7W, 115 - 75 lumen in 73 minutes
LF D26 SR-9: 9W, 160 - 100 lumen in 51 minutes
LF D26 HO-9: 12W, 215 - 132 lumen in 40 minutes
LF D26 EO-9: 15W, 268 - 162 lumen in 30 minutes
SF P90: 9W, 151 - 94 lumen in 52 minutes
G&P G90: 9W, 151 - 94 lumen in 52 minutes
G&P D26 7.4V "DX 10W xenon": 9W, 153 - 95 lumen in 52 minutes (guess)
G&P D26 7.4V "DX 15W xenon": 10.5W, 175 - 108 lumen in 46 minutes (guess)
Pathfinder P90: 10W, 165 - 102 lumen in 47 minutes
WE D26 9V: 10W, 175 - 108 lumen in 46 minutes
Pila GL3 LA: 10W, 175 - 108 lumen in 46 minutes

Body Options:
Leefbody 2x18500 w/C tail and head, +SF compatible tail-cap/bezel. +++
Surefire [G2, 6P, C2, Z2, G2Z, M2] +1 cell extender ++(some extenders fit 17mm cells, some don't)
Surefire G3, 9P, C3, +++
Wolf-Eyes 9 series Raider (non-turbo) +++
Ultrafire/Superfire 3 cell: WF501C, WF502C, ++(some rare UF heads don't fit LF lamps)
Cabellas XPG 9V 3 cell +++
G&P 9P, T-9 +++
Pila GL3 ++

And the rest of the information worth reading is in here; thanks to "mdocod"

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=161536

 

[DM51]

2x 17500 cells will fit in a G3 without an extension, as they are the same size as 3x CR123A primaries. Both set-ups will run the LF EO-9, so this will be a versatile light.

When you come to buy your 17500 cells, if you don't already have any, I would recommend AW's Li-Ion cells as the best value. They are not the cheapest, but they are the best value, as they will be far more reliable and robust than cheaper alternatives, so will last you longer and save $$.

 

[Taboot]

Thanks Cernobila. I checked out your post, great pictures and info. I had an EO-13 in my WE M90 w/ 3x18650. Got about 3 charges worth of use and . I really want another one, but I don't know if they are just 30 to 40 minute and LAs. I was careful to not go over 3 minutes per use and allow plenty of cool off time. What is your experience with EO-13 and EO-9 longevity?

Thanks,

Taboot

 

[Taboot]

Thanks DM51,

There's a good number of options with this light and I'm interested to see how I like the plastic rather than aluminum.

I will look at the AW 17500s. Any recommendation for a charger to go with? My 18650s charge in the battery, so I don't have a charging setup. I would like one that charges 17500s AND 18650s if anyone makes one.

Thanks,

T

 

[KeeperSD]

What is your experience with EO-13 and EO-9 longevity?

I use the EO9 in my Raider for work and haven't had it fail yet. I have been using the same LA for well over 6 months; with it being used regularly enough to go through a full discharge of a pair of 18500's (not that i let them discharge that far) at least every fortnight and at times having it run longer than the warning time stated on the packaging all with no problems.

You will definately like this LA, my favourite set up at the moment, has been for the last 6 months too. I also have the Eo13, but this only gets used in short bursts so i can't comment on it, apart from it is very BRIGHT

 

[DM51]

I will look at the AW 17500s. Any recommendation for a charger to go with? My 18650s charge in the battery, so I don't have a charging setup. I would like one that charges 17500s AND 18650s if anyone makes one.

If you get the AW protected cells, he also sells the WF-139 charger which will do fine for various different sizes of protected Li-Ion cells (from R123 up to 18650). It is available in the same link as the one I posted above.

HOWEVER you should be aware that this charger continues to trickle-charge after the light has turned green, and in this way it can over-charge cells if you leave them on it. Protected cells have a built-in circuit which will stop the cell over-charging to a dangerously high voltage, but you do not have this fall-back reassurance with unportected cells.

For this reason you should never leave cells unattended while they are charging, and you are advised that the WF-139 is not recommended for use with unprotected cells.

If you want a better charger, the Pila IBC charger is a good one - however it is 2x as expensive...

 

[jefflrrp]

Congrats on your new SF :huh: I have a G3 (with the stock p90). Its a fine light.

 

[Taboot]

Thanks Jefflrrp, I've agonized over which one to get first for too long. It was going to be the C3, but now I'm really getting psyched about the G3. I will put some 17500s in it and the E0-9, and it'll be perfect for me. I love the rechargeables. My WE M90X never got used until I put the 18650s in it.

Thanks DM51, I checked out the AW thread. Looks great and the AW cells seem to have a great rep here.

I keep meaning to fatten up the LED collection, but always seem to end up with more incans

T

 

[Spence]

Just FYI, Lighthound.com sells the AW batteries and the WF-139 charger for $15.99. I'm about to order that charger and the 17500's for my SF 9P with the LF EO-9. I've been operating it on primaries for a while with the EO-9 and I love the performance.
Good luck.
Spence
:twothumbs:naughty:

 

[Spence]

As an afterthought, I should mention that there is a great way to have an LED option for your G3. DX SKU#6090, LED, about 100 lumens +, is a drop-in, ($10) that will operate fine on the 17500's and performs great. I switch off with my 9P sometimes, and the same LED operates in my 6P, too.
Spence
:wave:

 

[Taboot]

As an afterthought, I should mention that there is a great way to have an LED option for your G3. DX SKU#6090, LED, about 100 lumens +, is a drop-in, ($10) that will operate fine on the 17500's and performs great. I switch off with my 9P sometimes, and the same LED operates in my 6P, too.
Spence
:wave:

Great tip. I like the versatility of this form factor. Thanks