First Surefire?

[Charles L.]

OK, so I'm from the U.S., and the idea of purchasing an American-made, high quality light appeals to me. But I am neither in the military nor in law enforcement, so I can appreciate but don't need the ultimate in durability. And Surefire's offering frankly have seemed a bit underwhelming when it comes to UI features and light output, both high and low… and that's before one considers the price of the lights. In short, I've been a Surefire skeptic. But I'd like to keep an open mind, and I'd love to be shown how and why Surefire can produce a light superior to the ones I have.

Among my favorite lights of the ones I own are the Zebralight SC62d for its size, tint and UI; the ZL SC 600II L2 for similar reasons; and the Thrunite Catapult for its crisp, tight beam. I do like the infinitely-variable output of my Nitecore SRT3 as well, but it's actually larger than the SC62d so makes little sense to carry.

I'd be equally willing to see how a Minimus can be superior to my H600F or Wizard Pro, if someone really believes that to be the case.

Oh, and I am a member of the 99%, so I won't be buying the UDR Dominator any time soon I'll wince, but be willing to spend up to $250 for a good light.

Most of my lights take 18650 or AA batteries. CR123's in a 2X or 3X format have little appeal for me, but I'll make an exception if necessary for this light.

Given this background, any recommendations for a first Surefire?

 

[archimedes]

Find a (bored) C2 or 6P host, used, then get whatever P60 dropin you like ... perhaps a Malkoff M361.

By the way, SureFire aren't really about output or complexity, but rather simplicity and reliability

 

[Charles L.]

Thanks for the recommendation. I can appreciate simplicity and reliability

 

[archimedes]

Thanks for the recommendation. I can appreciate simplicity and reliability

In that case, another excellent choice is the E1B. It was discontinued quite some time ago, but I literally have not been able to find a better replacement since. They still sell used for ~ $100, in various models and conditions :thumbsup:

 

[FlashKat]

That is not really a Surefire, but a good recommendation.

Find a (bored) C2 or 6P host, used, then get whatever P60 dropin you like ... perhaps a Malkoff M361.

By the way, SureFire aren't really about output or complexity, but rather simplicity and reliability

 

[Bob Damon]

I would get a P1R Peacekeeper. It uses a 18650 battery.

 

[Charles L.]

Just bringing this up to say thanks for the recommendations. I went a little headlamp crazy this month, so my Surefire purchase has been delayed a bit. My plan for next year is to restrict my light purchases to a Minimus headlamp and and a P1R Peacekeeper. We'll see about that restriction part.... Thanks again!

 

[ForrestChump]

Google: OVEREADY


:welcome:

 

[cland72]

Just bringing this up to say thanks for the recommendations. I went a little headlamp crazy this month, so my Surefire purchase has been delayed a bit. My plan for next year is to restrict my light purchases to a Minimus headlamp and and a P1R Peacekeeper. We'll see about that restriction part.... Thanks again!

I don't want to crap on your decision, but I would opt for a Surefire 6P Original as my first light. You can get any number of P60 format drop ins that will give you exactly what you want as far as output, tint, runtime, etc.

The Peacekeeper is a cool light, but I think you could do better for your "first" Surefire. I'll never go without at least one 6P in my collection because it is just so damned good.

 

[dss_777]

I don't want to crap on your decision, but I would opt for a Surefire 6P Original as my first light. You can get any number of P60 format drop ins that will give you exactly what you want as far as output, tint, runtime, etc.

The Peacekeeper is a cool light, but I think you could do better for your "first" Surefire. I'll never go without at least one 6P in my collection because it is just so damned goodjust go ahead and get the light you'll end uop .

Or, just go ahead and get the light(s) you'll end up with eventually- the Malkoff MD2, HoundDog and/or Wildcat.

They're the 6P's smarter, younger, better looking first cousins.

 

[skyfire]

a p60 host would be a nice first light, but for someone that already has many other lights...
id recommend something that other companies dont offer.
maybe a model that uses the dual-stage momentary switch, such as the LX2, or EB1-T or EB2-T?

 

[Grizzman]

My first two Surefire lights were the E2L LED Defender and 6P, in which went a Malkoff M61. The TIR of the E2D separate it from other traditional lights. It "only" puts out 200-ish lumens but throws reasonably well, especially considering its size.

Numerous years later, I picked up an LX2. While I don't prefer the UI for EDC purposes, tactically it is outstanding.

Regarding a bored C2 not being considered a Surefire. What's a '32 Ford with a Chevy Smallblock, Mustang IFS, and 9 inch rear? It's a '32 Ford. Speaking of the C2, they are outstanding lights, and I've got three of them. All are running Malkoff engines and controlled via McClickies, though a TorchLABS triple has spent some time in one.

 

[Kestrel]

Just bringing this up to say thanks for the recommendations. I went a little headlamp crazy this month, so my Surefire purchase has been delayed a bit. My plan for next year is to restrict my light purchases to a Minimus headlamp and and a P1R Peacekeeper. We'll see about that restriction part.... Thanks again!

I recently rec'd a SF Minimus Vision, I think you will be very pleased if/when you get one.

 

[Charles L.]

Wow! Thanks all for the additional replies. cland, I don't think you are crapping on my idea at all -- I appreciate the input. So, jumping straight into the bored (given my 18650 preference) host and drop-in seems to be the majority opinion. How about the Minimus plus a 6P bored by Precisionworks and a Malkoff M61 or 361 -- sound like a good duo?

 

[dss_777]

Wow! Thanks all for the additional replies. cland, I don't think you are crapping on my idea at all -- I appreciate the input. So, jumping straight into the bored (given my 18650 preference) host and drop-in seems to be the majority opinion. How about the Minimus plus a 6P bored by Precisionworks and a Malkoff M61 or 361 -- sound like a good duo?

Make sure you do the cost analysis of that modded 6P... likely to be more expensive than a turn-key MD2, and Gene is often able to substitute the 361 if you'd like, instead of the stock M61 (which I happen to really like as an all arounder). Plus, you can get the high-low option with the MD2, an excellent feature that is harder/impossible to achieve with the 6P without even more modding.

I wasn't kidding when I said that Malkoff was Surefire's smarter, younger, better looking first cousin. :thumbsup:

 

[Charles L.]

Thank you, dss. I am looking at the Malkoffs as well. It all gets a bit dizzying at first -- do I want the MD2, or the Hounddog head, which drop-in etc. But I like the fact that Malkoff is a family-owned company. And from Alabama, no less -- most of my family lives there. Will give Malkoff a hard look. Perhaps Surefire headlamp, Malkoff hand-held. We'll see

 

[wakesnowb]

I just ordered the surefire G2X Pro. I like the size, simplicity, and the non aluminum handle. Haven't received it yet but I think I will be pleased!

 

[Str8stroke]

I would have to say a light in the P series or G series, depending on budget. That way you can play around with different drop ins. There are also tons of "upgrade" accessories. Great flexibility on a 99%er budget. I also like the E Series lights. Not as many drop in options, but tons of lego options. Making for some SF fun. I like to buy some beat up ones cheap on the bay. Then I can upgrade them as I please and no worries about damages to the light or bank.

Just keep in mind with the G series lights, make sure you get one that has a "metal" head. No plastic. They can't handle the heat if you upgrade a lot.

Malkoff, Lumens Factory, Tana, Vin, and many others can help make these lights fun for lego play time.

Bottom line, I would probably go for a Gently Used 6P style out the gate.

 

[newbie66]

I just ordered the surefire G2X Pro. I like the size, simplicity, and the non aluminum handle. Haven't received it yet but I think I will be pleased!

+1 on the G2X Pro (320 lumens version). It is one of the cheapest from Surefire. The grip is good and it has the best tint of all the Surefires in existence.

 

[Charles L.]

My hand-held choices have narrowed to a bored 6P or a Malkoff MD2. Thanks all for the advice!