HDS vs Surefire

[jalcon]

I'm pretty much a flashlight newb but it's no secret that Surefire has long been crowned the king of all flashlights. However spending just a short time on here it is easy to see the forum's favorite flashlights come from none other than HDS. So the question, is HDS simply better than Surefire?

 

[shane45_1911]

This thread won't last long most likely, so as a new member why don't you simply read as much as you can about both brands on this forum?

They are both good brands, and each have features unique unto themselves. Kind of like asking what camera is better, Nikon or Canon. No right answer, only what is better for YOU.

 

[CarpentryHero]

It really depends on what your looking for. If you want simple, reliable and bomb proof then Surefire is the guy for you.

If you want full control, programable and bombproof then HDS is the way to go.

Like art, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and each person covets something different.
I own both, and like them each for different reasons.

I may like HDS more, it's also my most recent purchase ;)

 

[Cerealand]

Both are great lights. The HDS is very programmable to fit the needs of the users. Usually Surefire is one output or high/low.

 

[P_A_S_1]

Have both. IMO the programability and user features is what make the HDS shine. The Surefire ( in it's piston switch config.) is simple and super reliable. A lot of Surefire's lights are geared towards LEOs and in that field they are the better choice. For EDC/camping I prefer the HDS. For LE the Surefire.

 

[Brasso]

Both good. Personally I don't care for HDS simply based on ergonomics. They are a tad too short for me. That's not taking anything away from them quality wise. They are outstanding lights, and for the price I don't think you can beat them.

 

[RA40]

Yup, both very excellent lights and there are many others to satisfy. Personally, the HDS has been my pick in terms of cost, performance and useability. Many others to try though. :)

 

[CLBME]

I love my HDS lights and the man behind them offers outstanding customer service. An awesome combination. I carry one everyday. :thumbsup: In the larger two-cell form factor I like the older Surefires (6p's, C2's), although I realize Surefire makes single-cell lights too. Tough lights, you're able to mix and match the older Surefire parts, and experiment with drop-ins, also in the older models. To me they are comparable in build quality but I consider them totally separate in terms of comparison given the programmable aspects of the HDS lights, UI, target market, etc., therefore I don't consider one better than the other.

 

[MrBenchmark]

So the question, is HDS simply better than Surefire?

The question, as stated, doesn't make any sense. Sorry. If you wanted to compare individual lights, then you might have something. If you wanted to ask "Is HDS better than SF for some specific purpose?" then we could talk. But in general they are both excellent, but they have very different designs, and in some cases, totally different purposes.

The HDS EDC lights are well suited to the tastes of many people on this forum who EDC a small flashlight. They are excellent lights. (I carry one.) The SF lights are more optimized for military and LEO use. They are also excellent lights.

 

[LGT]

That's like asking if an apple tastes better than an orange. There is no definitive answer. Just a matter of opinion.

 

[cave dave]

If you don't mind ordering then waiting an undetermined amount of months to get your light then HDS light are great. I currently own 3, will probably be several months till I get the 4th.

 

[brianna]

The HDS has a pain in the butt interface. Click click and more click click. I like a simple two stage click high then low light. I also like a TIR optic. HDS uses a old fashioned reflector. I like how ever single HDS is calibrated to give you the stated output. I like the table top smooth regulation circuit. The battery is protected both front and back, and the lens is protected between O rings for shock. You can also choose a sapphire lens if you want it. This light has been proven to be well made, reliable, and can take a lot of abuse.

Surefire does not calibrate every single flashlight they make. You don't have the option of a sapphire lens. Surefire is also well made and reliable. You need to decide what is important to you. Then make a choice as to what is most important to you.

 

[baterija]

HDS has two basic models, clicky and twisty, with some options available within both. Surefire has a whole catalog with a range of capabilities. I have no idea how to compare two models to a couple dozen models. Model and function in a role are important to me... branding not so much.

 

[Tommygun45]

I love my HDS lights and the man behind them offers outstanding customer service. An awesome combination. I carry one everyday. :thumbsup: In the larger two-cell form factor I like the Surefires, although I realize Surefire makes single-cell lights too. Tough lights, able to mix and match parts, and experiment with drop-ins. To me they are comparable in build quality but I consider them separate in terms of comparison given the programmable aspects of the HDS lights, etc., therefore I don't consider one better than the other.

Not for long however. Surefire with their new lines are moving towards lights that are not user customizable, easily anyways. Their older 6p, z2, c2 lights are what are considered the modifiable Surefires. Also the E-Series is all pretty much interchangeable, but there isn't much point to swapping those parts around. The new lines of Surefires, like the 6PX/G2X and the Fury etc., are designed so the head isn't accessible anymore. That means when a new technology comes out next year you are stuck with the light you had. With the older ones you could just buy a new dropin and plop it in the light. Overready has a whole company built around this concept, with some pretty awesome products.

HDS lights are awesome too. Not so much their numbers, no crazy outputs or wild runtimes or anything, but there is just virtually no better made light that can do exactly what you want it to do. I have a bunch of Surefire's and my HDS Rotary is what is always in my pocket. Until my HDS Rotary hcri arrives that is.

 

[CLBME]

Tommygun45- good point! I actually edited my post to say the same. I have one newer Surefire model G2X- all my others are older ones.

Not for long however. Surefire with their new lines are moving towards lights that are not user customizable, easily anyways. Their older 6p, z2, c2 lights are what are considered the modifiable Surefires. Also the E-Series is all pretty much interchangeable, but there isn't much point to swapping those parts around. The new lines of Surefires, like the 6PX/G2X and the Fury etc., are designed so the head isn't accessible anymore. That means when a new technology comes out next year you are stuck with the light you had. With the older ones you could just buy a new dropin and plop it in the light. Overready has a whole company built around this concept, with some pretty awesome products.

HDS lights are awesome too. Not so much their numbers, no crazy outputs or wild runtimes or anything, but there is just virtually no better made light that can do exactly what you want it to do. I have a bunch of Surefire's and my HDS Rotary is what is always in my pocket. Until my HDS Rotary hcri arrives that is.

 

[angelofwar]

Yeah...HDS ~vs ~ SF is comparing apples to oranges. The quality is the same...I prefer SF only for the facts: Better Selction/Line-Up, and Lego-ability. If I could have one light only in a combat enironment, it would be the Kroma Mil-Spec...and HDS doesn't offer anything like that. Now, if it came down to just one EDC, it wouldn't really matter if I had one or the other.

 

[eh4]

I just looked up the Kroma Mil-Spec and I gotta say that's an amazing light... I just posted in the Surefire Prices thread about how I couldn't buy another Surefire because of the (to my mind) inflated cost...

But man the R&D that led to those selections of lumens and spectrums of light seem really well thought out. I have been stumbling around in my mind thinking of a similar selection of emitters and it's clear to me that some folks with resources and opportunities to test their ideas, and some very good ideas (not to mention ability) have been doing good work.
I still think that the prices are Ridiculous, but I appreciate Surefire certainly.
For the price of one of those lights I could get a lathe, some voltage regulators, switches and a handful of leds... along with a few already paid for parts from obsolete lights.
I wouldn't end up with anything as fine of course, but that puts it in perspective for me, the light Does top out at 50 lumens after all, it's not like they are pushing the technological limits or anything, I mean 6.3 lumens of Red led light for 8 hours -out of 2 CR123? I'm no electrical engineer but I think I can do that. ;-)

 

[garbman]

I have 3 HDS's the old models, before the Novatac experiment.
I love them for the UI and for the toughness of their nano.
I keep EDCing on of them and i can say that instead of the abusing it still look very good. Its definitely a BOMBPROOF light.
I never EDC a Surefire though because i have the bigger models (U2, Kroma).

 

[jimbo@stn23]

I'll likely never own a HDS for no other reason that I'm quite happy with what I have (Surefire) and modifying that. I'm happy with a vintage stone stock 6P or a L6, etc. For me, there is no interest in what came out recently and chasing even larger numbers of some spec. That's not to say that I don't appreciate a well driven P91 or Malkoff, but if I'm happy that my light lit up what I needed it to today, I'm likely to happy in the future with how it works. And I'm sure they all will do fine.

Bright and not as bright, works for me. Surefire always seemed to do it well enough for my needs. I could hardly care whether I can program my low to 3 or whatever lumens and high to something else. That feature though is important to many folks here, and if it is to the OP or anyone else, knock yerself out and go with what will do what you want it to. The HDS seems to make alot of people happy and I'm sure is a great light.

 

[kaichu dento]

That's like asking if an apple tastes better than an orange. There is no definitive answer. Just a matter of opinion.

Actually there is a correct answer, but it's a personal one. Which is more in line with the choosers tastes - apple or orange?

According to application, I like both.