Help a Surefire newbie?

[prop]

Hey guys

Allow me to introduce myself before i ask for your help. Im an LEO with the Copenhagen police department in Denmark. Im a first-time poster here on CPF, i usually hang out on bladeforums.com where im a regular poster.

Ive been looking to get a new LED light for duty use, but the choices are mindnumbing. Ive read the three threads with flashlight recommendations for LEO, and gotten ideas for alot of of lights i wanna check out. So dont see this post as another "What light for a cop"-thread. I currently carry a Led Lenser V2 (the old version).

Now my question for you is this...Whats the difference between Surefires G2 LED and their C2 LED? Other than the tacti-cool design of the C2 i cant really spot a difference in performance. According to Surefires site, theyve both got a max output of 80 lumens, and the G2 actually runs 1 hour longer than the C2. Both got click/twist tailcaps and both use the same batteries.
I really like the C2 but its refuse to pay that much if the G2 puts out the exact same light.

Im sure theres some major difference, other than materials/design that warrants the price difference, i just cant spot it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys!

 

[anonymoususer]

G2 is a nylon polymer body

C2 is an aluminum body

That will be your main difference. If you're comparing those two, also consider a Surefire 6P. Is in between as far as price.

 

[SUREFIRED]

The C2 (especially in anodizing type III) has a better fit and finish, with better tolerances, and it simply feels more sturdy, in my opinion. The all alumimum lights(c2, 6p, etc) handle heat better, allowing the stock LED (p60l in this case) to run cooler and brighter than in the thermally restrictive g2/g3.

Bottom line is: the C2L's output will be brighter for slightly less time, while the G2L will be dimmer (slightly) for longer. Go for the C2L, it is worth it in the long run, and is one of the best hosts for aftermarket drop-ins, if you want more light down the road.

 

[Kestrel]

Both models (the C2 and the G2L, plus the 6P cited above) have aluminum bezels, so an LED module in either will stay cooler than in a all-nitrolon SF G2. I wouldn't bother with the stock SureFire LED module for these lights, the Malkoff M60x series LED drop-ins provide much greater outputs and/or much greater runtimes in these hosts.
Oh, and :welcome:

 

[carrot]

+1 on the Malkoff M60 or M61. They are simply the best there is for Surefires. MalkoffDevices.com

Personally, I greatly prefer the C2 design over the G2L, but I have a friend in NYPD who uses a G3L as his duty light and sold me his C2. So it's really a matter of preference. I got a Malkoff M60 for my friend to put in his G3L and he is very happy with it.

Both the G2L and C2 are capable of using the same light engines, so it is up to you.

Whatever you do, make sure you get a light with a metal bezel, such as the G2L, G2ZL, G3L, 6P or C2, and not a light with a plastic bezel like a G2 or G3. The fully plastic bodies of the G2 and G3 severely limit your options of light engines due to heat build up.

I am pretty sure you can get a 6P for cheaper than a G2L, so I recommend you go that option if don't mind having a metal light. Police officers get discounts with Surefire and the 6P is pretty reasonably priced. The 6P is the de-facto upgrade host and the metal body ensures full compatibility with all light engine upgrades.

I believe you can have the 6P and a Malkoff for a good bit under $150USD, and the result is the best duty light money can possibly buy.

You may, of course, wish to also pair it with a smaller light that has lower output options, but you have the LED Lenser for that.

 

[pjandyho]

I don't really want to confuse you here but you might also want to consider the E2DL Defender LED. It has a TIR optic to help throw the light further but still gives you ample flood to light up the peripheral. It has 2 stage power control for 200 lumens blinding light on high, and 5 lumens on low for you to do your report writing and so on.

 

[MarNav1]

Welcome to CPF prop!

 

[Niconical]

Personally I wouldn't go for the C2L for your police use, not because there's anything wrong with it, it's great, but if spending that money I'd go for 2 of the G2L, 1 for your belt, 1 spare.

The Malkoffs that you see mentioned are very high quality "dropins", meaning they replace the existing Surefire bulb and reflector. They are called dropins because they "drop in", you remove the Surefire, drop in the Malkoff, easy.

Bear in mind though that there is nothing wrong with the stock lamp in a G2L. As a group we consider it to be at (or near) the bottom of the ladder in terms of its effectiveness and output, but that's just because we have a very high ladder and people such as the Malkoffs offer us such great alternatives. If you get a G2L (or 2) you will be very well served by a sturdy, bright and reliable flashlight. Then in time as you learn more you can consider a Malkoff or something similar.

If you will be buying your own batteries, get them online, and USA made. There are cheapy China made cells available, but I assume that when on duty you have other things to worry about other than "hhmm, wonder if my flashlight will melt today?".

 

[carrot]

+1 at what Niconical said.

Also, I'd like to append, when you buy your batteries online, buy from reputable vendors only, such as Surefire.com, Lighthound.com, BatteryStation.com, BatteryJunction.com or 4sevens.com. No eBay, DX or KD, because counterfeits are rampant. Cheap cells are unsafe and dangerous to use.

 

[prop]

Thanks for all the replies guys...I gotta find out more about the Malkoffs drop-ins since so many of you are recommending it.

I read abit up on the malkoff lamp assemblies, and theyve got some pretty high output numbers.

It seems the best option would be to go with the cheaper G2L which would leave some money for the M60 lamp assembly.

Man, the choices are mindboggling!:thinking: Gotta think about this one...

Thanks again for taking the time to help a newbie! :thumbsup:

 

[msap]

Good luck in your selection of duty light. The above advice is good regarding the different options. If I were you, I would go with the 6PL. Great basic light and a little sturdier than the the G2 series lights. As far as the Malkoff dropins are concerned. They are top notch. I have a 6P with a Malkoff M61 and it's the best light I've ever used for work. Make no mistake though, Malkoff dropins are hard to get. Gene Malkoff has quite a, well deserved, following. Don't assume you will be able to get your hands on one of his dropins easily. They literally sell out in minutes on his website. Unless you have time to sit and hit the reftresh button all day long, it's easy to miss out. I lucked out getting my M61.

 

[NotRegulated]

Another thing to consider...Are you planning on using a holster for the light? If so, What type?

I have found the C2's rubber grip ring a pain to get into and out of the Surefire nylon holster and the C2 won't fit in a leather aftermarket basket weave police type belt holster. The C2 will fit into Surefire's nitrolon holster.

The Surefire 6P, with it's round body, work great in all of these holsters. The 6p also lends itself better to adding the A19 one-cell extender providing you with 3 cells to give you a longer runtime if that is important to you. Also, the A19 extension allows you the option to run two 17500 rechargeable cells if that is important to you.

Whether or not you get the C2 or 6P, I have always purchased the incandescent versions over the LED version. With the money saved, it pays for at least half of a Malkoff dropin. The Malkoff M61 is the brightest with shortest runtime. He should also be coming out shortly with a less bright option with a longer runtime. It is much brighter than the Surefire P60LED and will run longer as well. A good investment as you will be using it every night.

 

[prop]

Allright, i decided...its going to be the 6PL. LED because of the added impact resistance, just in case i drop it down a flight of stairs or something.

I didnt know, Malkoff's work was in so high demand. I, naively, thought that id just go to his site and click on the thing i wanted, and itll be shipped right away. So it dosent look like ill be getting anything from him anytime soon. Another reason to get the LED version now.

Another thing to consider...Are you planning on using a holster for the light? If so, What type?

Well, i was planning on getting the Surefire V20, if you guys recommend it. Ive never seen it before but im assuming, since its also Surefire, that its has a good fit with the 6PL. Other than that it looks like a regular cordura sheath.

But i know from my knife hobby that manufacturers often put out great knives and the crappiest sheaths.

Is the Maxpedition Universal Flashlight sheath any good? Id prefer it to be either the Maxpedition or V20, so i can get them the same place and save shipping.

 

[Kestrel]

Well, i was planning on getting the Surefire V20, if you guys recommend it. Ive never seen it before but im assuming, since its also Surefire, that its has a good fit with the 6PL. Other than that it looks like a regular cordura sheath.

If that is the fixed-loop SureFire holster, I have two (one for my 6P & the longer version for my C3). Very stout and stiff - I've worn both of them hunting (the C3 version for a week-long elk hunt) and have no complaints at all. I've handled the velcro-detachable holster and wasn't as impressed - it would have been bulkier around my waist. The fixed-loop ones are very nice.

BTW good job on the 6P host, I wish I had started with one of those way back when. There's no reason you won't get a lifetime's worth of use out of it - with a G2L you might always be wanting a little more. :thumbsup:

 

[msap]

Good choice on the 6PL. It will serve you very well and there are so many upgrades for it. Don't give up on the Malkfoff dropin. I would imagine there might be another round of M61's in our near future. If you can get your hands on one grab it. Doesn't hurt to call Malkoff either.

 

[NotRegulated]

Re:Flashlight
I think the 6P is a good choice to start with. It's a good balanced package of brightness, beam profile, run time, durability, modularity and upgrade ability for a good price.

After using it for awhile, evaluate your needs.

Is it just fine the way it is?
Leave it alone and use it!

Are you wishing for more runtime?
Add an A19 extension for an additional cell or upgrade the LED dropin to one that gives a longer runtime such as the Malkoff M60L. (side benefit is increased brightness too!)

Need a lot more brightness?
Go for a high-powered LED drop-in. You will get less run time than the stock Surefire P60LED for the increased brightness. Many high-powered drop-in's to choose from.

And regarding the Malkoff drop-in's...you can usually just order his products at will. Right now, there is a break in the action because
1. he is transitioning his products from the Cree XRE 7090 to the new Cree XP-G. This will give his drop-ins more brightness and more efficiency (less heat & more run time).
2. He is recovering from a medical operation.

Look for the latest in his whole product line shortly.




The Surefire V20 is a good study nylon holster. You have the choice of a sewn on fixed loop model, a velcro quick attach/detach model, and a metal belt clip model.
The Maxpedition sheath is high quality and appears heavier than the Surefire model.

 

[DRWFan]

G2 is an excellent light for rugged use. The Nitrolon body resists impact very well. And the fact that is is much lighter than aluminum, and it doesn't get cold in the winter, AND the fact that it is only $40 is why I choose it as my first Surefire. I run it as an Incan though.

 

[carrot]

G2 is an excellent light for rugged use. The Nitrolon body resists impact very well. And the fact that is is much lighter than aluminum, and it doesn't get cold in the winter, AND the fact that it is only $40 is why I choose it as my first Surefire. I run it as an Incan though.

Yes, it is great as a beater but unfortunately the same characteristics that make it fantastic (the polymer) also mean it is death for many LED modules.

 

[Vesper]

Allright, i decided...its going to be the 6PL.

Great place to start - can take massive abuse. Might be all that you need but like others have said, it's very easy to modify to meet other needs and very resellable should you decide to try another.

:welcome: and thanks for being a LEO.

 

[prop]

I ordered the 6PL, the fixed-loop Surefire sheath and i listened to your advice regarding batteries and got some Surefire 123A batts too.

Looking forward to receiving my order and trying them all out.

Thanks for your help and for taking the time to post and share your experiences with a newbie! :thumbsup:

Later guys! :wave: