Help me decide: Surefire/Fenix?

[Shane]

Hey guys, first post here so take it easy on me! :twothumbs

I'm currently using an Inova X5 as my EDC but I think I'm going to start leaving that in the car for the winters here in Cleveland- never can be too sure. I go camping alot and need a rugged light around me.

I was starting to look at other options for an EDC- the Surefire LX2 and the Fenix TK 10. So far I have gathered that the Surefire is built stronger and is waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. I've also gathered that Surefire has better service, built in the US and has a max output of 200 SF lumens.

The Fenix on the other hand, has 225 lumens, which I'm not sure how it's measured but is it really as bright as the Surefire or stronger? It's waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and is made in China. It's way cheaper but I'm not sure if it will stand up to my abuse.

My question is: Can you list the pros/cons of your experience with the two lights? Also, some people told me that they can find the Surefire way below the advertised price of $195...I'd like to know where that place is and how much it is

Thanks!

 

[Dole]

I don't know of very many places you can get a surefire for much cheaper. But I can say that the TK10 and TK11 are VERY sturdy and durable. And I'm sure they'll do anything a Surefire would do for less than half the price. On the other hand, if price isn't an issue, just get the Surefire.

The TK series advertised lumens are real lumens so it really is 225 (or 240 for the TK11)

The surefires I think are a little understated so the surefire 200 is prolly more like 225

 

[carrot]

Try CPFMarketplace, a lot of people sell unwanted lights at a loss there.

The TK10 sucks, IMHO. When using it in cold (blizzard) weather on fresh batteries it was unable to hold regulation and started flickering/strobing. Not cool! I switched to my Surefire 6PL and threw the TK10 in my bag. The 6PL worked fine for the rest of the night. So will the LX2 you're going to buy.

If you live in a place that's always warm maybe the TK10 will work out better for you. It's pretty nice, reasonably bright, and feels sturdy. But me, I'm done with the TK10!

 

[Buckley]

I own several Surefire flashlights, as well as several Fenix torches. Based on that experience, I agree entirely with Dole.

 

[Shane]

Thanks for the responses...the Fenix's potential problems with cold bother me. It's VERY cold VERY often here in Cleveland, and I need something that will work regardless of it being 1 degrees of 100 degrees. So far I think Surefire is a winner but please, others chime in!

 

[I came to the light...]

They're both very well made flashlights - neither will break even with very hard use. However, it is true that Surefires are generally more thoroughly tested.

There was a time when Surefires were severely underrated and there are Chinese companies who severely overrate the output of their lights. But Fenix's ratings are accurate, and Surefire stopped underrating... the two are about as bright. However, the beam patterns are quite different - while they throw about as far, the LX2 has a larger spot and dimmer spill.

I would decide based not on brand, but operational differences. The LX2 is slimmer and fits better in the pocket, etc. The LX2 also has an unusual switch - it allows instant access to low or high output, but takes a little more effort to lock it on. The TK10/TK11, on the other hand, can be activated or locked on very easily, but takes a little more effort to switch between modes.

 

[frosty976]

I have no experience with the Fenix, but I do via second-hand experience. My vote would echo the above about sticking to the Surefire.

 

[357mag1]

I've used my TK11 R2 in cold weather (0 degrees F) for extended periods and never had any flickering issues. It destroys my Surefire 6P in amount of output and is built like a tank. That said the 6P has never failed me and with the LED module it doesn't eat batteries. Love my E2DL as well
If price is get the Surefire and have an American made product with lifetime warranty.
Otherwise the Fenix TK11 should work just fine.

 

[drifts1]

Both are great lights. However I own a few Fenix lights and used to own 1 Surefire. I have a friend who works for Surefire and is able to get 1/2 off products with a yearly limit of $1000. He gets lights for friends from time to time but honestly the Surefires arent doing anything for me that my Fenix's dont. They withstand the extreme weather conditions(here in CA), my camping & hiking trips, dog walks, occasional falls, & weapons recoil. And i still get my Fenix lights for cheaper after CPF discount codes . If they were same price i would go Surefire, but there not, even at 1/2 price. I am not bashing SF and actually tip my cap to them as Top Dog. So here is the default CPF answer: Get both!

 

[Shane]

Ok...I took your advice. I'm going to get the PD20 for my EDC and the LX2 for camping and hiking.

Thanks everyone

 

[gswitter]

I like the beam that the TK10 puts out. It throws reasonably well, and has IMO a more usable, all-around beam than the LX2. But the LX2 is overall brighter, throws noticeably further, and is much more comfortable to carry and use.

Overall, I like the TK10, but it's a little long in the tooth by this forum's standards. I don't think I could justify buying one over the Quark Turbo 2x123.

 

[Import Junky]

I've never owned a Surefire, but I have used them. The ones I used never gave me a problem. But neither have any of the Fenix Lights I've been using.

I have a P2D and a PD30R2 that Ive been EDC'ing During this 30" of snow we got here in Pittsburgh, TK30 in the car. Ive Been running the P2D in the Fenix head band and Love its light weight and brightness. For Task I normally just use the P2D at Medium at the most.

One thing I have noticed with the P2D in the cold The light might flicker when the cells are depleted to the point where the current cant support the light output, as opposed to the light slowly loosing brightness. It may be due to the crappy cells I buy in packs of 40 for $50. But either way its not a deal breaker. Pop a new cell in and it works fine.


One thing that is a must is the headband. Makes life so much easier when working with your hands.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q95VrEh4tmM

Review by Nutnfancy. He just runs the single holder without the band that goes over the top of your head. That normally How i run mine(during prolonged periods of darkness i might toss the battery carrier on it). when im climbing I might run both lights. But its nice they give you the options to set it up how you like it.

oh btw I have a TK11 R2 thats normally right next to my firearm. But every once and a while ill edc that light just to use it. I love the fact that it can accept 18650's.

 

[carrot]

Overall, I like the TK10, but it's a little long in the tooth by this forum's standards. I don't think I could justify buying one over the Quark Turbo 2x123.

I agree, the TK10 has been out for more than a year and unlike with Surefire, old lights get old fast. I can't believe I didn't think of it, but the Quark 123 Turbo is definitely a nicer light and comparable to the TK10. I haven't put one through the paces yet but from handling one and playing with it for a week I really like it. The ridiculous crenellations on the tailcap are gone (interferes with usage), the clicky feels more robust, it's programmable (piece of cake), and it seems to throw better. Also, something that always bothered me about the TK10 is that it has a really weird balance, extremely front heavy and kind of annoying to use. The Turbo feels much better balanced. And the knurling is nicer. I'd still pick the Surefire LX2, but it's a harder choice between the LX2 and the Turbo. The LX2 is easier to carry, however, due to the deep pocket clip and narrower body, which is the biggest factor for me (carry-ability). But the Turbo throws further.

 

[Federal LG]

Hey guys, first post here so take it easy on me! :twothumbs

I'm currently using an Inova X5 as my EDC but I think I'm going to start leaving that in the car for the winters here in Cleveland- never can be too sure. I go camping alot and need a rugged light around me.

I was starting to look at other options for an EDC- the Surefire LX2 and the Fenix TK 10. So far I have gathered that the Surefire is built stronger and is waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes. I've also gathered that Surefire has better service, built in the US and has a max output of 200 SF lumens.

The Fenix on the other hand, has 225 lumens, which I'm not sure how it's measured but is it really as bright as the Surefire or stronger? It's waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes and is made in China. It's way cheaper but I'm not sure if it will stand up to my abuse.

My question is: Can you list the pros/cons of your experience with the two lights? Also, some people told me that they can find the Surefire way below the advertised price of $195...I'd like to know where that place is and how much it is

Thanks!

If money is not a problem for you, my vote goes to Surefire LX2 !

 

[skyfire]

someone over at the cpf marketplace is selling brand new surefires. the LX2 is $165 shipped anywhere in the USA.

batteryjunction.com has free shipping if you buy the LX2, and 5% off for cpf members. most importantly, they have first-rate service!

i wouldnt even consider the tk10 or 11, as there are so many other lights out there around the same price range which i find more desirable, such as the quarks, or jetbeams, or olights.

go with the LX2, if you dont like it, im sure it can easily be sold afterwards.

 

[I came to the light...]

Ok...I took your advice. I'm going to get the PD20 for my EDC and the LX2 for camping and hiking.

Thanks everyone

A true CPFer in 3 posts :twothumbs

I'm sure you'll like both. Just a note - the LX2 will throw further since the PD20 doesn't have the larger head the TK10/TK11 has.

 

[Shane]

Wow thanks for all the responses! I've learned alot just scouring on here and man, there are some interesting/ridiculous lights! I decided to go with the LX2 as my primary light for camping/hiking/trailing, and the PD20 as my main EDC...the reason behind that is the PD20 r2 has a pocket clip now and is smaller and lighter, and has more everyday usable power levels. 9 lumens is more than enough for my every day chores and the ability to intermediately is awesome. I don't need 200 every day! Thanks again guys, I'm definitely sticking around!

 

[gswitter]

I don't need 200 every day!

...yet.

 

[lapd.erik]

I love Surefire! Fenix are good flashlights as well, but the quality you get from Surefire just cannot be beat yet in my book. If you have the extra cash go with Surefire and you wont regret it!

 

[bfksc]

...yet.

Exactly, I think I've used Max output about 30-40% of the time so far, and that's 206 lumens. Light is good...bright light is great!
:thumbsup: