How do you attach your Lanyard to your Surefire?

[jtodd939]

Looking at lights like the A2 and L1, it appears that there are two ways to attach the Lanyard.

1.) clip the fastener onto the polymer lanyard ring.

2.) remove the polymer lanyard ring from the tail of the light and wrap the paracord around the groove created using a cord lock to secure it.

Is there a best method?

Anybody care to share their experiences, can you recommend one or the other? thanks

 

[SaturnNyne]

For me, the first step in attaching a lanyard to one of these lights is removing the plastic lanyard ring on the tailcap (which is a little tricky if you're interested in preserving it for possible future use). I find these rings very uncomfortable, especially on the shorter lights, since the ring is always sticking in my hand and getting in the way when pocketed. Also, the lanyard system provided by SureFire, when used as intended, is pretty worthless. The clip will disengage from the light with a few light shakes and they can sometimes detach just sitting inside a pocket or bag. And btw, the included lanyard clips don't fit through the attachment point on the pocket clip, a very thin and probably weak snap hook would have to be used there, I think. This option would probably get in the way of gripping it comfortably too.

Instead of either of these provided methods, I do pretty much what you suggested with the groove, except I tie a slip knot in the end, secure it in the groove, and then snug the cord lock against the knot to ensure it doesn't slip loose. This allows it to grip the light much tighter than just cord lock alone. This still isn't ergonomically ideal, but it is very secure and easy to get on and off. However, care must be exercised with this method since you lose some of the emergency breakaway potential designed into the SF-provided attachment method.

 

[jtodd939]

That Lanyard ring was IMPOSSIBLE to remove without breaking it. I tried for 15 minutes with small flat screwdrivers used for watches. After one screwdriver slipped and left a scratch on the body of my light, I got pissed off and used needlenose pliers to break the ring.

I LOVE the light without the Lanyard ring. using the paracord as the wraparound works great. I feel no need to knot it. It's totally secure with just the cord lock. And there's no rattling noises anymore since I removed the astener.

I'm bummed I got a scratch on my light now though. But I guess it's gotta get some eventually.

thanks, man.

 

[SaturnNyne]

That Lanyard ring was IMPOSSIBLE to remove without breaking it. I tried for 15 minutes with small flat screwdrivers used for watches. After one screwdriver slipped and left a scratch on the body of my light, I got pissed off and used needlenose pliers to break the ring.
...
I'm bummed I got a scratch on my light now though. But I guess it's gotta get some eventually.

Yeah I broke the first one I removed too. I wasn't able to pry it off so I just tied a loop of paracord through it and pulled until it snapped; really took some force. But that allowed me to examine how the ring fits together and, understanding that, I've since been able to pry two more off successfully with a small screwdriver, leaving only minor scraping on the ring. Gotta be careful though, this procedure is definitely dangerous to both light and fingers.

Yeah, that first scratch always hurts, but I've learned to be glad when it finally happens because that's the beginning of not having to be so hungup on protecting it. I was really protective of my NovaTac until I dropped it on pavement and banged up both ends a little. Now I like the light better because it's a proper tool, not an expensive concern/liability. Just remember, SureFire's are built tough because we're supposed to be able to use them with little concern for their safety, not to assist us in keeping them looking pretty. And some think they look better with some character anyway.

 

[SaturnNyne]

Forum had a glitch and told me first post hadn't gone through.
Wow, my first double post ever. End of the streak...