M3 or M3 Turbo Combatlight?

[Scorpionboy]

Hey Everyone,

I just recently found out my step-father is being re-dployed to Afghanistan for the third time next may, naturally, my first thought was that I can get him a flashlight to take with him. Last time he was there, and I'm assuming the first, he has been using a 6p, which was issued to him.

But I want him to have something with a little more oomph, since it can save his life, and many others. I'm not going near the E-Series, I'm just not, the tailcaps fail, I've read about it numerous times, I don't wanna take that chance, it's just not worth it.

So the two lights I'm torn between at the moment, are the regular M3, which isn't too much bigger than the 6p, and has twice the output, with the same runtime... seems like a pretty good deal right? I was also looking at the M3 Turbo Combatlight, I like the huge reflector, because it just seems like alot more light would be coming out the front right? better chance to blind the people in the houses he's clearing, however the turbohead seems like it could make it a little bulky to mount on his rifle, or am I wrong there?(I'm not a firearm guru, so excuse my ignorance on that subject.)

 

[U2VOODOO]

The standard head is a little bigger than the P series. The turbo head is a real nice feature for throw but its bulk is a little annoying. If it (turbo) were a dedicated light on an M-4 it is still a little bulKY. I would have to give the nod to the standard head either as a dedicated weapons light on a short carbine or on person carry.

Another great option could be the 9-P for personal carry and M-3 weapons light for carbine. The M-3 is one of my favorites.

 

[jumpstat]

The difference is in the turbo head. Also both have different bulbs corresponding to different heads. I have am M3, I would like to get the Turbo version but its physically bigger and mat most time the Z46 head (non Turbo) is sufficient enough for my needs. I run rechargeables which goes well with the MN11....

 

[DaFABRICATA]

Go with the Turbohead!

When it comes to life and death....(whats a few bucks)?

Anyway ....buy an M971 weaponlight....

Its worth it in the long run......

Who gives a FU*k about rechargables?!?! If my life is in the balance give me a nice Turbohead and a great bulb to do dirt!

I (personally) don't give a FU*K about anything but getting me out alive! Its a dirty situation and If I'm forced into it....Give me all the best equipment for the freakin job!

SCREW THE DETAILS...Other than reliability.....it could mean the diffference between life & death!

These lights have been "Battle proven" over time.

When a life is in the ballance can you REALLY put a price on the product......(I think not)

Do what you must.

 

[Patriot]

I love the turbo head as an outdoorsman and hobbiest but would find it a bit bulky in the field if I had to carry stores of other equipment. Depending on his job there he may be heavily loaded down as it is and all the equipment adds up.

With regards to the differences between the amount of light coming out of the two different heads, it's not so much the amount of light (because they're so close) as it is the shape of the light, The Turbo head will throw the light farther because it's concentrated into a tighter beam. The standard head doesn't throw as far but offers a slightly wider arc of light which is sometimes preferable for interior spaces like dwellings. Although a dedicated weaponlight is superior to a makeshift attachment of a flashlight, the smaller head can more easily be retrofitted is absolutely necessary.

If I had to make a decision for my own family member and the cost were an issue, I think I'd put difference in cost into a couple of extra lamp assemblies and extra batteries.

 

[RoyJ]

Go with the Turbohead!

When it comes to life and death....(whats a few bucks)?

Anyway ....buy an M971 weaponlight....

Its worth it in the long run......

Who gives a FU*k about rechargables?!?! If my life is in the balance give me a nice Turbohead and a great bulb to do dirt!

I (personally) don't give a FU*K about anything but getting me out alive! Its a dirty situation and If I'm forced into it....Give me all the best equipment for the freakin job!

SCREW THE DETAILS...Other than reliability.....it could mean the diffference between life & death!

These lights have been "Battle proven" over time.

When a life is in the ballance can you REALLY put a price on the product......(I think not)

Do what you must.

How's a turbo vs non-turbo going to mean the difference between life and death? If you're dead with a regular M3, having some extra throw is not going to save you.

He mentioned clearing out houses. I'd imagine the floody beam of the regular head be more useful.

 

[FlashInThePan]

Scorpionboy, that's an admirable thing to do. I'm sure your step-father will appreciate it.

That said, it might be worthwhile to talk with him to see what his needs are.

A turbohead doesn't actually add any additional lumens to the light, it just changes the shape of those lumens when they come out. The turbohead creates a tighter, more focused beam that's better at illuminating distant objects. In truth, if he's going to be in close-quarter combat (e.g. room clearing), it might actually be better to have a *broader*, more floody beam that lets you see more of the room. Ask him how he'll be using it - that should help you decide what kind of head he needs.

Also, you mentioned that he might be mounting the light on his rifle. Surefire makes special rail-mounted lights for that very purpose. If he's going to be using it exclusively with his gun, you might want to consider one that attaches directly to the gun itself. Even if you don't buy one of those, you'll still probably want a shock-isolated light like the M3.

As others have mentioned, the M3, 9P, and C3 are all pretty similar in terms of output. The differences are the form factors, coatings, and shock isolation:
- The 9P is a great 3-cell light. Lots of lumens, available high-power bulbs, and the ability to add a turbohead.
- The C3 is like a 9P, but with the addition of HAIII, a body that's thinner in the middle to allow better handling with a gun, and a clip (which might actually be useful if he's going to be carrying it around with him!). Think of it as a stronger, more versatile 9P.
- The M3 is also HAIII and has a thinner middle, but it lacks a clip. However, it has special shock isolation heads to help prevent the bulb from blowing if it's dropped, or subjected to repeated recoil. If he's mounting it to a gun, this might not be a bad idea.

All three lights can be outfitted with turboheads if he needs the additional throw.

Hope this helps!

- FITP

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Get the TURBO!

 

[DaFABRICATA]

I din't mean the Turbhead will save you, I'm just saying Its a great light and will probably be more useful.

For room clearing...the turbohead might be a bit much, but it does have great spill. I'm just thinking it will be more usefull than the standard M3 head.
What about getting the M3T and a Standard M3 Bezel to replace the turbohead when needed/wanted?

 

[FlashInThePan]

A late thought (sorry, but I forgot to include it in my first post): the E-series come with a clicky switch by default, but you can replace it with a twistie for better reliability.

- FITP

 

[Patriot]

Since you said, "he mentioned room clearing" I'd really suggest the standard bezel. The C3 is also a fantastic light and not as expensive.

Have you been to the CPF Marketplace yet? There are M3s in there around $160 bucks with standard head. Good prices right now.

 

[mdocod]

I would get him the P60L for his 6P, and a 9P to go along side it with a P91 for those "short blast" moments.

 

[Carpe Diem]

I`ll certainly defer to the other CPFR`ers on any advice that can be given. I just want to wish your step-father well.

If it would help, and if the regular M3 ends up being your choice, send a PM to me if you`d like. I have a NIB SF M3 that I bought several years that I`d be willing to send to you for this cause for $150.00 shipped.

But again...and most imprtantly...best wishes to your step-father.

 

[Patriot]

I`ll certainly defer to the other CPFR`ers on any advice that can be given. I just want to wish your step-father well.

If it would help, and if the regular M3 ends up being your choice, send a PM to me if you`d like. I have a NIB SF M3 that I bought several years that I`d be willing to send to you for this cause for $150.00 shipped.

But again...and most imprtantly...best wishes to your step-father.

Wow! $150 is a bit under what they've been regularly going for in the CPF "MarketPlace" What a cool jesture Carpe Diem! :thumbsup:

 

[Scorpionboy]

I`ll certainly defer to the other CPFR`ers on any advice that can be given. I just want to wish your step-father well.

If it would help, and if the regular M3 ends up being your choice, send a PM to me if you`d like. I have a NIB SF M3 that I bought several years that I`d be willing to send to you for this cause for $150.00 shipped.

But again...and most imprtantly...best wishes to your step-father.

Carpe Diem,

Thank you for the consideration and concern for my step-father. I've sent you a message.