Need help deciding...

[vbmike73]

Ok. I had a Surefire 9P and I loved it. I loved the size, the brightness with the high-output lamp, and the durability. I did not like the runtime. Then I lost it. So I was looking to replace it with a Surefire N3 Nitrolon, with the similar 200 lumen. But then I started looking, and that might not be the best option. I was hoping some of you could give me your thoughts given my requirements.

Under $125 USD
About the size of a Surefire 9P
AA, AAA, or 123A batteries (pref not rechargable)
Similar functionality of the 9P with tailcap momentary on, but optional outputs would be nice, too.

As far as light output, I have read PDFs on how light is measured and all that. It's a lot to understand (lumens, lux, etc.) Basically, I want a crisp clean light that will shine further, rather than a light that outputs more to a broader area. I want that strong beam if you will.

The one that caught my eye when I was price shopping for the Surefire N3 was the OLight M30 Tritan. For the price of $130, 700 lumens, LED, it seemed like a no brainer. But I just want to be sure before buying one. Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Gunner12]

:welcome:

Sorry about the lost light, I hope it turns up somewhere.

Check the reviews section (the search function helps) for comments, opinions, and beamshots to see if you like what you see. This site also as good reviews as well(the M30 is on there).

You can also look at LED drop-in modules. These are modules that you swap with the incandescent modules in the light and give you a LED light. The most common is the P60 type. The Surefire 6P, 9P, G2, G3, C2, and so on (Any light that can take the P60, P90 or similar modules) can all take these modules, along with some models from many other companies like Dereelight, Solarforce, and some budges brands such as Ultrafire.

The M30 seems like a good light from the reviews. Check this thread in the marketplace for coupons.

Enjoy your stay!

 

[JCD]

Perhaps I'm missing something, but, since you liked the first one so well, why not just replace the 9P with another 9P? If you want to switch to LED, you can always purchase a Surefire or third party drop-in to make that conversion. You'll find few LED options as satisfying as the surefire high output P91 lamp assembly, though.

 

[vbmike73]

I like other features of other flashlights, like variable output for example, which the 9P does not offer.