old Surefire 6P =good buy???

[NikWin]

Hello CPF-team,

i am flashlight noob, but i will buy a high-qulity and -power flashlight for a little price. I found the old Surefire 6P, which is used very cheap.
(link)

Is ist a good buy??? If i get it, i will change buld (xenon???) into a high-power cree-drop-in from DX, but is there a good multi-mode too????

THX:thumbsup:

 

[angelofwar]

:welcome: one of the best...this is the "original tactical flashlight" and what started it all! Best warranty in the business too!

 

[american lockpicker]

I have a 6p and I love it but if you have the chance get a 9p.

 

[NotRegulated]

I don't know how much the light is so I can't tell you if it is a good price but...

I can tell you that a 6P is a great light to start out with. It is a good light to use as stand alone and good base to add an A19 1 cell extender to make it a 9P.

The D26 lamp assembly can be replaced/upgraded with all the latest D26 LED dropin bulbs. As the LED become obsolete you will be able to keep your light upgraded as new LED become available.

I still am using 6P's that I bought in the 80's. They are just like the one you are considering buying now.

I would recommend you wait and find a new style one that has all the factory upgrades incorporated since the first ones came out such as a lock out tailcap and a pyrex bezel. Surefire has really held the price in check over the years for the 6p model. $50-$60 US will get you a new one.

 

[kramer5150]

As much as I like Surefires... some of the older dis-continued models REALLY develop a cult following with fanatical enthusiasts. As a result auction prices reflect this, as bidders are typically crazy surefire fanatics. So if you are merely looking for an illumination tool, generally you are getting more for your $$$ buying a current production model. If however you are wanting to get into the hobby of enthusiast collecting then go for it, it will only appreciate in value with age.

I have seen those older smooth bezel 6Ps fetch over $100 (US), NIB-factory sealed.

FWIW, you can get a new current production 6P on ebay for around $45 (US) shipped

 

[Helmut.G]

As much as I like Surefires... some of the older dis-continued models REALLY develop a cult following with fanatical enthusiasts. As a result auction prices reflect this, as bidders are typically crazy surefire fanatics. So if you are merely looking for an illumination tool, generally you are getting more for your $$$ buying a current production model. If however you are wanting to get into the hobby of enthusiast collecting then go for it, it will only appreciate in value with age.

I have seen those older smooth bezel 6Ps fetch over $100 (US), NIB-factory sealed.

FWIW, you can get a new current production 6P on ebay for around $45 (US) shipped

The situation is different in Germany (I assume NikWin is from Germany because of the link in his post), you pay 60€ (~$75) and more for a new 6P but can get a used one for 20€ off ebay if you are lucky.
Of course these are not new.
Actually I'm currently waiting for a used 6P und 9P myself

 

[divine]

The picture on that link looks like the old (round) 6P. The 6P is a nice light.

To me, that price seems a little high. I think it's around 80 usd.

 

[Rat6P]

Whether its the old style of the new style it will be a great light!
But as others have mentioned already it may be cheaper to buy a new version or a newer used model....if you can.

Either way if something like this is going to be your first "quality" light you may find a bond or strong sentimental feelings develope when you get it. (so pick carefully)
I have heard others here echo my own sentiments......"My first surefire is one I will never sell, never part from.......might sell one of the ones that come later on...but never the "first"."
Mine is a 6P I've had for just on 10 years now.

 

[Bruce B]

... Either way if something like this is going to be your first "quality" light you may find a bond or strong sentimental feelings develop when you get it. (so pick carefully)...

Rat,

I hear you on this one. My very first SF light was the E2D. I purchased it in 2000, and unfortunately it was stolen off my person in 2006... Man did I love that light (even thought it was an incandescent.) Wish I still had that gem.

 

[cfromc]

The 6Ps are excellent lights, good feel in a relatively small package, and bright. IMO, the new ones offer a little more than the older ones. Two things immediately come to mind: the anti-roll bezel and better switch feel. Some people like the round bezel better and I'm sure some like the older switch, with the larger switch pad, better. It is subjective. I do like the look of both, but for a user light I would choose a newer model with the two features I mentioned above. Either way, the 6P is one of the best "feeling" lights in my hand.

 

[Elton]

ive been carrying one for years its good flashlight well it says defender but its pretty much a 6p

 

[JNewell]

I'm a fan, but you should be aware that the earlier 6P models had an earlier tailcap that didn't lock out/off and wasn't even mildly weather-resistant. However you feel about the other changes, I think the LOTC is a big improvement.