Recommendations for officer

[recDNA]

get one of the surefires. I got my LX2 the same day as a T20C2 MKII eagletac. The surefire blows it out of the water.... keep in mind the T20C2 is no slouch. The feel of the surefire is nicer than any light I own, optics are among the best, and output is severely underated (or are other companies overrating their light's output). You have the choice of different UI with the E2DL or LX2.

I don't own a quark turbo, but do own one of their minis, and while it is a nice light, it's no surefire. The only light I own that feels of comparable quality to the surefire is my SR90.

I see the olight M20 recommended a lot. I would possibly look into that, but that said, it is probably on par with the eagletac I listed above. The surefire is handly a better choice than that..... and that is not to bad mouth the eagletac

In what way does the LX2 blow the T20C2 out of the water? The T20C2 certainly has greater output. Are you speaking only of throw, or feel, or what?

 

[Zivman]

In what way does the LX2 blow the T20C2 out of the water? The T20C2 certainly has greater output. Are you speaking only of throw, or feel, or what?

the surefire has better feel, appears to me to be 1.5X brighter, and has a better beam. The appearance of brighter is just a subjective observance, may just be the beam/optics vs actual lumen output. shooting each side by side, the output of the surefire seems to drown out the eagletac

couple other observations I don't care for the clip on either light, though if I had to choose the eagletac's clip is better. But the lanyard connection is a thousand times better on the surefire than the eagletac

 

[vizlor]

I'd get a surefire, or the Olight M20S.

 

[jhc37013]

the surefire has better feel, appears to me to be 1.5X brighter, and has a better beam. The appearance of brighter is just a subjective observance, may just be the beam/optics vs actual lumen output. shooting each side by side, the output of the surefire seems to drown out the eagletac

couple other observations I don't care for the clip on either light, though if I had to choose the eagletac's clip is better. But the lanyard connection is a thousand times better on the surefire than the eagletac

Are you talking about the T20C2 or the T20C2 MKII, hey I love my Surefire but in no way is the LX2 1.5x brighter than the T20 MKII. Sure the LX2 throws further but the Eagletac has very bright spill and pretty good throw. Do a ceiling bounce test with both you will see the MKII is actually a bit brighter, you say subjective so I guess you mean it appears brighter because of the large throwy hotspot.

About the better beam quality are you using a smooth reflector on the T20 because with the textured the T20 beam is a tight hotspot and then nice even spill with no dark rings. I agree about the lanyards I really don't like how you have to attach it to the clip on the T20, I guess they went this direction because the cigar crip ring is rubber but I prefer the old plastic ring with a lanyard whole in it like previous ET models.

 

[Xak]

I'd say Quark Turbo or Olight M20. I'd lean more toward the quark only because I once had an issue with one of my M20s with the reflector unscrewing itself during use, causing the light not to be reliable. I sent it back, got it fixed and it has been 100% since. My other M20 (love them so much I got 2) has been 100%.

Also, I carry my Quark 123x2 Tactical over the M20 for work only because it fits in my pocket better. Because of this it has seen some serious abuse and looks like it has been through a war. Only problem I ever had was when the battery itself broke after I dropped it. Popped a new one in, no problems. If I had a whacker belt I would have been carrying the M20 instead, though. It's a great light and I'm sure is just as tough.

If you going with a light for your belt I would say the Quark turbo. The turbo head will give better throw with the new, floodier, LEDs they are putting in the Quark line.

I think the Eagle Tac stole the design of the M20 for one of their lights. I have heard people complain about EagleTacs breaking after being dropped only once or twice. This was a long time ago, though, so maybe they are more durable now.

 

[Zivman]

Are you talking about the T20C2 or the T20C2 MKII, hey I love my Surefire but in no way is the LX2 1.5x brighter than the T20 MKII. Sure the LX2 throws further but the Eagletac has very bright spill and pretty good throw. Do a ceiling bounce test with both you will see the MKII is actually a bit brighter, you say subjective so I guess you mean it appears brighter because of the large throwy hotspot.

About the better beam quality are you using a smooth reflector on the T20 because with the textured the T20 beam is a tight hotspot and then nice even spill with no dark rings. I agree about the lanyards I really don't like how you have to attach it to the clip on the T20, I guess they went this direction because the cigar crip ring is rubber but I prefer the old plastic ring with a lanyard whole in it like previous ET models.

it is a cool T20C2 MKII with a LOP reflector. The hotspot on the eagletac is very small compared to the surefire. The spill is greater on the ET, but don't find it makes it any better in terms of use. The throw is good on either. Fact is, if I had to choose one, it is going to be the surefire, even at 2x the money.... I own both. I know I am being subjective, but numbers are only one set of factors.

edit:
I am sitting here screwing around with my 3 lights in this size category. In terms of what I personally like in terms of useful output I would rank them as follows
Surefire LX2 > Lumapower D-Mini VX ultra (running a single 18650) > Eagletac. I would question the build quality of the lumapower over the eagletac

 

[Colonel]

Lots to sort through here.. I've been lurking and taking notes.

One thing I do not like about some of these lights is the two modes, and programming. If I commonly use two modes, but need another.. I may not have time to turn the head 4 times.. find my mode, wait 10 seconds...

I like the fact that if I think I may need 160 lumen strobe, I tighten the head.. and tap the switch twice. So as far as that goes, I like the way the Fenix's work.

I am thinking about the EagleTac. I don't know the difference between the P20C2 MKII vs the T20C2 MKII though. But I like the glow in the dark button, the easily activated strobe mode, the low 5 lumen mode...

The Quark 123² Turbo is a strong candidate as well. I like the output options, but as mentioned, I hate that there's only two modes and the reprogramming process. This pretty much disappoints me away from it. I wish there was an easier way of getting the modes as this would keep it on my list.

JetBeam is appealing as well, but I'm not sure how to get the different modes. If it were as fast and easy as my old Fenix, that would be great.

Malkoff I'm confused by. Their website lists very little information. What it does say.. it the light doesn't include a lens and is designed for the M60 dropin. So.. am I supposed to buy that for it to work?

The Olight M20 looks great to me as well. But at $100 it is less appealing. How do you switch modes?

 

[jhc37013]

ould keep it on my list.


I am thinking about the EagleTac. I don't know the difference between the P20C2 MKII vs the T20C2 MKII though. But I like the glow in the dark button, the easily activated strobe mode, the low 5 lumen mode...

The difference in the P/T20C2 MKII first the T20 is larger which allows the use of 18650 battery or cr123 as the P20 battery tube is not big enough for 18650. Next is throw the T20 has a bit more throw from the larger reflector, overall brightness is the same though. I like the smaller size of the P20 especially as a EDC light.

 

[Colonel]

Thanks for the info. I think I'll put the P20 down on the list of potential buys.

I'm waiting to see if anyone posts any Memorial Day weekend sales but haven't seen anything yet. I thought the used for sale forum would help me pick as well but it just gave me more options, lol.

 

[Per-Sev]

Hey guys

Looking for a recommendation for my next duty light.

Background:
I've loaned out my Fenix P3D (CE, I think? 9/40/90/160 lumens) to an officer and am currently using an Inova Bolt 2A that was on clearance at Target.

I miss my Fenix P3D. I like the 9 lumen mode with the ability to switch up to the 160 or so lumens. (I dont recall the specs, and my model is older.) It's been a great light.. and I love it when some testosterone head makes fun of how small it is.. then I turn it on at 160 lumens and put their big expensive piece of crap to shame. :eek:

I use it for work.. counting inmates at 9 lumens.. and the 160 lumens while on patrol as a spotlight. It's much faster than turning the spotlight.

(Other lights on hand, 2 Pelican M6 xenons, 1 Streamlight Stinger XT xenon, 2 Energizer® Tactical Metal Light: 1watt LED/45 lumens/1 AA)

With this in mind, the officer I loaned my Fenix P3D to wants to buy it. So what better opportunity for an upgrade, right! :devil:

For starters, I was going to pick the Fenix LD20 on sale at outdoorbunker, but it's out of stock.

To the point:
What's an upgrade from what I had?
I like the low output / high output.. and use the in-between some as well. I've also used the strobe function. Having a holster is a need as well. I just got a bunch of those Energizer Advanced Lithiums on sale, as well as some CR123As. I'm not opposed to switching to a light that uses another type of battery. Size isn't an issue as long as it fits my output requests, I'd rather it not be 2D Maglite size.

Thanks in advance! :twothumbs

I did not see a price point so if I was a officer and wanted the best I would go with a McGizmo Haiku XP-G or the XR-E mine is the XP-G 2XAA so its a long light with 3 modes but no strobe but it remembers the last setting it was on. I also have a Quark Turbo and it would be a nice duty light the Haiku seems a lot stronger and just feels solid in your hand. If money is a consideration then the Quark is a nice light but the Haiku is a great light. Let me tell you why I think its better to buy one really good anything over a lot of OK things. When I worked I would buy Red Wing boots and my friends would buy whatever at about $50 a pair and my Red Wings would cost $150 a pair. My boots lasted me 5 to 7 years and they would buy boots about every 6 to 9 months so the cost was justified in a few years and the comfort lasted 7 years I still own my last pair and I quit working in 2000 and there as good as new still I wear them every winter to do the snow. So my point is buy the best first and it will pay for its self over time and you also get that feeling of pride when every you use it.

 

[19-Kilo]

I have the Turbo... It's great! +1!

I have a Quark AA Turbo and JetBeam Military... Both lights are highly recommended. But the difference is more UI. I think the Quark has a more usable UI as you move the head to select the mode you want. Here is a video showing the UI: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qtrg1ivqJtg&feature=player_embedded
For belt/duty use I would recommend getting the flat tactical tail cap (I have the regular cap and it gets turned on when something hits it on my belt.)

The Jet Beam is a little more rugged and basic with two modes. Only the lower/secondary level is programable (if I remember correctly) and can be done all with the tail switch.

 

[Colonel]

I don't like the Quark interface nor the JetBeam's.

Imagine:
Something's going down officer's take off to a situation.. "hang on guys, I gotta reprogram my flashlight" isn't going to cut it. What if I need a low mode as the situation changes, and because it "remembers" my last level, it comes on max lumens or strobe. I've either given myself away, destroyed my night vision, etc.

I can switch through all modes on the Fenix P3D very quickly and easily.

I need more than two lighting options. With a lengthy reprogramming system.. leave the light on for 10 seconds, etc. That's not tactical at all. And seven minute video training you how to use a flashlight?

Fenix's interface works great, comes on in low and takes just a tap to get brighter. If I need max, a quick twist and I'm at max lumens. I like predictability. I know the Fenix will always come on at 9 lumens unless I tighten the head.

 

[jhc37013]

I agree with some of what you said first the old Fenix UI, every time I occasionally use one I think to myself this is why I fell in love with Fenix in the first place I love the low-med-hi/twist for turbo without memory for a EDC light.

However when handling a light with a handgun or other devices I like to get to hi'est/med/low with one hand and this is why I wish Jetbeam would make a Jet M with the I.B.S. UI (no two hand operating). I like to set my other IBS Jets to M/L/H.

 

[John_Galt]

Then I'll also suggest the Ra line up. They have four modes, are easily re-programmed, you can add a strobe if you like, or if you find it necessary.

The UI is such that it's not a matter of quickly skipping through your modes, they're all accessible from any other mode.

Depending upon the situations, you can also program it so it remembers your last mode, or reverts to default, etc.

The UI seems weird when you just read the instruction manual, or the various flow charts that are posted around here, but once it's in your hand, and you can follow the instructions there, it's a simple thing to pick up (speaking from my experience with my HDS EDC B42XR).

The burst mode may be whats holding you back, but it's really not that noticeable. With the 170, you can reprogram it so that maximum output is 140lm, and it will be this constant output for at least an hour.

 

[Brigadier]

I don't like the Quark interface nor the JetBeam's.

Imagine:
Something's going down officer's take off to a situation.. "hang on guys, I gotta reprogram my flashlight" isn't going to cut it. What if I need a low mode as the situation changes, and because it "remembers" my last level, it comes on max lumens or strobe. I've either given myself away, destroyed my night vision, etc.

I can switch through all modes on the Fenix P3D very quickly and easily.

I need more than two lighting options. With a lengthy reprogramming system.. leave the light on for 10 seconds, etc. That's not tactical at all. And seven minute video training you how to use a flashlight?

Fenix's interface works great, comes on in low and takes just a tap to get brighter. If I need max, a quick twist and I'm at max lumens. I like predictability. I know the Fenix will always come on at 9 lumens unless I tighten the head.

Um, with the Jet-III M, you tighten the head, it is on Max. Loosen it, it is at a level you preset. What is so dangerous about that?

 

[JCD]

SureFire LX2

Low or High instantly available, regardless of how long the light has been off. No need to cycle through different modes to get to the one you need. High mode can be easily locked out if it's a liability. Momentary on available.

 

[Colonel]

John_Galt, I'll look at the Ra again.. I don't think I checked it out much.

Um, with the Jet-III M, you tighten the head, it is on Max. Loosen it, it is at a level you preset. What is so dangerous about that?

I never said it was dangerous, but I did say that I don't like only having two modes. In the video by goinggear.com on youtube, all that's made known is head tight for max, head loose for your custom mode. While my most common modes on the Fenix were 9 lumens, I'd also use 40 / 90, but if I'm on outside patrol, I'd use 160 lumens and 9 lumens. I don't want to have to reprogram my flashlight to get one of it's 6 or so other lighting levels.

An example I can come up with is this.. in a single night I could use 9 lumens to count inmates, 40 / 90 to conduct a search, 160 while outside, tighten the head and get ready to tap twice if I may need strobe. Back to 40 lumens if the power goes out and tailstand for room illumination. Additionally, it'd be nice to have even dimmer output for reading.

JCD, on the surefires, the best I've seen is only two output modes such as 60 or 120 lumens. Are there any that can cycle through several outputs?

 

[jimmy1970]

John_Galt, I'll look at the Ra again.. I don't think I checked it out much.



I never said it was dangerous, but I did say that I don't like only having two modes. In the video by goinggear.com on youtube, all that's made known is head tight for max, head loose for your custom mode. While my most common modes on the Fenix were 9 lumens, I'd also use 40 / 90, but if I'm on outside patrol, I'd use 160 lumens and 9 lumens. I don't want to have to reprogram my flashlight to get one of it's 6 or so other lighting levels.

An example I can come up with is this.. in a single night I could use 9 lumens to count inmates, 40 / 90 to conduct a search, 160 while outside, tighten the head and get ready to tap twice if I may need strobe. Back to 40 lumens if the power goes out and tailstand for room illumination. Additionally, it'd be nice to have even dimmer output for reading.

JCD, on the surefires, the best I've seen is only two output modes such as 60 or 120 lumens. Are there any that can cycle through several outputs?

Surefire Stratum: http://www.surefire.com/Stratum

New model with 3 output modes.... :D

 

[JCD]

JCD, on the surefires, the best I've seen is only two output modes such as 60 or 120 lumens. Are there any that can cycle through several outputs?

The L1 (same UI as L2X) is the only multi-mode SureFire light I've owned. It is the intuitive UI that makes it so great, from a tactical (not to be confused with tact-cool) perspective, or even for a casual user. By comparison, the UI of my Fenix PD30 and P3D seem downright clumsy (and that Fenix UI is actually pretty good as far as multi-mode lights go, IMO).

Surefire also offers the U2 Ultra, which has six levels, but I've never had the opportunity to try it out, so I can't say anything good or bad from personal experience. It does appear to allow direct access to any mode from off. It has a claimed 100 lumens on high, which might mean 103 lumens or 183 lumens. (SureFire tends to not overstate their output, but with some models it can be significantly understated.) The Stratum and the G3D both have three output levels, but they also have a "click through" UI, which might not be well suited for tactical use.