SF host with cheap internals.

[espnazi]

Last week a friend gifted me a old SureFire 6P that was broken. the tail switch is stuck and I cant fix it plus it is an old non-led version. So I was planning on ordering a Solarforce tail cap and one of their XM-L drop-ins, but decided to wait a little and see what else is out there.

So, what other relatively cheap drop-ins are now available? I want to something with the highest reasonable output. Also, it be great if you had anymore ideas for a replacement clicky.

 

[ElectronGuru]

Depending on the vintage, this could be a very nice find. What does the lettering say on the body and tailcap?

 

[Kestrel]

+1, particularly a pic of the end of the tailcap would help in identifying the vintage. BTW there is almost nothing to break in the SureFire tailcaps, perhaps it is just missing a part? At any rate, SureFire has a lifetime no-questions asked warranty on their lights and their non-consumable component parts, so you're covered there.

Going to a Solarforce clicky is a step backward IMO, if you really want a clicky tailcap for your light you should see ^ that guy for a McClicky upgrade. 🙂

 

[PCC]

I wonder if this might be a case where tightening the tail cap has the light turning on and pressing the tail cap button doesn't turn it off? If so, it's a twisty tail cap that is turned on by tightening it and turning it off is a simple matter of loosening it. If it's off, pressing the button turns it on momentarily. It's designed that way. If it's a clicky tail cap to begin with then contact SureFire and they will make it right.

 

[Kestrel]

Ah good point. Yes, the stock tailcap is probably a twisty, and perhaps the OP was expecting a clicky function instead? I can see how a different expectation would erroneously conclude with a 'faulty' tailcap.

Twisty w/ momentary and not a clicky? Good suggestion.

 

[espnazi]

Well I was finally was able to get my solarforces and an old ultrafire and do a mix and match. I hadn't done it previously since It was spring break an didn't have P60 drop-ins on hand. The bulb of the Surefire was gone so I placed a Ultrafire P60 drop in and it works, but The clicky is still wrong I don't think this is a Twisty since it does not have momentary on plus if I shake the tail cap by itself it sound like there's a loose part. With the current tailcap it just gives me a constant light when screwed.

This is a photo of the tail cap.

Edit: NVM I'm an idiot I guess when I tried momentary on I was turning it a little to much for it to work. Had never encountered a twisty SF. Well I still need a P60 drop in.

 

[criminalhate]

Your surefire tail cap should have a small notch in it and the body will also have a small notch if you line the two up it works momentarily if you tighten it down it's on and if you loosen it past the notch then it will be in lockout mode. A little confusing but quite useful.

If you like spot (more throw) go with a solarforce R2 if you like more floody of a light then go with the XML at least that has been my experience with the solarforce XML

 

[CarpentryHero]

XmL and P7 are the cheapest bright dropins I've seen.
Stores like Kaidoman, DealExtreme and DinoDirect all carry bright dropins for under $30
Solarforce dropins are fun too.

 

[shao.fu.tzer]

I've had extremely good luck with Solarforce drop-ins. I also really like the Ultrafire 3-mode XML (Hi-Mid-Low). Go XM-L... you won't be disappointed. Although I'm still a huge fan of the Solarforce XPG R5 low voltage 3-mode, but you'd need a bored body or a 17670 (the Solarforce XM-L will take 2 primaries or 1 17670 in your 6P).

 

[espnazi]

What about the ultrafire XM-L 5 Mode? I haven't seen to many reviews on them. Do any of these cheap XM-L drop ins support RCR123 or at least some rechargeable 18650 from ultrafire? Funny things is on eBay the drop-ins are around $17 but you can get a complete light with the exact same drop-in for $24.

 

[criminalhate]

Do any of these cheap XM-L drop ins support RCR123 or at least some rechargeable 18650 from ultrafire?

Yes most can handle a 18650 but your surefire will not hold one. I believe the biggest battery is a 17670 that your light will hold. Otherwise look for a dropin that can handle up to/more then 8.4v. I haven't seen too many cheap ones that say they can yet. (my solarforce xml from ebay ran fine with 2 16350 for a short while but I changed the batteries out to 18650 when I got the batteries in the mail)

Funny things is on eBay the drop-ins are around $17 but you can get a complete light with the exact same drop-in for $24.

Thats why there's a lot of us with a bunch of empty hosts laying around =P

About the 5 mode I think most people around here (just an assumption) don't like the strobe and sos of 5 modes so they tend to stick to single and 3 mode dropins.

 

[LV426]

I've recommended a number of friends the Solarforce 1 mode XP-G 0.8V-4.2V paired with AW 17670, and they are very pleased.