SF P60, P90, P91 question ???

[jefflrrp]

Let me begin with saying that most of the lights in my collection are LED type lights. I love them all, but what they miss sometimes is a good throwing ability. My SF G2 is awesome, with decent throw.

My question is how has the SF bulb quality been going lately? I was reading in the archives about some (or many) premature bulb deaths (mostly from 2003-2004) and burnouts. It got me a little nervous about purchasing a new G3, with its P90s running at $25 a pop :thumbsdow. I read in one old thread where they said to change your batteries once the light starts getting noticeably dimmer (cause of crud buildup in the bulb), but shouldnt a high profile company like surefire have bulbs that can take the batteries running down ??

 

[Tempest UK]

I wouldn't worry about it. With reports of failures such as these, what you are hearing is the very vocal minority. 99% of users will have had no problems and not posted.

My experiences with SureFire lamp assemblies has been very good. Many of mine have exceeded their stated life expectancy. No premature failures. I'm also fairly sure that if you call SureFire and tell them that your lamp assembly failed unreasonably early on that they will send you a replacement.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[pjandyho]

So far, my experiences with the P60, P61, P91 has been quite good. Out of 3 P60, 2 P61 and a P91, only a P60 failed since I owned them for the last 3 years and it only failed me recently.

You need not worry. Surefire stand by their warranty should a bulb fail you prematurely, and this coming from someone residing in Singapore. Only sometimes you might need wait a little longer than usual for their customer service to respond to you.

 

[kelmo]

I had a P90 die within the 1st battery set. I called SF and I got a replacement no questions asked.

kelmo

 

[Bryan]

I have only had a P91 fail on me (within 10 minutes of use) and SF had a new one in my hands within two days, no charge.

 

[tofer50]

Yes! I too, had a P-91 early failure and SF replaced it inmediately-no questions asked. Very good support and warranty.

 

[lightemup]

I have had, and still have more than a few Surefire incandescent lights, and never had one go yet touchwood

 

[jefflrrp]

Thanks guys. I've gone ahead and placed an order for a G3, extra lamp, spares carrier and batteries. As well as another Terralux Ministar5. If one of the lamps fail -- I've got SF's great CS, and another in the spares carrier. Should be here by Wednesday. YEA !!

 

[Spence]

Hey Jeff, buddy, you're going to have to break out the wallet and get down to some serious SF purchasing. You need (and I know you want) more SF models. In Aug I didn't own a SF, now I have 10, and I'm just getting started! HA, LOL.
Spence:thumbsup:

 

[jefflrrp]

Spence, unfortunately I know what your talking about. Im about to get my fourth Surefire. A 6PD w/ p60L dropin. I need help :mecry:

 

[Taboot]

Thanks guys. I've gone ahead and placed an order for a G3, extra lamp, spares carrier and batteries. As well as another Terralux Ministar5. If one of the lamps fail -- I've got SF's great CS, and another in the spares carrier. Should be here by Wednesday. YEA !!

jefflrrp,

I also just got a G3. I was impressed with the 105 lumen stock lamp. However, I couldn't resist the LF EO-9 LA. I got it yesterday. It is awesome. To me both lamps have a perfect balance of throw and corona/spill. I would like to try the P91 as well. The only thing I'm not really sure about yet is whether I like the twist tailcap arrangement. I'm partial to the click to turn on (and leave on) tailcap. Reverse clicky?

Anyway, enjoy your new gear. I am really psyched to finally have a SF light.

Regards,
T

 

[Lightguy27]

Look, I have never had a problem with any of my G2's, or my recently purchased G3, which I most of the time run the P91 in. And if for some weird reason your bulb blows within a couple hours of use, call SF and I guarentee you that they'll send you a new one. That's why SF is so great, no worries.

-Evan

 

[kongfuchicken]

The only SF bulb I've ever had fail was a N2 bulb (from the run where they started frosting the tips) that was loose and fell off the N2 module.
I got a replacement from SF before I even had time to mail the bad one back...

I still have P90s running after at least 3 years and 50 li-ion cycles.

 

[eshishlo]

I have several SureFire bulbs running now. I think that I have a p61 that is about to go on me. I have only run 1 set of batteries and there seems to be a blue spot on one side of the glass. Also it looks like the whole glass envelope has turned a milky white all around the spot. When I turn it on you can see a blue ring in the beam.

I will post pictures in the morning

 

[Size15's]

I have several SureFire bulbs running now. I think that I have a p61 that is about to go on me. I have only run 1 set of batteries and there seems to be a blue spot on one side of the glass. Also it looks like the whole glass envelope has turned a milky white all around the spot. When I turn it on you can see a blue ring in the beam.

I will post pictures in the morning

Give SureFire a call because it sounds like that bulb is leaking - I'm sure they'll send you a replacement. Stop using it because it could explode.

 

[eshishlo]

At first i thought that the batteries were bad, but then i looked closer and this is what I saw: :mecry:

I have stopped using it, and will call SureFire tomorow.

 

[Size15's]

9Thanks for the photo. It does look like oxygen (atmosphere) has leaked in.

 

[Lightguy27]

I have a question though, do you guys throw the bulbs away? They feel so soild and are'nt they aluminum? I would keep it, take it apart and salvage the reflector, but thats just me.

-Evan

 

[nzgunnie]

I have only had a P91 fail on me (within 10 minutes of use) and SF had a new one in my hands within two days, no charge.

I've just had a brand new P91 fail in under 5 minutes...It's now putting out a dull orange glow, and the glass envelope looks discoloured. Mine looks just like the photo above.

I've emailed Surefire (I know calling is better, but I am in New Zealand). Hopefully I have some joy out of them.

 

[mdocod]

I have a question though, do you guys throw the bulbs away?

never thrown one away, I always look for a way to experiment with it or make something of it with another light.