SF Z17 Lens Replacement Kits

[KentuckyMike]

Hey everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has experience with the Z17 Lens Replacement Kit from SF?

I have a fantastic older Surefire 6P that has a few scratches on its (Lexan) lens. This is going to be a user, and it doesn't affect the beam at all (to my eye, anyway), so I'm not really concerned with it. It would be nice to get it back to 100%, though. This kit appears to be just a lens and o-ring. Is this kit only for the newer 6Ps and G2s with the bezel ring that you take off with a spanner wrench, or is there a way to replace lenses on the older heads, too?

Alternately, has anyone sent an older bezel to Surefire for a lens replacement? If so, what was the cost, turn-around time, etc? Did they replace the bezel with the newer style (Pyrex and bezel ring), or put a new polycarbonate lens in the old head? I'd like to keep this particular light in the polycarbonate/no-bezel-ring setup. (Plus, now that I have a black 6P w/o the heat warning on the head, I'd like to keep it that way!)

Thanks all!

--Mike

 

[Size15's]

Mike, if I wanted to replace an old (Classic) Lexan bezel I would get a new Z44-BK Pyrex window bezel rather than a Z17....

SureFire has three "Lens Replacement Kits"
Z17 - Lens Replacement Kit (for Classic standard Lexan Bezels)
Z19 - Lens Replacement Kit (for Z32 Shock Isolated Bezels)
Z30 - Lens Replacement Kit (for Classic 8X)

The Lens (window) Replacement Kits allow the use to 'force out' the existing Lexan window of Classic SureFire bezels which are installed by 'push-in, snap-fit' rather than a window retaining ring used currently.

Depending on the severity of the scratches (care to share a photo?) I would not bother replacing the window. I've never replaced one myself although I have removed and replaced a Lexan window from an original Millennium TurboHead. I noticed that the Lexan had some small internal fractures at locations around the rim as a result. What I'm saying is that the replacement may not be 'perfect'.
The main purpose of the replacement lens (windows) is to replace severely damaged Lexan as a result of melting or heat damage, the result of crud from the powder residue on a WeaponLight. Also, the Lexan window can be damaged (scratched etc) by impact from objects or impact with objects.

SureFires are intended to be intensively used and although some on-going maintenance is usually required the SureFire will last years of heavy use

Al

 

[JNewell]

I have used that kit a number of times with excellent results each time. Eventually I replaced the bezel with the current version with the pyrex window. I don't really like the hex anti-roll aspect, but having the pyrex is a big plus because I had a lot of problems with "mottled" (sort of melted) lexan windows. PM me if you want to discuss this further as there are a few things I don't want to get into in public here. Either way, your SF light will work great and you can count on great SF support.

 

[KentuckyMike]

Re: SF Z17 Lens Replacement Kits

Mike, if I wanted to replace an old (Classic) Lexan bezel I would get a new Z44-BK Pyrex window bezel rather than a Z17....

Depending on the severity of the scratches (care to share a photo?) I would not bother replacing the window. .... I noticed that the Lexan had some small internal fractures at locations around the rim as a result. What I'm saying is that the replacement may not be 'perfect'. ...

Hey Al, you're probably right. I still can't figure out how this light got to it's age with scratches on the window and not the slightest hint of a mark on the body, tail, or bezel. It's most noticeable at ~8 feet. I'll try to get a beamshot when my wife gets back from TX.

I do see dark lines in normal use, but not enough to really bother me "most" times. I've had it about a week, so my white wall days with it are about done. I'll probably put a Malkoff in it, and if I do that I'll put the Z44 w/ Pyrex on the 6P just to avoid any potential heat problems. Then the current 6P bezel will be a backup to the 3P's stock (non anti-roll) bezel.

 

[flashfan]

Several months ago, I melted the window on my 9P and was looking to replace it. I searched their website, but couldn't find the item, so I called SureFire, and they told me the replacement kit was no longer offered!!! So is it really still available, or was the CS person unaware???

In any event, SF said they would replace the head with the newer, Pyrex window version. However, I don't like the anti-roll hex feature, so I turned down the offer. I then posted to the "Buy" section of BST, and was able to find and purchase a replacement kit from another CPF member.

 

[KentuckyMike]

Re: SF Z17 Lens Replacement Kits

Several months ago, I melted the window on my 9P and was looking to replace it. I searched their website, but couldn't find the item, so I called SureFire, and they told me the replacement kit was no longer offered!!! So is it really still available, or was the CS person unaware???

In any event, SF said they would replace the head with the newer, Pyrex window version. However, I don't like the anti-roll hex feature, so I turned down the offer. I then posted to the "Buy" section of BST, and was able to find and purchase a replacement kit from another CPF member.

Oooh, good question. You know for this light, I might take that offer if SF will do it for a scratched one, too. It's one of the ones produced after the anti-roll bezel came out, but before the Pyrex, so I have nothing to lose.

I do need a couple of kits to keep on hand for the 3P though...it may be scratched up, but I won't give up that round bezel for anything.