Streamlight Stinger vs. Surefire 8NX/ 8AX Commander

[skiersl9]

Hi I need some help choosing new light. I am currently an EMT and I work a lot of night shifts on the ambulance. I have been using my SF E2e which works fairly well. However it is getting quite expensive to keep replacing the batteries for it. I have been looking into rechargeable lights specifically the Streamlight Stinger and the Surefire 8NX/8AX Commander. A lot of the guys that I work with carry and love the Stinger but I have yet to find someone carrying the SF. Do any of you have any experience with these lights as far of which one is brighter and overall a better light? Thanks!

 

[Size15's]

There may be a good reason why carrying such large flashlights is important (for example the ability to grip it under your arm and illuminate a clipboard (etc) so you can write tickets and such)

There may be a good reason why carrying an incandescent flashlight is important (for example if it helps from a medical examination perspective?)

Times have moved on. Flashlights are now using 'white' light LEDs and rechargeable batteries are smaller and more powerful.

It is quite possible to use a SureFire U2 with an aftermarket Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Some would suggest smaller flashlights, brighter flashlights even. However, for a task light I believe there is such a thing as 'too small'. My mate is a Police Officer and he prefers the U2 over the L4 in terms of use and ergonomics.

My point is that there is a whole new world of possibilities and options since the time of the Stinger and the 8NX.

Perhaps you can help us help by explaining what you tend to use your flashlight for - what you'd like to use it for (that perhaps you can't at the moment) and what you like and dislike about the E2e (aside from the running costs) so we offer you alternatives that better fit your needs.

This includes how you intend to carry it (pouch/pocketclip etc), the sorts of switch(es) you'd prefer. Whether it is important for it to be polymer/brightly coloured/easy to clean etc...

Al

 

[dano]

Between the two, brightness is equal, though the SF has better beam quality.

For your use, I'd recommend a Stinger or Polystinger, mainly because the light can be switched on (constant) with one hand. The SF 8 series needs two hands, as the head of the light needs to be twisted for constant on mode. There's no "switch" to operate.


-dan

 

[dougie]

I have used an E2e myself in my role as a paramedic and it performed admirably for ages. However, Just like you I found the cost of cr123 batteries and the relatively short burn time of less than a hour difficult to justify.

At the moment I haven't found one light which meets all the criteria I want so have settled on carrying two Surefire lights whilst on duty.

My main duty light is G2zL. Why? The G2L is (IMHO) a perfect balance between cost, performance, longevity and reliability. It is also well supported by an excellent warranty and spares are available if required without worrying about obsolescence being an issue. As a flashlight It can illuminate objects at a reasonable distance but isn't so bright that it over illuminates a patient when carrying out a top to toe examination. The burn time is a good 3-4 hours on cr123's before the illumination is no longer up to the task.

The G2L is pretty much bomb proof, which is vital doing our role, and is easily cleaned using most of the chemicals we use for decontamination. The G2L's Nitrolon body allows use with a gloved or ungloved hand easily and in any temperature. As a bonus the Nitrolon tail switch allows it to be used in between the teeth without needing a dentist afterwards.

You can holster the G2L with either a nylon or rigid plastic V70 holster (my personal choice) or in a pocket easily. For easy access and quick deployment without unnecessary risk of loss the V70 is hard to beat.

As an excellent back up and emergency light I carry an E1b in a shirt pocket. The two illumination levels used in the E1b (80 & 5 lumens) allow it to genuinely be used as an emergency backup and when used in 5 lumen mode it is great for pupil checks and throat exams. Most of the other points of virtue which apply to the G2L also apply to the E1b.

As you are likely to be deluged with opinions I won't say that this combination would work for you but I've found it to be good for my purposes at the moment (or until something better comes along)!

Doug

 

[yellow]

out of the Stinger/8X: a 9N
almost same size, but the low power option of the 2nd bulb
(and build Yourself some battery sticks! My 9N runs for 1:35 on high with the ones I made last year)

but:
do Yourself a favour and get a
Fenix L2D (AA rechargeable cells; light is a bit thinner but longer) or a
Fenix P3D (CR123a rech. Li-Ions, special charger; shorter and a bit thicker, better to pocket) instead.
(except for battery choice and size, realtively the same (runtime, output, package offered. Usually I recommend the L2D)
www.fenix-store.com

Anyone who relies on lights at jobs You do, will immediately also get one, when he/she has seen Yours.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Skiersl9,

I use an 8NX all the time. I love it. However, Dan brings up a very good point. The Stinger can be operated with one hand where it takes two hands to turn the 8NX on for constant use. You can get momentary use by pushing on the end of the light, but not constant on.

I think the Nitrolon material stand up to wear and abuse better than the Poly Stinger, but both are great lights.

The biggest improvement you can make with the SureFire lights is to make a different battery pack. I did a run of them, and we were getting almost twice the runtime and the voltage of these battery packs would hold up higher under load, so the light was brighter too. Unfortunately, the cells that I was using were discontinued and I haven't found another batch that I can trust.

I am resigning myself to using some very good cells that don't quite have the capacity of the other cells. This means that I still will have a brighter light, but not quite the same runtime of my other packs. It still will be better than the original packs.

I think there may be replacement packs for the Stinger already available. Dan could fill you in on that.

Tom

 

[skiersl9]

Thanks everyone for the fast responses! I use the E2e to light my way to the patient and to begin initial treatment of the patient . The E2e is nice because it is smaller, easier to carry on a belt and I am able to hold it between my teeth for a short amount of time before requiring dental work. I carry it in a nylon holster that SF makes. I do not want a light larger than the stinger or the 8AX commander as I will be carrying the light on my belt. I need the light to be very durable as its going to take a lot of abuse. As long as its durable I do not really care what material its made out of. I like the brightness of the E2e but would love to go brighter especially since I do not use the light to check patients pupils. I also would not be opposed to going LED. In fact I absolutely love LED lights and would prefer LED over Incan. I would just require the light to be as bright if not brighter than my SF E2e. Along with brightness I need a light that is going to be bright for at least an hour before I have to recharge it. One frustration I have with the E2e is if I use it for any extended period of time it noticeably dims the longer I use it. My main decision factor is pricing. There are so many lights that I would love to get but my budget as an EMT simply prevents me from being able to afford them. that said I really cannot go over $150. If there are other lights that anyone can recommend I am completely open to research them.

 

[Supernam]

Well... have you heard of the Pelican 7060? It's probably the most modern rechargeable led light out right now. It has the same form as the Stinger and 8NX, runs for 1 1/2 hour between charges, charges through a cradle(don't have to take out battery to charge), uses lithium ion battery, uses a Cree XR-E emitter, has a switch at both ends of the body for versatility, made out of polymer which will stand up to abuse nicer, and finally, it is made in the USA with a lifetime warrantee. OOps, almost forgot, you can get it for about $110.

Wow, I think I just convinced myself to buy one. NM, I'm broke.

 

[dougie]

Skier,

I actually forgot to tell you about another of the benefits of the G2L and that is that the P60L can utilize rechargeable CR123 batteries. The P60L beam is rated at 80 lumens when first switched on and then settles to approximately 70 lumens after a few minutes of constant on. The beauty of the P60L arrangement is that the beam will stay bright until the batteries are low. Unfortunately you won't get the 3-4 hours of burn time on recharge ables that you do on primaries but you should still get from 1.5 to two hours of guilt free lumens. As the E2e only is rated at 60 lumens when on fresh batteries the P60L is worth a consideration and the whole deal is likely to be way cheaper than $150.

Doug

 

[Timothybil]

Don't forget the G3L as well. A little larger than the G2l, but longer runtimes. Another option would be the Streamlight Stylus Pro. It is a 2 AAA LED that is rated at 40+ lumens with about a 7 hr runtime. The size and form are ideal for a shirt pocket carry. I have been using his little brother, the Microstream, for about 5 mo now as an EDC, and love it. It is 1 AAA, and rated for about 1.5 hr. at 40 lumens. It definitely is small enough to pop in your mouth if needed without major stress.

Don't forget that for $89.99 MSRP you can get the KR1 conversion kit to convert your G2 to a rechargable. Don't know if the G2L is able to use the KR1 - anyone out there know?

 

[yellow]

I started with an 6R quite some years ago. Switched to an 8X and, very quickla, to a 9N because of the brighter light and expecially the 2nd low output bulb.
Used them for about :thinking: 10-15 years for everything including bike trail riding
(and with those batt-sticks out of, now, 4000 mAh sub-c cells, they really ruled)

1.5 years ago I modded the 8X with a Luxeon, but these led were not bright enough
but
in April last Year I modded the 6P with a Cree Xr-e "P4" and immediately all the other lights came to a rest, they are outdated heavily.
(+ the led can be dimmed, a feature no incan offers)

Still my advise: get a Fenix L2D.
* Kicks *** any other light mentionned
* small enough to pocket
* 2+ hours runtime with an output even the 9N cant compete with
* offering lower levels when full output is not needed
* WAY more rugged than the incans (I had my 1st 6R slipping out of my hand on concrete only once - the LA was killed. From then, in these 15 years of almost daily use, no SF has left my hands again. Would be too expensive)

 

[skiersl9]

Thank you all very much! You have all been very helpful! I now have to sit down and do some thinking. I have starting researching all of the lights that you all have recommended and they are all extremely nice! its going to be a tough decision because I really want them all!!! Thanks again!

 

[PhillyRube]

out of the Stinger/8X: a 9N
almost same size, but the low power option of the 2nd bulb
(and build Yourself some battery sticks! My 9N runs for 1:35 on high with the ones I made last year)

Agree, I have one. The low power option is good for checking pupils, and the high power for lighting up your work area.

 

[skiersl9]

Just to let everyone know I just placed an order for the Pelican 7060 LED LAPD light from battery station where it is on sale for $99.99. I plan on carrying it and my SF E2e as a backup until I can afford to purchase a Suitable LED backup light. I cant thank you all enough for the help and suggestions that you have all given me as it has been a tremendous help! I cannot wait for the arrival of my new light!

 

[Supernam]

You took my recommendation! hehe. I'm sure you'll be happy with it.

 

[yellow]

just for curiosity:

what was Your main reason?
That the light can be charged in a docking station?

 

[Wicho]

Remember, if you end up thinking the 7060 is too focused of a beam, you can always place some Scotch Magic Tape on the lens.

Just to let everyone know I just placed an order for the Pelican 7060 LED LAPD light from battery station where it is on sale for $99.99. I plan on carrying it and my SF E2e as a backup until I can afford to purchase a Suitable LED backup light. I cant thank you all enough for the help and suggestions that you have all given me as it has been a tremendous help! I cannot wait for the arrival of my new light!

 

[skiersl9]

I went with that light for several reasons. First of all the light fit my price range exactly. I love LED lights and from the reviews I have read and the beam shots I have seen it looks really nice. I was really tempted to go with the stinger either incan or LED but when I heard that the Pelican 7060 was far brighter than both versions I had to look into it. As I said before I am planning on using my SF E2e until I have enough $ to get a suitable LED backup light such as a Fenix L2D or something similar. I am fully Ok with my backup light running on " regular" batteries either AA or 123A's as I dont plan on using the light as heavily. I was really interested in the SF 9N but I simply could not afford it.

 

[skiersl9]

Just thought I would let everyone know that my Pelican 7060 arrived in the mail monday afternoon. I charged it over night and used it at work tuesday night. All I can say is WOW! This light is amazing! It is so bright and it throws really well while still providing a useful beam for up close use. Its safe to say that so far I am extremely happy with my purchase and I cant wait to play with it more. Thanks again for all the help!