Surefire 10x lens cap?

[James Van Artsdalen]

I had a chance to use a 10x last week. I expected to dislike the oddball shape but that turns out not to be an issue at all - it feels fine (once you get past the lack of a proper switch).

The two things that struck me were (1) there is no holster and specially (2) there is no cap for the lens.

This is a very expensive light. I can't see transporting or storing it without some protection for the glass. Since there is no holster it's going to set on a car seat, the ground, etc, and things can easily drop onto the front end.

The 10x Dominator has a unique lens bezel shape due to the two unequal-size reflectors in the head. There won't be any other caps that happen to fit it.

I like the beam of the 10x but not the price. But what really gave me fits was figuring out how to use it. I need two hands to drive my ATV (JD Gator) so the lack of a holster means it has to sit in the seat next to me, and the lack of a lens cap means that anything else in the seat might hit glass, and if the 10x falls out of the ATV there's nothing to protect it from landing on a pebble on the lens.

A search of CPF turned up nothing although I suspect there is a holster solutions out there for items that need to stand off from the belt somewhat. But I doubt there is any solution to the cap issue. If there is a cap please post.

 

[Size15's]

What's difficult about using the 10X?
Please explain because I've never had a problem with the two-stage switch.

Thanks

Al

 

[GeoffChan]

Originally posted by SurefireM6:
I agree with you 100%. The lack of a holster and cap prevents me from carrying it!

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Same here. I hardly use my 10x these days, as i'm more worried about damaging it.

Geoff

 

[James Van Artsdalen]

Originally posted by A00079:
What's difficult about using the 10X?
Please explain because I've never had a problem with the two-stage switch.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">The "tactically correct" switch isn't near any finger of mine unless I lift the flashlight over-head. Since my targets are always at least 50' away (I wouldn't need a bright flashlight if they weren't) lifting the flashlight is pointless since the angle doesn't change – except that the light can't be activated unless lifted.

I supposed there are situations where police or military want to get their hands as far away from their tool belt – gun, radio, pepper spray, etc – as possible and overhead is the best way to carry a flashlight. But I just view it as a nuisance for 90%+ of usage and wish that SF would find a way to squeeze a usefully-positioned switch into the 10x cost-structure.

 

[Size15's]

The switch is for your thumb, not fingers - same as other TailCap switches. It's no different from using an E1e.

I'm still confused as to how you hold flashlights such as SureFires that have TailCap switches...

Do you have your index finger on the button then?

Al

 

[cmassicotte]

I too have noticed that the LOTC switches on Surefires are not convenient for general flashlight usage.

And I suppose a switch for the "90% ussage" might serve a purpose.

But I'm not sure how they could do it without re-engineering the whole light...

And I did by a Surefire "Tactical" light, so I can't complain. And, from what I have read here (in the various treads and posts), there are many other good lights out there that are user friendly for that other "90%" usage.

I just happen to like Surfire's lights, so I will have to live with their ergonomics.

Chuck

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I believe what James is referring to is the underhand hold wherein the flashlight is held palm-up.

This method of holding a flashlight is common to those whom have trained with products with the switch located on the body or battery compartment such as the Mag Instrument C and D series and Magcharger, and the Streamlight SL Series.

The way one would ordinarily hold a flashlight with a tailcap switch while it is activated is to turn the light ON first and then hold it palm-up or down with the thumb also wrapped around the flashlight body. Not confusing at all when you think about years of muscle memory using the duty lights I mentioned. This method somewhat defeats the purpose of a momentary tail cap switch, but if the operator so wishes to use it that way, so be it. Whatever works.

When he states "...unless I lift the flashlight over-head," he describes the palm-down, tactical grip with the thumb on the switch. Many long-time users of the old style lights have found it difficult to acclimate to this modus operandi.

The mere fact that James finds this configuration "...a nuisance for 90%+ of usage" limits his options and denigrates the 10X's versatility.

Surefire markets the 10X as a tactical light. Tactical usage of any flashlight comprises a very small percentage. Carry and use of the 10X, due to its awkward shape, lack of a suitable holster, and brief runtime with the HOLA falls in the esoteric category.

In the several months that I have been evaluating the 10X, I have carried it in one of the Pelican brand hard polymer cases to avoid damage to this delicate and very expensive, but otherwise VERY competent flashlight.

During this time, I have not ever thought of covering the lens with a cap. But then, I have not thought of using it in the same manner as those "old style" lights that I mentioned for the same reasons stated in the last paragraph.

 

[Size15's]

So a light the size of the 10X would appear to be generally wanted to be held and used like Streamlights [and other fullsized lights] rather than like small SureFires [and other similar lights]
I can understand why people would want to use it like that.
Perhaps a Beast Ring is the way to go then?

Thanks

Al

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Think about it. Would someone using a firearm - say a semi-automatic handgun - want to have a light the size of the 10X hanging below the dust cover and in front of the trigger guard? How about below a MP5SD. Not me. The 10X is duty light sized.

What is a "Beast Ring?" Is that the huge Surefire HID that is powered by 20 CR123s?

 

[John N]

I asked about a holster on the Strategos BB:

http://186thousand.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=19;t=000344

No real news, SF evidently planned at some point to have one, no idea if it will really show up.

The main thing, is someone on the thread put a link to someone who makes custom Kydex items. It's distinctly possible you could get a holster made. If you do, please post about it.

I would think it would be possible to do a Kydex lens cap too. Just cut a piece to fit the lens with the addition of a couple of tabs which are bent down to hold on.

That said, I find the lack of a holster annoying, but I've never worried about the lens and I don't worry about using it. I feel like the glass is pretty sturdy and it seems it would take a bit of work to break it (direct header onto the tip of a sharp rock, maybe). Hmm?

-john

 

[SurefireM6]

I agree with you 100%. The lack of a holster and cap prevents me from carrying it!

 

[Tombeis]

I have two Surefire 10X flashlights which I have been using for the past five months. One in the charger mounted on the side of the consule in my pickup truck. The other in the charger in my bedroom.

Both are used frequently by me. No breakage yet. In fact the one in my bedroom is also used by my two grandsons who live with me. If those two can't break it, it can't be broken. The 10X is a tough flashlight.

Need a holster? Until somebody makes a heavy duty one, the Nylon Military holster for the angle head flashlight fits the 10X quite well. Their cheap, ($4.95) so order a couple. Rivit one to the inside of your ATV and bolt the second to your ***. Then you will have two places to carry your 10X.

I would not waste money on a Pelican or any other hard case for the 10X. My God guys, the 10X is supposed to be a tool which you can get at easily and use when you need it.

Don't like the switch? Then turn the head until either one or both of the lamps are lit. Then you can hold the 10X in your hand, under your arm, between your legs, by your feet,even in your mouth if it is as big as mine, or lay it down and point it wherever you want light. Let's get innovative out there!

The motto of this forum should be : " Nobody can invent anything that we cannot find something to complain about."

Time out while I look for the website that carries the anglehead flashlight holster.

Time in: www.imsplus.com Search- flashlights
They carry them in black, olive, or woodland camo.

 

[James Van Artsdalen]

I didn't mean to suggest that the 10x is fragile or in some way deficient as a flashlight. It seems quite rugged and has a nice really bright beam. But the lens is glass and probably quite expensive to replace, and ergonomics can be an issue for a flashlight that may be carried for several hours at a time.

In what I call "over-head" hold the thumb is at the back of the light. If your arm is resting beside you the light would be pointing behind you. I call it "over-head" because when I use it (to illuminate something at close range from above) the flashlight is at or above head level.

The objection to the over-head hold is fatigue. One circuit around the "inspection route" of my ranch is a little over 5 miles in an ATV. I'd rather not hold my hand up for the entire circuit or have to lift my hand up and down every time I want to look at something. The 10x doesn't have the run-time to cover an entire circuit if I turn it on ahead of time (not the HOLA anyway).

The difference in expectation may come from the distances involved. I'm not looking at much closer than 25' so it doesn't really make any difference if the light is held high or low.

PS. I don't like the SF tailcap switches for a different reason: it's tricky to get the switch to engage. The tailcap is designed to protect against accidental activation by being bumped, and unfortunately, the protection works well against my thumb unless I grip the light at the very back. The regular SF button is easier for me.

 

[WhiteAsSnow]

Okay, Im not sure where to begin....
I carry the 10x for regular duty use -- the way it was DESIGNED to be used. It has taken me about a month to adapt to the oval grip, but after that, it's been great. I have dropped it onto a parking lot surface twice, resulting in 2 TINY dings in the Bezel -- barely noticeable. I have to admit, that due to the price and unique design, I was a bit nervous using the light at first. No more though: The 10X is extremely RUGGED!

The tail-cap switch used by Surefire is directly marketed towards law enforcement. When the "stuff" hits the fan, I dont have time to try and position the flashlight and "find" the ON button on the side of a Maglight. With my Surefires, I know exactly where my switch is the exact moment i need it -- you can't miss it.

It may seem harsh, but the civilian market just isn't Surefires main priority.

IMHO, the biggest problem with the 10x is the lack of a GOOD carry(holster) option. It should have been designed AND released along with the light itself. This issue has been discussed at length many times.

Last thing: I don't think as many people would dog the 10X if it wasn't so darned expensive. Just a hunch though...

- SW

 

[Size15's]

The SureFire 10X has a glass lens in the same why it doesn't have a plastic one.

SureFire uses Pyrex. Toughened/Tempered glass. Thick Pyrex too.
At work I have technicians break toughened glass for me on almost a daily basis. Toughened glass isn't just a "name". We once had toughened glass that our impactor couldn't shatter.

Back to SureFires...
I've smashed two Pyrex Lenses - M2 & G2Z - in both cases the Lamp Assembly remained operational. The M2's P61 was not even defocused.
I really had to go to town in anger to break them.
I did not manage to smash a Pyrex M3T before the MN15 died.

SureFire's "glass" lenses are not fragile!

"The motto of this forum should be : " Nobody can invent anything that we cannot find something to complain about.""
I'll find some Admin staffer to post that somewhere official to see what reaction it gets!

Personally, I believe there is truth in it.

Al

 

[Dennis]

I have to second WhiteAsSnows comments. While anyone is entitled to complain about a $300++ flashlight, Surefires are currently made for a niche use. The fact that they don't fit into a very different niche use isn't Surefire's fault. They are pretty upfront about what the intended use of their tools are.

As many have said on this forum, an UltraStinger or TigerLight would give comparable output with a more traditional switch location.

I carry my 10x in a back sap pocket or usually a rear slash pocket on RR 5.11 cargo pants. For me, a holster would be next to useless since there is no room on my belt for one after all the other junk is on there. I have to admit the shape of the 10x is different and almost annoying, and I don't see how a holster for one could be anything but a super wide monstrosity that I wouldn't use even all by itself on my belt. Unless they make a low ride, thigh mounted, super tactical, ninja black one...

 

[Tombeis]

Dennis:

I like the idea of a 10X supertactical holster in ninja black. Maybe it could be attached to the back of the Special Operations Equipment holster for the HK Socom pistol.

Just so it doesn't interfere with the draw.

Al: Pyrex is tough. Try bouncing your Pyrex measuring cup around your kitchen and you will see what I mean.

 

[WhiteAsSnow]

Originally posted by Dennis:
Unless they make a low ride, thigh mounted, super tactical, ninja black one...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">AGREED!

Originally posted by Tombeis:
I like the idea of a 10X supertactical holster in ninja black.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">AGREED!

 

[James Van Artsdalen]

Originally posted by WhiteAsSnow:
It has taken me about a month to adapt to the oval grip, but after that, it's been great.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I expected that the odd shape would bother me, but as soon as I actually picked it up it was a complete non-issue.

I have to admit, that due to the price and unique design, I was a bit nervous using the light at first.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">This was my issue with the lens: it's likely to be expensive and might require returning the head to SF. A hard plastic cover would probably protect it if dropped 5' onto a pebble on the lens.

Last thing: I don't think as many people would dog the 10X if it wasn't so darned expensive.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I didn't intend to dog the light so much as stress the lack of any holster or cap. And it's not just me: lack of a holster would seem likely to hinder if not preclude LEO usage. There are no perfect lights so it's always a decision as to what's important and what's not.

My comments on the switch were meant to point out that on a light of the 10x's price putting a second switch on it so that it could be used either thumb-rear or thumb-forward would be have been nice (and not exactly rocket science or expensive).

This doesn't mean I don't use lights with the rear switch: I have an SF M6, and a couple of Z3, an E1e and an E2e as well as a TigerLight (also a thumb-rear light). I use the rear button for momentary light but if it's going to be on more than a minute or two I twist the tail and hold it thumb-forward.

Originally posted by Tombeis:
Pyrex is tough. Try bouncing your Pyrex measuring cup around your kitchen and you will see what I mean.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">When I drop a Pyrex measuring cup it shatters. I have tile floors.

 

[Size15's]

SureFire's Pyrex lenses are different from beakers. I believe the lenses are thicker too.

Al