Surefire 6PL review - now w/outdoor beamshots...vs. T1 and others

[woodrow]

I was at Lowe's today and I saw 1 Surefire 6PL (with the p60L led in it) on the shelf with dust on it. It called out to me and I knew that it needed a good home. The light was sealed in plastic, so I could not activate it to check its tint...but I decided to buy it anyway.

When I got back to my car, I quickly cut it out of its package (after paying the nice lady $91 for the light after tax) To my delight, the tint seemed a cool shade of white and the light seemed decently bright... for as much as I could tell at 4:30pm. I played around with it a work for a while, and finally tonight, I was able to compare it to my Fenix T1 which has not been picked up by its new owner yet.

How do the lights compare? To be honest, while I will always hold a fond place in my heart for the Surefire 6p...as the incan version was my first "real" flashlight bought back in 1989...I could not figure out why people were buying them... when to my understanding, the T1 seemed like such a better light. The T1 can produce 225 or 60 lumens with a twist of the body after all, and it is less money than the 6PL...and possibly just as tough. Well, after holding the 6P in my hand, I can see why so many people like it, and even why many would like it over the Fenix.

Here is a picture of the lights side by side

The fenix is slightly longer, wider and thicker than the 6PL. The Fenix also weighs slightly more. The Fenix also has most of its weight more towards its head than the 6PL does. That was the first point I had to give to the 6PL...it is better balanced than the T1. The 6PL also has deeper checkering, but I don't think many people drop their T1...unless they are doing one of many torture tests that we have seen here.

Here is a picture of the 6PL's bezel. I like that the glass is recessed a little back from the front of the head. Not as far back as the Fenix mind you, but recessed none the less.

One nice thing about the 6PL is that it can use 17670 protected batteries. I like these better than rcr123a's, because I simply HATE the quick trip to black the rcr123a's give you when they are spent.

When the 6PL starts out on the 17670, I could not notice a significant difference between the light running on it or primaries. After an hour and a half, a difference was more noticeable.

Here are some some beamshots of the 6PL and the Fenix T1 at a couple of meters. The camera was locked at 1/10th of a second at f/2.8. White balance is at daylight.

First, the 6PL on a AW 17670 protected 3.7v battery after 1&1/2 hours of being on.

Next, the light on SF primaries

The Fenix T1 on Medium

The Fenix T1 on High

And to show spill beam size...The 6PL and T1 (med)

So, after a short time with the 6PL, I can see where people would really like it. While it is not NEARLY as bright as the Fenix T1 on high...it is decently bright, and it will run on a 17670 if you desire to do so. I took the 17670 (after powering the 6PL for this review) out of the 6PL and put it in the Fenix...and immediately saw the light get dimmer and flicker (while on high). It is also nice to know that the 6PL has a lifetime warranty and brighter leds are available from aftermarket companies now, and soon will be from Surefire. (P61L) Not to mention all the beamshapers, filters, holsters etc. available for the light.

My overall conclusion... For brightness and versatility the Fenix T1 takes the stock Surefire 6PL hands down....not even a contest.

But it is in other areas that make me really glad I bought the 6PL today. First and foremost, it is just lighter and better balanced than the T1. Since I will be mainly using it in addition to the Tiablo MA6, its lack of over the top brightness does not kill the deal for me. I also like the very wide spill of the SF. It lights up enough of the immediate surroundings, that it Partially makes up for the light not being over 200 lumens. Lastly, I kind of look forward to getting the P61L for it when it comes out.

So, while not having 2 levels of output or being as bright as any of the Q5 lights I have bought lately.... I see this light being taken with me to work on a daily basis.... Something that not all my super bright - super versatile Q5 lights get to do.

 

[woodrow]

Re: Surefire 6PL review - w/beamshots and comparisons to the Fenix T1

Reserved for outdoor beamshots....and also, the SF's beam looks much whiter in real life than in my review. I dropped my slr off a cliff by accident and am using a cheap point and shoot digital. The T1 does have a warmer white tint than the 6PL...somehow my camera is able to get that color right...just not cooler white tints.

Here are some backyard beamshots. The target bush is a little over 20 yards away. It is sleeting. The camera is locked at 1.5 seconds at f/2.8 ISO 64 White balance...Daylight

A control shot

First, the Terralux 2xAA Rebel (batteryjunction)

Next, the Surefire 6PL on 2xSF 123a's

The Fenix T1 - High on 2xSF 123a's

The Streamight SurvivorLED 4AA lux 3

Finally, the Tiablo MA6 High, SMO reflector AW 17670

Sorry about the pillar in the picture...I guess it does do a decent job of showing spill. I just did not trust my point and shoot digital in the rain.

 

[light_emitting_dude]

Re: Surefire 6PL review - w/beamshots and comparisons to the Fenix T1

It will be interesting to see how the upcoming 200 lumen P61L drop in compares to the P60L. Nice comparison.

 

[woodrow]

It was actually snowing hard for a few minutes here earlier tonight. The lights like the Tiablo with narrower beams, do cut through the falling snow much better than the Fenix and Surefire....but the narrow beam is not so nice around the house.

 

[woodrow]

Well, I am going to miss the 6PL, but tomorrow it is going back. I really tried to make it my edc light, but it is just too dim and blue tinted compared to my other lights. I know I could buy a drop in for it...but then it would turn into a $150 light that is only one level possibly not 17670 rechargeable battery friendly.

Again, I like the light, but the beamshots above say it all. Out of all my lights, only the $25 Rayovac and $91 6PL have off white tints. If the 6PL becomes available with the P61L led module stock, I will gladly buy the light again. But for the $$$, right now, I just cannot justify the light with the P60 led... whick sucks because I really wanted this to be my main edc light.

 

[Mercaptan]

Well, I am going to miss the 6PL, but tomorrow it is going back. I really tried to make it my edc light, but it is just too dim and blue tinted compared to my other lights. I know I could buy a drop in for it...but then it would turn into a $150 light that is only one level possibly not 17670 rechargeable battery friendly.

There are plenty of P60 style drop-ins that are multi-level and thrive on 17670s... but to each his or her own.

Cheers!

 

[woodrow]

You have a very valid point. But part of why I wanted this light (although it was a total impulse buy) was to have a Surefire light (meaning Surefire parts) I have been tempted to buy a BOG or Wolfeyes drop in... but then I would have $150 in the light. While I really do like the 6P series of lights, just can't justify that for what the light does.

I am Seriously looking forward to seeing what the P61L series of led can do. If it was not for the bluish beam of this light, I would keep it. But compared to my other lights, it just really looked blue.

I have the highest respect for Surefire and I am really looking forward to seeing their next new leds. I am sure they will be winners.

 

[precisionworks]

but then I would have $150 in the light.

I understand what you're trying to do, but you might want to try a different route to get there. I just paid $44 (eBay, delivered) for a 6P Original. Add the Malkoff M60 (which is on the way) & you have a killer light for not much over $100.

If you like the look and feel of the 6P, and lots of users do, this is not a bad option. It isn't 'all SF', but neither are the modded lights from Milky & others.

 

[Ninjaz7]

I purchased the 6p led for the runtime as well as the 80 lums(very impressed from LS-P I had owned),almost got the T1 but I knew I couldn't keep my fingers out of the trigger.

 

[flashy bazook]

Man, you can buy a 6P clone from Cabela's for $20, including a holster, 2 primaries, and a 420 steel pocket knife! (deal details in marketplace deals sub-forum).

then you buy the Malkoff (if that's what you want) for another $60, and for less than what you paid for that SF 6P (or about the same, including shipping) you can have the formfactor you want PLUS that Q5 CREE quality.

and there are plenty more drop-ins with multiple levels and battery support if you want.

The BEST way to go about modding something is to start with a good, sturdy but CHEAP platform and then go at it, getting battery tubes, drop-in emitters, whatever.

The 6P is great for that because it is so standardized, but there is no need to get the original SF (or the even more expensive LED original version).

It's like when PC's first came out, very quickly you didn't have to buy the standardized version from IBM, even though it invented it, you'd just get a clone you liked which you'd then mod (add harddrives, more memory, etc.).

 

[Chao]

Thanks for the nice comparison and shots, I have T1 too, it's a nice light, but don't know why? I only used it several times for test or comparison, I still prefer using my 6P with BugoutQ5 drop-in.

 

[Stainz]

I am glad I didn't read your post re the blue tint from a S-F 6P LED... I never would have tried one!

I took my latest variant 2xC TF 3W LED back Monday - just too crudely machined, inside & out. I walked to the lock box and saw two S-F 6P LEDs - $93.49 with Birmingham's new 10% s/t! The most rude folks imagined there. My wife's chagrin at $100 flashlight was noted, too. I was impressed - bright and extremely white (I have a couple of RR 2xAAA .5W for 'really blue' calibration points!)... but, it went back the next day - met even more rude & thoughtless folks. On the way home, I stopped at a MaPa gunstore - and they had 6P LEDs - for $66.95 (Regular 6Ps were $55.95.) - they said that was their price - I didn't want to argue - they've made some money off of me over the years! A pair of spare S-F 123s, and I was OTD for $74.50. Believe me, my second 6P LED was just as bright white as the first. Perhaps your sample was a one-off - or defective. Oddly, the clam pack from Lowes was 'welded', where the one from the gun store, wasn't - a great boon to opening. Both had the bottom of the folded cardboard outer taped.

To me, this thing is a keeper! It really is nicely made. It will suffice for my 'bright' needs now... certainly bright - perhaps destined to ride under one of my old S&W revolvers? Don't laugh... they, S&W, now make several revolvers with accessory rails under the barrel! What's next, a cap & ball pistol - or a flintlock - with a rail? Duct tape!

You have peaked my interest in the T1, too. I should get my first Fenix, a 4 in 1 kit, today... maybe a return to the MaPa store - they have Fenix, too... maybe a T1!

John

 

[woodrow]

John, I am glad you like your light and got one with a white tint. I would not have taken mine back if its tint was not blueish. I hope SF's new P61led is not such a lottery led. I say this because I have bought 6 Q5 lights that were all pretty much dead on white. I also have had good luck with Q2 leds. All my early xre leds had some purple in them...but none of the Q5's or Q2's. I have seen several p60l reviews where the tints were blue. I also understand the e2l cree's can be white or greenish. Its nice to have a Sportsman's warehouse next to my work, so I can try before buying. Unfortunately, as you said, the 6Pled at Lowe's was sealed.

I am glad you got a winner though. Enjoy your light!

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

Agree P60L is not the brightest and whitest LED.

But I got the 6PL for the body for my Chop'd KL3

And I use the aluminum bezel on my black G2 with a DX 4068

The P60L is in my Pelican M6 with a kroll switch.

None of my 2x123 lights is in normal edc rotation. They are just too big.

I MAY need to make an exception for the Fenix TK10. We'll just have to see when it arrives.