Surefire E-Series DF ?

[akula88]

The E-series styled M600-DF head-thread platform powered by either CR123 or 18650 has been around for about 2-3 years. But they are only limited as Weapon Mounted Lights.

Modlite came out with it version of an e-series-DF compatible WMLs and handhelds.

Will there be a chance in the near future that SF will release e-series DF? Will they orphan the classic e-series platform?
There are already a lot of third-party 18650 compatible bodies, as well as custom-bored modifications, and these seem to address SF's reluctance to move into Li-Ion rechargeables for the e-series.

On the other hand, SF X-Series -- specifically the Fury, seemed to have transition (or branched) into the Fury-DFT and Intelli-Beam.

What are your takes?

 

[ampdude]

I don't hold much hope for the future of Surefire designs. They haven't been providing what people want for a long time now and only seem intent on competing in an already over saturated market of rechargeable proprietary lights using not so cutting edge emitters. The Surefire products people want is almost always the older lights and parts. They've pretty much killed off their incan and HID line and there's just not much excitement for the brand anymore. They do still make a quality product, but that has come in question on some of their offerings the past ten years or so, such as relying on circuit board contacts instead of springs that cheaper manufacturers do. And not properly knurling the grip of their lights anymore.

 

[Scotty321]

The E-series styled M600-DF head-thread platform powered by either CR123 or 18650 has been around for about 2-3 years. But they are only limited as Weapon Mounted Lights.

Modlite came out with it version of an e-series-DF compatible WMLs and handhelds.

Will there be a chance in the near future that SF will release e-series DF? Will they orphan the classic e-series platform?
There are already a lot of third-party 18650 compatible bodies, as well as custom-bored modifications, and these seem to address SF's reluctance to move into Li-Ion rechargeables for the e-series.

On the other hand, SF X-Series -- specifically the Fury, seemed to have transition (or branched) into the Fury-DFT and Intelli-Beam.

What are your takes?

I could be way off here... I would look into what groups SF caters to... you know, the old 80/20 rule (at least for businesses). If the military recently contracted with HDS for a 60 lumen max output flashlight, I think that civilian flashlight characteristics might have a completely different set of standards and requirements than what military and law enforcement might be asking for. If SF is trying to compete for military contracts, this might mean the civilan offerings might be a little out of touch with what the average flashoholic is after.

I would be curious in the military's experiences in multiple week field excercises as to the pros and cons of rechargeable flashlights... especially in Winter, or with no access to a wall adapter, much less a warm bed. I'd also be interested in logistics of resupplying a unit with batteries, as well as storage of batteries in inventory.