Surefire G2 LED vs 6PLED

[Rob D]

Hey guys,

Sorry if this has been asked before!

I've narrowed down my Surefire search to the Surefire G2 LED or 6P LED. I currently have an Inova XO which is ok but want something a bit better.

I am a Police Officer in the UK (Dog Handler but not firearms) and will be using the light as my main light (not as a physical defensive tool) and my Inova as my back up. what are the differences between what I have already and the Surefire's selected?

What is the difference between the two lights (barring the fact that one is metal and the other isn't) is there any difference between power, brightness or spread? I also notice 6P's runtime is slightly less.

The tail cap is another interesting thing. Some sites say that the G2 LED has a locking cap and some don't.

The last question is water proofing. Can they be used submerged or is it just incase of drops in water?

Thanks for your help in advance and the million questions!


Rob D

 

[Search]

Don't worry about the runtime. It's a little misguiding.

Both run at 100% output for about 4 and half hours. Because an LED has to be 4 times brighter, to seem twice as bright, you won't be able to see a decrease until probably around 5 or so hours. Then it's constantly degrading output to about 11 hours. By the time it reaches the two output times listed by SureFire, you would have already changed batteries.

Both can be dropped into water, however don't expect scuba diving qualities.

Now, the biggest thing to get out of this post and something every person will talk about until the end of the thread.

MalkoffDevices.com (AKA Malkoff) produces LED dropins for this light. It's called a P60 host. The module in the two you listed are the P60L.

Malkoff makes a number of HIGH quality dropins.

The lowest version has a runtime of 4 hours at 100% (just like the stock P60L) but at 140 lumens. It then degrades for an hour and half or so until it dies. Most consider that a good replacement

If you look into Malkoff dropins (do a search on here for a LOT of info) and decide to get one (which I highly recommend, and most will), you should get the 6P (cheaper) as the aluminum body is needed for heat dissipation.

 

[DimeRazorback]

+1 to what Search said.

Get a 6P with a Malkoff M60 of some form.

:twothumbs

Also, will you be buying batteries, or will you be supplied with batteries?

You can compare the output of a stock 6P/G2 LED to a Malkoff M60 by viewing my beamshots, the link is in my sig line :thumbsup:

 

[Search]

Also, will you be buying batteries, or will you be supplied with batteries?

Because if you are supplied.. the M60 will be a lot of fun :devil:

 

[DimeRazorback]

Because if you are supplied.. the M60 will be a lot of fun :devil:

Exactly! :devil:
You also won't need to think about rechargables!

 

[MarNav1]

Depends on a couple things IMO. Highly recommend a Malkoff, I have two myself but use a metal body. I think the P60L is a good drop-in as well, tend to have a cool tint but it also has a lifetime warranty and it also has a great beam if you are picky about that. I have had occasions where a Malkoff is too bright also, something to consider. So experiment I say, any of the above bodies or drop-ins are easy to sell on B/S/T.

 

[Rob D]

i'll be supplying them myself unfortunately! sorry new to this! So a 6P with a Malkoff insert will make this a much more powerful flashlight right? with regards to what im running already, the inova it seems like it has a massive throw. I'm assuming the beam on the Makoff will be better for longer distances right?

 

[Rob D]

Ok, so the 6P looks like the best option. If i'm going to put the insert in should I buy the cheaper non LED version and just swap it of do I need the LED version to start?

 

[Search]

i'll be supplying them myself unfortunately! sorry new to this! So a 6P with a Malkoff insert will make this a much more powerful flashlight right? with regards to what im running already, the inova it seems like it has a massive throw. I'm assuming the beam on the Makoff will be better for longer distances right?

The M60 should be similar with more spill.

They make different version. A low version, very low version, floody version, low flood version, high floody version, a bright version, bright floody version, and warm version of all the above.

Confused? You decide how long you want full brightness, and we'll show you the right one.

Ok, so the 6P looks like the best option. If i'm going to put the insert in should I buy the cheaper non LED version and just swap it of do I need the LED version to start?

Yes.

A Malkoff dropin is about 55 dollars. A good 6P from the MarketPlace (a part of the forum for selling, buying and trading) is pretty cheap.

You can get both for around 100 dollars. Which is about the cost of a new 6PLED but a little more than the G2LED.

I'll go ahead and tell you from my experience and everyone else in LE I know.

The floody version isn't what I or they would use. Most will concur.

The M60 is an all around choice. 230 lumens for an hour and half and after that the brightness drops for another hour and half.

The M60L has 140 lumens for 4 and a half hours (same runtime as G2L and 6PL but brighter). After that it slowly drops to nothing.

The M60LL has about 80 lumens (like the 6PL and G2L) but runs for 8 hours until is slowly drops. This means it's the same brightness as the two you originally wanted, but is the same brightness for twice as long.

The warm versions for all the above, which look more like Incans (ie better color retention), have a little lower lumen ratings.

I hope this helped a little.

If you don't want an LED dropin, just stick with one of the two you originally wanted.

If you do want one of these LED dropins, get the 6P model. If you get the M60L or M60LL you should be safe with the G2, which is even safer. They shouldn't get as hot as the M60 which would need the aluminum bodied 6P.

 

[Mikellen]

Ok, so the 6P looks like the best option. If i'm going to put the insert in should I buy the cheaper non LED version and just swap it of do I need the LED version to start?

If you plan on purchasing the 6P and using a Malkoff, just get the regular (incan) version. The 6P and 6P LED are the same flashlight except for one has the incandesent bulb and the other has the LED module. If you were to purchase a G2L, then according to Gene at Malkoff Devices, the G2L (aluminum head) can withstand the heat generated from the Malkoff M60, M60L, and M60LL. A regular G2 (nitrolon head) will be fine with a Malkoff M60L or M60LL but is not recommended for constant use with the M60.

I find the G2 or G2L is more comfortable to hold when in cold weather and also it is easier for me to twist the switch to constant on as compared to the 6P or 6PL due to the switch on the G2 versions are a little bigger and provide more grasping area (in my opinion).

The lens on the 6P versions are Pyrex (glass) where as the lens on the G2 versions are Lexan (plastic).

Some might disagree as to whether a G2L can withstand the heat from the higher lumen level drop ins as well as a 6P, so maybe the 6P would be a better choice if you're planning on using a higher lumen level drop in.

Hope this helps.

 

[Wattnot]

Being concerned with runtime AND having to buy your own batteries, you need to consider if you are planning on using rechargeable batteries with this.

The stock Surefire modules probably don't work well with rechargeables but I don't know that for sure. If the P60L does work with rechargeables it's most likely RCR123's which will destroy your runtime and should not be considered by you for this quest.

So that leaves the Malkoff drop-ins. Since using two RCR123's would give you very little runtime, you will probably want to use a single cell like a 17670, which may or may not fit in the Surefire bodies. They fit in my older G2 but I dont' have a 6P to try (these guys would know). If you go with the 17670 in the SF body, buy the Makoff M30 instead. It is designed for use with 1 cell but won't give much warning when that cell is depleted.

Lots to consider here, I hope I didn't lose you!

So where all of that babble is leading is that if rechargeable batteries are important to you, consider a host that can take an 18650 battery and buy the M30. There's a host made by Malkoff, there's the XTAR, Huntlight and many others. You can even buy a bored out 6P body here.

The Malkoff M30 and an 18650 battery would be my recommendation, unless you're okay with CR123 primary batteries.

 

[ZMZ67]

The Malkoff M60 and a suitable host(SF 6P or similar light) flashlight is an excellent choice.What version of the XO do you have the original straight body TIROS(later renamed XO2) or the later reflectored model that is smaller and more conventional in design? If you have the latter light you may want to consider the INOVA T2(2008 version).The tailcaps in those two lights interchange but the T2 is brighter, around 125 lumens.The INOVA would be a less expensive than the M60+host but doesn't offer the variable options.I would definately pick the current INOVA T2 over the SF G2 LED or 6P LED with their standard lamps.

 

[Painful Chafe]

Solarforce L2 is a 18650 host. I've got one on order from Hong Kong, though you would think it is coming from Mars. It is substantially cheaper and people seem to think it makes an excellent host for drop ins. Even though I haven't heard a complaint about the switches, I'm not sure if I would want to save a few bucks and not get the one with the switch that has been proven and tested by thousands of us nuts.
I love this host thing, it sounds like body snatchers.

Another highly reviewed light here, though I only saw one person review it, is http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=6699

Well shoot. I just goggled it to give you the link to the one I read. It appears there are quite a few reviews to choose. There is a search engine up at the top of the page.

Here is a link of a Solarforce L2 with a Malkoff drop in. It's already sold, but figure you may want to peak.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=197929

 

[Mjolnir]

If you are not going to use the surefire drop in anyways, you might as well get a different host that doesn't come with a dropin, like a Malkoff MD2. It is a similar size as the 6P, but can fit larger 18650 rechargeable batteries, and has a forward clicky switch. It also has an available 2 mode ring that greatly increases runtime.

 

[dougie]

Hi mate

Check your personal mail. You will find you can access it by linking through the notification tab at the top of your posts.

Regards

Doug

 

[tango44]

Take a look to the Fenix TK10 or TK11, way better than Surefire 6P or G2 and won´t cost you a fortune!

 

[outersquare]

streamlight polytac also

 

[Dude Dudeson]

Let's presume you get a 6P(L) with the intent of installing a Malkoff dropin.

Many will say get the 6P incan to save money.

I almost did that, but because I only intended to buy ONE Malkoff dropin (I actually intend to buy more, but probably not this year) I'm glad I had a 6PL.

Twenty extra bucks, but I've got my 230+ lumen Malkoff M60, and the stock Surefire P60 if I want extended runtime at a still very useable 80 lumens.

Had I gone with a 6P incan that lamp would have sat, likely never to be used.

HOWEVER, if you want to use a 6P body and you plan on buying multiple dropins then definitely go for the cheaper incan.

 

[Rob D]

Hey guys! Thanks for your help! I've decided for now to go with G2 LED and maybe upgrade in future! Thanks a lot for the advice! Been awesome!

Rob

 

[kosPap]

well I am coming late on this but nevertheless I would suggest going for the Aluminum version

1. for cosmetic reasons...somewhere down the line you will add aftermarket parts...the range on black aluminum parts is endless
2. with the polymer body you are limited to a certain level of power/heat generation. in a short time you maybe asking for more power...and you cannot know what the future developments will be....BOOM powered LIGHT maybe! you might as well have your bases covered, else you will be buying another flashlight (which is perfectly sane for this group as long as you can have the money)
3. the G2 LED has already have an aluminum head to cope with the thermal issues

Now within this thread the issue of cheap power (rechargeable options) has surfaced...
IF you do not mind extending you flashlight abit (using an one cell extender) I would suggest going with 2x17500 Li-Ion rechargables...these have 3 Cr123's batts overall length, increased capacity over RCRs, can drive both the surefire, Malkoff M60 series and most aftermarket LED modules, and you can always have 3 (or even 2 if you remove the cell extender) primary batteries in your pocket as backup....
And you can run any 3-cell xenon bulb with them....
Here a legendary thread on rechargable options
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=201375
and here is a thread of mine with photos ofthe combination to go with the info above
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=240365

hope I was of help and I did not drag you in deep...kostas