Hello,
I will comment more later but I have a SF G2 on the way (too good of a deal I could not pass up.) Along with a SC1 spares carrier and extra P60 lamp. I will snap a picture of my PM6 LED next to the G2 for size comparison. For now I have a PM6 Incand. (borrowed from a friend), my Sf E2e, and PM6 LED. The PM6 LED may be just a hair shorter due to the clickie vs LOTC on the regular PM6 (all Pelican M6 series will have clickies soon, and the LEDs will have a black rubber boot, not red.)
I currently have a Pelican M6 LED sitting next to my monitor as I type. I had a Pelican M6 Incandescent a long time ago, but I don't have it anymore. A SF E2e replaced the lost PM6 Incan.
In terms of brightness, according to
Quickbeam's Light Box, the Pelican M6 throws 83.67 while the SF G2 comes in at 63.25. The overall (total) light output of the PM6 is 57 and the G2 is 52.
The Pelican M6 wins in both categories but for you're situation, throw seems key. Are you willing to sacrafice size for more throw?
I was stuck with this problem for a while, I dislike my SL Scorpion (my first 2 X CR123) for the crappy rubber sleeve IMHO but it is a good first light to let get banged up. I will strip my batteries from my Scorpion when I get home (currently dorming at college) and probably mount it inside a custom acrylic case for display lol. Anyway, I was purchased a PM 6 incandescent for $30 when it came out from (
www.batterystation.com ) and when I lost that a little while later I had to find something to replace it. I had in mind a Streamlight TL-2. The SF G2 crossed my mind but didn't like the design back then. So I ended up just going all out and got the SF E2e, expensive yes, was it worht it, I feel so. Smallest 2 X CR123 I own and it holds it own, also near perfect beam.
Back to topic...
You obviously want lots of throw. The PM6 will beat the G2 in terms of throw. The beam quality of the PM6 will not be Surefire like but acceptable to me in a real world situation (ok, ok, lighting up trees near my dorm is close though.)
What are the weather conditions like when you will use the light. The Surefire G2 will be "easier" to handle because of the plastic/nylon it uses, and the PM6 might be a PIA (pain in the rear) because of the metal construction (as someone posted above.)
What LED lights do you have now?
As far as battery life goes, the two lights should offer more or less the same battery life, the PM6 might have a bit less due to higher output. Advertised run times seem to be inflated by certain companies (cough Pelican cough.) I know some forum members change batteries at the slightest hint of a dimming beams (sometimes 20-30 minutes long) and they then use these half used batteries in LED lights.
Batteries should not be a problem if you order in bulk from Surefire or Battery Station. At around $1 to $1.25 each they are pretty inexpensive compared to retail price. I have about 30 or so spare 123's around for usage. they have a 10 year shelf life and can endure temperature extremes unlike Alkalines which will more often than not stop working at cold temperatures.
I can not comment on the construction of the G2, but my SF E2e's construction is top notch. The threads are buttery smooth, milling and anodizing almost perfect (slight variation in HA on the head but it is normal for variations in color, performance is not affectge), and the feel oh so sensual (haha did I jsut say that?!?) IMHO. It feels good in my hands, I sometimes catch myself just admiring the light during lectures.
The Pelican M6 LED is a bit less refined, a little rough around the edges, but acceptable IMHO. After breaking it in (turning the head and tailcap) it seems good, liek a BMW or Mercedes Benz car, but the Surefire in my hands seems like a Rolls Royce.
The G2 and PM6 Incandescent both come with a plastic lens, which can we swapped out for a 29.1 mm UCL lens from
www.flashlightlens.com .I recently ordered some lenses from them and they are waiting to be picked up at the mailroom (so a review and pictures of these lenses later in comparo to the stock PM6 LED lens.)
The price of the two as stated is roughly the same, G2 $34.00, PM6 incand. $32.00. The options on the G2 then really show. A KL3 LED head on the G2 can be added. Then again take a Pelican M6 LED, take out the reflector, spring, and unscrew the LED (keep it in a safe place), then pop in a incandescent head. The SF offers the SC1 spares carrier if you need an emergency kit to keep extra batteries and an extra bulb, you can also custom build on for the Pelican M6 from a Pelican micro case and some foam. SF G 2 can have a pouch, PM6 comes with one. Surefire offers a turbo head attachment, a rechargable conversion kit, and a high output lamp (expensive, scarce, and 20 minues of run time, I will stick to a P60 and when light calls, my Tigerlight comes out.)
So, aside from battery usage/supply, light characteristics, price and accesories; which one suites and you're needs and which one do you think is cool?
I will not make you're decision, its something you will have to do. Its not my money being spent and I am not the one using it. I will merely present the facts and figures for the lights and rant on forever and ever. Ok enough for now.
Good luck with choosing a light,
Jason
(gosh I have to stop drinking Dr. Pepper soda when I wake up.)
