Surefire G3 with KT2 turbohead

[ebow86]

Well other than a slight issue with my lamp assembly I am a proud owner of the surefire G3. Already I'm considering possibly adding a KT2 turbohead but I'm not really sure what the light will look like like with it. I've seen various pics of 6P's and 9P's with turboheads but never a nitrolon. I know this is asking alot, especially considering how uncommon this setup might be, but if anyone knows where I can view a pic of the G3 with a turbohead attached I would greatly appreciate it. Even a pic of the G2 with KT1 turbohead would give me a pretty good idea. Thanks

 

[angelofwar]

I meant to get some pic's for ya in that last thread ya started...been busy lately and it slipped my mind.

here's two of it with the Z59 clickie (pretty sweet looking I might add)

And here's one of it with the stock tailcap...

Hope these help ya be able to decide...I love my turbo-heads, especially running 4 primaries with an MN60!

 

[ebow86]

Angelofwar, wow what a fast response, great pics too, thanks a million. I have to agree, that's one sweet looking light. I was afraid the aluminium head wouldn't look right on the nitrolon body but I definitely was wrong. Well my minds made up now, definitely going to make the KT2 turbohead my next purchase.

 

[jp2515]

Angelofwar, wow what a fast response, great pics too, thanks a million. I have to agree, that's one sweet looking light. I was afraid the aluminium head wouldn't look right on the nitrolon body but I definitely was wrong. Well my minds made up now, definitely going to make the KT2 turbohead my next purchase.

Oh definitely. One advantage of the KT Turbo Head on the G3 is that you can run the MN15/MN16 or Lumens Factory bulbs :thumbsup:

 

[ebow86]

I guess the only real disadvantage to adding a turbohead to the G3 or any other 9 volt surefire light is that it makes a light that's was semi-pocketable much larger and bulkier. But I guess thats the price to pay for more throw. I wonder how a G3 with KT2 would compair to a much more expensive M3 combatlight? Output would probably be the same, only advantage being the shock isolated bezel of the M3.

 

[angelofwar]

I love my M3 as well...but it's my "combatlight" for real emergencies/situations...the turbohead lights are designed more to be carried in bags/packs/cruisers, for "as needed" situations. I'm taking mine (my M4 frankenstein) to the desert with me, not for a daily use light, but as needed for post attack recon mainly. I also pack it on long road trips in the event I need to help out during a wreck or something.

 

[Size15's]

I wonder how a G3 with KT2 would compair to a much more expensive M3 combatlight? Output would probably be the same, only advantage being the shock isolated bezel of the M3.

Are you comparing the G3+KT2 compares to the M3T (both are TurboHead models)?
In which case the CombatGrip and Lanyard are the features that in addition to the shock isolated bezel give it a usability and durability advantage.

Comparing the M3 vs the G3 - In my experience the M3's lamps and reflector combination give brighter, whiter, more intense output for longer compared to the G3...

As for carrying either the G3+KT2, or the M3T or other TurboHead model - this requires a dedicated carry method such as a belt pouch, and as already noted, these lights are more often deployed from a vehicle or pack in anticipation of being needed rather than being carried EDC as it were.

The G3+KT2 reminds me of the 8NX+KT5, but slimmer...

 

[Justin Case]

BigChelis's IS measurements found that the KT4 TH loses about 20% vs the KT2 for OTF lumens.

 

[Size15's]

BigChelis's IS measurements found that the KT4 TH loses about 20% vs the KT2 for OTF lumens.

Interesting, side-by-side I've never noticed any difference... I suppose at only 20% difference it's unlikely one could...
I spent a lot of time using and comparing TurboHead models. Many dozens of sets of batteries, multiple lamps and various body combinations etc.

I'd rather have the shock isolation. I was involved in the field-testing of the MN15 & MN16 lamps for the M3T during their development and trust the increased durability and shock protection.

 

[ebow86]

Are you comparing the G3+KT2 compares to the M3T (both are TurboHead models)?
In which case the CombatGrip and Lanyard are the features that in addition to the shock isolated bezel give it a usability and durability advantage.

Comparing the M3 vs the G3 - In my experience the M3's lamps and reflector combination give brighter, whiter, more intense output for longer compared to the G3...

As for carrying either the G3+KT2, or the M3T or other TurboHead model - this requires a dedicated carry method such as a belt pouch, and as already noted, these lights are more often deployed from a vehicle or pack in anticipation of being needed rather than being carried EDC as it were.

The G3+KT2 reminds me of the 8NX+KT5, but slimmer...

Size15's, I know you own a Surefire 8NX, I already decided a while back that when I buy another rechargeable it's probably going to be the 8NX, mostly due to the attractive price and nitrolon body. I was wondering how you would compair the stock 8NX (no turbohead)@110lum vs the 9V surefire lights like the G3 and 9P using the P90 lamp (no turbohead) @ 105lum?

 

[Size15's]

If you're going to be using it every night, and can mount a charger in your vehicle, and if you're going to be carrying it overtly in a belt holster, then an 8NX could be the dutylight for you.

The 8NX beam is an obviously different beam-profile to the G3 - the X80's larger reflector creates a larger central beam with an intense centre, and a large surround beam.
Like the 9AN, the 8NX produces a useful beam, and like the 9AN you should be using it and charging it every night for duty-type applications. Unlike the 9AN, the 8NX doesn't have a LockOut mechanism and therefore I find it very hard to carry given I don't like to carry flashlights overtly (or indeed in a belt holster or pouch etc)

 

[mdocod]

SureFire rechargeable options are old fashion but reliable NiCD cells, (I'm pretty sure they are still using those). The nice thing about them is they are truly the KISS of rechargeable configurations because the charging method doesn't need to be complicated and the cells are very robust.

For maximum performance and runtime for a given size, an "aftermarket" conversion to lithium-ion cells is often preferred.

A G3 with a pair of 17500 size protected lithium cobalt cells mated to the MN15 in the KT2 is a beautiful combination that runs for close to an hour.

 

[Justin Case]

I never liked my 8NX. The switch actuation method is stiff. The head rotates too easily, which can result in the switch "touch" changing unexpectedly. The battery is proprietary with that oddball + and - contact at the top. The NiCds have never worked well for me in terms of run time or shelf life (and the B65 wasn't much better for shelf life). It's a big light with disproportionately low output by today's standards. The charger wall wart is more like a wall cinder block -- it's huge and takes up way too much space at an outlet. It's quite possible that I never kept up with the frequent SureFire changes to the battery/charging system to get it to work right. But frankly, I gave up after multiple battery swaps and exchanges with the factory. Who has the time for that nonsense. Finally, unlike the SureFire 6P which is like the Colt 1911 of flashlights (everyone has an upgrade or mod for it), the 8NX is basically totally ignored. There is scant little 3rd party product development. Just better NiMH battery sticks would be great to have, but Silverfox does seem to have made any more in years. I'll probably have to disassemble one of my B90s and build my own.

 

[Justin Case]

Here is a shot of a G2 with TH