Surefire Incan. G3 vs. Streamlight Incan. TL-3
- Thread starter wmugrad28
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
TigerhawkT3
Flashlight Enthusiast
I don't know if it helps, but you could compare reviews for the G2, TL-2, and TL-3:
G2:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/surefire_g2.htm
TL-2:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_tactical.htm
TL-3:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_tactical.htm
http://www.geocities.com/tigerhawkt3/tl3.htm
It looks like the big difference is polymer vs. aluminum, and the G3's head is only a little wider than its body.
G2:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/surefire_g2.htm
TL-2:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_tactical.htm
TL-3:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_tactical.htm
http://www.geocities.com/tigerhawkt3/tl3.htm
It looks like the big difference is polymer vs. aluminum, and the G3's head is only a little wider than its body.
FlashKat
Flashlight Enthusiast
Why not consider a Surefire 9P or a Wolf Eyes Raider. This way you can use the Lumens Factory drop-ins or Cree drop-ins.
The Streamlight TL-3 is very limited on modifications since the lamp assembly is not a standard size.
The Surefire G3 is not as compatible for high output incandescent lamps, because of heat transfer.
It's your choice in the long run.
The Streamlight TL-3 is very limited on modifications since the lamp assembly is not a standard size.
The Surefire G3 is not as compatible for high output incandescent lamps, because of heat transfer.
It's your choice in the long run.
mdocod
Flashaholic
SF says you can run a P91 in it, that's the hottest lamp available in D26 format, if it can handle a P91, it can handle every other D26 module on the market, the only consideration, is heat sinking for LED drop-in modules...
I'd take a Wolf-Eyes 9 series before the TL-3 or G3 because the WE will accommodate 18mm cells. so I aint voting for either.... but if you were trying to make the decision about which one is "better" nobody can really help you there because they are designed for totally different applications, the larger head on the TL-3 is less pocketable but will provide much better throw but will have more beam artifacts, the G3 will have floodier beams, have more lamp options... Both are built by reputable manufactures who make great stuff.
Nobody mentioned about cost of replacement bulb $6 for TL-3 and $25 for $urefire.
You can carry extra bulb inside TL-3 and beam is adjustable.
You can also use Carley 1499 for higher output.
You can carry extra bulb inside TL-3 and beam is adjustable.
You can also use Carley 1499 for higher output.
Bullzeyebill
Flashaholic
The poll speaks for itself.
Bill
Bill
Outdoors Fanatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
The SureFire G3, hands down!
Outdoors Fanatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
Heat transfer?? Incandescent lamps -- unlike LEDs -- are not afraid of heat.
FlashKat
Flashlight Enthusiast
Thanks for correcting me on this. I was actually thinking about the Cree heat transfer issue, but wrote about the heat from high output incandescents. 'I had a brain fart"
djblank87
Enlightened
I agree hands down with the above stated. I have my TL-3 mounted on my AR, I love it great light and cheap bulb replacement.
TL-3 :twothumbs
Illum
Flashaholic
is there a dramatic difference in say...lamp life?
mdocod
Flashaholic
funny question, because the lower the lamp life, the brighter and more efficient it's going to be... I can build you a tactical flashlight with a 4000 hour lamp life for under $30 if that's what you think matters, but it won't be very impressive output wise.
As a consumer of tactical incandescent products, your only concern is that the configuration provides somewhere between 15 and 50 hours of average lamp life and that the configuration has a low occurrence of premature insta-flashes. I've heard reports right here on CPF of every tactical lamp we discuss flashing prematurely, from SL to SF to LF.
leukos
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've become very fond of my G3. I really like nitrolon for a light that gets some rough treatment.
Heat transfer is important, even in incan lights. The cooler the batteries stay, the better for them and the better for output. And the better for the life of rechargeables, if you're using that.
I wasn't impressed with the throw of my TL-3 compared to my regular Surefire lamps and the Lumens Factory lamps made it look pathetic.
The quality of Streamlight is decent and probably about as good as you get for a Chinese made flashlight.
WDR65
Enlightened
Though the G3 is a great light and I keep one in my house with a P91, I much prefer the TL-3 overall as an outdoor light. For the cost I don't think you can do much better for a compact throw light and it has fairly decent spill as well. The G3 is more versatile with the ability to change to Led as well as the ability to add a turbohead that throws a bit further than the TL-3, but for out of the package performance I would go with the TL-3.
I can't comment on any other lights mentioned as I don't have them, but I can say that I did have a Surefire C3 with an LPS tactical SRTH head (a 2.5" Surefire turbohead that has a great beam with the N2 lamp assembly) and after comparing its tight beam to the TL-3's wider beam I decided that the extra size and cost weren't worth it and sold it.
I can't comment on any other lights mentioned as I don't have them, but I can say that I did have a Surefire C3 with an LPS tactical SRTH head (a 2.5" Surefire turbohead that has a great beam with the N2 lamp assembly) and after comparing its tight beam to the TL-3's wider beam I decided that the extra size and cost weren't worth it and sold it.
FlashKat
Flashlight Enthusiast
First of all if you are looking for brightness and runtime the Wolf Eyes flashlights will allow you to use different lamp assemblies and the ability to use 18500 or 18650 batteries depending on your needs, since you can buy extenders.
CLHC
Flashaholic
Have not seen the SF.G3 in person but did chance upon a few of the SL.TL-3s. My guess would be SureFire since I'm a tad bit partial when it comes to said lights over Streamlights.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
