Surefire - preinstalled lamp problems

[MaxKnight]

Hi all,

This may just be a coincidence, but I had the following problems with the only 2 Surefire lights I own ;-

6P - Bought still sealed in box. Lasted about 2 seconds and then it was blown. Store was kind enough to give me 50% discount on lamp replacement since I brought it back the next day. Replacement has been perfect since then.

E2 Executive - Bought still sealed in box. When first turned on it was about half the brightness of the 6P, and lasted about a further 10 minutes before blowing entirely. The store wasn't interested in giving me another discount so I had to buy a replacement lamp and is now as bright as the 6P.

Both were treated with proper precautions, neither lamps were touched/soiled.

Were there known bad batches? Was I just unlucky? Can I trust the included lamps in future Surefire lights? Maybe they were dropped too often during shipping? I like to have spare assemblies, but don't like having to replace them when they're so new.

Despite the bad luck they are great lights!

 

[K-T]

[ QUOTE ]
MaxKnight said:
(...)Were there known bad batches?

[/ QUOTE ]
- Not that I know of with your lights.

[ QUOTE ]
Was I just unlucky?

[/ QUOTE ]
- Yes, seems to be the case.

[ QUOTE ]
Can I trust the included lamps in future Surefire lights?

[/ QUOTE ]
- I have never had something like that happen, I do trust these lights, nevertheless if you life depends on these oyu should seriously consider carrying a backup light.

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe they were dropped too often during shipping?

[/ QUOTE ]
- It could be that the LA's had a small leak with the result of air entering the glasstube, this could explain the reduced brightness from the start and could also be caused by all kinds of thinks including shock.

[ QUOTE ]
I like to have spare assemblies, but don't like having to replace them when they're so new.

[/ QUOTE ]
- You only need to replace your LA when they are broken, I don't understand your question.

[ QUOTE ]
Despite the bad luck they are great lights!

[/ QUOTE ]
-yup. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

-If you would have called SureFire Customer Service and explained to them what has happened to your bulbs chances would have been good for you not to have to buy a new lamp, they might have sent you one as a replacement.

 

[GeoffChan]

These lights might of been treated roughly in transit.

Lamps are still fragile.

Geoff

 

[ho71ko]

I'd report this incidents to SureFire Customer Service. I find your experience very unusual and I would not be suprised if Customer Service could help you out in one or the other way.
Holger

 

[Xrunner]

[ QUOTE ]
ho71ko said:
I'd report this incidents to SureFire Customer Service. I find your experience very unusual and I would not be suprised if Customer Service could help you out in one or the other way.
Holger

[/ QUOTE ]

I second Holger's recommendation. Give Surefire's CS department a call and see what they will do for you. They have always lived up to the highest standards for me.

As for your lights, my guess would be that if they both came from the same store something happened to a batch in shipping or in the store.

-Mike

 

[Double_A]

This is not acceptable and although I wouldn't venture a guess at the problem, I sure would call SF customer Service. A polite report of the problem should get an offer to replace those lamps no charge.

GregR

 

[pjandyho]

I would call Surefire too. They have always been very willing to do their best for you though sometimes it might take a little longer.

I have quite a few Surefires using incandescent and have not had any problems with the lamp assemblies yet. I just got my M3 and it is still on the first set of batteries so I hope nothing would happen. I would say your case is a little unluckiness that's all.

 

[MaxKnight]

Thanks all for your comments.

All of the packaging states NO garantee on lamp assemblies so that's why I didn't try them first (plus I live in Australia so even if they were happy to help I wanted to use them straight away! Not after a lengthy delay due to shipping /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif ). But due to your comments I'll at least make them aware.

Cheers

 

[jtivat]

[ QUOTE ]
MaxKnight said:
Hi all,



Store was kind enough to give me 50% discount on lamp replacement since I brought it back the next day. Replacement has been perfect since then.
The store wasn't interested in giving me another discount so I had to buy a replacement lamp and is now as bright as the 6P.



[/ QUOTE ]

I would not call this kind I would say they ripped you off as they can send the lamps back to Surefire or just call and get free replacements. Any of our CPF dealers would have sent out a new one free or most of them would.

 

[Corolla]

[ QUOTE ]
MaxKnight said:
Thanks all for your comments.

All of the packaging states NO garantee on lamp assemblies so that's why I didn't try them first (plus I live in Australia so even if they were happy to help I wanted to use them straight away! Not after a lengthy delay due to shipping /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif ). But due to your comments I'll at least make them aware.

Cheers

[/ QUOTE ]
Let us know how it goes, that dealer was probually using them as display at one time (unless box was totally sealed up )that seems to be what they do in my area. As staed i would definitly call surefire! Good Luck!

 

[MaxKnight]

[ QUOTE ]
Corolla said:
Let us know how it goes, that dealer was probually using them as display at one time (unless box was totally sealed up )that seems to be what they do in my area. As staed i would definitly call surefire! Good Luck!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yep they were both sealed - I probably wouldn't have bought them otherwise, too many bad experiences from ex-demo equipment. How unfortunate that this was the result!

I have e-mailed SureFire the story, will let you know of the outcome.

Cheers
Max

 

[MaxKnight]

Excellent news. SureFire replied, asking for my address. I replied with my address. They replied again within about 2 hours saying my replacements are on the way!

Big thankyou to SureFire customer service and CPF members suggesting that I should still contact them!

I will not doubt again /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Double_A]

Good! That's the way it should be handled!

GregR