Surefire Saint headlamp? (Part 2)

[Vermonter73]

In the July 2008 issue of Outside magazine on page 112 they have a picture of a Surefire headlamp! It's supposedly called the Saint. They say 100 lumens in the blurb.

I can't find any info anywhere about this. Anybody know what's up?

 

[Monocrom]

Re: Surefire Saint headlamp?

How bad is the lack of lube on the Minimus?

I once bought a Victorinox 2AA light that was bone dry. Head got hopelessly stuck when I tried to twist it in order to insert the batteries. Would rather not go through that same bull$#^% again.

 

[bullfrog]

Re: Surefire Saint headlamp?

Mine came lubed up like all my other Surefires - the threads were definitely not dry - I did clean them and add nyogel, however.

This seems to be a real workhorse of a light and I'm happy to add it to my line-up. Its getting a permanent place in my EDC bag along with my LX2 and Ra Clicky T-170. Between these three lights, I feel set for anything.

With that said, I'm a little frustrated with the beam quality and color... I usually dont give a crap but on high my minimus is very blue to me - the beam profile is also pretty gross - even outdoors I can still see a "cross-hair" looking square hotspot on most things that I point the beam at :green: Its distracting enough but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

My biggest qualm is that its very hard to dial into the lowest output setting - when it clicks on it is NOT at the lowest setting and I have to backwards dial very VERY carefully to get it to hit the lowest setting... its take some concentration to do this - too much and it clicks off - its frustrating... I wish there was a "divot" for the 1 lumen like there is for medium...

You guys notice this?

 

[jch79]

Re: Surefire Saint headlamp?

I question the 1 lumen rating of the lowest low - I was hoping it'd be close to a Titan low.

The square artifact (square donut?) from the LED die is a bit distracting for reading, but outside, it's fine.

The "Breathe-O-Prene" pad seems a bit cheap and gimmicky. I'm not concerned about a few square inches on my forehead sweating, and after years of use, none of my headlamps are stinky or have slipping problems when I sweat. :shrug: YMMV.

Like others, I wish it'd rotate a little smoother - going one way is fine, but when you twist downward, the battery tube likes to come unscrewed first.

Mine came half-ways lubed... I could care less either way, as I like my flashlights lubed the way I lube 'em!

Overall, it's a great headlamp, and a nice first effort in the compact category from SureFire... but I think there are a few things they could improve upon on the Saint II.

:thumbsup: john

 

[kelmo]

Mine is waiting for me in my mailbox!

 

[DimeRazorback]

Good to hear some criticism about the minimus!

From what I have read so far, the pros outway the cons... so it is still on my "To buy" list

 

[bullfrog]

Good to hear some criticism about the minimus!

From what I have read so far, the pros outway the cons... so it is still on my "To buy" list

Its definitely a great addition to any kit and I'm glad I purchased it.

Spoke w surefire earlier re the flickering on low levels - they said that turnaround might be a few weeks if I send it in (they are backordered) - they said to keep using it because some LEDs have a break-in period :shrug:

 

[DimeRazorback]

:thinking:

Oh well... they told you to!

:laughing:

 

[276]

Most of the recent issues i dont have at all. I will agree it's not that smooth to rotate all the way around but the battery cap on mine doesn't come off unless i hold it with two hands.

 

[RobertM]

Re: Surefire Saint headlamp?

Mine came lubed up like all my other Surefires - the threads were definitely not dry - I did clean them and add nyogel, however.

This seems to be a real workhorse of a light and I'm happy to add it to my line-up. Its getting a permanent place in my EDC bag along with my LX2 and Ra Clicky T-170. Between these three lights, I feel set for anything.

With that said, I'm a little frustrated with the beam quality and color... I usually dont give a crap but on high my minimus is very blue to me - the beam profile is also pretty gross - even outdoors I can still see a "cross-hair" looking square hotspot on most things that I point the beam at :green: Its distracting enough but I'm sure I'll get used to it.

My biggest qualm is that its very hard to dial into the lowest output setting - when it clicks on it is NOT at the lowest setting and I have to backwards dial very VERY carefully to get it to hit the lowest setting... its take some concentration to do this - too much and it clicks off - its frustrating... I wish there was a "divot" for the 1 lumen like there is for medium...

EDIT: just noticed also, when the light is on low and I look at the lens from an angle, it looks and feels like some of the anti glare coating has come off? It almost looks like someone has haphazardly put clear polish over the lens and some of it has rubbed off. Its clear but I can see where some of it has rubbed off and I can feel the spots with my nail...

You guys notice this?

Maybe I just got a lemon?

EDIT AGAIN: Yep I definitely think mine needs to go back - there is very faint flickering on the lower levels - not the lowest output but a few levels above it...

Mine came bone-dry but it is nice now with Nyogel. I know what you mean about the lens--there are spots that look questionable on mine as well.

-Robert

 

[kelmo]

I just got mine! It is an L4 for the forehead. Here's the nit picky stuff. The fit and finish is not quite up to par with there flashlights. At first glance it appears to be a SF knockoff. But it feels very solid and mechanically sound. Yes when white wall hunting you can see the image of the LED die. Mine rotates smoothly and is well lubed. The head band feels a little flimsy. But it puts out a ton of light. A little on the blue side but definitely not cat urine green like my KX2. I am overall very pleased with the light! Its big!

kelmo

 

[Daniel_sk]

If anyone wondered about a red filter, here is the reply from surefire :
"At this time, we do not offer a red filter for this unit. As for the future, there has not been any discussion in regards to a red filter."

 

[Daniel_sk]

That's what I am taking for today's night hiking trip :thumbsup:

 

[manoloco]

Nice setup Daniel, perhaps a good opportunity for outdoor beamshots

 

[Daniel_sk]

I would love to make some beamshots in the woods but my camera has only automatic exposure, so it's useless for beamshots :shakehead. My friends are taking a PT EOS and a Tikka XP (P4 mod), that would be great to see the difference... Maybe nextime I will borrow a better camera.

 

[tnuckels]

Ok … so I already know this is going to go over like a led turd, but why be forced to carry two or more lights when there are headlamps that cover more of your lighting needs?

I've been following the Saint thread since its inception, though not overly closely. Since its release, I keep reading about folks that carry the Saint, and another SureFire light or two to meet their needs. I can certainly appreciate the quality aspects of the SureFire Saint/Minimus, and though there seem to be some execution flaws in this first attempt, there also seem to be shortcomings in terms of an all round headlamp solution.

Seems most of the reviews rank the Minimus as some sort of a Zebralight on steroids, though good for medium distance lighting as well, I don't have a Zebra yet, as I am fond of more versatile solutions, and the Zebra seems like a one trick pony to me. So, why would so many seem anxious to jump on another more or less single task light?

I understand the build issues, interface issues, size issues, etc., but just understand the willingness to carry another light go compensate for the Saint/Minimus' shortcomings, especially considering the steep asking price.

There are several lights that offer both spot and flood beams, that are quality built, equal or better runtime, equal or better output, and available for less money. So … why are so many willing to buy the Minumus, despite these contradictions?

 

[bullfrog]

Ok … so I already know this is going to go over like a lead turd, but why be forced to carry two or more lights when there are headlamps that cover more of your lighting needs?...

I have always carried a handheld light along with a headlamp when camping - a headlamp is excellent for handsfree night hiking and camp chores - but, I also like to carry a handheld light with a lot of throw to see FAR ahead or off in the distance that no headlamp can reach...

I think a lot of us also go with the adage "one is none." That is why I carry a backup and a backup for my backup (but I only carry one headlamp - my backups are handheld)

Actually, I dont think I have ever met anyone who camps with JUST one light...

I chose to go w the minimus over other headlamps because I think surefire makes excellent, trustworthy lights that have always made me feel confident. I also didn't have any headlamps that used a CR123 and I think its a huge plus now that all my lights can share batteries.

Different strokes....

 

[davidt1]

Ok …...
Seems most of the reviews rank the Minimus as some sort of a Zebralight on steroids, I don't have a Zebra yet, as I am fond of more versatile solutions, and the Zebra seems like a one trick pony to me. So, why would so many seem so anxious to jump on another more or less single task light?

.....

A Zebra light a one trick pony! Really? If what you really meant is it has less throw than the Minimus, then that is true. But I can assure you it's a very versatile light. I use can my H501 without a headband by clipping it to my shirt or belt. I can hide it my shirt pocket so it can be used anytime and anywhere. That, to me, is what versatility means.

I meant no disrespect to Minimus fans. Back to your regular programming please.

 

[Daniel_sk]

I noticed a quite visible prismatic halo while wearing it in the woods, you can see a bright line in your peripheral vision - it's a bit distracting, especially in almost fully dark places (like in a forest), it makes you think that something is moving in your peripheral vision... It's not that bad but for a 139$ headlamp, I await a little more. The LED "image" in center of the beam is not visible.
The "breahe-o-pene" part on the forehead was somewhat uncomfortable, but maybe only because I wore it for the first time.
The lowest setting is still enough to walk.
I wouldn't describe the tint as warm, more like slightly cold white. Looks almost pure white in the woods, similar to my U2A tint.
The "click" at 50% isn't that noticeable, at least not on my minimus. Another thing is that you can't quickly shut off the light, it takes a while until you get to off especially from the highest level. I am missing a momentary "turbo" button, in case you just need to quickly check something and don't want to dial from off to high and then back again...
Sorry, no beamshots (old camera, but here is me with the saint minimus put down around my neck - there was enough light from the fire).

 

[kelmo]

I have always carried a handheld light along with a headlamp when camping...but I only carry one headlamp - my backups are handheld...headlamps that used a CR123 and I think its a huge plus now that all my lights can share batteries...

Excellent points bullfrog!