Surefire Types?

[Grampa]

Okay, I'm going to show my ignorance here...

I keep seeing references to various types of Surefire flashlights, "C" "M" "E" and so on. I've been trying to match those "types" up to models, and can't tell the players without a program.

Does anyone have a key for the Surefire body types, with some sort of cross-reference to heads and tailcaps?

Grampa

 

[angelofwar]

C: Combat Models...i.e. they have a combat grip (usually rubber) for using the light with a hand-gun
E: Executive Series (one step above there original models...6-P or G-2), they come with a clip for attach to shirt/pants pocket
M: Military Models...They have a better coating than the original and executive series, and have bigger heads because the isolated shock mounts (the basically have two shock mount systems for the bulb, instead of the one found on the other models) making them more resilient to damage...these are usually the most expensive as well.

The voltage and lamp are the only real way to distiguish body and head size...a 9-Volt M-3 (3 batteries) and a 9-Volt P-9 use the same batteries and have the same output, but use two seperate lamps, and have different bodies and heads...so in short, no. Hope the break-down helped though!!! Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Grampa]

Thanks, that's a start.

How exchangeable are the heads and tailcaps from one body type to another? I presume that the 6P is an "E" body, and not interchangeable with parts for a "C" flashlight?

Yeah, I figure that the bulbs on the icans would need to be matched to battery(ies), and the LED lights are a bit more swappable.

Grampa

 

[angelofwar]

There a few interchangeable bodies and heads...but it's through trial and error basically...a G-2 head will fit on a C-2/6-P/and 9-P body...and vice-versa...but the lamp will have to be swapped out to match the voltage (a P-90/P-91 Lamp will only work with 9-Volt bodies and P-60/P-61 on 6-Volt bodies)...when you get to the M-Series, they use different lamp assemblies (i.e. a 9-Volt lamp on a G, C, or P series are interchangeable with each other, but not with a 9-Volt M series, because the lamps are made as seperate assemblies form the manufacture, the M-series lamps are differnet and a little tougher...), and so, different heads to house the different lamps. From what I've seen though, the tail caps are basically all the same, and are completely interchangeable, as the threading is standard. There is no real way by looking at the model (i.e "E", "C", or "M", to tell which heads will go with which bodies...sorry!

Here's the best I can do though...with the "A", "G", "C", "M", and "E-"Series, the number is the number of cells...E-1 uses "one" 3-Volt battery, M-4 uses "four" 3-Volt Batteries (12-Volts), etc. With the original models, you have the 6-P and 9-P...The 6-P is a "6" volt light, and so uses two batteries...like the "E2D"...the 9-P is a nine volt, and uses three 3-Volt batteries...here's a chart ion there website that might help...

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/pgrfnbr/528/sesent/00

 

[flash_bang]

Basically, I think, that C series is like the 6P and Z2 and stuff. 1" bodies, 1.25" bezels, for the most part. The E series is like the E2E, the E2L, and the L4, just to name a few. I think they have 3/4" bodies, and 1" bezels. The M series has 1" bodies, but bigger bezels. For example, the M2 is kind of a mix between M and C series, as it's called an M series light, but it's all C series, except for the slightly bigger bezel. EG a tailcap from a 6P will work on an M2 or M4. There are oddballs like the rechargeable lights, like the L7, 8NX, M6. There are turboheads and stuff too, but they're only on M series lights, unless you buy it separately for your 6P or something. Also, I almost forgot, the M series has a bigger bezel, but also a bigger opening on the bezel end of the body tube.

Hope this helps,
Flash

 

[Sgt. LED]

Really wish I found this thread 3 months ago, course it wasn't around then. I got all my answers through annoying PM's to various persons I saw posting consistantly about SF lights! Keep up the info guys.

 

[Hoghead]

The Executive ie: "E" series are the smallest in diameter. The bezel of the E2E is about the same diameter as the body of the "C" series of lights.

The "E" series of lights are E1, E1E, E1L, E2, E2E, E2L, E2D, L4. The TW4 is not suported by Surefire, but was introduced by Tactical Warehouse (no longer in business and is a E1E body and tailcap with the KL4 head of the L4. The heads, bodies and tailcaps of the E Series are interchangeable as long as you use the correct lamps for the number batteries used. This refers to primary cells only. The batteries can only be loaded from the head (bezel) end of the light because in order to make the lights as small as possible they were designed with a tailcap that is too small in diameter to allow battery insertion from the tail end of the light. The circuits in the E1L and E2L which use the KL1 (Luxeon) or the newer Cree version which uses the KX1 for the E1L (1x123 only) and the KX2 (2x123) for the E2L are in the head. The KL4 has a Luxeon V with the circuit in the head. The L4 body is just like a E2E body except it says "L4" instead of "E2E".

The next larger diameter bodies are the L1, L2 and A2. These lights all use the same tailcap, but that is the only interchangeable part. These lights are slightly larger in diameter in order to allow the batteries to be inserted from the tail end of the light because the circuit is the body of the light next to the head.

The next larger size up in diameter are the Classic "C" series of lights. These are C2, D2, G2, G2 LED, G2Z, M2, 6P, 6P LED, Z2, L5, C3, D3, G3, 9P, Z3. The L5 is just a C2 or M2 body (that says L5) with a KL5 head and a clickie tailcap. The KL5 is a Luxeon V with the circuit in the head. The batteries can be loaded from either end in these lights. The C series can interchange heads, bodies and tailcaps, but the lamps must be used with the correct number of cells, again I'm refering to primary cells.

The next size up are the Millenium or "M" series of lights. Note: the M1 and M2 are not the same size as the other lights in this series. These are the M3, M3T, L6, M4, M6. The tailcaps of the M3, M3T, L6, and M4 are interchangeable with the "C" series of lights. The L6 is just a M3 or M3T body (that says L6) with a clickie tailcap and a KL6 head with a Luxeon V and the circuit is in the head. The M6 uses the same TurboHead as the M3T or M4, but the body and tailcap are larger and not interchangeable.

 

[Lightingguy321]

For lamps, the 6P, Z2, G2Z, M2, C2, and G2 all use the P60 or P61.
The G3, C3, and 9P use either the P90 or P91. The executive series includes the E1E, E2E, E2D, and E1L/E2L*
The M series is something like this: (lights provided with both lamps)
The M3 is an MN10 or MN11
The M4 is an MN60 or MN61
The M6 is an MN20 or MN21

All millenium series except the M2 have shock isolation systems and integral reflectors.

The C-series and lights like the Z2, 6P etc use lamp modules that have the lamp and reflector in a single unit.

The L-series is all LED powered.

The break down is as follows
L1 digital lumamax is a dual out put single cell light. Cree LED powered. 10 lumen low/65 lumen high.

L2 digital lumamax is a dual out put two cell light. Luxeon V powered. 15 lumen low/100 lumen high

L4 digital lumamax is a single out put two cell light. Luxeon V head on an E2E body. 100 Lumen output

L5 digital lumamax is a LED combat light (uses body of M2) with a LED head. Luxeon V LED. 100 lumens, 2 Lithium cells

L6 digital lumamax is a LED combat light (uses body of M3) with a LED head. Luxeon V led. 100 lumens, 3 cell.

L7 digital lumamx is a 8AX rechargeable light with a KL7 LED bezel. B90 battery stick, 100 lumens Luxeon V.

The LED conversion heads are as follows.
KL1 is the old Luxeon I or Luxeon III (depending on what generation) conversion head for the E1E and E2E, stock head for older E1L and E2L. Output was between 20 and 30 lumens

KL2 is the old 19 LED (5mm type) for the combatlight series (C2 I believe correct me if I am wrong). 25 Lumens, no longer sold

KL3 is the 3 watt LED conversion head for the C2, 6P, C3, 9P, G2, G3, Z2, G2Z. 25 Lumens from a Luxeon III.

KL4 is the Luxeon V conversion head for a E2E and puts out 100 lumens

KL5 is for the C2 combat light and is a Luxeon V seated in a deep dish reflector for 100 lumens of output.

KL6 is for the C23 combat light and uses the same LED as the KL5 in a deeper reflector.

KL7 is the conversion head for the 8AX/8X/8NX rechargeable light and outputs 100 lumens from a Luxeon V. The reflector is slightly shorter than the KL6 but deeper than the KL5.

KX1 Cree LED conversion head for E1E ONLY, 30 lumens output

KX2 Cree LED conversion head for E2E ONLY, 45 lumens output

KX5 Cree LED conversion head for C2 combatlight, 120 lumens output (not available yet, on indefenite hold)


The C-series and original series I believe have the same threads, the M-series has different threads and the E series also has different threads. (again correct me if I am wrong). The L series uses some bodies of the E and C series and therefore has the same threads (L5,L6, E1L, and E2L, L4, L7).

 

[gottawearshades]

Great question. Good information.

I've been thinking that starting some surefire lego projects might be fun, but all the different types can be intimidating.

Thanks!

 

[bondr006]

Let me assure you, that once you get started in it, and educate yourself along the way.....it's a lot of fun. I just literally started collecting my Surefires in the end of August...and now I have 13 of them :huh:. I have started mixing and matching...and it seems like with all the different models that can be leggoed, and the aftermarket world of Leaf and McGizmo....that the possibilities are endless....OK, well maybe a little daunting.....But dang sure a lot of fun. Just jump in and let your own hands on experience, and the vast knowledge database of CPF guide you along the way. Have fun.

Rob

 

[Grampa]

Yeah, excellent information responses! Leef is announcing a new run of "C" body parts, which is what prompts my question. I have a 6PD with the Malkoff drop-in, which I believe will handle up to 9 volts. So, a pair of 18650s would be a great upgrade.

 

[Hoghead]

All millenium series except the M2 have shock isolation systems and integral reflectors.

KL2 is the old 19 LED (5mm type) for the combatlight series (C2 I believe correct me if I am wrong). 25 Lumens, no longer sold

The C-series and original series I believe have the same threads, the M-series has different threads and the E series also has different threads. (again correct me if I am wrong). The L series uses some bodies of the E and C series and therefore has the same threads (L5,L6, E1L, and E2L, L4, L7).

The M2 has a shock isolated bezel.

The KL2 fits the M3, M3T, L6, M4 and M6. I'm not sure if it is safe to use on the M4 & M6 due to voltage, but it fits. The KL2 predates the L6 & KL6.

See my post above for more information on the size of E, L, C, M and what interchanges.

Thanks for reminding me about the E2D.

 

[Bort]

What is a 3P ? I see one listed on the Marketplace, but it is not listed on the Surefire website.

 

[ttran97]

What is a 3P ? I see one listed on the Marketplace, but it is not listed on the Surefire website.

That's the old 3v (one battery) version of the 6P. They stopped selling these almost 10 years ago. The E series with one battery (ie. E1e, E1L) replaced the need for a 3P.

 

[Bort]

That's the old 3v (one battery) version of the 6P. They stopped selling these almost 10 years ago. The E series with one battery (ie. E1e, E1L) replaced the need for a 3P.

Thanks.

 

[Lightingguy321]

Oh I forgot you can run the KL3 on the M4 and M6 as well, but it will heat up a bit more than usual. Also The New L5 (cree) is on idefenite hold as well. The 6P LED, G2 LED, and G3 LED all can use the KL3 if you want a lower output of light. They are essentially the orignal body and bezel of the light with a P60 LED module which can be used on any light that uses the P60.

The turbo heads (I only know of a few are)
KT1-The 6P
KT2-???
KT3-9AN, M3, C3, M4 , M6
KT5-8AX only

Turbo heads are 2.5 in diameter heads for extended throw for specific surefire models. Models such as the M3T, M4, and M6 come stocked with the turbo head bezel opposed to the smaller 1.62, 1.47, or 1.00 inch heads.

Also to extend off of the above about the 6P LED,
The 6P has three known variants now.
The 6P incandescent (P60, P61, 2 battery)
The 6P LED (P60 LED module, 2 battery)
and
The 6P Defender (crenellated strike bezel same lamps as 6P)

The bodies on those three lights (and tails) are identical.

If you need a holster, for nylon ones the coding goes like this
Vxx.
The first X indicates which lights fit
The second X indicates mounting style
a zero in the second position indicates closed belt loop
a one in the second position indicates a velcro belt loop
a 5 indicates (second position) a metal pocket clip

 

[Tempest UK]

The turbo heads (I only know of a few are)
KT1-The 6P
KT2-???
KT3-9AN, M3, C3, M4 , M6
KT5-8AX only

The KT2 is for use on the 9P and similar. Apart from the bulb it uses, it is exactly the same as the KT1. As far as I recall, it used to ship with an N2 lamp assembly, but now comes with the MN15.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[bondr006]

The KT4 is for the M3....not the KT3. :thumbsup:

 

[Numbers]

On the holsters, I hope not. I just ordered a v82 for an L1. It is supposed to be a quick detach.

 

[bondr006]

The V82 is for the L1, and yes, it is the quick detach. :thumbsup: