Whats the real difference between the SF C2 and Z2?

[Brian321]

I am wanting to buy another host for a malkoff drop in. I am considering the SF C2 or Z2, I have done some research and cant find a difference between these 2. Do you guys know what the difference is? Which one would be better for a Malkoff drop in? Which one is tougher? Thanks.

 

[kramer5150]

Mainly the overall shape, and finish. Electrically, thermally and optically they are the same.

The C2 has 2 O-rings at the tailcap, I am not sure if the Z2 does.

 

[Kestrel]

It seems to me that the C-series is more popular on CPF than the Z-series. Also, from reading '18mm boring' posts by Sgt. LED & Modoo, it sounds like there was slightly less wall thickness to work with in the Z-series IIRC.

 

[pwatcher]

Z2: 4.8 oz, no clip

C2: 5.3 oz, bezel up clip

no diff as to suitability for malkoff module.

whichever style rocks your boat, I guess?

 

[JNewell]

Z2: 4.8 oz, no clip

C2: 5.3 oz, bezel up clip

no diff as to suitability for malkoff module.

whichever style rocks your boat, I guess?

Also:

price

natural HA ano versus black type 2 ano, so the finish on the C2 will be tougher. I think the HA ano on the C2 is why it tends to be more popular here. (The C2 and C3 also used to be available in type 2 black ano, IIRC.)

 

[JNewell]

You didn't mention the 6P, so I will I picked one of these up, new, from a local B&M store for $45 a couple of weeks ago because I wanted another host for a Malkoff drop-in. Yeah, it's type 2 ano. Yeah, it doesn't have a clip. Yeah, it doesn't work for some grips you can do with the C or Z lights. Yeah, it was half the cost. Oh, did I mention, it was half the cost???

I am wanting to buy another host for a malkoff drop in. I am considering the SF C2 or Z2, I have done some research and cant find a difference between these 2. Do you guys know what the difference is? Which one would be better for a Malkoff drop in? Which one is tougher? Thanks.

 

[DimeRazorback]

I like my HA-BK Z2 the most

 

[Kestrel]

I like my HA-BK Z2 the most

I'm kind of into C3's, myself.
(The G3 is included for scale, LOL.)

 

[DimeRazorback]

The C3's are very nice, I will have to get one, one day.

OP, if you don't need a pocket clip, and plan on using primary cells, I would suggest the Z2. They are just as tough as one another, however I find that the round body of the Z-series are a lot more comfortable to use/hold in various grips.

 

[NotRegulated]

I have the Z2, C2 and 6P. the Z2 is optimized for handgun use. The 6P is a round body for handheld use. The C2 is in between. It is also the only option in HAIII finish and it is the only body with a clip.

Used black type II ones are for sale now in the Marketplace.

 

[Brian321]

The C3's are very nice, I will have to get one, one day.

OP, if you don't need a pocket clip, and plan on using primary cells, I would suggest the Z2. They are just as tough as one another, however I find that the round body of the Z-series are a lot more comfortable to use/hold in various grips.

I like the looks of the Z2 and i dont need a pocket clip, That is the one i was leaning towards. But if the C2 is stronger that might change my mind. Why is it important to use primarys in the Z2 if i am using a malkoff drop in?

On a side note, I already own a 6P with a malkoff drop in and now im looking for something with a combat grip. Thanks.

 

[DimeRazorback]

I don't think that the C2 is any stronger, not to the point where it will just snap in two. Maybe the C2 could take a tank driving over it a little more, but they are both structurally sound.

I was just wondering if you were going to get a stock Z2 or a bored out one, that's all. If you were going to get one bored out, then I would suggest the C2 due to the greater inner tube thickness.



With the Z2 and a Malkoff, you can use primaries or a 17670 rechargeable

The combat grips are great by the way, nice and comfy!

 

[Brian321]

I don't think that the C2 is any stronger, not to the point where it will just snap in two. Maybe the C2 could take a tank driving over it a little more, but they are both structurally sound.

I was just wondering if you were going to get a stock Z2 or a bored out one, that's all. If you were going to get one bored out, then I would suggest the C2 due to the greater inner tube thickness.



With the Z2 and a Malkoff, you can use primaries or a 17670 rechargeable

The combat grips are great by the way, nice and comfy!

I was just going to get a stock one and use either CR123's or RCR123's.
Thanks for all the help but im still not sure which one im going to buy:sigh:

When i doubt.....Buy both


ETA: Nevermind

 

[JNewell]

I like the looks of the Z2 and i dont need a pocket clip, That is the one i was leaning towards. But if the C2 is stronger that might change my mind. Why is it important to use primarys in the Z2 if i am using a malkoff drop in?

On a side note, I already own a 6P with a malkoff drop in and now im looking for something with a combat grip. Thanks.

As posted earlier, the only thing that's "stronger" about the C2 compared to the 6P or Z2 is the finish. HA will wear better/longer than type 2 ano. The body tube on the C2 might be a little thicker, but in real life I can't imagine that you'd ever bend or break a 2x123 tube under circumstances where you came back to report to us about it. I've been carrying SureFire lights for almost 15 years and have bent and broken tailcaps and bezels, several times each, but have never damaged a body tube, even in the 6Z, which is probably the thinnest.

 

[Brian321]

As posted earlier, the only thing that's "stronger" about the C2 compared to the 6P or Z2 is the finish. HA will wear better/longer than type 2 ano. The body tube on the C2 might be a little thicker, but in real life I can't imagine that you'd ever bend or break a 2x123 tube under circumstances where you came back to report to us about it. I've been carrying SureFire lights for almost 15 years and have bent and broken tailcaps and bezels, several times each, but have never damaged a body tube, even in the 6Z, which is probably the thinnest.

Good to know. I went ahead and ordered a Z2, I think i will like it. And we will find out how tough it is as its going to be my caving handheld light.

 

[JNewell]

Good to know. I went ahead and ordered a Z2, I think i will like it. And we will find out how tough it is as its going to be my caving handheld light.

My all-time favorite SureFire body is the 6Z/9Z configuration, but I have a Z3 and I'm sure you'll like the Z2 a lot and that it will serve you well and long.

FWIW, I like the flexibility offered by the Z bodies for a lot of uses beyond firearms use. I think the "combat grip" facilitates a lot of other general uses, too.

 

[jaundice]

What's the difference between a 6Z/9Z and a Z2/Z3? I thought the Z2 or Z3 was just a designation change. Was there an engineering change, as well?

-John

 

[leukos]

You can see pictures of the old 6Z/9Z (1996 version) here: http://home.comcast.net/~rdh10/http/Surefire/Surefire-1996-Ill.pdf

 

[angelofwar]

Good to know. I went ahead and ordered a Z2, I think i will like it. And we will find out how tough it is as its going to be my caving handheld light.

Eeekkkk...I woulda gone with the C2...the finish on the Z2 won't last nearly as long as that of the C2...plus the Type III ano and squared body seems to be easier to grip in wet conditions...at least from my experiences...

Well, you'll like it either way, just make sure you use the lanyard in case you drop it!

 

[JNewell]

What's the difference between a 6Z/9Z and a Z2/Z3? I thought the Z2 or Z3 was just a designation change. Was there an engineering change, as well?

-John

I'm not sure I'd dignify it as an engineering change but the 6Z/9Z had a full-round rebated section.

Edit to add that there were actually two versions of the 6Z (can't speak about the 9Z on this): one had a shorter round section than the other. When I bought the 6Z I still carry every day, the shop had both, and I took one of the ones with the "full length" rebated section. If you look at the 1996 catalog, on page 4 of the pdf, there's a picture of the "short" 6Z (the one I didn't buy).