Why Scorpion Is A Favorite

[jayflash]

The StreamLight Scorpion continues as my favorite incandescent flashlight because of its combination of features. I like the beam, brightness/runtime, switch, size, inexpensive/spare lamp, and even the rubber sheathed body.

I'd appreciate any enlightenment on a few questions - thanks.

1) When was the Scorpion put on the market?
2) Did the SF 6P preceed it?
3) Does the SF E2 share the Scorps switch action: momentary/stays on?
4) What's has the Scorpion's features but is significantly better - the Pelican M6, maybe?

 

[simbad]

I'm wondering about which one to get......I like all of them but I think that I most like is the E2e because of the run time and apparently "perfect beam", prices are quit the same, depending on the finish.SF's have more chances to change configuration, accesories as Led lamps (Kl-1) or rechargeables...still making my own review.

 

[PaulW]

I have both the Scorpion and the E2e. They're much the same in function. The switches both work the same way, although the Scorpion doesn't have the lock-out mechanism. The beams are also very much alike.

The big difference between these lights is the fit and finish. The E2e is indeed elite; it's beautiful to look at and exciting to hold. The Scorpion is more like a workhorse to throw in your tool box -- certainly not to show off. In addition, I have read some reports that the Scorpion may get wet inside if immersed, although I have not tested that.

Paul

 

[ResQTech]

I think the Scorpion throws farther than the E2e, probably because of it's bigger reflector. I like the Scorp. I beat it up more than my E2e... The E2e is a beautiful piece of work tho.

 

[jayflash]

The LOTC is a nice plus for the E2e, besides the better construction and smaller size. If I had an E2e it probably would be my favorite and some day I'd like to get one because for me...size IS important.

Let's dream: a more efficient, brighter lamp, plus ramp-up and regulation in the same body as an E2e. Woopie!

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I got to compare a Scorpion with a Legend not long after getting the Legend.

At the time, having a Legend, I couldn't see buying a Scorp.

Come forward to fairly recently. Now that I have used the excellent clickie from a Garrity 2AA on a G2, I shall NEVER need a Scorp!

 

[simbad]

Thanks for the comments, I think I'll get the E2e, I like the shiny one more than the H.anodized one..

cheers
Martin

 

[kz1000s1]

If you don't like the rubber cover, the Streamlight TL2 and NF2 are all metal and have a glass lens. However, they don't have a clickie switch like the Scorp. The beam quality of the Streamlights isn't as good as an E2e, but it is brighter and whiter in color.

 

[Double_A]

JayFlash-

Yes the 6P preceeded the Scorpion. If I'm not mistaken the 6P is the great grandaddy of the hi-intensity 123 based flashlights.

Many, many moons ago on the old discussion board hosted by Surefire themselves ( I believe I was member 136) I heard a story. When Streamlight came out with the Scorpion Surefire was so worried they dropped the price of the 6P to compete. After the Scorpion came out and Surefire tried it, they immediately decided it was a different beast and jacked the 6P price back up. True? Who knows maybe Al or Ken Good?

GregR

 

[Stingray]

I think the 6C might have been first or simultaneous with the 6P as far as high output 123 lights go. I still have a really early 6P I bought new.

I picked up a few Scorpions a while back when they went on sale for 20 bucks. I like em a lot. I also have a couple of 6Ps, E2e's and a few G2s. The each have their merits. The Scorpion has a brighter and whiter beam than the E2e or the P60 lights. It also has more throw. The clickie switch and de-focusability of it makes it a much better choice for a small utility light that might be used for close up work at times but not so great for a tactical light. A 6P with a beamshaper accessory can also be used as an excellent utility light however. The rubber sleeve can be good or bad. It makes for a good grip but it also makes it hard to get in and out of a jeans pocket. It also tends to ride down the body tube after awhile and you have to push it back up. For 20 bucks the Scorpion is probably the best "bang for the buck" light I own.

The E2e's are much easier to EDC and have a much better cool factor, I enjoy them the most. The 6P's have the options of P61 HOLAs, KL3s, KL5s, A19 extenders, P90s and P91 HOLAs, flip up beamshapers and turboheads that greatly increase their versatility. A good 6P kit can cover a lot of bases with one light.

Steve

 

[Size15's]

I don't know - I've not heard that story.

It appears that in most cases SureFire compete with themselves based on user feedback and the investment in "Cool Science".

Al

 

[paulr]

I wasn't that impressed with the Scorpion, because of the clunky rubber cover. I have a TL3 that I like a lot and I think of getting a TL2. I like the momentary/twist switch. LOTC would be nice but the tail guard works well enough. I don't care at all about a clickie. The TL3 twisty is very smooth operating and the Z57's haven't been so great. I do think the Surefires look nicer than the TL's, and also the E2e is a bit smaller and lighter than the TL2. But the TL2 is a better design: user-adjustable focus, spare bulb inside the light, bulbs cost a lot less.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

1) When was the Scorpion put on the market?
I purchased two in the early 90s. I suspect that it was introduced around that time.

2) Did the SF 6P preceed it?
At the time I purchased the Scorpions, I had been carrying a Surefire 6P for almost three years.

3) Does the SF E2 share the Scorps switch action: momentary/stays on?
No for the earlier model E2. I believe that the current model E2 has the clickie switch.

4) What's has the Scorpion's features but is significantly better - the Pelican M6, maybe?
Let's examine the Scorpion first.
*Adjustable SPOT output
*Bulb removeable from the lamp assembly and reflector
*Clickie, rear switch
*Spare bulb storage within the unit
*Battery compartment sleeved with a material more comfortable that bare aluminum

For ME, the ASP Taclite's features are significantly better. The following are reasons. I've been carrying it since early 1997.
*The adjustment mechanism is internal and will not undo inadvertently
*Bulb is removeable and will not dislodge while the light is used aggressively
*The clickie rear switch has a better feel and action and it is shrouded
*Spare bulb storage is via an optional endcap that also attaches to a sidesaddle switch housing
*The battery compartment is covered in a closed cell foam exactly the same as that on the mfr.'s baton products. Also the same as those used on bicycle handlebar grips. It doesn't drag on material when retrieved from the pocket.

 

[83Venture]

Kl1 head will work on a Scorpion.

 

[Stingray]

Scorpion head will work on an E2e, with a little help.

 

[jayflash]

Thank you all for the info. I wonder if the present examples of 2x123, xenon, lights has tapped out the state of this art? Unless a lamp or regulator breakthrough would occur, is this as good as they'll get?

 

[JohnK]

Jay, I think you are right. There are several lights that would have a hard time claiming superiority.

In a pinch, I'd be happy with a 6P/Scorpion/TL-2 Xenon/E2/Pelican M6 Xenon, etc.

A nit pick here or there, but all good lights.

ALL of them however, should have a spare bulb on board.

 

[BrightFlashlites]

I just posted the below in another thread but will post it here too:

[ QUOTE ]
The Streamlight Scorpion is an amazing light, it's absolutely one of my favorites. The benefits of lesser expensive replacement bulbs is nice, the fact it comes with a spare, the clickie tailcap & the rubber body are all assets I love. I can see wher the rubber body cover is a hinderance to some but for us, we have found it very comfortable when having to hold the light with our teeth when needing both hands free. I will admit that the rubber cover on the oldest one (3 years old at least) has come off before but that was easily remedied with some adhesive.

BTW, my Scorpions, though used & abused, are still on the original bulbs.

[/ QUOTE ]

With that said, the Scorpions are our everyday work lights, they get the most abuse and haven't let us down. I love the E2e's & L4's for fancier occasions and then other SF models lead the way for weapons applications or long range needs.

Another favorite is the Streamlight TL-3, it has an outstanding performance to cost ratio.

Three other Streamlights I love are the KeyMate, TL-2 LED & the 3AA Luxeon Tasklight.