Z3 or C3 Surefire Light?

[pal251]

I am debating on buying a z3 or a c3 surefire light. IS there any major differences like difference lenses/bulbs that I should know of. I am leaning towards the Z3 Combatlight because of the handholds in the middle of the light. But I like the C3 centurion because it has the pocket clip. I will be running the 200 lumen bulb assembly. Both are the same price from where I am ordering them
http://www.tacticalwarehouse.com/

 

[TACTICAL WAREHOUSE]

Thanks for your business pal251 - I don't know which one to recommend, but I appreciate you buying from TACTICAL WAREHOUSE!

Please call me if I can help you.

Dan.

 

[GeoffChan]

G'day Pal251,

Both the Z3 and C3 will use the P91 bulb. I like the Z series over the C series, but i would get the M3 over both the Z3 and C3.

I guess i can't talk you into an M3

Geoff

 

[pal251]

I cant justify double the price for the m3

 

[doubleE]

pal251,

The C3 has a Pyrex lens which would be useful for the HOT P91 200 lumen lamp. I don't know if the Z3 has a Pyrex or a Lexan lens. Ask Surefire or TacticalWarehouse.

-doubleE

 

[GeoffChan]

according to the 2002 catalogue, both the Z3 and C3 have pyrex bezels.

Geoff

 

[nihraguk]

the Z3 has a lexan lens, so melting the lens with the HOLA is possible. if you decide on the Z3, you can simply add a C2 bezel with a pyrex lens later if the default lexan lens proves to be an issue for you.

as for the C3, the pocketclip is useful, but it does make grabbing it in a hurry tricky because you have to align it such that the pocketclip faces out to get a comfortable grip.

if you want something close to an M3, you can buy a Z3, then order a black M2 bezel and you have a black Z3 that looks and functions a lot like an M3

 

[dockersguy]

I own the Z3 and I like it a lot. The rubber rings for the combat grip I find very useful, especially if you are only going to use the light momentarily. You can just press and release your palm against the button very easily using the combat grip, made possible by the rubber rings on the light and the shape of the body. Also, with the Z3 you can use the landyard attachment if you wish. Lastly the combat style body looks really good. I hope this helps.

 

[pal251]

I will have to go with a Z3 I believe, once I get a couple more computer parts sold

 

[pal251]

man oh man. now im thinking of the g2z. This light is gonna be used for home defense/work/ and EDC. WHat do you guys think.. Is there a big difference between a z3 and c3 at 200lumens and a g2z at 120 lumens.

 

[LLLean]

Pal251,

Forget the M3. Just get the Z3, C3 or G2z.
I debated between the Z3 and C3 for a while and got the C3. Then i bought the Z2. Either one, you'll be happy. I personally like the Z better.

Also, forget the 200lums. That's a 20min light. Unless you make 123 batteries, you'll be running out of batteries in no time. The lower output lamp assembly is plenty bright. I use both the LOLA on my C3 and Z2. The question boils down to size. If it's EDC, definitely get the 2-battery light, eg. Z2, C2 or G2z.

One more thing. I suggest the Z2 because you can also make it a Z3 by attaching the A19 accessory. That way, you can use it as a 2-battery Z2 or 3-battery Z3 as appropriate. Of course, when the A19 is attached, you forego the combat grip. That's what i use now. Z2, A19 and a couple of turboheads. I gave my C3 to my brother.

Good luck and enjoy....

 

[Blikbok]

I'd like to point out that the C3 has a "combat grip" like the Z3, except it seems to be slab-sided rather than round.

Plus, the C3 can become an "M2.9" by adding an M2 HA bezel, can't it?

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Yep, both C3 and Z3 can be used in Rogers grip, though there are minor differences (Z3 has round bezel and rubber spacers, C2 flat-side no spacers) that I don't think are important enough to factor into the decision.

Joe

 

[Blikbok]

I recommend making sure the light is drop-proof, whether out-of-the box or with another bezel. I have killed the bulb in my 6Z a few times with minor falls.

I find the "syringe" grip of the Z models very nice. I take off all the spacers and "pinch" the light. Feels more natural to me than a fist-grip.

I don't have the 120 lumen lamp for my 6z, but the 60 lumen is more than bright enough-- even it is bright enough to flash my retina if the beam finds a white wall close up. The 105 lumen lamp of the 9p is also quite bright enough-- almost too bright for indoors.