Why SureFire is more $$$ than Fenix???

I'm finally ready to spend some money on a better quality light. From what all I've read, it seems that Fenix is the logical choice. However, I'm also drawn to the SureFire lights except for the higher cost factor.

But that doesn't seem to bother the SF faithful, and SF has a substantial following. But why do they cost more than Fenix which also makes high quality lights?

Now, I'm still pretty new at this... so go easy on me. Thanks!

Made in the USA vs. Made in China. Labor is more expensive in the US.

Must we do this every week? You (roymail) joined in March 2007, since that time there has been about a thread every week, if not more, discussing why one is greater than the other. Almost every thread dissolves into Surefire and/or Fenix bashing. Does anyone really want to wade through 10 pages of the same garbage every week? I'm just tired of this never ending debate.

Ever hold a Surefire light and a Fenix light in your hands, side by side?? You will notice the differences in build quality right away...

If you handle and examine one of each, the reason will be immediately and easily apparent -- and place of manufacture is definitely not the entire story. That said, I stopped buying Surefire years ago, when they chopped their distribution network and severely limited allowed discounts, because for me even the enhanced quality didn't merit the price. But that is a deeply personal decision, I can't fault anyone for going with SF.

Quality, Made in the USA and Excellent Warranty.

Wick said:

Must we do this every week? You (roymail) joined in March 2007, since that time there has been about a thread every week, if not more, discussing why one is greater than the other. Almost every thread dissolves into Surefire and/or Fenix bashing. Does anyone really want to wade through 10 pages of the same garbage every week? I'm just tired of this never ending debate.

Click to expand...

And yes there is a lot of info on the subjet..do a little search and you will find plenty.

SureFire not only produces in the US, but sources as much of their materials from the US as well. There are other factors at play, but this is a major one that people tend to underestimate.

I wonder how much a Fenix with an extended warranty would cost? I'm pretty sure I'd give Fenix a little more cash for a warranty that compares to SureFire.

Research and Development.

Better quality, machining and anodizing.

Made in the USA.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/157601
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/171352
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/171116
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/170236
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/182326

Wick said:

Must we do this every week? You (roymail) joined in March 2007, since that time there has been about a thread every week, if not more, discussing why one is greater than the other. Almost every thread dissolves into Surefire and/or Fenix bashing. Does anyone really want to wade through 10 pages of the same garbage every week? I'm just tired of this never ending debate.

Click to expand...

Then why did you click on it???? Just because you've been here a long time gives you no right to be rude. See something you don't like....skip it. You act like you own this board. I'm new here and so is Roy. Make us feel welcome, not like a PITA.

Look at the SF kroma thread by mcgizmo... See how much work goes into one of these.

Cuso, is that a McLuxIII in your avatar? :naughty:

IcantC said:

Look at the SF kroma thread by mcgizmo... See how much work goes into one of these.

Click to expand...

truly impressive, but i'd like to point out that we haven't seen the inside circuitry of any competitors, so there is no conclusion to be made.

Surefire's labor costs more because it is made in the USA. However, the main factor is that they are supporting their image of the best quality flashlight manufacturer (while actually the only area they still reign supreme in is "feel." Build quality is top notch but now disputable as being the absolute best): it is apparent that they are in fact selling the flashlights to dealers at a much lower cost but fixing the price high because almost without exception the dealer passes some savings on with many free batteries included.

"" posters: yes, but roymail didn't post those, did he? Yes, he should read them, but he probably has and wants a conclusion/clarification, in which case the only problem is that he should be more specific in his post. I know that when I post a "help me" thread I appreciate a response asking me to clarify much more than a response expressing only annoyance.

This is easy!!!!!
Buy the cheapest light of each, then come tell us what you think!!

Hey guys, I really didn't mean to start anything. I didn't realize that this was a "touchy" issue... so I apologize to anyone who is offended in some way. I do read quite a bit and I've gotten a lot of good information around the forum. I've even sent some PM's and, for the most part, have received courteous responses.

I live in a small community and don't have a place where I can examine these lights up close and personal. So I have to rely on guys like you for help and advice. Overall, despite some of the comments on this thread, I've gotten lots of good advice, and I always appreciate it.

I'll try to be more specific next time. And, Wick... thanks for the thread links. I'll do some more reading. I didn't realize that this question had already gotten so much attention.

Thanks to those of you who answered my question. You made some good points, and I understand the difference a lot better now.

why does it matter?:duh2: since when does the additional price of a light hinder its quality?:shrug:

Surefires have been flamed for their price where fenixes are praised for being cheaper...which brand do I prefer? DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR GOING TO USE IT FOR!