Surefire bulb life?

How long are the P60 and P61 bulbs supposed to last? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif

25-30 hours

and how long do they last from experience ?

I have 6 hours through a P60 and it still seems to be going strong.

Do the bulbs yellow as they get older?

Mine tend to get blackish on the inside of the glass envelope - the beam is then not that bright and white anymore.

K-T,

After how many hours/sets of batteries does this occur for you?

I've had an N62 and an N2 lamp "get old" with deposits and yellowing on the inside of the filament. The N2 was used for constant-on runtime tests and general field-testing of the M3T. I put at least 30 sets of DL123As through it.
The N62 is used differently due to it's thermal shutdown after 3 minutes constant-on. However, the 12PM was my first SureFire and I spent a fortune feed it. I don't recall how many sets of batteries I put through the N62 but I got my money's worth (and it's one of SureFire's most expensive lamps)

With the P60 and MN03 lamps, I've never had a bulb die of old age nor have I had any fail. Before the A2, I used an E2e for over a year as my EDC.

Al

So I don't really need to order a spare bulb when I get my first Surefire?

I suggest you do. Ordering a spare Lamp Assembly for your SureFire when you order your SureFire means you will have one if/when you need it. It will likely save you shipping too.

I find that if I bother to carry a spare SureFire Lamp I am unlikely to need it. I always have at least one Spares Carrier (SC) in my rucksack I take to work.

It's amazing what some people carry around just in case they may need it! Carrying an SC also gives you a secure storage for SF123As.

Al

[ QUOTE ]
Size15s said:
(...)After how many hours/sets of batteries does this occur for you?(...)Al

[/ QUOTE ]

Good question, next question. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I don't actually know as I didn't keep track of how many batteries I put through these LA's. I did notice though that the N4 and R60 do collect that blackish deposits faster than the Lithium powered lights I think. I wnat to use these two bulbs until they won't work anymore - but so far they keep running and running. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif I guess these two LA's have been through aprox. 20 battery cycles so far (only guestimated)

A N62 I have is very blackish, in fact I doubt it output is close 500lm anymore (but it still works). I don't know how many sets were pumped through that one since I received it as a used item. I want to get a new one one day.

My N90's and N3's glass envelope still seems nice and clear, and they have been through more than 30 battery cycles! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Can't check the other LAs right now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Pi, do get a spare LA, ahh, get two! If you need it don't have to order/wait until it gets to your doorstep. I have done the same mistake only once leaving me with a not useable light for some time /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif. You won't regret it.
If you use your light on a regular basis you'll use the spare LA's sooner or later (with or without abuse). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The N4 and R60 Lamps have been discontinued (although Dealers may still have them) - the P60 and N1 have replaced them. You'll notice that the design of the N4 and R60 bulbs is rather 'old fashioned' compared to modern SureFire lamps.

The N62 is a different kettle of chips to other bulbs - it's highly specialist application means a conventional "rated life" is difficult to give.

Al

I received the N4 and R60 together with some lights and decided to use them even though their design is indeed somewhat 'ancient'. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif As soon as they fail I'll be happy to replace them with the superior P60 or N1.

Klaus.

My N4 and R60 lamps are not as white as N1 and P60 powered by the same B65 NiCad...

Al