way off topic lights

[sc_rebel1957]

Recently I've been bitten by the mini light bug and my local dealer only had 1 name I recognized.

So I bought a INOVA X-5 silver body white leds.

Cruising the forums I then find out this is old news to most in the know light people.

Is the Surfire THAT much brighter?



This thing will blind you for a min or so shined directly in eyes and I realize it's mostly a flood light but ata night it has very decent range.



Do I really NEED a 100.00 + Surfire? thanks, Ron

[ajnova]

Surefire's are the best of the best. They're highly liked, highly respected, and highly purchased by most tactical people.

They also make (amongst other things) light attachments to handguns, Surefire Knives(!!). they're used by the LAPD SWAT Team, one of them is standard issue to FBI etc, and a lot of other LE and Military.

I have the INOVA X5 White Leds, and I find the E1e to have higher output.

Bottom line: I LOVE Surefire - they make GREAT products. I currently have three:

1. E1e - One battery, 15 lumens for 90 minutes. You can buy LED attachment head.

2. 8AX - rechargeable, 110 lumens for 50 minutes, LED head coming soon

3. M6 - Let there be light! 250 lumens or 500(!!!!!!!!!!!!!) lumens!

I'd consider if I were you, getting L4 LED light. 65 lumens or so for 60 minutes, 2 batteries, clickie tailcap, look just like E2e. That way you test out Surefires - and see how you like them.

That way, you have the X5 for EDC or whatever - it's small and light, and VERY strong. For something a little bigger L4 is just a great choice. A lot of people EDC a L4. I personally really want an L4.

That should get you started. Anything else? Just ask!

Andrew

[J Smith]

I just got a Surefire G2.65 lums with the opption of 120 lums.Not a bad deal at about 30.00

<img src=http://techhelpers.net/e4u/drink/trink36.gif

[Ted]

Jeff is right. I'm getting a G2 also soon. Very much light for $30. I had an E2e and was very impressed with that. Especially the reach/throw...much further then any LED light like the Arc LS, Inova X5 or SureFire L4. They have more of a flood-beam.
Surefire is coming with an U2 however. 5W LED, 100 lumen max. 6 brightness level...but $270 MSRP.

For a keychain light, the Arc AAA or Arc AA are very hard to beat.

As an EDC, I have an ARC LSL-S (1x123). Very bright and compact.

So for me:

keychain: Arc AAA
EDC: Arc LSL-S (could not afford an LSH-S/P or an Arc 4+)
Backpack/Car: SureFire G2
Tent: Arc AA (can stand on it's tail and has a 9 hour runtime)

Ted

PS. The power-regulation in an Arc LS or 4+ is much more advanced then in a SureFire L4


Edited by - Ted on 2/18/2004 8:51:39 AM

[ajnova]

Oh yeah I forgot something...

You may also want to check out http://www.candlepowerforums.com

As well as:

http://www.tinwhistler.net/flashlights.htm

http://members.aol.com/qn9513/myhomepage/index.html

[ramlanrafie]

From surefire, get what ever model you can. you won't regret if you are into the flashlight.
personally i like the G2Z; small, light and have a pyrex lens.
For daily used, my M2 + KL3 bezel will save a lot on my batteries bill. because of this, if i need more light, than C3 will play it role.
definitely my dream is the M6.

[KBR]

Ron,
IMO, you should just bite the bullet and get a Surefire E2EHA....you won't regret it. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

I had my reservations about buying my first SF awhile back, but I'm so glad that I went through with it. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> My E2EHA <i>easily </i> blows away my 4D Maglite!!! I highly recommend it. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

BTW, just like the E1E, you can buy the KL1 replacement head if you prefer the LEDs.

Good Luck

Survive, Adapt, and Overcome...

[Jeff/1911]

Ron,

A considerably less expensive option to the Surefire lights is the Streamlight Scorpion. This is a fabulous little 2 lithium cell light that to me seems just as bright as the "standard" Surefire lights I've seen.

The replacement lamps are also a fraction of the price, I'm told. They're worth a look.

Jeff.

[Jeff/1911]

Hi Ron - me again. I have one of these Scorpions, and also the Innova X5 - which I LOVE. The Scorpion is noticeably brighter but I know what you mean - the 5 LED array is a powerful "Eye blaster".

Jeff.

[samosaurus]

Hey Ron ~ Them SureFires are leaders in LED and incandescent lights as far as tactical applications are concerned.. They are great to carry and quality assured! Compared to Inova, the SF's Digital Lumamax L-1 is much brighter! Its also my fav and EDC.. I also own the much brighter 5-Watt Digital Lumamax L-4.. This is one helluva light! <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0><img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> IMHO ~ the SF's are a good investment.. I surely hope that someday, there'll be a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>-Surefire combo light and knife set! *heh-heh!*

Sam

"have scars will travel.."

[sc_rebel1957]

Thanks guys, I just got a SW-40DA and I might wanna add a light later on or a laser sight.
I'll look all of em over before I spend that much on something I might trade away later <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>. Ron

[dynaryder]

Rebel: the main advantage to Surefires/et al is that they light things up at a distance. The X-5 is plenty bright for indoor and close-range use. If you want to see things way out there,the cheapest way to go is Arc's factory-second LS's. I'm very happy w/mine. They're currently like $50 on Arc's website and you can also get an optional tail section that lets you use cheapo AA batts.

[sotyakr]

Comparing any high intensity incandescent or Luxeon Star (LED) light from Surefire, Arc or whomever to the Inova X5T is sort of an apples and oranges deal. The X5T is designed to provide a shorter throw flood beam with very long battery life. Many even use the X5T to squeeze out the last bit of juice from the 123 lithium batteries that are no longer usable in a voltage regulated Arc or Surefire light. Inova just introduced a new line of Luxeon Star (aka LS) lights at the SHOT show which look like they're going to be very competitively priced, good quality, long throw lights.

[Blades]

Ron,
You might want to wait a few months, Inova had some new lights at the SHOT Show that look very nice. Here is a link:
www.pocketlights.com/shot_show_2004_day1.asp



Blades

[sc_rebel1957]

All great advice guys and thanks, I've been checking out some websites lately and reviews of the different lights.
I still am just getting into this area and have a lot to learn yet.
In my original post is mis stated the model I have the X5T which in reality is not much of a change except in ergos according to most people.
I REALLY like this light however and it seems to be making a come back as a popular choice, mostly I think for it's use as a close quarters impact tool.
It's rated at 96 lums at the center of the beam and for most of my use it would do just about everything I need.
My basic needs are very simple for a light, Finding a deer stand in pre dawn, loading the boat in the dark, you get the idea.
Ive read several reviews that state that a Maglight 3 cell which I have has more throw when focused to spot than a Surefire.
At considerably more weight ofcourse, but if these lights are like knives which seem to be so addictive I can see myself spending that amount and more on the best quality avalible.
The Surefire's are the best being made by popular opinion so I will give 1 a shot soon.
But has been suggested the Inova X5T will probably stay with me as well, if for nothing more than the above mentioned extended battery life.
I like the versatility of having the option of choosing the out put so I'm leaning in that direction right now.
I would like to pick up a couple of the Arc lights as well, which seem to be a good value for the price.
Blades thanks for the link buddy that was a great website with many links and I learned alot. Ron

[hawkbill]

Hi Ron! Having owned and used a few of the lights being mentioned here, I thought I'd throw my .02 in.
I rely on Surefires at work. Our SWAT guys are issued the Surefire M3 gun lights for their Glocks with the rail system. We use Surefires on all our shotguns and AR-15's as well. I carry a rechargable Surefire on my gunbelt in a carrier (no SWAT for me anymore).
For knocking around when not working, I carry a Scorpion, as it seems every bit as bright as the small Surefire standards, and it's slightly narrower in the pocket.
Oh, and the Inova flood is cool, but not in the same class as the above.
Best to ya,
Brian

I am what I am, and that's all that I am. Popeye

[Joe Talmadge]

First, you absolutely positively do not need a $100.00+ surefire. Back to this in a moment.

First your other question. Are Surefires really that much brighter than your Inova? Yes, they are. Your Inova is maybe 10 lumens. A Surefire 2x123A light will get you 65 lumens with the stock bulb (6 times more total light), and there's an optional brighter bulb that reduces runtime but puts out 120 lumens. The Inova is a nice floodlight. I wouldn't use it as a tactical.

Now, back to Surefire. Surefire has two HUGE disadvantages. First, replacement bulbs (or bulb assemblies) are very costly. A replacement bulb for the 2x123A lights will cost $16-$20. A replacement bulb for one of the brighter lights will cost more still. Now couple that with my continued experience (and continued reports on the net) that Surefire bulbs still have robustness problems. My friends and I still see bulbs that die within 2 battery changes, or that break from a short drop. And we're not the only ones, you'll read these stories on the internet, too.

Now couple usurious bulb replacement prices with bulb fragility issues, and frankly, you should be thinking about other options. Sure, Surefire's beam quality and overall fit and finish are the best, but if you can't afford to buy bulbs, what good does it do you?

As a tactical light, the Streamlight NF-2 and TL-2 (2x123A lights) and their 3x123A equivalents are very much worth a look. I haven't gotten my hands on one yet, but there are numerous reports saying that beam quality is good (not as good as SF, but good), overall quality is excellent, bulbs are inexpensive and much more robust than Surefire's bulbs, AND there's a spare bulb in the tailcap so you always have an extra onboard.

I am weaning myself off Surefires because of the bulb issues, and because prices are just getting so high that I don't really think they're suitable for civilians who buy their own equipment. I'll continue to use only my Surefires which have no equivalent elsewhere -- the E2e and M4, in my case -- but once I can verify the quality of the NF-2 myself, I'll probably switch to that for my 2x123A tactical and work light.

Joe

[cdf]

SURE FIRE ARE THE BEST ALL b.s. ASIDE . mY EDC IS AN E1 WITH A KL1 HEAD . I also carry an M2 for nite use . Works well on mouthy street types who may or may not be a threat .Stream lite makes some nice ones ,I couldnt live without their stylus pen lites .(the perfect workplace EDC ).Ithink I,d stick with the Sure Fire LED family or A2 Aviator . There are no bad choices among most of the above mentioned .

[cdf]

SURE FIRE ARE THE BEST ALL b.s. ASIDE . mY EDC IS AN E1 WITH A KL1 HEAD . I also carry an M2 for nite use . Works well on mouthy street types who may or may not be a threat .Stream lite makes some nice ones ,I couldnt live without their stylus pen lites .(the perfect workplace EDC ).Ithink I,d stick with the Sure Fire LED family or A2 Aviator . There are no bad choices among most of the above mentioned .