Any alternatives to Sure-Fire?

[pyton357ru]

I've been carrying an Inova X5 for a while. Like the size, but brightness definitly leaves much more to wish. So was thinking about getting something "stronger" in approx. the same size.
I know, that Sure-Fire is a standart, but is there some other companies which make compact (carrieable in front pocket), powerfull (Inova X5 is an absolute minimum) and impact-resistant flashlights?
Thanks beforehand!

 

[spoonrobot]

look at the inova T1/T2/XO

or the streamlight series (the scorpion is similar to the surefire G2)

or the elektrolumens XM2

poke around here for a bit to get a good idea of some of the stuff out there.
here

personally i carry a Surefire G2 but i am saving up for the Elektrolumens XM2 so i never have to worry about popping a bulb.

 

[golok]

Try Wolf-Eyes. Or maybe Pila Lights. I think they are one and the same.

 

[Charlie Moore]

I recommend the Inova T2 -- also recommend www.newgraham.com as a good source.

 

[glockman99]

I have a Streamlight Twin Task 2L, and I've found it to be an excellent flashlight...It's about the same size as a Surefire 6P, uses the same pair of 123 lithium batteries, but has both LED and a "regular" (zenon?) light.

 

[bill_G]

i agree......streamlight makes excellent lights at a fraction of the cost of surefire..........i own 4 streamlights and couldn't be happier

 

[GarageBoy]

Pelican M6

 

[Thomason]

What about Peak? Anyone have any experience with them?

 

[Joe Talmadge]

I think for incandescents, the Streamlight TL-2 or NF-2 are the best alternatives to Surefires. They have some advantages and disadvantages:

- Streamlight TL-2 is smaller than any of the Surefire 2-cell lights, except for the E2e. And the TL-2 really isn't that much bigger than the E2e.
- Surefire has the best manufacturing quality of anyone, but the Streamlights are still well made.
- Streamlights have a brighter hotspot that has more "throw"
- Surefire has a smoother beam
- Streamlight is plenty less expensive: less expensive to buy, and less expensive to run based on Streamlight using inexpensive lamps versus Surefire's twice-as-expensive E2e lamps or 3-4 times as expensive P-series lamps
- Streamlight has an on-board spare lamp: very nice feature! Surefires don't.
- Surefire's switch feels a bit better than the Streamlight's, at least to me.
- Streamlight's bulbs won't break when you drop the light, whereas in my experience, and the experience of several of my acquaintances, dropping a Surefire can be a crap shoot. Hurts double due to price of lamp replacement.

Overall, over the past year or so, instead of always steering my friends towards Surefire right away, I tell them to also handle a Streamlight to see how they like it. And nudge them towards the Streamlight TL-2 unless there's a very good reason to pay more for the SF

For LED lights, the other LED lights in Inova's line that are based on Luxeons are a good choice (like the ones mentioned above).

 

[powernoodle]

Its costy, but a Streamlight Strion is a great light (my EDC). Same size as a Surefire G2 or 6P, 12,000 cp/80 lumens, and its rechargeable so you aren't spending $3 for an hour of light like you do with the Surefires. Highly recommended.

best regards

 

[dano]

What Joe T. said...

I'd add one more tidbit: Streamlight's NF-2 (same innards as the TL-2) makes a great small light if you remove the "combat ring." It has a smooth, slightly textured body as opposed to the jagged texturing of the TL-2.

As for dropping Surefires. I never really gave it much thought, until my 6P fell of a 3-foot shelf onto the tile floor...POOF no more lamp....


-dan

 

[martin j]

Excelent information, where is best places (on-line & off- line) for buying Stremlights? Thank you
Martin

 

[doomonyou]

EBay

 

[glockman99]

Excelent information, where is best places (on-line & off- line) for buying Streamlights? Thank you
Martin

I bought my TT 2L through New Graham Knives, and received excellent service, with a very good price.

 

[Neko2]

Pelican M6

I'll second the M6.
I have one and it's solid, bright and waranteed forever.
Plus it's alot cheaper than a surefire.

 

[pyton357ru]

Many thanks!

 

[Carthage]

ok, so i don't have $100 to spend on a light, how about something for $20?

 

[SMcGill]

For a $20 light, go to Walmart and pick up a Brinkmann Legend LX.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

ok, so i don't have $100 to spend on a light, how about something for $20?

Save up another $20 and get a TL-2. The Brinkman is actually a good recommendation if you really want to stick with your $20 limit, but the Streamlight is much smaller and easier to carry.

 

[Neko2]

ok, so i don't have $100 to spend on a light, how about something for $20?

I paid $38 for my Pelican M6 at the local gun and knife show.

You can get a brinkman legend or dorcy spyder for $20 but the difference in price is definately worth it for the Pelican. It's brighter, longer throw and feels quite a bit more solid.

Neko2