Defense flash lights...

Jazzman

Jazzman

Joined
Jan 11, 2001
Messages
2,750
I am looking for an EDC flashlight. I'm looking for something small with a high output and as of now I am considering the Surefire Centurion. Can anyone give me any input on it? I am thinking of using it for general use and possibly for defense. Also, what's the scoop with the batteries. Price? Availability? I'm totally new to this world, so any advice would help.
Thanks,
Matt
 
I love surefire lights. The only issue is the battey consumption. Dam those Lithum cells are expensive! If batties are an issue look into the rechargable models.

I don't know what you mean about "defense". Are you talking in conjuction with a pistol or light stuning in the eyes or as an impact weapon?

I have the M3. It's a great light for tactical purposes. Good for use with a gun. Good for blinding in the eyes (125 or 225 Lumens)A little big for EDC. I would suggest one of thier 2 cell models for EDC. If you want to blind someone look at the 10X Dominator (500 Lumens)

With surefire you need to decide what you really want to do and pick an appropriate model. There are always trade-offs.

Here's a link to check out:

www.candlepowerforums.com

S.
 
For defensive use, batteries costs are insignificant compared to your life.

I suggest the SureFire M2 with High Output P61 Lamp Module.
It has no equal. The Ultimate 2 cell Lithium 123A Flashlight.

I carry it every day. I also carry the E1 or E2 along with PhotonIIs for normal illumination requirements.

Batteries can be bought cheap in bulk. If you do get the M2 and use the P61, I suggest you use SureFire SF123A batteries. These keep the high output SureFires brighter for longer and are only slightly more expensive then DL123A Ultras.

I would also suggest you get a spare P61 Lamp and SC1 to keep it and 6 SF123As in.

Tim Flanagan is a great guy to buy from. AGR have served me well. I avoid Botach.

Al
 
I have a Surefire M2 Centurion. I also Have the red lens tip off filter, the spares carrier, and the hurricane storn lantern. I keep it loaded with the P61 lamp. It is amazingly bright. Its great because after the run starts to dim, you take the used battery and put them in the hurricane lantern where you can use the last juice out of the batteries before you chuck em. Te light is amazingly blinding. Ive done tests, and during a fully lit house the person doesn't just close his eyes when shone with the light, they actually turn their body away giving you those few cruicial seconds to eith close the distance between you or run depending on your situation. I can't give it high enough praise. Go order it from 1sks and support the forums, kevin has a good price for it. get the accessories i mentioned also (you may not need the red filter, i hardly use it) but i reccomend you get the lanyard, im planning on buying it soon.
 
I have the PocketClip with Lanyard Attach point. I've used a Lanyard from an SC1. This Lanyard setup is great. I have it also for my E2.

Al
 
I have the Surefire that is part of the fore-end on my 870 Vang Comp 12 guage. Seems to be the ultimate defensive light for me.
 
I too have an M2 Centurion and I think it's great. Buy yourself some extra lamps and batteries to keep handy. You'll never need any other light if you get a Surefire.
 
Let me ask. About how long do the bulbs last? I know that I would definately get the 120 lumen version.
Thanks for the great feedback. Keep it coming!
Matt
 
The M2 actually comes with 2 lamps: P60 (65 lumens) and P61 (120 lumens). The P61 has a run time of approximately 20 minutes, while the P60 has a run time of about 1 hour.

Check out Surefire's website, it's very informative:
www.surefire.com
 
Ok. I'm still just a little bit confused. I checked out the surefire website, it is helpful but I still wonder... Is it the lamps that last for 20 min and an hour respectively or the batteries:confused: ? If it's the lamps, how long do the batteries last? Also, I like the looks of the G2. Any experience with that one?
Thanks all,
Matt
 
The SureFire M2 comes with two Lamp Modules:

P60 65Lumens 60minutes runtime
P61 120Lumens 20minutes runtime

These runtimes are based on use with two Lithium 3V Duracell DL123A batteries.
You will get brighter light for longer with SureFire SF123A batteries.

One reason why Lamp-life ratings are not given by SureFire could be that these are usually based on constant-on hours, and that's not the best way to use SureFires, so it's not the best way to rate their lamp-life.

The P60 has been around for about 15 years or so. SureFire lamps are specifically produced to be stable and robust, based on years of fine-tuning the lamp properties.

I tend to guess at a life of roughly 30 hours, more even. Do not run the batteries dry as under-powering the lamps ages them faster.

One of the reasons why Scorpion lamps are cheaper is that they burn out very fast. People say a lamp lasts every few battery changes. This is not the case with SureFires. The Lamp Modules are more expensive but you don't need as many of them, and produced to exacting standards giving SureFires the best beams.

Buy a spare SureFire Lamp Module and keep it close to the light. If you don't, you may need it!

Regarding the G2. I really like the G2. Although we won't have LockOut TailCaps for them until next year, I've found the G2 a great light to use. It is very tough and more protective of it's Lamp Module then a standard SureFire such as the D2 etc. Nitrolon is grippy without being tacky, textured without being too coarse and tough and light-weight and warm to the touch.

I love the Yellow G2. I will have more of them all over the house etc before long.

A
 
Size15s,
Thanks, that was exactly what I was looking for. Thanks to everyone else too, esp. el cid!
You all take care,
Matt
 
Second the G2 in Yellow - high visibility, low weight, extremely inexpensive, and takes the same bulbs as the M2.

You could get a G2, P61 bulb, 12 pack of batteries, and come in about $20 less than an M2 if my math is right. Leave out the batteries and you've spent about $60-70 for a light just as bright and less heartwrenching if you lose it.

Kevin
 
Spark,
It's funny you mention that. I just ordered an OD G2 from you guys with both lamps. As soon as I get a paycheck next week, I will order some batteries, you have great prices on them!
Thanks,
Matt
 
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