flashlight and key-chain led

M

musky hunter

Joined
Jan 4, 2003
Messages
195
Hi, i am looking for a EDC key-chain light and flashlight.

I currently use a mag-lite AA Xenon. I dont think it is bright enough.

I am looking at the ARC AAA key-chain light and SF G2Z.

What recommendations or reviews of each. Any other models better?
 
The Arc AAA can't be beat for overall function and cool-factor. I've got an LE (now called "Premier" or something) and my wife has a standard white. Hers actually saw her through the big blackout in Manhattan. All her co-workers now think she's Mrs. James Bond.

-Get one, then get a kydex sheath from Eric at On Scene Tactical. It lets you carry the Arc on your keychain, but remove it and use it separately. Nice.

I don't have a G2Z, but I do have a Z2, so six in one... I love it and carry it at work. It's everything you expect from SF, bright, tough, etc. The only downside to the combatlights is that the rubber grommets that define them make them VERY difficult to get in and out of the Surefire holder (V70.) And the Surefire holder is the only one wide enough to fit them (because of the rubber grommets!) The Nitrolon version may be a little easier, but I doubt it, because of the... well you get the idea.

If I had to replace it tomorrow, I'd buy a 6P just to be able to use standard holders. Size and brightness are the same as my Z2. If you're set on Nitrolon, the G2 is good, bright and cheap, falling short only in the lack of a lock-out tail cap and a pyrex lens. Important features to be sure, but could one live without them? I'd say so.
 
great choices, check out this thread to get even more power from your g2/g2z. I'd still get the p61 though. you might consider getting one of the long life photon 2's to go with the arc aaa, if only to get a less nightvision disturbing color. of course you can't go wrong with a backup. oh yeah, don't forget to get plenty of 123s from surefire so you don't have to buy more and pay for shipping again. let us know what you decide. oh yeah, the combatgrip might not work right if you do the g3 conversion so that could be one reason to get the g2 rather than g2z. i think personally i would still get the g2z though.

Pete
 
I can vouch that the P61 lamp doesn't really burn the G2 lens. I've used the P61 numerous times and have left it on until the batteries went out and have had no problems. As far as the G2Z goes, I'd love one but for the money I'd rather just get the aluminum Z2. It seems silly to spend the extra cash and get nitrolon. However, both are great lights and both have their own benefits etc.
Matt
 
I was recommended the M6 by Pelican. It has a stead 105 lum, with 2 h. How does that compare to only 20 Min at 120 lum?

Question: Does the G2Z have push button rear switch like the 6P? Which is better quality wise the G2Z or 6P.
 
Just lost a whole post:mad: . I'll just summarize what I had down. Buy the G2(TTS seems to have the best price on them) and get a G2Z head for it. I just ordered a G2 and 12 SF123A batteries from TTS and am waiting for 'em to arrive. To answer your last two questions, All SureFires have the tailswitch(but not all have the LOTC). The 6P is made out of aluminum and the G2/G2Z is made out of Nitrolon which is more shock/scratch resistant and warm to the touch(good if you live in a cold environment). Hope this helps!

P.S.
DON'T FORGET THE BATTERIES!:)
 
Also check out the E2E. Slimmer design, easier to pocket carry. I love mine. You will also be very happy with the ARC aaa. If you don't want to do the keychain mount, look into the mission wallet which will hold the ARC and a small knife (small Sebenza in mine) very nicely.
John...
 
I like metal finishes. I read that the 6P finish is not that strong compared to the new finishes. I think i will order the Surefire C2 Centurion. It is like the Z2 and G2 but with better Aluminum III finish. Any reviews of this light?
 
Question regarding Lamp Life in the SF lights. How long do they last? When i buy my C2 should i order another set of P60? or should i just order a brighter P61.

Which is the best brand battery?
 
The Arc AAA wins hands down for keychain carry in my book and seems to be the popular favorite. They truly rock.

As for a Surefire, why did you settle in on a G2 or G2Z? Is it price? What is your intended use. I think the G2's are cool and bought a Yellow one that my wife stole, so I might buy another, but only to carry in my truck. To carry on me the Nylotron ones eem too bulky. I carry an E2E- SG (cool Satin Grey polished anodized aluminum)in by back rear pocket along with a folded up bandana every day in dress pants or khakis. I guess if you work in the trades or some industrial setting a belt holster would be cool, but I don't so a smaller sleeker package with the same output works for me. I've never felt the need to go to the brighter bulb and give up more battery life, the stock bulb is plenty bright for most applications.

Just my opinion.

jmx
 
i was recommended a G2. I dont know allot about lights. I just want the best bang for the buck/performance lite. I want a durable finish and quailty lite.
 
If you intend to EDC both lights - then perhaps a slightly different way of thinking might be useful.

For the keyring - although the ArcAAA is a thing of beauty - the Photon II (or even 3) or the Inova Microlight are almost "not there" - white LEDs are useful for general purpose and they are bright for their size (in fact about the same level as the ArcAAA).

The Photon 3 although is more complex than strictly necessary has the advantage of 3 levels of intensity - so one can use low levels where disturbing one's eyes' dark adaption less, or not drawing attention may be advantageous. White does have the advantage of good color rendition - however I have found Yellow LEDs seem to give me enhanced contrast and definition at the equivalent low intensity levels, and draws even less attention - plus a Photon II (or 3) is rated at 120hours battery life (vs. the 10-12hours for the white).

For the bright light - I like the Streamlight Scorpion - which is in the same class as the Surefire 6P - but with a focussing head and whose adjustable beam seems to be smoother more even, which to me is more useful. Its tail-switch is a more useful clicky - ie: slight depression for momentary on or as long as one applies pressure - to more pressure to click/latch on. I've seen it as low as $25 (without batteries)
 
I am a big fan of the two lights I EDC, a white Photon II, and a SF E2e-HA.
The Photon II is practically indestructible, and as has been said, like it's "not there". Photon I loses the lock-on, but is waterproof, IIRC. I've accidentally run over a Photon II with a 8000lb. forklift on a concrete floor with solid tires, and the thing still worked, though the "lock-on" switch was screwed up.
SF's E2E with MN03 has a much more usable beam than the lights that use the P60 and P61 (unless you just need a small spot, and more throw, then it's reversed), is smaller, and has a little longer runtime. Somewhere I have posted a beamshot that included the P60 and MN03, and will come back and post it, if I find it.
 
Found it in my Imagestation thingy.
P60 (65 lumens) on the left, MN03 (60 lumens) on the right.
The beam in the middle is a Stinger with the newer textured reflector. Lenses were 8ft. from the wall, IIRC.
fcf13da5.jpg
 
For EDC I want light weight and steady performance. I personally carry and recommend the Princeton Tec Blast and the Arc AAA LED. Both have proven themselves time and again. Superb pocket lights.

Other lights I highly recommend are the Sure E2e-HA (when you need LIGHT this will give it to you, and how), the Princeton Tec Attitude, and the Photon II. I smelled a skunk the other night in twilight conditions and wanted to check under my car from a safe distance. My beloved Blast simply couldn't hande it, but my SureFire did. A regular light cannon, the SureFire is. The Attitude is great for holding in your mouth while you're checking your car's tire pressures and it's dark out.
 
On my key ring are a yellow Photon II and an ARC AAA Limited Edition (now called a premium – has a LED that is slightly whiter than the standard). These two lights are the clear champs for small LED lights. I find the yellow Photon just right for quick tasks such as reading a bill in a dimly lit restaurant and the yellow is easy on the eyes; it also has noticeably longer battery life than the white LED. With its 5 hours of near full bright burn, the white ARC AAA is a superb small task light that can handle extended use with inexpensive battery replacement.

The Surefire G2 does not have a lockout tail cap where the G2Z does. A lockout tail cap allows you to transport the light without the press-on tail switch being accidentally activated. However, the G2 is a great flashlight and relatively inexpensive.

Surefire and ARC both have some high-end LED lights with fairly high light output. You may wish to consider these too; but, I’ll warn you now, they will take a bite out of your wallet!
 
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