Flashlight Recommendation

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David_Parker03

Joined
Oct 1, 2006
Messages
264
Looking for something comparable in size and output to a Surefire E2D, without breaking the bank. I've been looking at Fenix and 4sevens. Anyone had any experience with their ruggedness? I've also noticed a serious lacking in their serrated bezel department.
 
David_Parker03 said:
Looking for something comparable in size and output to a Surefire E2D, without breaking the bank. I've been looking at Fenix and 4sevens. Anyone had any experience with their ruggedness? I've also noticed a serious lacking in their serrated bezel department.
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SureFire charges for their reliability, while Fenix and 4sevens are more of a consumer brand aimed at both flashaholics and mere mortals. SureFire lights are extensively tested before they are announced as "tactical or heavy duty or field duty", unlike Fenix and 4sevens where leading the LED scene with bleeding edge emitters (e.g. XM-L) is more important. This partially explains the lack of crenelated bezels.

Take a look at EagleTac T-series that may satisfy your serrated bezel department, and my experience with EagleTac light is fantastic. Between 4sevens and Fenix, I prefer 4sevens, since their customer support is top-notch. For Fenix (and JetBeam) lights I have had to ship those back to China which is a PITA. Oh, and look at the Zebralight brand as well. They have some reasonable offerings if you are a fan of side-switch lights.

If reliability is of prime importance, and you don't wish to look at SureFire, then take a look at Malkoff Devices, HDS Systems, and Peak LED Solutions lights. Note that Peak is a small outfit, and they have had horrible responsiveness lately (but their dealer, em-mgt.com does respond quickly).
 
My Fenix PD31 is awesome. Been carrying it in my back pocket every day with no problems
 
I like the Fenix product as well as Olight IF the $#!+ hits the fan I'm grabbing my Hk Mp5 a HindererXm and one of my Surefire though.
 
I love all 6 of my 4Sevens lights. :thumbup: I also enjoy my Surefire lights as well.

As far as Surefire being super duper ultra reliable... I see just as many threads on them breaking as I do any other flashlight brand (on various flashlight forums). :P You use stuff, and stuff breaks. I have had a Surefire G2L poop out on me before. That's life. Although I am one of the people who will say that Surefire customer service sucks. :thumbdn:
 
I've been EDC'ing the Fenix PD20 for over a year now and I highly recommend it. I've used it daily wiht no problems whatsoever, it still looks new. Bump up in size to the PD30 if you feel the need. I have several Surefire lights that I've been issued and I like them fine, but I couldn't buy one for what they cost.
 
If you like the size of the E2D, try the Eagletac P20C2. It comes in both XP-G (better throw, lower lumens), and XM-L (wider area of illumination, higher lumens). The XM-L gets my vote and is my go to outdoors light these days.
 
choombak said:
SureFire charges for their reliability, while Fenix and 4sevens are more of a consumer brand aimed at both flashaholics and mere mortals....
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While I will agree with this statement I would point out that this shouldn't be taken to imply Fenix or 4sevens produce an inferior product as much as Surefire producing a rather overly-robust product. I have used the same Fenix L1Tv2.0 as a light for commuting and mountain biking year round for about 4 years now (with some years seeing MUCH more use than others). This includes 95F rainy nights in the summer to 5 degrees F in the snow and ice, being dropped on concrete as well as striking low-hanging limbs and brush on the trail. Not 1 single reliability issue. I keep the thread and o-rings clean and lubricated and the battery charged as needed but otherwise its been so reliable that I've picked up two more as well as a 2-cell body to use in other places. Just a super tough light.

But, of course, no Surefire warranty.
 
I have two Fenix lights and they have been great. The TK15 delivers a lot of bang for the buck. Very high quality, zero issues. It is the one I use most.
Best,,,
 
If you are willing to pay for a surefire, then check out HDS Systems. These lights are dead reliable and have a lifetime warranty. Very popular amongst flashaholics. There is another one also made in the US called Malkoff Devices.
 
Another Fenix fan. I have had an L0D (1 AAA) and an L2D (2 AA) for over 4 years and no trouble. The small is in my pocket every day.
 
Just gave my Fenix TK12 to my wife for things that go bump in the night; had to make room for a TK21. Had the TK12 for 2 yrs & used it every work day on construction sites; took care of it & it looks new. If you are looking for something to use as a hammer or weapon it might not fill the bill but as a super light it is totally dependable. The TK21 is great and all the guys love the side button; we have at lease a half dozen TK's in our office and have had no problems whatwoever. My next order will be for the TK 30 to sit on my side of the bed. They don't call them tanks for nothing.

Tom
 
I've carried my HDS for almost 2 years. No problems. Great performance. Small package.
 
First time I've seen the lack of a crenelated bezel be a deal breaker :D Personally I find them to be painful if you are digging in your bag for your light, but that's me. I own near twenty lights now, not counting the dead ones which include all but one Maglite that stubbornly clings to life but never sees use with it's dismal output and one of the 1st Gen Surefire lights that I keep for parts.

All of my other lights work very well , whether Fenix SF ITP or off name Asian leds that work great in spite of not being a lauded brand.


Tostig
 
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