Mini-mag vs. Surefire

S

SpecialK

Joined
Nov 4, 1999
Messages
91
Yeah, I know the subject isn't even moot when it comes to performance, but....

I own about 5 Mini-mags and 5 Surefires (6P, G2Z, G2, E2E & E1). Which one is the best for absoulute daily carry. I live in NYC, saw the WTC go down and know that a flashlight can be your best friend when you need it (from friend's accounts alone). Do I go for the power of a Surefire or the low priced durability and part availability of a Mini-mag or did I just answer my own question?.

If this belongs in Gadgets & Gear, please let me know. I don't think it does though.

Thanks for your input.

Al
 
the high powered light of the surefire with the longevity of the battery while stored makes you want to leave one of these at work. the battery life in use is not that long (i think about 1 hour continuous), but if you cant find you way out of the building in an hour you are most likey dead anyway. i would leave one of each at work. redudnant systems are the best way to go. what if you lose a bulb, you will have a devil of a time changing it in the dark. if you have two lights you will be able to find your way out, or change the bulb or give a light to someone else.

as far as carrying one, i would most likely use the minimag as batteries and bulbs are much more available.

alex
 
If you can afford it - get the Surefire L1 - digitally regulated LED lamp that is very unlikely to burn out. Another alternative is to get the E1E (shock isolated bezel) with a KL1 Led Conversion head. This one is a hybrid and lacks certain features that the L1 has, but I prefer this set up physically to the L1.

For something smaller - I would look at the ARC AAA or the soon to come Inova 1 watt LED product (can't remember the name of them at the moment).
 
My $0.02 is, as Alco points out, use the Surefire for the hour or so of very bright light it offers. But I would add 5 or 6 white Inova mini-LED lights scattered around your person. Have one on your keychain, one in your pocket, another as a zipper pull, one in briefcase or lunchbag, in fannypack, in jacket pocket, etc.

I recommend using the Inova mini-LED lights for longer term light (approx 72 hours runtime per battery change) and for situations that don't merit the Surefire's extremely bright output. The mini-LED lights weigh less than an ounce each, are the size of a Photon II, are waterproof, and cost $9.50 each at 1SKS.
http://www.1sks.com/store/inova-microlights.html

An alternative that lies in between the Surefire & mini-LED lights is the Inova X5MT 5-LED light. It is not as bright as the Surefire or as tidy & lightweight as the mini-LED lights. But it gives quite a bit of light with a runtime of 20+ hours per pair of 123 batteries, coupled with the long life of LED's and a VERY sturdy body. They are built like a tank. I have both the old X5 (rotating bezel switch) and the new X5MT (tail switch) models with white LED's. I like them both well enough for their brighter light & more rugged durability that my Mini-Mag lites are now gathering dust in a drawer. For a low price on the Inova X5MT and really good customer service check here:
http://www.knifeworks.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=638&1=639&2=-1
 
I put an Inretech adapter on a AA MiniMag. I like it alot. It is especially bright with lithium batteries with pretty good runtime.

I carry a Surefire E1 and an Inova X5T in my briefcase daily though.

You will find alot of information here: www.candlepowerforums.com

Jim
 
The Surefire lights are certainly good for seeing things, but I see them more as tactical items than tools. Even my 3P completely blows my night vision. One hour of light will not get you through many nights.

As for use as a tool, I think the Mini-Mag wins hands down. The light is adequate, and consumables are cheap and available.

So, if you are going to get attacked later that night, carry your Surefire. If not, carry your Mini-Mag ;)

It is fun to watch the steady improvements of the LEDs. The new Surefire LEDs look great, but wow! What a price tag! Then again, I do carry a light far more often than a gun. . .

Architect, what would you say are the pros and cons of Surefire's L1 vs E1/KL1?

Scott
 
in 1993 the first WTC bombing, I lit the stairwell up for 3 hour's with the AA Min-Mag. It cut through the smoke like a laser beam .I don't think the LED's have as an intense beam that would cut through this type of condition.I carry both.
 
The thing I hate about mini-mags is how easily the lightbulbs blow out: if you drop the flashlight, chances are that that the bulb dies. I think the best idea is to carry both a small LED flashlight and a SureFire. For example, I normally have an Arc AAA on my keychain and a SureFire E1 or E2 in my coat pocket. That gives you a lot of possibilities if the lights go out.
 
Out here in the "developing" or "two thirds" world one of the things that hasn't developed yet is adequate street lighting. Some villages I get to work in don't even have electricity. In other words brazil can be a very dark place!

I have several lights and I don't think I could live without any of them.

1. Surefire Z2 Combatlight - This light is used for what it is advertised for. This is part of my home defense equipment, the other part is a .38 revolver. I also carry this light when I have to go out to the street at nigth and on camping trips.

2. AA Mini-mag light - As a general duty, long duration light they can't be beat and don't take up too much space or weight. When I go camping I take the Z2 and a mini-mag.

3. AAA mini-mag - I have several of these attached to my survival knives as back-up lights in case of emergency. I find they throw a more useful light than a LED mini-light. Most often I end up loaning them to other people whose lights have crapped out.

4. Inova LED - This is my EDC Keyring light. I end up using it just about every day at some point.

Ohtr lights. I have two large 3 and 4 cell Maglights, they see very, very little use anymore. I also have an angle head GI flashlight. This only sees use as a loaner on camping trips.

I use flashlights very much and over the course of several years the above mentined lights have become part of the routine. A friend just picked up a Surefire Nitrolon that uses the 6P lamp in a plastic case. That seems like a good buy for about $30. I'm planning to pick two of them up for my wife and daughter. Mac
 
I hardly ever use my minimags since I've found this and other forums. The light dims rather quickly, it's heavy, it's not very durable. I have a petzel tikka and a princeton tek 40. I also have a petzel duo led 5 which is awesome but a tad big for EDC. I also have a nice collection of mini-led's which puts out as much light as a minimag!
 
A great compromise light is the Princeton Tec Attitude (long run time w/ LEDs) and carrying the lamp assembly from a Princeton Tec Rage (very bright incandescent) - the whole set-up would cost less than $30, takes inexpensive AAA batteries, and is lightweight, waterproof, and compact. You could carry the spare lamp assembly & an extra set of batteries in a couple of 35mm film containers.

You can swap out the light assembly depending on your needs.

Sam
 
My $.02.

The G2 series from Surefire. Least expense Surefire ($25 - $35 depending on the source). Pros, a LOT of light, two lamp choices (65 or 120 lumens), tough body. Cons, limited burn time (not best for sole source, but great for floodlight needs), battery prices more than AA or AAA. These cons still are not an issue for me. When I want a lot of light, the answer is Surefire.

ARC-AAA $22-$25 depending on source. Pros, handy, LED less likely to burn out, easy battery change and availability, size about same as a Maglite Solitaire. Cons, I haven't found any.

CMG Tasklight & CMG Ultra. $15 - $25. Pros, handy, LED, long burn time (41 hrs w/alkaline, 100 hrs w/lithium), AA batteries easy to replace and cheap to buy. Cons, not good for illuminating large areas, adequate for paths. I'll take burn time benefit. This will burn all night for 3 days. That can be reassuring in an emergency situation, esp w/children involved.

Photon II or INOVA. $8 -$13 depending on sources. Pros, handy, keychain, constant on switch models available, uses CR2016 or 2032 batteries. Cons, Photon requires screwdriver to change battery, not for large areas. Perfectly adequate in tent, on path, looking through pack or trunk.

I have found the best combo is one from each range. A G2 (or Z2), either an ARC or CMG, and either a Photon or INOVA. This gives you the ability to apply the right light for the situation.

Thanks for listening.
 
Originally posted by akabu
. . .I don't think the LED's have as an intense beam that would cut through this type of condition.I carry both.
Click to expand...

This is fast becoming untrue. The newest LEDs are much more than glorified keychain lights. I already have a Princeton Tec Impact II in my Fire Dept gear which is lighter, brighter, longer lived, and tougher than my Mini-Mag.

Example: Surefire L1 LED has same output as E1E at 15 lumens. The L1 is bigger, but has two power settings and lasts 50 hrs on the lower output. Run time is 5 hrs for the LED vs 1-1/2 hrs for the E1E with its xenon bulb. Of course, the price will make you groan. Urls below.

http://www.san.surefire.com/cgi-bin...func=displ&carfnbr=301&prrfnbr=846&sesent=0,0

http://www.san.surefire.com/cgi-bin...func=displ&carfnbr=286&prrfnbr=803&sesent=0,0

Scott
 
Like most, I carry a mix everyday. My Surefire goes but really doesn't get used too much. But when you want LIGHT they are the way to go. Now on my keyring there is a Photon II that gets used just about everyday. Then on my packs there are always two (one white and one red). Plus add a few more around the turck, different rooms etc. just to be safe.
 
Originally posted by thatmguy
I have found the best combo is one from each range. A G2 (or Z2), either an ARC or CMG, and either a Photon or INOVA. This gives you the ability to apply the right light for the situation.
Click to expand...

I agree. Personally, I carry a Surefire E2e with TID and an ARC AAA in a kydex micro rig on my keychain. Great combo.
 
I would go with your 6p and get an Inova x5 to go with it.
I personally can't stand gag lights.

I carry a Surefire M3 in my pouch along with my Glock 17 everywhere I go. I also carry the Inova on days I will be welding to check the root weld inside the pipe. It's very long battery life is why I like this light so much. I actually run down the batteries in my M3 or M6 until it wont even come on and then put them in the Inova. It runs fine. I used to have a bunch of gag lights but have pretty much dispersed them all out, and never use one for anything. All of my lighting needs fall into these categories:


Tactical use, threat assesment: I use either a Surefire M3(125-225 lumens) Or M6 (250-500 lumens :eek:
Camping use: I use either Inova X5 (lumens?) or UK Light cannon.(450 lumens)of (HID) high intensity discharge like on high end cars the really white light.
General use( Inova or M3 125 lumen LA)
For survival use I would go with the Inova x5 and the M6 only using the M6 for when I needed to turn night into day.

my 35.8 cent

These are the only four lights I need. If you can't light it up with the M6 You will need to steo up to the x990 or maxabeam :D
 
Originally posted by beezaur
Example: Surefire L1 LED has same output as E1E at 15 lumens. The L1 is bigger, but has two power settings and lasts 50 hrs on the lower output. Run time is 5 hrs for the LED vs 1-1/2 hrs for the E1E with its xenon bulb. Of course, the price will make you groan. Urls below.
Scott
Click to expand...

IIRC from CPF The L1 Run-time isn't 5 hours, It's more like 1.5 or 2.
It then drops to a vary dim state for the the remaining 3 hours.
http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/battery.htm
:rolleyes:

Sound like you need an ARC-LS! It replaced my Scorpion and my Mini-Mag
(I carryied both). I've seen them for under $60.

Otherwise I'd look at the Opelec NewBeam upgrade for the Mini-Mag. :eek:
 
I have been wanting to play with the Opelec NewBeam upgrade for the Mini-Mag, but have not had the spare resources lately. Anyone here actually had their hands and eyes on one?
 
Originally posted by Atrick-Pay
IIRC from CPF The L1 Run-time isn't 5 hours, It's more like 1.5 or 2.
It then drops to a vary dim state for the the remaining 3 hours. (url) . . .
Click to expand...

Thanks for that info.

I'm having a hard time understanding those tables - what measurement to the numbers track? Is this maybe a prototype or early production sample? Was the output test done after any "durability" testing?

I would be surprised if Surefire would make a claim which fell so short of reality. I have always found their statements to be quite reliable - my 6P, 3P, and weapon light also fall off in brightness, but performance is essentially as advertised. Friends are similarly satisfied.

Can anyone who uses an L1 or E1/KL1 actually confirm that short battery life?

Scott
 
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