Nuclear Tough Flashlights?

AZTimT and (someone else): you're right, sorry. Let me amend my statement:

If surefire made a AA or 2xAA flashlight with the features of a Fenix/Nitecore I'd suggest one, but they don't... (the E2L AA is pretty close though, no doubt).

I need/prefer a combination of super-low/uber-long run times and bright floods, with a strobe, with better specs than the E2L AA, and others do that (and at 1/3 the price of SF).

Surefire only has two advantages: US based and very tough. That said, for me, they suck on battery options, and they're short on features as compared to the others.

A combination of the Aviator and E2L AA, with more features, would be a winner IMO. I had an Aviator for years and loved it, I just hate that battery format with a passion.
 
I'm glad someone mentioned Lenslight. While I haven't pulled the trigger on one, I am very tempted.

Cheers,
BJB :D
 
I run an Inova T4 for working at night. It is rechargable and puts over over 200 lumens.

For camping and backpacking i run a Fenix PD30 which also runs over 200 lumens.

I don't have much experience with Surefire and am curious why the U2 would cost twice the Fenix light with half the output. I am not trying to be critical but can a Surefire owner sell me on the advantages of the Surefire?
 
a Surefire is a *much* tougher light (thicker walls/parts, better anodizing, etc) and it's US made - those are the two key benefits to anything Surefire makes as compared to the Fenix and Nitecore and other import lights. They're also 2-3x more expensive, for less (other than said Toughness)...
 
bcornelis said:
I run an Inova T4 for working at night. It is rechargable and puts over over 200 lumens.

For camping and backpacking i run a Fenix PD30 which also runs over 200 lumens.

I don't have much experience with Surefire and am curious why the U2 would cost twice the Fenix light with half the output. I am not trying to be critical but can a Surefire owner sell me on the advantages of the Surefire?
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Surefire U2a with SSC P4
Mine came with a rating of 1-120 lumens. Lumen ratings is a very touchy subject. So much goes into how manufacturers rate their lights. Also, the light pattern and color temp/tint of light the LED produces has a lot to do with real world visibility. Instead of me trying to explain the differences you can google fenix lumen ratings or inova and find quite a bit of info on CPF. Out the front vs emitter and much more. I am not saying my 120 lumens is more effective then your 200 lumens, I am just saying it is not always as simple as comparing numbers provided by manufacturers. Sometimes it is more the quality of the light output that makes the difference (within reason of course). With that said, it is best to research this topic on CPF because they are more thorough then I will be.

Like Downtown said, the build quality is a big part. This alone is enough for me to spend the extra cash. But again, without the whole package all the toughness in the world is not necessarily a defining selling point. Anyhow, surefire makes one TOUGH LIGHT.

My favorite part of the U2 is the UI. KISS;) You have a tailcap that has two functions...ON/OFF. Im confused:p Then you have a ring that you rotate to adjust light output. You can adjust this anytime, ON or OFF, just rotate the adjustment ring.

I guess before I go on I would have to ask what do you find are the selling points on your fenix/inova lights? Then I will be able to narrow down the selling points of the SF. You may very well already have the perfect lights to suit your preferences. I can assure you that a long time U2 user will be very hard to sell a fenix or inova light to though, and with that I am not trying to be critical either.
 
I guess before I go on I would have to ask what do you find are the selling points on your fenix/inova lights? Then I will be able to narrow down the selling points of the SF. You may very well already have the perfect lights to suit your preferences. I can assure you that a long time U2 user will be very hard to sell a fenix or inova light to though, and with that I am not trying to be critical either.[/QUOTE]

The selling point on my T4 Inova: Inova was one of the only premium flashlights I could buy in Canada at the time I purchased the T4's. My normal knife/flashlight store just started getting into the Surefires lsst year and the fenix's this year.
What I like about the T4 is that it is rechargable (save a fortune on batteries), has good light output (200 plus lumens) and very tough. I use the T4 for night work or night hiking where weight isn't a factor.

The Fenix PD30's I have are great backpacking lights as they have very high output for their weight. They seem to be reasonably priced compared to other brands and they seem to be very tough.

I will probably have to handle a few surefires when I visit my store next time in Vancouver and maybe then I will understand the difference.
 
DowntownDM said:
AZTimT and (someone else): you're right, sorry. Let me amend my statement:

If surefire made a AA or 2xAA flashlight with the features of a Fenix/Nitecore I'd suggest one, but they don't... (the E2L AA is pretty close though, no doubt).

I need/prefer a combination of super-low/uber-long run times and bright floods, with a strobe, with better specs than the E2L AA, and others do that (and at 1/3 the price of SF).

Surefire only has three advantages: US based, very tough, and a very good warranty.. That said, for me, they suck on battery options, and they're short on features as compared to the others.

A combination of the Aviator and E2L AA, with more features, would be a winner IMO. I had an Aviator for years and loved it, I just hate that battery format with a passion.
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Fixed,,, ;)
 
Tyrkon, in response to your question about lock out. I bought my wife a NiteCore EX10 (they also make a 1xAA version) and it can be locked to prevent accidental activation. It is a piston drive so it is different than a clicky switch. It's not my cup of tea but she loves it and carries it all the time.

Also my Fenix TK11 is crenelated around the button and has been far less accidental activation prone than the Surefire G2 I carried before it.
 
James 61 said:
Tyrkon, in response to your question about lock out. I bought my wife a NiteCore EX10 (they also make a 1xAA version) and it can be locked to prevent accidental activation. It is a piston drive so it is different than a clicky switch. It's not my cup of tea but she loves it and carries it all the time.

Also my Fenix TK11 is crenelated around the button and has been far less accidental activation prone than the Surefire G2 I carried before it.
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Ahhh. Cool feature. I'll look into that. :thumbup:
 
Surefire has my loyalty, and so do the 123's. Their customer service is great and the product is always flawless. I use the Outdoorsman and Backup for work and I have NEVER worm one out. When I want to upgrade I give the used ones to my nephews. I need perfect light and Surefire always delivers.
 
I'm also a big fan of Surefire. My current choice is the LX2, which has 15/200 lumen option. I may end up looking for something with the option of a smaller output though, like the Defender. The LX2 has a better tailcap switch for my work though.

With regard to batteries. I'm of the opinion that the 123's are a better way to go. I could bury that case in my back yard and in a decade I could dig them up and they'd be good to go. Just have enough laying around so it's not an issue.

DSCN2029.jpg


Chris.
 
Okay, I understand where you are coming from. I really do believe surefires, and for me the U2's in specific, are products that can be appreciated just by handling them. I don't think even I really 'got it' though until I used the light for a year or so. As time went on I became more and more fond of the light. Its more of a personal use based opinion. I have plenty of rechargeable lights. From cheaper mags/streamlights, tigerlights and a few WiseLEDs. They are great as long as they are charged when you need them and you have a way to keep them charged out and about. Other then that I always found myself disappointed with rechargeables. So I keep them as my house lights. Its great when you need 2000 lumens out of a 3D size light. I also love not buying batteries. I hate having it die and not being able to charge them, or even having to wait.

So for me, that is one reason why I choose CR123 type lights as the light I depend on. I remember seeing a pic of a couple kids exploring a deep mine with a couple tigerlights. I wouldn't be caught dead exploring caves with a rechargeable light...or would I.

Another reason for the U2 that seems to be overlooked is the microprocessor. Its something to look into.

Anyhow, I think part of the fun of lights is figuring it out on your own. That's what I did and I love all of my lights. But I never minded being headed in the right direction.

I hope this comes across in the helpful manner that I intended. Good luck and have fun.
 
Well payday is next week so I have a little time to research and decide! Great stuff guys. Thanks a bunch. :)
 
I like Surefires. They've always been reliable.
BTW, prices on Surefires are about to go up, and a few models are going WAY up.
Let's see, I've got...

6P with Malkoff M60. That's on a S&W M&P15.
6P with Malkoff M61. Rides on one of my packs.
6P with Malkoff M60LF. Work light in my emergency car kit.
6P with Malkoff M60LF. Light in my kayak ditch bag.
6Z with Malkoff M60F. Sits in a lock box by a Ruger KP95.

And in lieu of the upcoming price raise, I have inbound a G2, a G2 LED, and a G2x Pro.
 
Guyon said:
I like Surefires. They've always been reliable.
BTW, prices on Surefires are about to go up, and a few models are going WAY up.
Let's see, I've got...

6P with Malkoff M60. That's on a S&W M&P15.
6P with Malkoff M61. Rides on one of my packs.
6P with Malkoff M60LF. Work light in my emergency car kit.
6P with Malkoff M60LF. Light in my kayak ditch bag.
6Z with Malkoff M60F. Sits in a lock box by a Ruger KP95.

And in lieu of the upcoming price raise, I have inbound a G2, a G2 LED, and a G2x Pro.
Click to expand...

Nice set up man and thanks for the heads up. I'll have to check them out a.s.a.p. :thumbup:
 
Besides various 123 lights I have a Fenix LD10 which I like a lot. It takes one AA battery and is a good size, not too big and not too small. Light output is absolutely ok for one AA battery. Quality is very good, especially for its price.
I also have a 4sevens Quark AA2 which is a good light, but due to its length I rarely carry it. I then rather use one with two 123 if I want more light with me, like my Fenix PD30 which is brilliant!
 
I've done Surefire and Nitecores in the past. Sold all my Surefires and the last Nitecore was stolen. Currently I use Fenix (last 2 years) and won't be looking back. I carry one of 2 LD10s EDC. I keep a TA21 for the house and property and an HL20 in my hunting/camping pack. These lights see some very tough use and keep on going.
 
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