So, How fragile ARE surefire incandescent bulbs?

S

SpyderJon

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
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So, I've got the LEDs, but I've been interested in getting a nice incandescent (sp) light because I've been told that they're generally brighter and have better throw than the LEDs, which would make sense. The only complaint about the surefire bulbs is that they're prone to blowing out on impacts. I've not had a huge problem when dropping a maglight, should I expect worse problems with the Surefire setup? Thanks!

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
I blew out a P61 HOLA when I dropped my M2 once. As an aside, I've noticed that since I've switched to Surefire's LEDs, I find that there's a very slight, but noticeable, lag between the time I press the tailswitch and the time an incandescent SF bulb powers up. Doesn't happen with the LEDs.
 
I think that they are fairly durable, just not nearly as durable as an LED. I have had two G2's that I've abused quite a bit (read dropped when running), and never had a blow out. Maybe I'm just lucky?
Matt
 
I've dropped my Surfire E2E-HA out of a second story window (accident :rolleyes: ) onto concrete before and the bulb still worked fine! The light is my EDC and gets dropped alot but it NEVER has blown out. I'm pretty happy with it.

Ryan
 
Obviously, to some extent, it's a crap shoot. We know that some SF bulbs are very robust, because you'll see plenty of stories like Ryan's. On the other hand, you'll also hear a disturbing number of stories about SF bulbs blowing out on short drops or burning out within the space of just one or two battery changes. The worst offenders have traditionally been the P series bulbs.
 
I have, and carry, one Z3 and two Z2's, all of them with the P61 bulb. I have never had a blub go out even after dropping. However, I have not dropped one after it has been on for a long while and the bulb is very hot.
 
SpyderJon,
Is not just Surefire. Is all Xenon bulbs. They can blow out when dropped. Is just the design. They will hold up when subjected to continuous recoil on a hand gun or long gun, which is what the SF tactical lights are specified for, but suffer when shocked by drop. I have lost two E1e bulbs this way, my fault, and a KT2 bulb for a C3 that just quit after the second reload of batteries.
Xenons have a shorter life than LED. Rule of thumb is 5 reloads of batteries for the flashlight, and that is the life span. Is why Luminex V's rule in under 120 lumen lights.
I keep spares for my M6 and C3.
Barry
 
You are really getting only five battery changes out of your SureFire lamps?

The figure I often see is more like 25 hours. My most-used SureFires exceed this. I don't tend to drop them a lot though.

Mostly, I've moved onto LEDs. The SureFire incandescents still rule for longer range outside at night through - The M3T and M6 are my most used SureFire incand models now-a-days.

Al
 
Size15s,
"You are really getting only five battery changes out of your SureFire lamps?"
Pretty much yes. P91, MN20 & MN21.
Have been using an MN20 in my C3 KT2 and is doing well though.
Mind you, I am not complaining, no way. Until they create an LED that will give me 250 or 500 lumens output, with enough throw to quiet boisterous party goers two blocks away, I will swear by my M6 and C3:cool:
Barry
 
My G2 has been dropped and whacked against various stuff. Still perfect beam. Gotta love the shock absorbing plastic
 
I've been pretty rough with my A2 and haven't had a bulb problem yet. But I should probably order a new one soon. .
 
This is the kind of info I've been looking for. I mean, I know that Xenon bulbs aren't going to last as long as an LED, but it just seemed at times that people were almost afraid of having their bulb blow at a moments notice. I have LEDs already (inova micros), and am looking forward to getting at least one of the Peak Solutions ones, but I'm thinking that at night, for checking things out, it would be nicer to have a bulb with more throw. I'm partial to the E1E, if only for the size/battery thing. I just didn't see why people would complain about having to pay for a new light assembly in a light they gladly accept as having a constant output of less than 2 hours. I mean, its not like the batteries for SFs are cheap or anything. Good to know that they don't seem to be particularly picky. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Anthony
 
It's a toss-up. I have older SF bulbs that are very durable. The last few newer ones are unpredictable. I dropped my 6P a few weeks ago, about a 3foot drop onto tile, and the beam lasted about 3 seconds before it blew.

The G2's are known to have a bit of shock resistance due to the nylon-composite construction.

As far as I know, the bulbs have always been made in Mexico (by an undisclosed bulb manufacturer), and I don't think that's changed. Could just be coincidence, or perhaps a change in specs from SF...

--dan
 
I accidentally put a P60 bulb in a C3 once. For some strange reason, it blew pretty quick! ;)

Really though, I haven't had any problems with Surefire bulbs. I've used a G2 off and on for a year and it still has the original bulb in it. You can keep spare lamp assemblies around if you need them. You have to change batteries anyway, so I don't see why changing a bulb is that big a deal.
 
i carry a E2d all the time and have a E1e,E2e,C2,M2,Z2,Z3 and have never had to replace a bulb, have the M2 on my AR15 and while the std 123's broke in that role, the bulbs have never broken on any of them.

have dropped them in normal use and never had a prob (knock on wood)
 
I have owned a number of SF lights in the past ten or so years. A couple of 6Rs, two 8NXs, E2 (stolen :mad: ), E1, 8N, and three G2s. I have burned out a couple of bulbs from normal use on the 6Rs that I used everyday for work when I was a locksmith. I usually charged them every other day, so you can understand the use that I put them through. I dropped them a lot without a bulb bursting. I did have a replacement bulb blow on me the very first time I turned the lamp assembly on; but my dealer replaced it for free. :D

I am very happy with the performance over the years and I would not hesitate to buy each model again. The SF are quite expensive as are the consumable parts, but you have to pay to play. Most of the people that have tried my lights for the first time are impressed with the output of light. All are shocked by the price when they inquire the price. Some have gone out and bought one.

My ex freaked out when I got my first 6R with extra batteries and AC/DC charger ten years ago($200.00+). I told her that I dont complain about the countless shoes and bags. "You only use one bag and a pair of shoes at a time" I said. Notice that I said that it was my ex... :D
 
SpyderJon said:
The only complaint about the surefire bulbs is that they're prone to blowing out on impacts.
Sincerely,
Anthony
Click to expand...
Anthony, what about cost? If a bulb for a Streamlight costs $8.00, and a lamp assembly for a Surefire costs $25, that's a 300%+ increase for the same product. Would you buy a Honda Accord for $90,000 if you could buy a Toyota Camry for $30,000? Especially if you consider the fact that the "Honda" may "blow out" after 50,000 miles, while the "Toyota" may last 150,000 miles.

Just something to think about.

Bruise
 
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