Surefire, which one?

Eric Isaacson

Eric Isaacson

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Dec 19, 1999
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I've had a 6P for several months and just picked up an E2e, what should I get next? I really want a Big one, but don't know which one I should choose. I'm fairly new to Surefires so any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
The E2 is pretty small. It drops right into my palm and will slip un-noticed into virtually any pocket.

The E1 is tiny. IMO, too small to use the momentary switch on the back. It is ok if you have the constant on setting.

I don't have the larger ones, but I have been looking at the Z2 due to price point. Good luck deciding.
 
Eric-

Being an owner of much of the spectrum of SureFire product line (with multiple 3P, E1, 6P, E2e, 6Z, Z3, 9AN, M6 in the collection--not even including weapons-mounted SureFire I have), I'd have to first inquire what you want your "biger" SureFire to do.

Want to really "wow'em", there's nothing like the M6 (user switchable 500 lu./250 lu. lamp assemblies).
PROS: Lots o'Light, Cooling fins mean no auto-shutdown. CONS: Very Pricey, and limited applications, expensive in terms of batteries for heavy user, Not rechargeable.

Want "wow" factor, but actually economical and very practical to use? Definitely go with the 9AN system of rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries and dual-lamp assembly (40 lu./120 lu. in one!).
PROS: Extremely versatile, Rechargeable, Rugged. CONS: Pricey, requires AC/DC-source for recharging.

Not a heavy user, but want to step up to the 9V without the rather hefty investment of a 9AN, then go with a Z3.
PROS: More usage time, a bit more lumens than 6V-series. CONS: Not that much more lumens than 6V, Not rechargeable.

From 6P to E2e is not really much of a step up. Small package, yes, but not much more power in terms of illumination.

My new favorite? Has to be the versatile 9AN. I find I can use the 40 lu. output around the house a great deal (2 hr. 26 min. run time on one charge by my last test!), and can instantaneously with a turn of the lamp bezel get 140 lu. (for about 20 min.) if I have to say spot something in the backyard. With spare battery always in the charger, I have no down time.

Anyway, hope that helps a little...
 
I have the 8X and have been using it for two years on duty. I dig it and it is bright.
 
Great Info Guys,

Keep it coming, I want as much info as possible before I buy.

Thanks
BTW what about good on-line retailers?
 
M2. Certainly not the biggest or brightest (although with the P61 HOLA is quite bright) but it is waterproof, and has a Pyrex lens and shock isolated bezel.
 
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the great info. However, I got so many suggestions I still don't know which one to buy ;):D
 
Originally posted by Eric Isaacson
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the great info. However, I got so many suggestions I still don't know which one to buy ;):D
Click to expand...

You've obviously more money than I have :)

Best bang for the buck[pound] I found was the 120 lumen lamp assembly for my 6P. Still rocks.
 
. . . and I'm leaning toward the M2 for the reasons posted by shane45-1911. If I was looking for a big one, I'd bite the bullet and spring for an M6.
 
Look at the M3. Very similar features to the M2(shock isolated bezel, pyrex window, combat grip) but its the 9volt version. 125 lumens for an hour or 225 for 20 minutes. The Z3 is very similar in relation to lumen output but you lose some features. M3 also has a turbo head version direct from the factory, the M3T.

Also check out the surefire discussion board at http://www.186thousand.com/

Good luck,
Bill
 
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