Which Surefire?

[PropThePolecat]

Ive got a regular 6PL, a Z2 with a Malkoff M61 and a E1B.

The 6PL is a great light, but i wish i got the G2L instead. Reason is, i use it as my carlight (thrown in the glove compartment), and the aluminium housing gets extremely cold during the fall/winter! The nitrolon body is easier on the hands when cold. The SF led gives a great light though. I recommend it.

The Malkoff M61 produces a perfect 260 lumen flood/throw combo BUT it goes through batts like crazy. For that reason i dont recommend it. I use my light at work, and im seriously considering swapping it for a Ledlenser P7 which my department provides us, including batts. You could go rechargeable, BUT the guys at CPF says that they only provide half the runtime. Thatll mean that the M61 will only go 1 hour (!) on rechargeables. Not ideal for what you need it for.

The E1B is a great light, which i use as a backup, but it also a battery-eater. FYI, theres been reports on CPF that the E1B dosent run properly on rechargeables.

 

[SkinnyJoe]

Which other brands of comparable quality are either US, Japan, or Germany made?

 

[Josh K]

Surefire LX2, or 6P with malkoff.


Your set!

+1. I love my LX2.

I would recommend either the LX2 (fancy) or the G2L (unfancy). You can drop something else into a G2 if you want more options then the G2L.

 

[OwenM]

I'm looking for a light to use while I'm out with our local search and rescue crew.

What do you use a light for when you're out with them?

 

[trukreltrog]

The LX2 is my favorite Surefire yet. :thumbup:

That and the L1 see the most carry time from me.

+1. I love my LX2.

I would recommend either the LX2 (fancy) or the G2L (unfancy). You can drop something else into a G2 if you want more options then the G2L.

+2, LX2 has the best tail switch IMHO. Of course my favorite flavor as of late, is a Milky modded L2.

 

[redpoint]

Surefire LX2, or 6P with malkoff.


Your set!

+1

The LX2 is the perfect choice - small and powerful. Plus it has 2 modes Hi= 200 lumens and Low = 15. The 15 is great for general navigation/map reading etc. and the 200 is great for distance spotting etc.

My second choice would be a SureFire C2 with a Malkoff drop-in. You forgo the dual modes, but you can get 250+ lumens in a very small package. Combine that with a headlamp and I'd say that's a perfect SAR set-up. The headlamp for general task lighting/navigation and the C2 for distance spotting/signaling ... plus you then have a back-up light.

 

[randomlooker]

If you're into modding: A2 Aviator with a Fivemega Strion bulb adapter kit and a koala Onion Ring LED ring (Both available over on candlepowerforums.) Bright regulated incandescent bulb that's great for outdoors use (Brighter and cheaper to replace than the stock SF assembly), and easily swappable colored LEDs. Or an incandescent C2 or 6P and then go to town on drop-in light modules.

If you want to stay stock: LX2 or E2DL are great small spotlights. Maybe the new 6PX or a Stratum...

 

[guitardemon]

What do you use a light for when you're out with them?

I'm part of the team, so id use it during searches, rescues, any events we help out at.

Thanks everybody for all the suggestions. Its a lot to take in, but I'm checking out all the different lights and upgrades you guys have mentioned.