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Posted: 9/2/2026 9:12:59 AM EDT
| I've got a rifle that needs a light and I've been weighing the pros/cons of Modlite vs Surefire. I've got Modlite PL2vH lights on a couple of guns and they are bright, have a good beam pattern and are compact. I also have Surefire Scout lights on a couple of rifles and while they might not have the same output as the Modlite's they work great and are reliable. My concern with the Modlite's are the cells they use. Modlite's need an 18350 rechargeable cell. At this time acquiring and charging an 18350 is not an issue. However if there were a prolonged domestic power issue, recharging the 18350's could become problematic. On the other hand, Surefire uses CR123's cells which are reliable and plentiful. One could simply stock up on a bunch of the Cr123's and be covered. I guess you could also buy a lot of 18350 cells but they are pretty expensive. So for a SHTF gun, would you go with Surefire scout (or similar) or Modlite to light up the dark? |
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Originally Posted By jharpphoto: However if there were a prolonged domestic power issue, recharging the 18350's could become problematic. Not if you buy a solar charger. Also, if you stay away from the 18350 lights and go to 18650 then all the new modlite lights are dual fuel and will run on CR123s. Both brand lights in the 18650 size are dual fuel so that's a moot point. Pick the one you like the best and buy a handful of both types of batteries, a solar charger, and you'll be good for everything. I'd argue that dual fuel is what you're really looking for anyway seeing as that's the most logistically viable. I'd be more worried about the supply of CR123s before worrying about not being able to recharge 18650s. |
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I would also view solar charging as more resilient than having a large pile of CR123s. Charging a 18350 takes very little current, so keeping them charged with even a very small solar setup is entirely viable. But as mentioned, if you have 18650 size bodies, they are all dual fuel anyway (except maybe the single cell Surefire heads) To answer the question, overall I like the Modlite heads better. -The OKWv2 and PLHv3 have noticeably more spill than the Surefire turbos, and candela close enough to equal. -The Modlite heads are good for every body and cell configuration while Surefire Turbos are locked into body size from what I understand (I've never tested them outside of what they are marked for though) Ex: Modlite head can use 18350, 18650, or 2x CR123. Surefire heads only use 18350 OR 18650/2x CR123. At least that is my understanding based on the documentation and markings. -The one advantage the Surefire Turbos have should be more battery life and possibly a longer time before they step down in brightness, based on the lower lumen output, which I assume leads to a lower constant draw demand, but again, if anyone knows differently... please correct me |
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| Surefire body, tapeswitch, tail, modlite head. Been running it for years now and it’s solid. |
“ Well, it feels like someone took a rubber band and snapped it right on the edge of your anus.” -JThompson
Non Solis radios sed Iovis fulmina mitto
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Non Solis radios sed Iovis fulmina mitto
Glock and Colt Certified Armorer
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I have and have used all of it. Im currently using Reptilia 18350+PLHv3+Unity Gas Cap and Wilcox SYNC/junction. Why? It has lux to push across 180 yards with an lpvo (my max use case) It has spill to use cqb in the woods. Again, my use case. The Hotspot is large enough not to act like a laser and wash things out with viz override even on low, with my raid xe, as well as not blinding you off of up close foliage and creating tunnel vision effect like my SF Turbos did. The runtime is sufficient. I have a solar recharge setup as well. So for SHTF, its outlasting 123s. |
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Originally Posted By india13c: Not if you buy a solar charger. Also, if you stay away from the 18350 lights and go to 18650 then all the new modlite lights are dual fuel and will run on CR123s. Both brand lights in the 18650 size are dual fuel so that's a moot point. Pick the one you like the best and buy a handful of both types of batteries, a solar charger, and you'll be good for everything. I'd argue that dual fuel is what you're really looking for anyway seeing as that's the most logistically viable. I'd be more worried about the supply of CR123s before worrying about not being able to recharge 18650s. As a Modlite user I concur with all of this. But I am biased. Modlite is the only light that has never given me issues. Also, rechargeable batteries do not cost more than CR123s. Well, I concede it depends on what brand and quantity. |
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Originally Posted By King_Mud: I still like the X300 style at 12 o'clock so I vote Surefire. The Turbo is perfect. Ambi activation low profile can quick swap between rifles and handguns (x300a model) lightweight / integrated mount Puts suppressor shadow in the right place Attached File |
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Originally Posted By Marksman14: SF turbos have been the most reliable of the major lights for me. Big fan. I've got a couple Arisaka/Malkoff's and they have been great. No issues. I'd buy one again. |
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