Posted: 11/26/2004 6:03:07 PM EDT
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I attended the Surefire Low-Light Instructor School a couple of months ago. I was exposed to the complete line of Surefire Lights. Of course, the instructors were dogging Streamlight products. However, in class, I did see 2 Streamlight M3s bite the bullet and just die. I have heard war stories that the M3s are not holding up in the Sandbox. I have a Surefire X200. This is the second one I have had. The first one was crap. Activation switch was hard to work. Could not get the battery cap off unless you had a screw driver and two people. The one I have now is better. When I completed the school, I bought a lot of Surefire products: X200 G2 G2 rechargeable kit E2 Defender M500A Z2 Now I am having problems with the Surefire products. I have really just started using them since I got them. The G2 recharge kit only last about 30 minutes before it runs down. The website says 45 minutes, but I can tell you at 25 minutes, you had better be looking for another light. Then the bulb popped on the second day of use. Popped bulb in M500A. And the “great” Surefire batteries. Most batteries get dim as they get weak. Not the Surefire batteries, they just die. I have been holding the bag twice because of this. I keep two of the spare carriers with me, but this is getting a little tiresome. Has anyone else had these problems with Surefire products? I use a Streamlight Stinger for primary duty, but was wanting to switch to the Surefire rechargeable. I would appreciate any information that other people are having with Surefire or Streamlight products. |
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I've used a the same Stinger on my belt for 13 years now, only having to replace a couple of bulbs and batteries. I have two X200A's that have proved very tough and reliable, excellent on power usage too... You'll find the batteries dying like in that manner common to all types of lithium battery powered products. So, what kind of prices did you get on the stuff? |
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like mentioned above I've carried a stinger for years without a porblem. I also carry a streamlight TL2 and i love it. It's much brighter than surefire's LED line and at $40 i'm not out a big wad of cash if it breaks. Personally i think surefire is over priced. Hell I think the Pelican M6 light is a super light and you can pick that up all day long for $30 from the battery station. JMO J |
+1(sort of) - I'm a huge fan of the Pelican M6 LED....great beam, nice battery life vs. light output, compact size, comes with a holster, and the price is right. |
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I have both.... The dept gives the Streamlight Stinger and I purchased a Ulta Stinger (longer body and bigger reflector) and the Stinger XT. I usually keep one in the charger. I also purchased a Surefire Z2 combat light and recently got the LED KL3 replacement head for it. I also had to shell out the coin and get the x200. (As you all can tell I like my flashlights). Plus and Minus guys.....both compaines have both......Streamlight may last longer but when it comes to being compact with major candle power Surefire is sweet. All I can say is every flashlight will eventually die and start to dim, usually when you need it the most. My standard load is I carry my XT in the back pocket during graves for regualar duty use but by Z2 is always on the belt (just in case). And for those long ever lasting stand offs or crime scene protection I grab the Ulta as well. I've also had problems with ALL my flashlights!!! I don't know how many times I've had to shell my flashlights out to other officers because theirs are dead. 6 or half a dozen....Take a pick...  David |
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I use an Z2 with impact device on duty and a centurion off. I've had a stinger scorpion and I think they are the best bang for the bucks. I only sold it because I had so many lights. I think the bulbs on the stingers cost less because you don't have to replace the hole assembly. For doubling as an impact device I'd go with the surefire. FEDERALI |
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I generally prefer Surefires for CR123 battery powered lights, and Streamlights for their rechargables. I have had Surefire lamps die unexpectedly under low use. My first M500 lamp lasted less than 500 rounds. I have had P60 lamps pop the moment they were turned on the first time out of the box. |
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I've got a M3 on my Glock that sometimes needs a good rap on the bottom of it to get it working. I'm going to replace it with a X200 as soon as they come out with the pressure switch model. I carry a 9AN on my belt and an E2 in my pocket. The E2 has come in handy a few times when the 9an died on some traffic stops. I got some elastic and velcro and made a holder for the extra battery for the 9AN that I keep in the side poket of my 5.11 Class B's, that way I'll have it if I'm out on a search and the main battery runs dead. How was the class? I'm signed up to attend the Prevailing in Low Light Conditions Instructor's Course next March @ the Regional Training Center in Iowa. I've heard their classes are excellent. |