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Posted: 8/23/2013 8:26:10 PM EDT
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What do you think would be a good equivalent Surefire light to the Mini Scout, as a handheld light (preferably with a dual output that DOESN'T require cycling through output modes every time)? This must be a Surefire light; not another brand.
Years ago, I bought an Elzetta when they first started advertising here. I liked it so much that I sold my E2D LED Defender and bought 3 more. My favorite part about the Elzetta's is that I didn't have to cycle high-low, high-low, high-low every time. I could twist the tail cap counter clockwise a 1/4 turn and always have it on low, or tighten it all the way and always be on high (all while having the "push slightly for momentary-on and push all the way for constant-on" 'clicky tailcap' ability). I hated having to cycle through the output modes of the E2D. I got a Surefire Mini Scout a month ago and I LOVE how far it throws and how bright it is (farther and brighter than my Elzetta's, even though the Elzetta is rated at 35 lumens brighter). I was thinking about getting another handheld Surefire that would be an equivalent to the mini scout. What I am looking for is a handheld that is just as bright and throws just as far (that puts out the beautiful light that the Mini Scout has -- it's so bright and clear), with a clicky tailcap that does NOT require high-low, high-low, high-low cycling. Dual output that functions like the Elzetta clicky tailcap would be preferable, but not mandatory; single output is ok. But the brightness, clarity, throw, and tailcap function of the Mini Scout is what I desire. Does Surefire even make a handheld with a clicky tailcap that allows you to select always low or always high output modes? It looks like they're all either rotary single output's, or high-low cycling clicky tailcaps. I was thinking about a EB1 Backup, but it's only offered with the high-low cycling tailcaps. I do not like having to cycle at all. Looking closer, it seems like my best option would be the 6PX Defender. I am looking for answers to a couple specific questions. Nothing too crazy, so here they go: => For the 6PX Defender: It's rated at 320 lumens for 2 hours. Is it that much brighter than the Mini Scout? Will it last longer? Elzetta's are rated for 1.5 hours. The extra 30 minutes, or any noticeable increase in runtime would be great. Especially the low cost of $80. I'm thinking the 6PX Defender would be my best option. If it is really 120 lumens brighter than the Mini Scout -- even if it's only just a minor noticeable brightness increase (I don't even need it brighter than the Mini Scout -- but it needs to be AS bright) -- and has the extra 45minutes of runtime, that would be perfect. What do you all think? Would the 6PX be a suitable handheld for what I desire? Brighter than the Mini Scout, thus brighter than my Elzettas, as clear as the Mini Scout and throws as far as the Mini Scout, with a clicky syle tailcap. |
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ummm...confused. you appear to have done some of your own research...but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. the only one im aware of that doesn't operate that way is the (lx2?) where a halfway click is low output and full click is high output.
if you want a light that has dedicated modes without cycling through the on/off button...surefire aint it. ive never been pleased with surefire for their multi mode lights. |
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ummm...confused. you appear to have done some of your own research...but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. the only one im aware of that doesn't operate that way is the (lx2?) where a halfway click is low output and full click is high output. if you want a light that has dedicated modes without cycling through the on/off button...surefire aint it. ive never been pleased with surefire for their multi mode lights. Quoted:
ummm...confused. you appear to have done some of your own research...but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. the only one im aware of that doesn't operate that way is the (lx2?) where a halfway click is low output and full click is high output. if you want a light that has dedicated modes without cycling through the on/off button...surefire aint it. ive never been pleased with surefire for their multi mode lights. No. The 6PX Defender (hence all of my underlining every time I listed "Defender") is only a single output clicky type switch that functions like the Mini Scout switch. My question is if whether the 6PX Defender emits a light as brilliant and clear, as well as brighter while lasting longer, than the Mini Scout. My additional question is if they offer a dual output light, with my listed requirements, that functions like the high/low CLICKY tailcap that Elzetta makes. I know I dragged on. But I posted my thought process first, then researched on my own, and gave an option I came up with, for all of you to comment on. I believe you are right about but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. I know my OP was confusing, and I apologize. I wrote it before, but am now responding after taking the Walrus medication. So any additional elaboration will need to be held off for tomorrow. Can you just give me any input into the 6PX about its runtime and how its light brightness, clarity, and throw compare to the Mini Scout? |
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No. The 6PX Defender (hence all of my underlining every time I listed "Defender") is only a single output clicky type switch that functions like the Mini Scout switch. My question is if whether the 6PX Defender emits a light as brilliant and clear, as well as brighter while lasting longer, than the Mini Scout. My additional question is if they offer a dual output light, with my listed requirements, that functions like the high/low CLICKY tailcap that Elzetta makes. I know I dragged on. But I posted my thought process first, then researched on my own, and gave an option I came up with, for all of you to comment on. I believe you are right about except for the part in red. That was explained above with the DEFENDER model. The same goes for the P2X DEFENDER. Both are single output -- which don't meet my optional requirement of dual output, but do meet my single output clicky tail cap requirement. I know my OP was confusing, and I apologize. I wrote it before, but am now responding after taking the Walrus medication. So any additional elaboration will need to be held off for tomorrow. Can you just give me any input into the 6PX about its runtime and how its light brightness, clarity, and throw compare to the Mini Scout? Quoted:
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ummm...confused. you appear to have done some of your own research...but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. the only one im aware of that doesn't operate that way is the (lx2?) where a halfway click is low output and full click is high output. if you want a light that has dedicated modes without cycling through the on/off button...surefire aint it. ive never been pleased with surefire for their multi mode lights. No. The 6PX Defender (hence all of my underlining every time I listed "Defender") is only a single output clicky type switch that functions like the Mini Scout switch. My question is if whether the 6PX Defender emits a light as brilliant and clear, as well as brighter while lasting longer, than the Mini Scout. My additional question is if they offer a dual output light, with my listed requirements, that functions like the high/low CLICKY tailcap that Elzetta makes. I know I dragged on. But I posted my thought process first, then researched on my own, and gave an option I came up with, for all of you to comment on. I believe you are right about but you clearly state you don't want a light that cycles through high low low high etc... to my knowledge that's how basically ALL surefires work. 6px included. I know my OP was confusing, and I apologize. I wrote it before, but am now responding after taking the Walrus medication. So any additional elaboration will need to be held off for tomorrow. Can you just give me any input into the 6PX about its runtime and how its light brightness, clarity, and throw compare to the Mini Scout? The 6PX uses a different emitter, runs on 2 cells, and uses a typical textures reflector and lens. The scout is a single cell light, and uses a TIR lens. Their beam patterns will be different. If you would like the beam pattern of the mini scout, with the 2 cell runtime of the 6PX, take a look at the Surefire E2DL (non ultra) or the LX2. It is the same lumen rating as the m300b (200 lumens) out of a TIR lens that operates on 2 cells. The LX2 has a two stage tail cap, while the E2DL has a forward switch. No memory on either. I'd you want higher output. Take a look at the EB2 or the E2DL Ultra. These lights would be more floody than their 200 lumen counterparts, as the TIR lens contains the output. |
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The 6PX uses a different emitter, runs on 2 cells, and uses a typical textures reflector and lens. The scout is a single cell light, and uses a TIR lens. Their beam patterns will be different. If you would like the beam pattern of the mini scout, with the 2 cell runtime of the 6PX, take a look at the Surefire E2DL (non ultra) or the LX2. It is the same lumen rating as the m300b (200 lumens) out of a TIR lens that operates on 2 cells. The LX2 has a two stage tail cap, while the E2DL has a forward switch. No memory on either. I'd you want higher output. Take a look at the EB2 or the E2DL Ultra. These lights would be more floody than their 200 lumen counterparts, as the TIR lens contains the output. Thanks for that! I think that TIR lens is what makes the beam so brilliant on the new Mini Scouts, to me. I appreciate the info. Maybe I'll need to try out the 6PX defender and determine if I like it, while understanding the lens is different and that its beam may be different. ETA: Do you think the P2X Fury Defender would be a better beam to satisfy me? |
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Thanks for that! I think that TIR lens is what makes the beam so brilliant on the new Mini Scouts, to me. I appreciate the info. Maybe I'll need to try out the 6PX defender and determine if I like it, while understanding the lens is different and that its beam may be different. ETA: Do you think the P2X Fury Defender would be a better beam to satisfy me? Quoted:
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The 6PX uses a different emitter, runs on 2 cells, and uses a typical textures reflector and lens. The scout is a single cell light, and uses a TIR lens. Their beam patterns will be different. If you would like the beam pattern of the mini scout, with the 2 cell runtime of the 6PX, take a look at the Surefire E2DL (non ultra) or the LX2. It is the same lumen rating as the m300b (200 lumens) out of a TIR lens that operates on 2 cells. The LX2 has a two stage tail cap, while the E2DL has a forward switch. No memory on either. I'd you want higher output. Take a look at the EB2 or the E2DL Ultra. These lights would be more floody than their 200 lumen counterparts, as the TIR lens contains the output. Thanks for that! I think that TIR lens is what makes the beam so brilliant on the new Mini Scouts, to me. I appreciate the info. Maybe I'll need to try out the 6PX defender and determine if I like it, while understanding the lens is different and that its beam may be different. ETA: Do you think the P2X Fury Defender would be a better beam to satisfy me? The Fury would have a brighter spill with an even transition to the hotspot. The hot spot itself would be larger. |
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I second the Fury. Dual output LED with 500 Lumens. It comes on low first, but second press or click is bright. I think you will like it if you try it. I did! If I go with the Fury, I'm going to go with the Defender model. Single output. I'm still not sure why SF doesn't offer a tailcap/light that allows you to select which mode you want to produce, on a dual output light. As I said, what drew me to getting more Elzetta lights was that I can instantly select if I want it on high or if I want it on low. No cycling crap. |
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If I go with the Fury, I'm going to go with the Defender model. Single output. I'm still not sure why SF doesn't offer a tailcap/light that allows you to select which mode you want to produce, on a dual output light. As I said, what drew me to getting more Elzetta lights was that I can instantly select if I want it on high or if I want it on low. No cycling crap. Quoted:
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I second the Fury. Dual output LED with 500 Lumens. It comes on low first, but second press or click is bright. I think you will like it if you try it. I did! If I go with the Fury, I'm going to go with the Defender model. Single output. I'm still not sure why SF doesn't offer a tailcap/light that allows you to select which mode you want to produce, on a dual output light. As I said, what drew me to getting more Elzetta lights was that I can instantly select if I want it on high or if I want it on low. No cycling crap. With regards to your mention of the Elzetta hi/low modes: when do you ever think you'll only want 15 lumens of output on a weaponlight? |
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With regards to your mention of the Elzetta hi/low modes: when do you ever think you'll only want 15 lumens of output on a weaponlight? Quoted:
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I second the Fury. Dual output LED with 500 Lumens. It comes on low first, but second press or click is bright. I think you will like it if you try it. I did! If I go with the Fury, I'm going to go with the Defender model. Single output. I'm still not sure why SF doesn't offer a tailcap/light that allows you to select which mode you want to produce, on a dual output light. As I said, what drew me to getting more Elzetta lights was that I can instantly select if I want it on high or if I want it on low. No cycling crap. With regards to your mention of the Elzetta hi/low modes: when do you ever think you'll only want 15 lumens of output on a weaponlight? 
I don't get it. I'm talking about handhelds, and Elzetta's base model is a single output rotary -- momentary on, twist for constant -- type light (how most weapon lights are). |
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I don't get it. I'm talking about handhelds, and Elzetta's base model is a single output rotary -- momentary on, twist for constant -- type light (how most weapon lights are). Quoted:
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I second the Fury. Dual output LED with 500 Lumens. It comes on low first, but second press or click is bright. I think you will like it if you try it. I did! If I go with the Fury, I'm going to go with the Defender model. Single output. I'm still not sure why SF doesn't offer a tailcap/light that allows you to select which mode you want to produce, on a dual output light. As I said, what drew me to getting more Elzetta lights was that I can instantly select if I want it on high or if I want it on low. No cycling crap. With regards to your mention of the Elzetta hi/low modes: when do you ever think you'll only want 15 lumens of output on a weaponlight?
I don't get it. I'm talking about handhelds, and Elzetta's base model is a single output rotary -- momentary on, twist for constant -- type light (how most weapon lights are). My fault, you mentioned the mini scout and I assumed you were looking for a handheld to mount to your weapon. My fault. You should check out the Malkoff Devices MD2 with hi/lo ring. |
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I just recently picked up a 6PX is puts out a nice beam, similar in throw, but almost twice as bright as my Surefire Scout. It has a firm rubber grip with finger notches and it feels sucure with an overhand grip . Also, it has crenellations on the Bezel that would put a nasty dent in someones face/head
It has only one brightness setting. 320 Lumens for 2.5 hours |
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My fault, you mentioned the mini scout and I assumed you were looking for a handheld to mount to your weapon. My fault. You should check out the Malkoff Devices MD2 with hi/lo ring. Ahhhh I got'cha. Yea, I was just using the mini scout as a basis for a new light with similar output because I like my new M300B so much. |
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I just recently picked up a 6PX is puts out a nice beam, similar in throw, but almost twice as bright as my Surefire Scout. It has a firm rubber grip with finger notches and it feels sucure with an overhand grip . Also, it has crenellations on the Bezel that would put a nasty dent in someones face/head It has only one brightness setting. 320 Lumens for 2.5 hours I just checked one out at the store this weekend. At first I couldn't do anything but shine it through the plastic packaging (which was useless). But then a guy opened one for me to look at. Only thing was, I was stuck lighting it in the lit store.....which still did me no good. I had brought my Elzetta and M300B to compare. I then bought a pair of Merrell trail shoes instead  . I'm probably just going to sell one of these Elzetta's to replace with this Surefire decision. So many lights, so much wife questioning. 
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You will get more use out of the Shoes For sure. Besides Dress shoes I only wear Merrells. Good choice  . I would skip the light and put a Viridian X5L on the GlockI already got a light for it. Just not on it in the picture. Yea, I'm excited to take the shoes out. |
| If I understand you correctly, it sounds like the Lumamax LX2 is what you're looking for. Press the tail cap halfway and you have 15 lumen light. Press it all the way, and you get the full 200 lumens. I can vouch for its durability and reliability. I've had it for half a deployment in Iraq back in 2009 and took it with me for a year in Afghanistan just last year, and it's still going strong. I'm surprised I haven't lost that thing yet. It's been dropped, kicked, stepped on, pressed in to mud, rained on, snowed on, worked in 115+ degrees down to -20. Surefires are no doubt pricey, but considering I've had this $200 flashlight since 2009 and one and a half deployments, I'd say it was worth it. Not to mention it's carried daily and used almost daily for work. |
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I know you stated Surefire only, and no one has drank the Surefire kool aide more than I have (over $2,000.00)
But, I have a pocket lite I really like.....the Zebralight SC600, under $100.00. Mine is an older one and I like it so much I'm upgrading to the new 900 lumen model 
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I got a surefire u2 ultra a while back and I am still blown away by how bright the flashlight is.
Furthermore I am amazed that for the intensity of the output how long the battery life is. I got mine for a steal and I don't know if I would pay full price for one but it really is the best flashlight I've ever owned and used. |
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