Opinions on weak hand flash lights? (Surefire)

Playboypenguin · May 22, 2008, 02:23 PM

I am thinking about getting my brother-n-law one of the Surefire lights to use as a weak hand light. I am not sure which one to get yet but leaning towards the model pictured below. I like the simple design and aluminum body.

I would be also getting him the high intensity bulb (120 lumens) to add to it.

Does anyone have one of their lights? What do you think of them?

Incognito · May 22, 2008, 03:45 PM

Hey Playboy- when you say weak-hand, this leads me to believe you're intending to use it in conjunction with a handgun. Surefire is by far one of the most respected "illumination device" manufacturers in the world. They back their products with lifetime warranties. I myself carry the pictured model (with DNA extractor

) and use it every night; never had a problem. The only thing with these is that when the batteries get low, there is no discernable indication that they are doing so. You'll go to turn on the light and it won't work (keeping spare batteries recommended). That being said, Surefire actually has good prices on their batteries at their website.

Along those lines, I believe in "two is one, and one is none". I don't know what type of weapon you're using. If it's equiped with an accessory rail, get a weapon mounted light. I recommend this one:

They can be found for under $100 and you get 120 Lumens of intense white light while not having to sacrifice your weak hand

Playboypenguin · May 22, 2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

That being said, I believe in "two is one, and one is none". I don't know what type of weapon you're using. If it's equiped with an accessory, get a weapon mounted light. I recommend this one:

Cool, thanks for the review...but as for the last part, he and I both despise rail mounted lights.

Incognito · May 22, 2008, 04:06 PM

What? Gun lights are NEAT!

Erik · May 22, 2008, 08:29 PM

Surefire sets the industry standard. I have or have had several of their hand held models over the years: E2E, 6P, G2, and Z2. Additionally, I've had access to several of their other models through friends and collegues.

Depending on your needs, you could do much worse than deciding on the 6P defender you posted, or the G2 LED if you aren't as concerned about its use as a contact weapon. The regular 6P and G2 modelsis offer excellent bang for the buck.

Note: Hammer fisting someone's grape with a flashlight doesn't require it to has cranellations to be effective; or for it to be aluminum, for that matter.

Boris Bush · May 22, 2008, 09:37 PM

PBP

That is the setup I use at work. The 120 lumen lamp will hurt, yes pain will be felt in the eyes, when flashed into them when it is totaly dark out.

When I used it on people they were hurt, blinded and not able to fight back and if they did they just shot wildly (obviously missing

)

It sits next to my safe now as I type this in hopes I will never need to use it over here.......

fisherman66 · May 22, 2008, 10:20 PM

You might find it useful to look into Fenix lights. They are well regarded by flashlightaholics and offer great value for the money.

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_65

rantingredneck · May 22, 2008, 10:33 PM

PBP,

I have that exact light (6PD). It is an excellent choice. I also have the E2D, several G2's and two Streamlight TLR-1's (also an excellent choice in weapon mounted lights).

If you decide to go the surefire route for your brother in law, take a look at the Cree LED 290 lumen upgrades currently for sale from wolfammoman on this forum. They are MUCH brighter than the standard P60 bulb assembly and increase runtime to somewhere between 5 and 8 hours as opposed to the 60? minutes of the standard P60 bulb. The P90 upgrade decreases this runtime further.

My bedside gun at night is a Ruger P345 with a Streamlight TLR-1 mounted. The 6PD rests on the shelf beside the gun with that LED upgrade in it. If I can't hit the badguy he's at least gonna be blind as a bat!

.

rantingredneck · May 22, 2008, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Note: Hammer fisting someone's grape with a flashlight doesn't require it to has cranellations to be effective; or for it to be aluminum, for that matter.

/\ very true

Playboypenguin · May 22, 2008, 10:36 PM

Those look very interesting. The only thing they seem to lack is that I cannot see where they can be used a "blinders" with an instant on button. Can they be used that way? Some say they are turned on and off by twisting the front like a standard light.

rantingredneck · May 22, 2008, 10:38 PM

Link to the LED upgrade thread:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=291907

fisherman66 · May 22, 2008, 10:52 PM

Some have a click tailcap for your clickie blindie thingie

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=477

Swampghost · May 22, 2008, 11:01 PM

Not sure what you mean by a "weak" light. So far everybody else has gone to tactical lights.

As a 'weak' light, MagLite products makes a few really nice kits with different colored lenses. I carry a very small one that takes a single AA battery in my pocket at all times. I have another that takes 2 AAA batteries and with the red lens can get you around in the woods without waking everybody up and destroying your night vision.

Another one is the Hubble Lite Toolbox. It comes with the red lens, spare bulb and what they call a 'light bender' that makes a really good bore light.

Axion · May 22, 2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

You might find it useful to look into Fenix lights. They are well regarded by flashlightaholics and offer great value for the money.

I second this. I just got a Fenix L2D and am extreamly impressed with it. A max of 175 Lumens for 2.4 hours off of 2 AA batteries.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=362

Playboypenguin · May 23, 2008, 02:41 AM

Geez, now I am torn between the Surefire I mentioned in the OP or this one from Fenix.

Anyone have experience with this one? Can it be used as an instant on blinder?

Axion · May 23, 2008, 04:31 AM

With the Fenix lights there is a normal mode and a turbo mode. In normal mode it starts out on low then you soft touch your way from low-med-high-etc. Then if you turn the bezel fully clockwise you get turbo mode. In turbo mode you'll start out at the highest setting possible then go to strobe. So from that perspective, yes it can be used as an instant on blinder. I don't have the P3D so I can't comment on it's brightness, except to mention that it puts out more Lumens (215 for the Premium Q5 model) then the Surefire P6 or the L2D I have (175 lumens). Since the 175 on my light is pretty blinding I think the P3D would be as well.

Boris Bush · May 23, 2008, 10:55 AM

Quote:

With the Fenix lights there is a normal mode and a turbo mode. In normal mode it starts out on low then you soft touch your way from low-med-high-etc. Then if you turn the bezel fully clockwise you get turbo mode. In turbo mode you'll start out at the highest setting possible then go to strobe. So from that perspective, yes it can be used as an instant on blinder. I don't have the P3D so I can't comment on it's brightness, except to mention that it puts out more Lumens (215 for the Premium Q5 model) then the Surefire P6 or the L2D I have (175 lumens). Since the 175 on my light is pretty blinding I think the P3D would be as well.

While all that stuff might be fun to play with sittin' watchin TV or blinding the neighbors cat

When the ball drops and the elephant charges will you have it on brightest constant easy to use mode? With that question, can it be left idle, pickedup and instant on constant or flash on mode with the press of a button? If so I might get one at them brightness levels, but for now the 120 my light gets is plenty fine.........

parrothead2581 · May 23, 2008, 12:27 PM

I prefer the Fenix L1T. Instant on or constant on, and it uses a single AA battery. In the long run it is significantly cheaper than the 123A batteries, especially if he plans on using it for anything more than a bedside flashlight.

As well, there are some excellent rechargeable AA batteries out these days,

fisherman66 · May 23, 2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

While all that stuff might be fun to play with sittin' watchin TV or blinding the neighbors cat When the ball drops and the elephant charges will you have it on brightest constant easy to use mode? With that question, can it be left idle, pickedup and instant on constant or flash on mode with the press of a button? If so I might get one at them brightness levels, but for now the 120 my light gets is plenty fine.........

From Fenix:

Quote:

Operation
Depress the tailcap button to turn the light on and turn the bezel to select the mode. A fully-tightened bezel will select Turbo Mode, and a loosened bezel will select General Mode. Soft-pressing the tailcap button while the light is on will change the output level of the selected mode. Turn the light off for over two seconds and the regulative circuit will be reset.

Playboypenguin · May 23, 2008, 03:08 PM

I ended up ordering two of the P3D Premiums. These little babies put out 215 lumens. That should blind the hell out of someone. I like the semi-press function on the Surefires, but the strobe effect and other features on the Fenix really won me over.

parrothead2581 · May 23, 2008, 09:04 PM

A little late now, but here is JohnKSa's review of one of his Fenix lights. http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...ighlight=fenix

Let us know what you think of it! Fenix is one of those companies that actually listens to their customers, so, if you see room for improvement, let them know.

Quote:

These little babies put out 215 lumens. That should blind the hell out of someone.

Then this one should set their corneas ablaze! https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=412

Axion · May 23, 2008, 09:11 PM

Playboy, the Fenix store sells tactical "forward clicky" style buttons for the Fenix lights separately for $9. I just ordered one for my L2D if you're interested I'll let you know how it works out.

And to reiterate. If you leave the bezel turned fully clockwise the light will always go straight to the brightest "turbo" mode. For the P3D premium that is 215 lumens, for the L2D premium it is 175 lumens, and for the TK10 it is 225 lumens.

Playboypenguin · May 23, 2008, 09:28 PM

Does that replacement switch make it to where you do not have to click the switch to flash it on? Will it light up with just pressure and go off when you release it?

If so, I am going to order two of them tomorrow. I hope they are easy to install.

Swampghost · May 23, 2008, 10:08 PM

In the end game, there is still nothing more important than keeping your night vision intact. The reflection from your 'bright light' will cause your pupils to contract and reduce your vision for several minutes.

In the woods I may blip a red filter on and off if it's execptionally dark or I hear a Rattlesnake.

For home defense. It's mine and I know my way around, I'd prefer the BG in the dark and not knowing where he is.

ImDisaster · May 23, 2008, 10:08 PM

Hard to beat value of the Leatherman Monarch 500 for $30 dollars at Costco.
Stainless steel body with rear momentary switch.
120 lumens from a CRE LED running on 3 AAA's.

http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=12937.msg157635

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=182032

May 22, 2008, 02:23 PM	#1
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Opinions on weak hand flash lights? (Surefire) I am thinking about getting my brother-n-law one of the Surefire lights to use as a weak hand light. I am not sure which one to get yet but leaning towards the model pictured below. I like the simple design and aluminum body. I would be also getting him the high intensity bulb (120 lumens) to add to it. Does anyone have one of their lights? What do you think of them? Last edited by Playboypenguin; May 22, 2008 at 03:41 PM.

May 22, 2008, 04:06 PM	#4
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	What? Gun lights are NEAT! Last edited by Incognito; May 22, 2008 at 05:20 PM.

May 22, 2008, 08:29 PM	#5
Erik Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: America Posts: 3,479	Surefire sets the industry standard. I have or have had several of their hand held models over the years: E2E, 6P, G2, and Z2. Additionally, I've had access to several of their other models through friends and collegues. Depending on your needs, you could do much worse than deciding on the 6P defender you posted, or the G2 LED if you aren't as concerned about its use as a contact weapon. The regular 6P and G2 modelsis offer excellent bang for the buck. Note: Hammer fisting someone's grape with a flashlight doesn't require it to has cranellations to be effective; or for it to be aluminum, for that matter. __________________ Meriam Webster's: Main Entry: ci·vil·ian Pronunciation: \sə-ˈvil-yən also -ˈvi-yən\, Function: noun, Date: 14th century, 1: a specialist in Roman or modern civil law, 2 a: one not on active duty in the armed services or not on a police or firefighting force b: outsider 1, — civilian adjective

May 22, 2008, 10:20 PM	#7
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	You might find it useful to look into Fenix lights. They are well regarded by flashlightaholics and offer great value for the money. https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_65 __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

May 22, 2008, 10:33 PM	#8
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Advice from a confessed flashlight junky PBP, I have that exact light (6PD). It is an excellent choice. I also have the E2D, several G2's and two Streamlight TLR-1's (also an excellent choice in weapon mounted lights). If you decide to go the surefire route for your brother in law, take a look at the Cree LED 290 lumen upgrades currently for sale from wolfammoman on this forum. They are MUCH brighter than the standard P60 bulb assembly and increase runtime to somewhere between 5 and 8 hours as opposed to the 60? minutes of the standard P60 bulb. The P90 upgrade decreases this runtime further. My bedside gun at night is a Ruger P345 with a Streamlight TLR-1 mounted. The 6PD rests on the shelf beside the gun with that LED upgrade in it. If I can't hit the badguy he's at least gonna be blind as a bat! .

May 22, 2008, 03:45 PM	#2
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	Hey Playboy- when you say weak-hand, this leads me to believe you're intending to use it in conjunction with a handgun. Surefire is by far one of the most respected "illumination device" manufacturers in the world. They back their products with lifetime warranties. I myself carry the pictured model (with DNA extractor ) and use it every night; never had a problem. The only thing with these is that when the batteries get low, there is no discernable indication that they are doing so. You'll go to turn on the light and it won't work (keeping spare batteries recommended). That being said, Surefire actually has good prices on their batteries at their website. Along those lines, I believe in "two is one, and one is none". I don't know what type of weapon you're using. If it's equiped with an accessory rail, get a weapon mounted light. I recommend this one: They can be found for under $100 and you get 120 Lumens of intense white light while not having to sacrifice your weak hand

May 22, 2008, 09:37 PM	#6
Boris Bush Junior member Join Date: September 7, 2007 Posts: 921	PBP That is the setup I use at work. The 120 lumen lamp will hurt, yes pain will be felt in the eyes, when flashed into them when it is totaly dark out. When I used it on people they were hurt, blinded and not able to fight back and if they did they just shot wildly (obviously missing ) It sits next to my safe now as I type this in hopes I will never need to use it over here.......

May 22, 2008, 10:36 PM	#10
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	fisherman66 Those look very interesting. The only thing they seem to lack is that I cannot see where they can be used a "blinders" with an instant on button. Can they be used that way? Some say they are turned on and off by twisting the front like a standard light.

May 22, 2008, 10:38 PM	#11
rantingredneck Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2007 Location: North Carolina Posts: 4,728	Link to the LED upgrade thread: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=291907

May 22, 2008, 10:52 PM	#12
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	Some have a click tailcap for your clickie blindie thingie https://www.fenix-store.com/product_...roducts_id=477 __________________ la plus belle des ruses du diable est de vous persuader qu'il n'existe pas!

May 22, 2008, 11:01 PM	#13
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	Not sure what you mean by a "weak" light. So far everybody else has gone to tactical lights. As a 'weak' light, MagLite products makes a few really nice kits with different colored lenses. I carry a very small one that takes a single AA battery in my pocket at all times. I have another that takes 2 AAA batteries and with the red lens can get you around in the woods without waking everybody up and destroying your night vision. Another one is the Hubble Lite Toolbox. It comes with the red lens, spare bulb and what they call a 'light bender' that makes a really good bore light.

May 23, 2008, 02:41 AM	#15
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Geez, now I am torn between the Surefire I mentioned in the OP or this one from Fenix. Anyone have experience with this one? Can it be used as an instant on blinder?

May 23, 2008, 04:31 AM	#16
Axion Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 619	With the Fenix lights there is a normal mode and a turbo mode. In normal mode it starts out on low then you soft touch your way from low-med-high-etc. Then if you turn the bezel fully clockwise you get turbo mode. In turbo mode you'll start out at the highest setting possible then go to strobe. So from that perspective, yes it can be used as an instant on blinder. I don't have the P3D so I can't comment on it's brightness, except to mention that it puts out more Lumens (215 for the Premium Q5 model) then the Surefire P6 or the L2D I have (175 lumens). Since the 175 on my light is pretty blinding I think the P3D would be as well. __________________ A couple of Sigs and a Walther

May 23, 2008, 12:27 PM	#18
parrothead2581 Senior Member Join Date: August 4, 2005 Posts: 1,268	I prefer the Fenix L1T. Instant on or constant on, and it uses a single AA battery. In the long run it is significantly cheaper than the 123A batteries, especially if he plans on using it for anything more than a bedside flashlight. As well, there are some excellent rechargeable AA batteries out these days, __________________ But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. Psalm 52:8

May 23, 2008, 03:08 PM	#20
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	I ended up ordering two of the P3D Premiums. These little babies put out 215 lumens. That should blind the hell out of someone. I like the semi-press function on the Surefires, but the strobe effect and other features on the Fenix really won me over.

May 23, 2008, 09:11 PM	#22
Axion Senior Member Join Date: August 21, 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 619	Playboy, the Fenix store sells tactical "forward clicky" style buttons for the Fenix lights separately for $9. I just ordered one for my L2D if you're interested I'll let you know how it works out. And to reiterate. If you leave the bezel turned fully clockwise the light will always go straight to the brightest "turbo" mode. For the P3D premium that is 215 lumens, for the L2D premium it is 175 lumens, and for the TK10 it is 225 lumens. __________________ A couple of Sigs and a Walther

May 23, 2008, 09:28 PM	#23
Playboypenguin Junior member Join Date: February 27, 2006 Location: Great Pacific Northwest Posts: 11,515	Axion Does that replacement switch make it to where you do not have to click the switch to flash it on? Will it light up with just pressure and go off when you release it? If so, I am going to order two of them tomorrow. I hope they are easy to install.

May 23, 2008, 10:08 PM	#24
Swampghost Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2008 Location: Florida, east coast Posts: 2,106	In the end game, there is still nothing more important than keeping your night vision intact. The reflection from your 'bright light' will cause your pupils to contract and reduce your vision for several minutes. In the woods I may blip a red filter on and off if it's execptionally dark or I hear a Rattlesnake. For home defense. It's mine and I know my way around, I'd prefer the BG in the dark and not knowing where he is.

May 23, 2008, 10:08 PM	#25
ImDisaster Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2008 Posts: 403	Hard to beat value of the Leatherman Monarch 500 for $30 dollars at Costco. Stainless steel body with rear momentary switch. 120 lumens from a CRE LED running on 3 AAA's. http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=12937.msg157635 http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=182032