What brand of flashlights contend with Surefire?

[toasterlocker]

I'm arguing that SF is not necessarily inferior because they don't have the latest and greates run times, lumens and dumb ass options. They stick to proven and simple products. I like that. I'll say it again, there are those of us who could care less about the "neat guy" options.

And all I'm saying is that Surefire isn't the only company to offer the kind of simple products you are talking about. So it really isn't an argument to go with Surefire.

As for the original P60, I only mention because I've run into people who actually argue that incan is better. And I may have exaggerated in calling the P60LED "junk," as it is usable, but it is mediocre at best when it comes to P60 sized drop ins, both in terms of brightness, runtime, and construction.

[Strider5.56]

I have a few surefires, however they are way over priced. With the flood of similar features and quality for less I often wonder when the sun will set for surefire. I use to drink the surefire kool-aid until my Z2 combat light fell off a tool cart in the garage and hit the floor and cracked the lense like a jigsaw puzzle. The light still worked however. I took my way cheaper O-light I use everyday at work T-25 model and conducted the same off the tool cart drop 12 times and the lense never cracked. I don't think surefire is worth the money. However I called surefire and they sent me a new lense assembly free no questions asked. Plus 1 on customer service. Not so sure I could do the same with O-light.

[markm]

As for the original P60, I only mention because I've run into people who actually argue that incan is better.

I can't imagine going back to incan.

[Doc Safari]

The new pricing is making me look at alternatives to SF.

Not only that but I'm finding that (apparently) the barrel diameters of lights like the G2X and 6P series are not quite the same as the old G2.

I've been pouring over various websites looking for quoted dimensions, and what little I've found has led me to believe that the newer SF models won't fit the VLTOR scout mount and others made for the old G2.

I thought I was good to go with the G2, KX4 130 lumen LED head and click-on-click-off tail switch.

Now I find myself scrambling for spares so I don't have to pay SF's exhorbitant prices and have to replace my mounts.

[markm]

Doc...

Do you need Old School G2 lights? I have two old incans in a drawer at home. They're bone stock, but if you need the bodies, I'll sell them dirt cheap.

[Doc Safari]

Doc...

Do you need Old School G2 lights? I have two old incans in a drawer at home. They're bone stock, but if you need the bodies, I'll sell them dirt cheap.

No, that's cool, Thanks.

I'm in the "two is one; one is none" camp so I have to have a complete one in the drawer in case I break one of the ones I've got mounted.

What I (and others I think) really need is to be pointed to a more modern tactical light that will fit the same mounts as the G2 did, and not have a price inching its way toward 2 bills.

[markm]

Ok. Cool.

I need to order another SolarForce. I have an SBR in need of a light. That will be my project for the day.

[HMC]

There are a number of actual users that could give a crap about more options, brighter lights etc.

There's also a number of actual users who can't seemed to be bothered with looking beyond Surefire, regardless of what their actual needs are.

Those of us that need a light to survive don't necessarily want the latest greatest brightest light that requires twisting turning and multiple button combinations to cycle through 20 modes of bs. Further more, a 300 lumen light is a no go when it comes to needs of many actual users. There are those that use flashlights as necessary tools to get the job done. There are also people who consider flashlights a hobby. Get it?

Yeah, I get it. You want a light with a single output that comes on when you press the tailcap.

There are non-SF lights that do that. And they'll be brighter, lighter, smaller, cheaper, and have better battery life.

"Too bright!" Yeah, ok, you might not want 300 lumens for indoor use.

There are still non-SF lights that do that. And they'll be lighter, smaller, cheaper, and have better battery life.

"I don't want smaller or lighter, because I like carrying extra weight and bulk." Ok... I guess...

There are still non-SF lights that do that. And they'll be cheaper, and have better battery life.

"I want shorter battery life, because I like buying extra batteries, and enjoy having my light die on me at inopportune moments."

There are still... no, wait, you might have to stick with SF on that one.

I'm arguing that SF is not necessarily inferior because they don't have the latest and greates run times, lumens and dumb ass options. They stick to proven and simple products.

But they are inferior by every measurable metric. That doesn't mean that they are junk by any means - they're still great lights. But there are better out there, and for 1/3 to 1/2 the cost. Just because you perceive a need for the inferior product does not make it not-inferior, it just makes it what you want.Me, I'd rather get the better light for less money and spend the rest on practice ammo.

As for "proven" - We've been hearing for years how LED's are better, particularly for weaponlights, because they handle the recoil better than an incan. Yet SF was the last company to jump on the LED bandwagon. So where was that LED tech being proven?

SF just revamped their lineup, what, a year ago? All those new LED models are new, vs non-SF LED lights that have been around 3-5 years or more. Which ones would you say are more proven?

[msap]

Nevermind...this is a stupid arguement. Clearly real world use is no match for your measurable metrics, your paper trail of data and white wall hunting experience. I'll stick with inferior products when it counts.

[Alaskapopo]

What's wrong with Streamlight? I vastly prefer SL over SF.

Stream light weapon lights suck in my experience. Their hand helds are ok but do not compete with Surefire. As for customer service I had two switch go out on the older M3 weapon light both just past the limited warranty Streamlight has and they would not replace either. The switch cost $65 when the light was only worth about $90 at the time.

Pat