What brand of flashlights contend with Surefire?

[Rayd8]

I never bought into the Surefire pricing and hype until I took a class with one of their reps and really got to see what exactly goes into the R&D for their lights. They might be a bit behind others when it comes to features but you know when a Surefire light hits the market it's ready to go and will be bombproof.

I've wanted to like Streamlight for a long time but three of the four Streamlight products I own have all shit the bed. Just can't see buying any more when a few more dollars gets me a light that lasts.

With a new LED upgrade my 10 year old 9P still rocks as a solid go-to light.

This pretty much sums up my experience. I don't exactly appreciate SF prices, but nothing pisses me off more than a light that doesn't work when you need it. I just pony up for these necessities now.

[patriot_man]

Flashlight wise I can't think of anyone although Inforce is making quite a giant leap into the weaponlight/ handheld light arena.


As for helmet lights Princeton tec would be a contender.

[usmcvet]

SureFire all the way.

[Traveshamockery]

I would be interested in opinions on Elzetta lights. I bought one because they're a local company, and it's served me well, but I haven't demanded that much of it yet.

Acknowledging their line is not as diverse as Surefire's, how are they built, and how's their quality?

[mrosamilia]

Insight not on par??

[tb-av]

SF customer service is really good too.

I bought an aviator years ago. The light went out in about 3 days. Called them and before I could finish my sentence they were telling me they are sending me a new bulb assembly. That one is still running.

This light was before leds became the norm.

[Up1911fan]

Insight would be my second choice. But all my lights are SF.

[skyugo]

HDS lights are pretty sweet. Also US made, not a straight "tactical" light though.

elzetta is up there, they contain malkoff emitters which are great, and US made.

Honestly though there's enough surefire 6 series lights floating around that you may as well buy a used one and put in your own malkoff head.

[skyugo]

Here's my pairing of SF and MD. These two together could probably be a contender?

what model light is that?

[Grand58742]

I've had great experiences with the Pelican M6 series. I don't know about engineering and research that goes into it like other companies, but it's been on par with my G2 and C2 Surefires for function, lumen output and battery life as well as being utterly unbreakable. It's been my go to light on duty for the past five years. And cheaper than the high end Surefires as well.