The SureFire EL2 AA Outdoorsman – It’s About Damn Time
I have been waiting for SureFire to come out with a AA mini-light for like 10 years, I have never understood why every single so-called “Tactical Flashlight” uses 123A Lithium Batteries. They are expensive and difficult enough to find that you have to actually pack them in your gear for jobs or missions.
And good luck finding batteries in a local store in some 3rd world country, the only place you will find 123A Lithium Batteries in Shitholeanistan will be at a camera shop for a billion dollars each – and that’s if you can even explain to your taxi driver or the store clerk what type of batteries they are if you forget to bring a dead one as an example.
I once spent 5 hours driving all over Phnom Penh, Cambodia looking for a pack of 123A Lithium Batteries only to end up paying 24 bucks for two – after then I stopped carrying lights that use 123A Lithium Batteries when I am in the 3rd world unless I am working on a Military Base.
And even when I am in the 1st world or I am working on or near a Military base overseas I find myself trying not to use my flashlight because I don’t want to wear down the expensive ass batteries – so it sort of even defeats the purpose of even having a light.
So when I found out that SureFire came out with a light that ran on AA Batteries I almost shit myself – I actually had to re-read the description because I thought I was seeing things. Well, it turned out to be true, so I immediately ordered one up over at LA Police Gear and had it shipped to me here in the box.
The SureFire EL2 AA Outdoorsman is made of Mil-Spec Aluminum like you are already familiar with from other SureFire lights; it has a long pocket clip and feels solid as a mo-fo. The light is an LED with a Dual Output tailcap click switch – this is another major sell for me, I totally dislike the SureFire momentary only tailcaps.
(for those that don’t know: With a Click Switch you click the light on like when you click a pen open and the light stays on. With the non-Click Switch flashlight you have to constantly hold down the tailcap to keep the light on – this is also the reason for unexpected dead batteries)
You click it once for low output (3 Lumens – about as bright as a AA mini-maglight) and a second time for High Output (80 Lumens – about as bright as a Three D-Battery MagLight but with a very focused lens). From my testing run time is around 8/6 Hours on High Output and 50/40 Hours on Low Output depending if you use lithium or alkaline batteries.
Some of you may scoff at the 165 dollar price, but if you use your light on a daily basis like I do then in a few months it will pay for itself in the money you save in batteries (just compare the price for 10 AA batteries VS 10 123A Lithium Batteries).
For the folks here that work, live or travel in the 3rd world you can’t put a price on a light of this output and quality that runs off of simple AA batteries that you can buy from any street vendor or Hajji Shop. For me a light is more than just something I use so I don’t trip in the dark – it is a survival tool that my life may depend on someday, so being able to use commonly available AA batteries in my light increases its versatility thereby incensing my survivability.
The SureFire EL2 AA Outdoorsman is also an excellent choice for stateside folks, besides the money you will save on batteries try finding a pack of 123A Lithium Batteries after a natural disaster, if all else fails you can just take the batteries out of the TV remote and you will have light for 40 hours.
The SureFire EL2 AA Outdoorsman is a fantastic and way overdue light from SureFire that I highly recommend to everyone no matter where you live or work – If you carry a flashlight get one of these.
The SureFire EL2 AA Outdoorsman >>>
130+ Bucks
—————————————————————————————
~James G
Founder – Editor in Chief
James G is a Veteran Civilian Contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Southeast Asia for way too long; he has traveled to over 50 countries chasing fortune and glory. He spends his off time in Indonesia and Virginia getting drunk, shooting guns, writing poorly written articles and eating sandwiches.
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{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
The reason the majority of tactical lights on the market, and, most importantly Surefire, use CR123 lithium batteries is because Surefire and Duracell partnered on research into these little beauties years ago.
Surefire was Laser Systems, Inc. (I’m 99% sure of “Systems”, it may have been “Products” instead) in the late 70′s-80′s. As their name tells you, they worked with lasers. They basically created the laser sighting systems in use on weapons today. The laser on the .45 in Terminator? A Laser Products/Systems product…
Anyway, the guys at LS/P decided they wanted to create a compact, lightweight, high output light meant for police/EMT’s/Military/SWAT, etc. The only battery chemistries at the time were the horrendous alkaline AA. Due to alkaline chemistries inherit voltage sag under even moderate loads, a high output light either needed alot of batteries, or, well, alot of batteries.
So LS/P partnered up with Duracell to create a brand new type of battery. One that would have higher voltage, especially under load, have good capacity, be stable under varying environmental conditions and make them money (hey, they’re a business like any other). So, the lithium chemistry was eventually formulated. It was great. 3v nominal, >2.5v under a heavy load, >1Ah capacity, stable, lightweight and compact. Two in series was perfect for over-driving a high output bulb, so it would produce a cleaner, whiter light.
Duracell almost backed out, citing safety hazards with lithium batteries. So, LS/P payed for the rest of the development. Then they went to market. LS/P sold the P6/etc under their name for a while, then became Surefire as we know them today.
That’s why. Before high output, efficient LED’s came along, a battery revolution was needed to create the market.
Very good article, as always.
Regards,
JB
JB(Quote This Comment)
A Conspiracy – I knew it
Thanks for the info JB – how he hell did you know all that?
~James G.
James G.(Quote This Comment)
Great article! I am going to order one of these. When I used to work inside the industry, 123A batteries were $1 each, not for some strange brand but for Surefire batteries. Really. Now they are $9 or so up here where I live, since I don’t live in a “tactically correct” area. A real light running on regular batteries? I love this.
David West(Quote This Comment)
Thanks for the info and the review! One of these is moving to the top of my list of gear porn to buy.
Tigger(Quote This Comment)
I don’t know what this cost, but if it has the name “Surefire” on it, I am “Sure” it’s going to be overpriced.
“Tactical” = here we go with the million dollar marketing term again…
My suggestion:
1. Purchase regular AA minimag flashlight.
2. Purchase (2) AA sized Duracell batteries
3. Purchase (1) Terralux TCS-1 tailcap switch for mini-mag AA (http://www.batteryjunction.com/tcs-1.html)
4. Purchase (1) Terralux 140 lumen ministar extreme 3w led kit for mini-mag AA (http://www.batteryjunction.com/tle-5k2.html)
If you already carry a keychain light (mini photon for example) – no need for the low-output light. So what I’m talking about is a bright ass little flashlight that uses (2) AAs for around $40 total.
Have a nice day!
Kegs
Kegs(Quote This Comment)
Dear Kegs,
ahhh, the good old “SureFire is over-priced” comment! It was time somebody posted it first.
While supporting US made R&D and design is often challenged by users looking for the most economic product, I do not understand why people want their batteries blow up (seen many times), their switches stop working, or find replacement parts.
How many times do you read “my XYZ stopped working after three weeks” while you read here and there “SF customer service is fantastic they just mailed in the replacement switch without asking too many questions”?
In addition two AA cells cannot manage the same output as two CR123 cells — either by lumens or if not at least by run-time. Also SureFire *always* underestimates the lumens output while other companies love to sell you a 200 lumens 2xAA light instead.
Last but not least LED is not LED. There’s difference levels of quality, etc. as well and having the latest and best in LEDs might not be the ultima ratio when SureFire invests more time in reflector design, heat reduction, etc.
Lo Szabo(Quote This Comment)
Well done James! hate those 123a batteries too but $160 are fucking expensive for a 80 Lumens Flashlight…
Manu(Quote This Comment)
Edited to add I just saw the $165 price tag.
That’s ridiculous.
I didn’t see it before because I am using a 10″ laptop and the site is formatted so that some of the advertisements are blocking the view (in this case the $1 is covered up by the revision ad – but I just can make out the 65 – for reference).
Kegs(Quote This Comment)
Two things. Firstly the whole piece is extremely well put together…my favorite sentence is a sentence within a sentence ” – I actually had to re-read the description because I thought I was seeing things.” I won’t bore anyone with why that second part after the hyphen works for me…but it does.
But less importantly, I find it fascinating how Man has such…I won’t say such little regard for but…such ignorance of the importance of having a flashlight and a gun (a knife makes a good third item to have) readily, and I mean readily available. Think about it…for millennia that instinct would have been there and it has almost disappeared and it has to be retaught to us by experts such as James G. Truly fucking fascinating.
John Grant(Quote This Comment)
@Kegs
Thanks for the extra info. I’m going to try that setup until I can get the new one ordered in. The regular LED mini-mag works okay but not enough light output for some things.
Tigger(Quote This Comment)
Hey, thanks… I’m a bit of a flashlight addict. Knives are good, too.
Lots and lots or research.
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In response to the “anti-Surefire” comment…
Firstly, you are entitled to your opinion… However, please don’t be misinformed on the topic.
Surefire was an innovator in a market of copy cats. They continue to innovate, but in their own special way. Yes, I find it frustrating that they don’t have the latest-greatest whiz-bangery… But sometimes that’s a good thing. Surefire spends years thinking up a product, designing it, re-designing it, making prototypes, then testing each and every aspect of their stuff until it is beyond destroyed. Then they take a look at each of those aspects and make everything _BETTER_. No, their lights aren’t the brightest, or the most efficient, nor do they have a hundred thousand modes/strobes/etc.
But they work. Each and every time. Their lights are expensive for two reasons: 1) (see above) and 2) their customer service. They will do warranty work on lights that are 15+ years old. they aren’t constantly “upgrading” (changing) their designs every few months. You can be darn sure that the P6 you purchased when they were first available will continue to light up, with their standard P60 bulb/Reflector combination. And you can choose to upgrade to any of a myriad of custom and production P60 drop ins available.
JB(Quote This Comment)
Maybe I’m just lucky but I seem to have tons of luck with cheaper flashlights, as in sub $50 ones. I usually carry two anyways and aside from battery issues I’ve never had one fail. An engineer once told me that 80% of the cost on some items were for that final extra 10% of performance. I’d rather save a hundred bucks on a flashlight and use it for practice ammo.
Wix(Quote This Comment)
The FFL I work at sees a lot of use from the Surefire Headquarters in Fountain Valley. A few of the employees I know very well have been talking about the AA powered lights for sometime. James you’ll be very happy to know that soon nearly all their handhelds will AA powered soon. Their LED technology is evolving about as fast as James Cameron’s 3-D technology.
Kevin(Quote This Comment)
Hi guys .
(First post . I am reading for a few months . Great blog . Congrats and thanx .)
My sugestion .
Fenix-fenix-fenix
TK10(2 CR123) my gun light (I will buy something lighter-prefer AA)
LD20(2 AA) my kit light
E01(1 AAA) my EDC light( I am buying the LD15(1 AA) also for EDC)
PRO(Quote This Comment)
I had a Fenix fail on me here in Iraq – just stoped working
~James G
James G.(Quote This Comment)
I have been having the same problems. Not stop working outright, just go from being on to being off and not turning back on without a couple of smacks on something solid. Have done the battery changes, have hit them with cans of air and cleaning clothes and it still keeps happening.
It was working solid for 2 full years and then has just been working spotty for the past few months. I have an email into them and I will see what they say.
Switched to my gladius and various surefire lights that I have had for equal to a longer amount of time and they are still going strong. No problems with either, ever.
Sometimes you have to pay for quality, it is why I like HK, TAD, and various other high end gear. Not because I want my tactical bling. But because the items I have from them have never failed. I go for quality, be it a 50 buck torch or a 160. And with surefire I know that ever time I hit that tailcap switch it is going to give me light. I can no longer say that about my Fenix, and I have up until my issues with them have been a big proponent of them.
On the plus side, I have started to use my fenix lights in training so I can practice low light drills with torch failures and transitioning to my backup. It is kind of nice because I never know when it is going to go out.
Eugene(Quote This Comment)
I like surefire.Great lights but a bit overpriced.As for the CR123 being expensive just do a search on ebay for ” RCR123+charger” I bought last year a charger and 8 rechargeable RCR123 and i am using them ever since.I have some “normal” CR123 for backup but never had to use them.Whenever there is a plug i can charge them and it cost me around 30$! 30$ for i years use and i mean every day!now i am still going to by EL2 AA just because i like having options but i am also going to put a Nitecore Extreme head with 220 lumens high a second user defined mode and strobe.
Dimitris(Quote This Comment)
I’ve got Fenix, Surefire, and Quark (the brand made by 4sevens.com) lights in varying shades of “tactical”, ranging from a small keychain light to the Tacti-cool 6p and Z2 (or, at least, the older incandescent version, before it was lost/stolen). I’ve had decent luck with all of them, but I would add that the most hostile environment they were used in was SAR missions and training. Unfortunately, at least with the style of mantracking I specialized in, the single-output incandescent Surefires I had back then were too bright. And, the batteries didn’t really last long enough to be used as a primary.
I have nothing negative to say about Surefire. I would only add that there are AA variants of lights made by Fenix (however reliable they might be). Also, the “Quark” brand of lights has several battery and switch options, a better and more solid (IMHO) fit and finish than the Fenix, and is a decent price. My EDC Quark tactical has been performing reliably for months now.
@ JB, great input. Very interesting to learn the background to all of that.
For those who have had issues with the lights failing, has anyone tried using a product like “DeoxIT” on the threads? I recall seeing something on the candlepower forums about oxidation mucking things up if the original dielectric grease was removed or supplanted by a more traditional lube that one might use on firearms, etc.
acrunchyfrog(Quote This Comment)
Personally I don’t like the Idea of buying a light – and then buying something else (that I will have to order and wait a month for from the states) just to fix a flaw that still may fail. It should work out of the box.
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
THE PRICE:
Yes this light is not cheap and I did address that in the article – Like I said if you use your light in your profession like I do the light will pay for itself in a couple months – I easily burn through 10 to 15 123A Batteries a month, back in 2003-2004 I went through 30 a month.
Admittedly you do pay a premium for the brand – but in this case the brand is a good one that has never failed me – ever. So for me and people like me who take their gear seriously because their lives could depend on it, paying for quality is just something you have to do sometimes.
And for the guys here that have been reading my articles for a while you know I am not a “gear guy” or “gear brand worshiper”, as you all already know I have a pretty deep distain for anything “tactical” outside of work (but I do like knives).
The only times I buy gear is when I need it for work for a specific situation, job or mission – or for one of my Indiana Jones wannabe adventurers in the 3rd world. So when I buy something and then feel it is a good enough piece of gear to take what little spare time I have and write an article about it then you know it is good fucking kit that an active operator/professional adventurer type would choose.
So basically if I buy it – it is because I need it, professionally
That may or may not mean anything to you and you can choose to take my gear opinions with a grain of salt – but that’s the deal with me and gear.
So if reliability in an extreme hard use environment without reliable supply chains is NOT something that your well being will depend on then I 100% agree – buy an LED mini-maglight for 20 bucks – a light of this caliber would be a waste of your money
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
Someone Said Only 80 Lumens (like that’s not enough for the price):
I tried it last night on the high setting – I can illuminate a man (one of my buddies here in Iraq nervously volunteered for this) with light sand kicking up at 2 blocks away with enough light for me to put my factory glock front sight on him (not extremely bright, but I could clearly see my target), and it will completely blind someone in the few foot range (same guy volunteered). Maybe some of you dude are zapping fools at 6 blocks away with your pistol but I am not so it’s good to go for my uses.
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
I’m sure this baby is great, wouldn’t expect anything less than perfect from Surefire. The criticism of the batteries though is nonesense, just use rechargeables, never had any issues with them and they only cost a couple of bucks. The 123A batteries are good, last a long time and provide some serious power, can’t really say the same about standard AA.
Bob(Quote This Comment)
Rechargeable Batteries are great when:
1) You are always around a power source and that power source wont BBQ anything you plug in
2) Weight and space in your pack/bag isn’t an issue
3) You have a golden conex where you can just grab a new cord/charger/rechargeable batteries when you inevitably break or lose a piece of the original
4) You live in a private clean room where only you have access or you don’t care if the charger gets stolen/stepped-on/rat eats the cord/waterlogged
5) You remember to bring the cord, charger and extra rechargeable batteries every time you go to another base/place
6) Basically they are great if you are a FOBBIT or live in the US or some other 1st world country and you go home every night. I have several rechargeable lanterns and flashlights at DVM Manor back in the US
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
This light has a burn time like 10 times longer than my previous EDC 123A Bat SureFire
~James G
James G(Quote This Comment)
Awesome, do you use a STAR 1911 for your job as well? I also think that a Chinese Tokarev is way better than an overpriced Vickers 1911! I know some dudes who had their 1911 jam, while I never had an issue with my Tokarev and Privi Partizan ammo!
Lo Szabo(Quote This Comment)
Yep, that power source thing. Spent over a month recently where the only power source was a pickup. The joys of plugging in a ton of rechargeable stuff and trying to keep everything charged. It was truly wonderful. I had a backpack full of chargers, cords, all kinds of crap which would of course get lost in the truck someplace.
Meanwhile, my Surefire in my pocket (with a box of batteries in the truck door) worked and worked. Granted it’s a 123A battery model but only because this AA one I didn’t know about, since buying 123A batteries is a lot of fun out in the sticks.
There is just not AC power available all the time or even some of the time.
David West(Quote This Comment)
Great articles and comments. Personally I will never buy a flashlight if it’s not a Surefire. The reason being that I used a G2D on a search for the best part of 12 hours before I had to switch to my backup – after that, I became a believer. I would very much like to see a Maglite do the same thing. With some things, you really do get what you pay for and for all the people I know who rely on flashlights extensively – only a Surefire cuts it.
Really enjoyed the comment regarding Surefire’s history and I’m gonna pick up some rechargeable 123′s and a charger ASAP! That’d be a godsend for me.
Cheers everyone,
~Alex S
Alex S(Quote This Comment)
OK . I believe you are way off on the analogy .
The Fenix are well proven lights around me and my environment . And i mean from outdoorsmen to SAR to law enforcement to military . We have yet to see one fail .
Of course the oldest light is 3-3.5 years old . I will get back to you in a couple of years.
PS . 1.You made me Google for a couple of minutes for the STAR pistol . Glock-34 for me .
2. I do not say that Fenix is better than Surefire . I am saying that if you can do your job with a Volkswagen do not buy a MERCEDES . Or buy it if you have the money and want to .
.
PRO(Quote This Comment)
Indeed. But, if you already bought the light and it’s now sitting in the junk bin useless, a few bucks might get a bit more life out of it. Although I wouldn’t be using it for anything high-stakes. (and assuming, of course, that a person keeps dead lights around to cannibalize or mess with later on)
I also prefer to have something work right out of the box, but that notion doesn’t keep us from using specific lubes/products to keep our equipment running. Militec (or whatever) for guns, deoxit for electronic devices, olive oil for cooking, astro glide for romantic interludes w/ the han-,er, the wife… vasaline wouldn’t cover all those bases, and my wife doesn’t like the smell of remoil and militec…
acrunchyfrog(Quote This Comment)
The STAR anology is bull-center. Why buy an US original when a cheaper, Chinese version is available?
My comment is as stupud as everybody here offering alternatives wgy one should not buy a SureFire…
And would you post a VW is better comment if somebody just posted why he bought a Mercedes? Now THAT anology sucks because VW does not copy Mercedes as the STAR did with the 1911…
Lo Szabo(Quote This Comment)
1. Fenix did not copy surefire (as far as i know-maybe you know of a fenix light that is a copycat). Both companys make lights . As both companys (VW-Mercedes) make cars . Better analogy .
2. Nobody posted that a Fenix or other is better than a surefire .
I want to say again that i just posted what i and people i know are using , did not expect such a reaction . Of course you have better experience , since this is your job but you dont have to be so agressive .
Anyway……………..you will not make me buy a surefire .
PRO(Quote This Comment)
It’s not my job, its about me seeing the same thing on CPF, USN, etc.: one person posts about his new flashlight and one has to chime in with Fenix, Diabolo, etc.
I owned to NiteCores and liked them and yes, SureFire overslept a few trends in the past. Also there us no innovation without looking at other companies and products.
But, why would you recommend someone in a remote place to buy something made for the outdoor community when a rugged, specialized product is already available? Will my Mom need a SureFire? Hell no, but James and other people on DVM a lot more…
In addition: it’s alwats that people post cheaper alternatives but not more interestung things like LensLight, Insight or Laser Devices.
Lo Szabo(Quote This Comment)
OK point taken .
I would not know the answers to your questions . Mister SJABO .
I value all the guys experience . It is all data points for me .
Thanx for the conversation .
This is my favorite US blog (with the Firearm blog)
Thanx for everything . Keep up the good work and good luck to you outhere .
PRO(Quote This Comment)
PRO – Ignore Szabo – he’s probably got PMS. Your analogy made a lot more sense, and he came off as an arrogant ass. This magazine is supposed to be for “professional adventurers and interesting people”, not just for big bad mercenaries like Szabo. Maybe some interesting people don’t make as much money as mercenaries and can’t afford $165 for a freaking light. Thanks for the very specific cheaper alternatives from a brand that has a good reputation. I think Szabo might have a crush on James.
Jack(Quote This Comment)
Relax, we are all friends here folks
I am going to go beat someone with my new light to see how much damage it can do, saw some KBR folks walking around and talking unnecessarily loud just a minute ago who would make fine test subjects
~James G
James G.(Quote This Comment)
Yeah, I agree, rechargeables are nice if you are in an environment where you can maintain them. I will say this: Li-ion is just like anything else… Used properly, it can be your best friend, used improperly, and you can turn your light into a pipe bomb… Yes, a pipe bomb.
Li-ion have a few things that make them, as James G. said, a non-issue in the field.
1)You need to purchase quality cells. Li-ion is a dangerous chemistry. There a shit-ton of bad quality/dangerous cells out there. I tend to purchase AW brand (yes, they are much more expensive than others), and avoid cheap stuff like Ultrafire, etc… I also only buy protected cells. These have a built in protection circuit that prevents the cell from being over-discharged and being damaged. The bad news with the PCB is that, for most types, you just lose the light instantly… Which can be bad in some situations.
2)Li-ion have a higher voltage than regular CR123 primary cells. Generally they are 3.6v nominal, 4.2/3v fully charged. Meaning that some lights can be damaged by using these cells. Incandescent bulbs tend to “insta-flash”, unless you upgrade to a higher voltage bulb (ie: 2xRCR123 = 9v bulb, 3xRCR123=12v, etc). Some LED lights will be damaged by use of Li-ion cells, if their electronics aren’t meant to use them.
3)When using Li-ion in series, you have to be careful to match cell voltage and capacity. Meaning you need a smart charger, and a digital multi meter. More crap to lug around/maintain/protect. If you use unprotected Li-ion in series, and a cell is mis-matched to its neighbor, it will go dead first. When this happens, you greatly, GREATLY increase the chance that the cell will either A) catastrophically fail, venting with a large fireball/explosion in the device, or B) do part A in the charger next time you charge it.
Lithium primary cells are very safe, with much, much lower chances of venting under load, because they only have to handle “the kitchen” once, under dis-scharge, not hundreds/thousands of times over a period of months/years.
Not meant to scare people away from using Li-ion, just meant to inform. This was just a very, very superficial explanation. If you are going to invest in Li-ion cells, please, please do some more research.
JB(Quote This Comment)
I haven’t heard anyone mention Inova. Personally I’ve always had good luck with them.
code24(Quote This Comment)
haven’t used one, but the gerber omnivore looks like a cool little travel light, it takes AA, AAA or CR123 batteries, probably with wildly different performance variation. anyone try those out yet?
thephil(Quote This Comment)
I guess there is some sort of Flashlight Brand Loyalty/anti-SureFire thing going on in the light and tactical forums I was unaware of
~James G
James G.(Quote This Comment)
I don’t care about brands. Bottomline is Surefire’s work. 165 bux is alot, until your stuck in your choice of shitholistan with a light that bailed on you. I don’t have the AA version…yet, but i get my CR123 on ebay in 12 packs for about 25 bux shipped.
JP(Quote This Comment)
Great. I have all these Surefire 123 powered lights and now Surefire will be coming out with AA powered versions. There are rechargable 123s but have not tried them yet. AA powered light for daily use from Surefire . I am ordering one. Had mag lights, hell, most flash lights fail on me. My Z2 has had karosene,diesel all over it .Also been thru the washer and dryer a few times. Aside from chipped finish no problems.
Mike91A(Quote This Comment)
+1 JP
I usually buy my CR123′s in bulk online. Either Duracell/Surefire brand or Energizer, I don’t risk Chinese cells.
Batteryjunction(.com) has Energizer cells for ~$1.50. I usually buy packages of 50 or more, and store the ones I don’t need.
JB(Quote This Comment)
My E2L is my EDC light for maybe 5 years now. Even the E1B wasn’t able to dethrone it. Its a great light and a perfect (for me) form factor. I’m thinking the dual-output + AA battery combination means I should start saving my pennies…
JBull(Quote This Comment)
Personally, I’m looking forward to picking one up. Couldn’t find a single one at the gun show to play with, guess no pre-buy finger banging.
As far as Fenix, I’ve run into similar problems. Not all of them, but out of the 5 I have, 2 are iffy, and have been regulated to the tool drawer in the kitchen, and 1 (TK40) is completely shot. Plus, Fenix customer service is almost impossible to get a hold of. I’ve sent numerous emails, but only received one replying to my first, that it had been received and I’d be contacted in due time… That was almost a year ago. Yeah…
The thing that sold me, originally, on the Fenix lights was the AA factor. You can’t argue that the 3V lithiums are a pain in the ass to find outside the US, and even in CONUS, they cost a buttload. There’s no reason why (quality) technology can’t catch up with the shitty imports. It just usually takes longer.
Anybody complain when EoTech came out with their AA models? Nope.
Rechargeable lights/batteries are great, but they have their place. Usually not more than 30ft from their charger. I’ve had horrible luck with rechargeables. Not sure why, but Streamlight, Insight, & Maglite have all given my problems. The latest one I’ve been using is the 5.11 Light For Life Flashlight PC3.300. So far, it hasn’t let me down… but… I’m not optimistic. Even when I’m carrying it, I still have my two primary lights with me, Gladius Maximis and E2D w/ aftermarket LED upgrade.
With all this talk about using rechargeable 3Vs, can someone recommend a quality recharger for them? The ones I’ve found are usually cheap china crap, and half the time, don’t work correctly.
M@tt(Quote This Comment)
That’s funny you mention it. I’ve noticed alot of anti-surefire rhetoric on CPF, which for the most part boils down to economics, and the fact that everybody “needs” 3 different strobe modes for the tactical encounter they will never have. I’ve had nitecore’s, Fenix’es, and Jetbeam’s, fail on me. Customer service at some of these vendors, “blows” at best… non-existent at worst.
When you’re just showing off to your friends one of the above lights will do in a pinch.
I can’t wait to get my hands on an AA surefire.
James, have you tested your light on partially depleted cells (say from a radio after a day’s worth of use)?
b.s.(Quote This Comment)
Thank you for the review. From what I understand, the AA Surefire comes on in low power mode and requires a second push of the button for high power mode correct? If I did not have to double tap the button to get to a tactical light level I would definately add one of these AA lights to my kit. Pressing the button twice for full bright won’t cut it for my needs. If I am incorrect please advise, as I will order post haste. Hope someone at Surefire is listening. Love the pocket clip too by the way.
Matt(Quote This Comment)
Actually, it’s a two-stage switch. Basically a light press puts the light on in the first mode, and pushing harder gets it on int he second mode. Twist the tailcap for constant on, and you get to the first mode, twist it further and you get to the second mode. So basically just mashing on the button is going to get the higher mode.
JB(Quote This Comment)
You can order Titanium CR123 cells online for $1 each. That’s what I do, just stock up. Yes, they’re ridiculously expensive in stores.
A flashlight running on alkaline AAs won’t have nearly the performance of a flashlight on lithium batteries. Yes, it’s better than nothing in a pinch, but preparation beats improvisation, and performance on alkaline batteries sucks. Since lithium AAs are much more expensive than the $1 lithium CR123s, I save money by using CR123 flashlights.
No one doubts or questions the quality of SureFire flashlights. The problem with SureFires is that, compared to the competition, SF flashlights are larger, heavier, less efficient, less bright, and have shorter runtimes, oh, and they cost 3X as much.
MedusaOblongata(Quote This Comment)
Awesome informative read and great replies / additions!
There’s a lot of you that can put your booger higher on the wall than I when it comes to talking about this particular piece of gear but heres my two cents…
- Nitecore, Fenix, Surefire, etc…in our business if you trust the gear to work and trust it with your life than get it.
- “Two is one and one is none”…I have one Surefire (Z2) that I take to project and it runs off 123s I will definitely invest in a high end AA.
- Really!?!?!? Really!?!?!?…..I presume were all ‘rock and roll’ operators ball’n in 100+K gigs! You dont want to pay to much for a flashlight that may out last you but youl pick up the tab for 15 guys drinking at the Irish Pub at Dubai airport. Pay the 1 to 2 hundred for a good flash light and take care of it. The Surefire I have was given to me as a gift over 7 years ago and runs like a champ (Ill still get the AA model).
Thats all for now. I will add that being a bit of a McGuiver I figured (as we all may have) that theres nothing worse than being in the dark and trying to find your light. I put a square piece of luminescent tape (cat-eye) on my light so I can find it next to me at night so if I get up from sleeping and its still dark Ill find it right away…just an idea.
See you on the other side!
B
CharmedLife(Quote This Comment)