Streamlight vs. Surefire

[bk43]

Rechargeable batteries are much improved over 10 years ago and they are probably the best way to go in the long run.

I agree and hear real good things about the Streamlight. But, my number one criteria is reliability during hurricanes. The light has to work every time, even when the power is out, so Surefire it is. I own six different Surefire models, weird I know but I have fun.

I would think you buy the light that best meets your needs which may be very different from the next guy.

Bob

 

[Firehouse]

I'm partial to Streamlite, but I carry an Insight Technologies HX150R in my pocket daily at work. It's a good light, durable, decent battery life, and very bright. There are lots of excellent lights out there. It's basically a personal decision.

 

[FirebirdV8]

I would think you buy the light that best meets your needs which may be very different from the next guy.

Bob

I think this is the main point. For example, I mentioned earlier that I use my flashlight to inspect aircraft. For me any light over 120 to 150 lumens is really too bright be able to do up close inspections and they really hurt when reflected back at my eyes from the inspection mirror. Since these are used as tools for me, the added expense doesn't bother me that much. Now if I was just going to stick it in my cars glovebox, I would just buy a 2D maglight and call it good. You will mainly want to look for you requirements for brightness (use lumens and not candle power) and runtime.
Overall you can't go wrong with either surefire or streamlight. Also, even with these large companies make upgrades in their LED lines. I know Surefire just upgraded their line of LED lights again as all of my Surefires are using discontinued LED's. For instance, my 6P original was upgraded to an LED about 2 years ago with an 80 Lumen output. The new 6P LED puts out 120 lumens. Anyway, hopefully you find the right light.

 

[kscardsfan]

My biggest complaint is that streamlight and surefire measure their output in different units. Does anyone know how to convert one unit to the other unit?

 

[sipowicz]

If you are keeping the light for emergencies...CR123s are the way to go since they have a 10 year shelf life...rechargeables are great if you are using the light regularly.

 

[Grog]

A vote for the Inova, I would say they are as reliable as possible and duty-ready. I carried a 5.8watt version (from a weak moment at target) for a year at work.

It is carried daily in my go-bag as a backup because it has ALWAYS worked. Their keychain light works well too but I still have a ten year old Photon II on my keychain. The Inova is clipped to my sunvisor.

 

[7tenz]

I have a small collection of streamlites, some xenon and one led. The xenon gulps cr123 batteries dry quick.

I like the led for when I'd go look for the dogs at night. Something about the wavelength that makes their eyes stand out real bright.

 

[NE450No2]

I have been using Surefires since the first 6P's came out. I am still using the first two of them I bought, way back in the day.

My every day carry, EDC, is the E1e. I have it in my pocket 100% of the time...

When I leave the house I add the A2 Aviator with the white LED.

I always keep an M6 in my hunting pack, and I keep a few Nitrolons around for spares.

I have a few Surefire dedicated weapon lights in use, as well.

Surefires are the beat handhelds on the Planet IMHO.

I have been to the SureFire "factory in Calif. and I was impressed with the operation, the "workers", the "big cheese" and the scientists as well.

As Oscar Wilde once said, "I have the simplist of tastes, I am always satistified with the BEST"...

And THE BEST, is Surefire...

 

[smith revolver cop]

I've used Streamlight for years (starting with the very first SL-20!). I currently use the Scorpion LED. I started with the regular Scorpion, to replace the old AA Mini-MagLite. It's easy to carry on a duty belt, plenty bright, and easy to hold and use. (I learned early in my career to have a flashlight on my belt even on dayshift!) Only downside was how quickly it consumed CR123 batteries. The LED version solves that problem- at least 3-4 times the hours on a set of batteries, and the LEDs will start dimming when it runs low, instead of going from "bright" to "nothing" in a matter of minutes! The LED head makes the flashlight a little bit longer (due to cooling concerns for the LED), so it took a while to find just the right holder.