Tactical / Carry Flashlight?

[sageowl]

Hi all,

Was wondering what anyone would suggest for a good high-power compact light. I currently have an old SureFire 9N rechargeable with 140 lumen primary and approximately 15 lumen map bulb, as well as several 120 lumen Dorcy Spyder 2x123A lithium lights. Both are great lights. In fact, if the Spyder had a belt clip and lost the rubber grip that likes to cling to the pocket, I wouldn't be looking for something else. Same story if the 9N were a smaller overall package.

Alas, here I am, looking for a new high-output "pocket" light. My two absolute requirements are 120+ lumens and a clip (carry in front-left pocket, outside edge). Thinking something of the 2 x 123A Lithium variety, but am open to suggestions in the same size category. Anything brighter out there that meets these criteria please let me know :).

With that said, my current thinking is a SureFire C2/M2 with the 120 lumen lamp unit. 20 minutes runtime of course is suboptimal but battery cost is unimportant (have SF123A's en masse to burn over the next few years).

Thanks all for your thoughts.

[JerryM]

Here is where you can get more info on flashlight than any other place.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?Cat=

A pocket light with an output of 120 lumens is not easy, but they will tell you of all the options.

Jerry

[springfieldmaniac]

The run times on those lights are going to be short.Not too many people keep extra batteries on their persons.The 60 lumen Surefire lights have an already relatively low run time I think of 60-90 minutes.I have a G2 and used to have a Z2.Frankly,The power of these lights seem to be quite suffient tactically or otherwise.Sometimes one has to compromise to get a happy medium of different performance aspects.Personally,I think you should stick with whatever Surefire models offer.They are pretty much on the top of the light market.

[danobr]

For 120Lu out of a 2 cell light, your ONLY option is a P61 in a Surefire 2 cell, i.e. 6P, C2, etc.

-dan

[sageowl]

Thought I would write a follow-up with my purchase decision and results.

I bought the SureFire C2 Centurion and a P61 lamp assembly. I've really not used the 120 lumen lamp (the P61), as the standard 65 lumen lamp with 60 minutes runtime does what I need it do well enough. The extra throw distance of 120 lumens is nice but the overwhelming majority of the time distance is not a factor. *humble eating of "absolutely-must-have 120 lumens" words ensues*

My only gripe about this light is the design of the oversized rubber grip ring, which likes to stick in my pocket. Wouldn't be an issue if the clip were to press against something else to hold it in place. Regardless, its a good light and its been clipped inside my front-left pocket since it arrived and has been used / practiced with extensively enough (in concert with the Kimber, of course) to warrant a change of batteries already. Second pair should last more than a week, since I'm done shooting in the dark for a while ;)

[HappyGunner]

If you don't like that rubber grip why not pick the E2E it has your required clip but no rubber grip. it's also less money. And maybe the L2 or L4 both have clips and their LED. Just another choice.

[mikikanazawa]

I agree with Happy on the E2E. I had a C2 and bought the E2E on a whim at a gun show. The E2E is quite a bit smaller than the C2, and I pack it more frequently as a result. It packs VERY easily in any pocket, has great lighting and makes a real nice general-purpose personal light with enough punch to be classified as a "combat" light.

Haven't used mine in combat, and I doubt I would... after being dark-adjusted, flicking that thing on would blind everyone in the room, not only a "perp!"

[Erik]

My E2E rides comfortably in most pant pockets, jacket pockets, nearly anywhere it can clip. I recommend it.

[Pharley]

I am a Streamlight Stinger fan myself.
Rechargeable, so it is always ready. Keep in my car battery charger at work, pop is out when needed, and charge it back up.

[mikikanazawa]

Since my last post on the E2E I played around with my dad's Streamlight TwinTask. It was rolling around the glove box of his truck, while sitting in traffic I pulled it out and flicked it on. The incandescent bulb BARELY lit up. I was like, hey dad, your battery's dead. I pressed the button again to click it off, forgetting that pressing the button again switches it to LED mode. The LEDs shone brightly, even on "dead" batts.

Then we got to talking about the LR123 batts it takes, and I turned him on to Sure Fire, where you can get a box of 12 batts for $15.

[USMCsilver]

I carry a Surefire Z2 Combat light with a GG&G TID (tactical impact device) and have the 120 lumen bulb in place.

I have a mag/Surefire holster for my 1911 and it works great, bezel up, in the holster. The only downfall, don't bend over too far to the left. The teeth on the TID can bite into your side in a hurry. :p

[tacitusknew]

new guy, thought id cast a centavo in

innova x-5 with TID from ggc is the
well, its the sheise

batteries are like 13 bucks and readily avail (camera batteries)
bulbs dont break wthout extreme effort
anodized alum. or titanium casing

and brighter than hell, have blinded a few dill rods with the thing after telling
them it was time to exit the establishment nicely

and the TID (tactical impact device) from GGC while it is spendy
is worth the buck and fun as
well
you get the idea

[Any .45]

You should check out the Inova T series or xseries durable and lon lasting battery life.

[seb5]

i've got several Surefires and use and like them a lot. But for everyday use and utility I prefer the Inova. The T-2 is my current favorite.

[chameleon]

I too have the 9N from Surefire. It was probably the most powerfull rechargable light in its day.
I started with the 6P Surefire when it was first introduced. I tried just about all of Surefire's products, and they are all top shelf, however some models more practical then others for everyday carry.

I was going to suggest dropping the 120 Lumens requirement, and I see that you did, and also suggest an E2E, or the E2D, bothe small, clip to the pocket real well, and you are more apt to have it with you everywhere. The 60 Lumens will more then suffice your everyday needs.
Below is a picture of my current collection of Surefires, and one LED from another manufacturer. The M2 does not see much action with its 120 Lumens, as it seems combersome to carry in street pants. Witha 5.11 Vest, no problem.They are all my favorite flashlights.http://www.fototime.com/6E42DE0C1867BE9/standard.jpg