Maglight vs. Surefire

[Iman74]

Please vote for your light of choice and why?

Mine is simply the Mag for many reasons.
1. It's affordable unlike the Surefire.
2. It's a pretty solid light for the money. Not saying to do this, but with their big model, you can beat the living crap out of someone with it.
3. You can justify it's use, and secretly keep it in your car more as a weapon than a flashlight. Let's be honest, you can easily fit the smaller models in the glove department; I do.
4. It's a well known light.
5. They make a nice small flashlight "Solitaire" that is perfect for the keychain.
6. I have not done a comparison, but I think it would shine a light more than sufficient even when compared to the Surefire.

My only gripe I have with a flashlight is the Mag is the only flashlight I needed to change the bulb on more than one occassion. But that could also be the fact that it's the most used flashlight by me.

 

[kglueck]

Maglite rechargable all the way. got one stuck to the wall just inside my office, one in my computer machine room also at work, one in the back of my 4r, and one near the bedroom at home for those "infrequent" power outages... :

It's bright. it's durable. and yes, you CAN use it as an axe in a pinch if you need firewood... (and I have yet to have to change a bulb...which actually suprises me after the crap I've thrown the one in my 4r through...)

Kevin

 

[flownosaj]

I used to like mags, but I'd rather have a 5watt led based light (Surefire L4) that is nearly 5X brighter and half the size or less. To get that, you don't necessarily need to buy from an elite (and expensive) line like surefire--go buy a Pelican, Streamlight or Nuwai for half of that price.

If I wanted a club, I'd store a club--I want a super bright hand held light that I can see what I'm doing at 2am in the rain and not have to bust out the spotlight.

If you want the perfect keychain light, go buy an Arc AAA. Much smaller than the Mag Solitare, brighter, and you'll never need to replace the bulb since the Arc is led based.

Google these names for any more info or check out candlepowerforums.com , but be warned, these guys are as crazy over lights as you guys are over 4Runners.

 

[SteveM]

Well, for what I need a flashlight for, I like the Surefire Aviator better than any Maglight (I don't need a flashlight for a weapon).

I use mine for illuminating cabling runs in confined spaces at work. I need a small powerful flashlight for short periods of time and the xenon bulb really does the job for me. For general illumination, the LED portion works well too.

 

[dcampen]

20, maybe even 10, years ago Maglights were the best thing around. But now they are old technology, stuck in the past. I own a lot of maglights but I doubt that I will ever buy another.

I won't buy Surefire because they don't use AA batteries. The most recent lights that I have bought are the Underwater Kinetics UK4AA in a couple of variations:
UK 4AA standard incandescent
UK 4AA 1 watt LED
UK 4AA NiMH rechargeable
Unless you want the extra brightness of the 4 watt bulb on the NiMH rechargeable model then the 1 watt LED is a better choice than the standard incandescent.
Also, for an even brighter light, I take a 4 watt bulb module for the UK4AA NiMH rechargeable and drive it with L91 lithium cells.

Brightguy has a special price on the LED models:
http://www.brightguy.com/detail.html?cart=109103410696561&sku=UND14401

 

[Good Times]

I got em both but I voted for surefire

the mag helps for just keeping it on for an extended period for working at might for stuff.

If you're looking for the best deal on protection then I'd go w/ the surefire... light travels faster than a blunt object hitting someone. Hit the light into the punks face and he's blinded for a good sec or two. (just enough time to give him a quick blow or run!). All you need is to surprise the person and you're in good shape. If you try to fight, you might have to worry about a weapon that might pop out or they might be able to deflect the mag... (my personal take).

 

[Woodbert]

I've got both and Surefire is superior in everyway. I have an E2e and a C2 Centurion. I have the E2e in the sunglass holder and at 60 lumens is far brighter than anything Maglight offers.

The C2 is 65 lumens and will temporarily blind someone. Read the Surefire website if you want to know about light(s).

And they give a 25% discount and free Priority shipping to military and law enforcement. Great company!

 

[d3cypher]

My vote is for the surefire, they are awesome for small bright defensive lites with tail switches. Maglight is what I use in the trucks, for beating sticks.. No not really, that's why I carry a pistol

I think I need to start a new thread... look for one soon. called "show off your guns"

-john

 

[AlmightyMoonPie]

I have a few Maglites and they are decent lights, dont really like the yellowish light that they give off, but you never know when that 2' long light might be needed, as a hammer or a club.
I do like the surefire much better as a whole, I have had my 6P for a while and even upgradded the bulb to the 120 Lumus model, But i do not like the fact that the batteries are expensive, and with the brighter output dont last long. I am contemplating ordering a A2 Aviator, highout put light and three LEDs.

MP

 

[fish]

Other: Streamlight Scorpion. $30 at lapolicegear.com.

 

[Benbpi]

Surefire 6p

I voted for the surefire. I own both and my 6p is much brighter, and easier to carry under the rig, and put in your pocket. And just like d3cypher said, no need for a beating stick, thats what my pistol is for.

-Ben

 

[Iman74]

I have to admit this to all; I am a dedicated Maglight owner, and I just don't think what it costs for batteries let alone a flashlight when it comes to Surefire is worth it. However, I used to think the same about Photonlight till I went to that flashlight forum mentioned in this thread, and it seemed like anybody that keeps a flashlight on their keychain (believe me you need that more than a knife) has a Photonlight . So I decide to bite the bullet and spend $20 for one (shipping is free). First impression was a small package for a $20 bucks, but man can that little package make such a bright light. Well I have now converted (keychain lights only...for now) to Photonlight . So since I did not specify keychains, I will keep my vote for Maglite, but this is more of letting you guys know of a product that is better out there, and much more affordable unlike those Surefires.

 

[flownosaj]

I like Photon lights, but I had them turn on and drain the batteries way too many times. Even with the time-out feature on the Photon III, it still wasn't worth it for daily carry. A light doesn't do much good if the batteries are dead.

I still carry it sometimes for the multi-brightness feature, but for most of the time, I carry an Arc AAA on my keychain. It's waterproof and damn near bomb-proof! Just try to destroy one of these things! The AAA lets it run for 6-8 hours at full brightness and then a good number more on a dimmer moon-mode.

I hate to sound like some infor-mercial geek, but I am completley sold on the ARC line. They may cost more than most lights out there, but if you want something that can laugh off a beating (11 months in Iraq) and come back for more, then these may be the last lights you ever need to buy.

Arc web page

I may sound like a nut, but I have quite a bit of money invested in lights. Arc and Surefire cost the most, but I've found that like anything else, you get what you pay for. By being a smart shopper, you can get lithium batteries for a little over a buck each, and if you use your lights and lithium-123 cells a lot, buy some rechargeables.

 

[dancojgl]

you can easily fit the smaller models in the glove department

I keep my 3-cell Maglite under the driver's seat, tucked in between the right-hand seat rail and the center console. Fits nice and snug, and hasn't bounced free yet...

—Dan

 

[SteveM]

I have to admit this to all; I am a dedicated Maglight owner, and I just don't think what it costs for batteries let alone a flashlight when it comes to Surefire is worth it. However, I used to think the same about Photonlight till I went to that flashlight forum mentioned in this thread, and it seemed like anybody that keeps a flashlight on their keychain (believe me you need that more than a knife) has a Photonlight . So I decide to bite the bullet and spend $20 for one (shipping is free). First impression was a small package for a $20 bucks, but man can that little package make such a bright light. Well I have now converted (keychain lights only...for now) to Photonlight . So since I did not specify keychains, I will keep my vote for Maglite, but this is more of letting you guys know of a product that is better out there, and much more affordable unlike those Surefires.

I agree that the Surefire flashlight price is a bit high, but the batteries are actually pretty reasonable. I got a case of 12 lithium batteries (size 123 I think) delivered to my door for less than $20. They last quite a while if you stay out of the xenon part of the light and use the LEDs. They last about 45 minutes when using the xenon bulb.

 

[Iman74]

Can you be a little more specific on how long the Photon lights last on battery? Really curious since I am now an owner of it.

I like Photon lights, but I had them turn on and drain the batteries way too many times. Even with the time-out feature on the Photon III, it still wasn't worth it for daily carry. A light doesn't do much good if the batteries are dead.

I still carry it sometimes for the multi-brightness feature, but for most of the time, I carry an Arc AAA on my keychain. It's waterproof and damn near bomb-proof! Just try to destroy one of these things! The AAA lets it run for 6-8 hours at full brightness and then a good number more on a dimmer moon-mode.

I hate to sound like some infor-mercial geek, but I am completley sold on the ARC line. They may cost more than most lights out there, but if you want something that can laugh off a beating (11 months in Iraq) and come back for more, then these may be the last lights you ever need to buy.

Arc web page

I may sound like a nut, but I have quite a bit of money invested in lights. Arc and Surefire cost the most, but I've found that like anything else, you get what you pay for. By being a smart shopper, you can get lithium batteries for a little over a buck each, and if you use your lights and lithium-123 cells a lot, buy some rechargeables.

 

[ssmumich00]

SUREFIRE!
Hands down, they do cost $$$$, and the replacement batteries and bulbs are $$$, but the intensity of the light is unbelieable, and uncompareable to anyothers on the market. . .
IMO!

Suneil

 

[Iman74]

Maybe it's just me but I find this really funny. I made a note about the Arc Flashlight from what I read for I thought it would be a nice X-mas present. Well I am going through my list now, and when I went to their flashlight webpage I just learned they went out of business. I guess the flashlight wasn't that good

I like Photon lights, but I had them turn on and drain the batteries way too many times. Even with the time-out feature on the Photon III, it still wasn't worth it for daily carry. A light doesn't do much good if the batteries are dead.

I still carry it sometimes for the multi-brightness feature, but for most of the time, I carry an Arc AAA on my keychain. It's waterproof and damn near bomb-proof! Just try to destroy one of these things! The AAA lets it run for 6-8 hours at full brightness and then a good number more on a dimmer moon-mode.

I hate to sound like some infor-mercial geek, but I am completley sold on the ARC line. They may cost more than most lights out there, but if you want something that can laugh off a beating (11 months in Iraq) and come back for more, then these may be the last lights you ever need to buy.

Arc web page

I may sound like a nut, but I have quite a bit of money invested in lights. Arc and Surefire cost the most, but I've found that like anything else, you get what you pay for. By being a smart shopper, you can get lithium batteries for a little over a buck each, and if you use your lights and lithium-123 cells a lot, buy some rechargeables.

 

[flownosaj]

...when I went to their flashlight webpage I just learned they went out of business. I guess the flashlight wasn't that good

Yes, they are out of business. Many good companies are forced out of business. I'm a little bitter about it right now...
:soapbox:
Due to multiple harassment lawsuits by a much larger company with lawyers on staff and a huge budget with lots to gain and little to loose, Arc finally went under. Recent history shows multiple examples where larger companies squash the competition with long, drawn out procedings that drain the resources of the smaller company and either force them to go under or put them into a situation where the idea/product is put into limbo.

Unfortunately, there will be very few Arcs around any more--demand is greater than supply and currenty the cost of the AAA models available have nearly doubled.

On the upside, the money I have invested into the Arc lights have grown in worth much faster than the money invested in the stock market :satan:

 

[ahearn]

LED lights

If you've ever used a Surefire LED such as the E1e or E2e with KL1 LED head, or L4, or L5, or one of the less expensive 1 watt to 5 watt LED lights from ARC, Pelican, Nuwai, Dorcy, Inova, or others, you'll never go back to incandescent Mags again. Promise. Check out the forums at www.candlepowerforums.com.

Al
www.LeaseGuide.com