Surefire vs. Streamlight

[BucknRut]

Anybody have any experiance with either of these flashlights? I like the idea of the surefire "aviator" because it has 3 led's which allows the batteries to last an extremely long time AND it has a xenon bulb that gives off very intense light, but has a battery life of about an hour. The cost for the aviator is $195!

Streamlight offers the same combo for about $30!

I've heard that some law enforcement use surefire and some use streamlight...can anybody help me out?

btw...I'm not set on any model or brand, these are just two that appealed to me. I am looking for something light, reliable, waterproof and rugged. What do you use?


Here is the Streamlight
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20158&hasJS=true

Here is the surefire
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...&parentType=index&indexId=cat20158&hasJS=true

 

[.338 mag.]

Flashlight

Flashlight

I have used the Surefire lights since they first came out. I own 3 different ones. I have not used the Streamlight. Surefire flashlights are top notch and widely used by some impressive folks and "special teams" I consider them a "special purpose light". I keep one on my night stand, in my truck and I carry one at work. I always have one on a hunting trip. I use 2 and 3 cell Mag Lights for general use.

 

[Targetman]

Surefire...

Surefire...

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/888/sesent/00

I use the SureFire E2E Executive. When I ordered mine, I got the Red and the Blue lenses, a box of batteries, a battery carrier, a lanyard, and a high output lamp for about $130 (25% military discount when purchased direct from SureFire). It has worked flawlessly in heat and cold. One of the best features is the low price lithium batteries that have a 10 year shelf life. Mine has travelled to South Africa, California, Oklahoma, Adak, Wrangells, and the Chugach and has taken some hard knocks but still works like a champ.

 

[AKmud]

Surefire all the way

Surefire all the way

I've been using their lights for the last 9 years and have yet to change a bulb. I have their M500 on my AR-15 and it will light up the world! I have one of theirs on my Remington 870 and I also carry one of their smaller lights which isn't offered any more, but has been great. It came with a rechargeable battery which didn't do too well, but the cylinder of the light has a removeable portion which allows me to use regular CR123 Lithium batteries and they work great. Considerably brighter than the rechargeable and last a lot longer.

To me, the quality is worth the $$$. I spent $350 for my M500, $185 for the light on my shotgun, and $119 for the small light.

If you are looking for a bit larger light, I wouldn't rule out the rechargeable Mag light (about the size of a 3-D cell). For about $100 you get a great light and it is nearly indestructable! Mine has taken a beating and is still shining bright.

 

[BTK]

Either

Either

Costco Wholesale carries the streamlights often up here. I have bought a lot for me and friends. The switches on the streamlights seams to fail a little too soon. They are as bright as my bros surefire. I end up carrying a couple streamlights to his one but mine are always handy. For the money??
Depends what you want it for.

 

[Blaster]

Surefire lites are incredibly bright. The battery will not last an hour with extended use. Mine is a real old model, I forget the number but I have to replace the bulb, which means replacing the whole lamp assembly but it's only 17 bux. This lite was almost one hundred dollars almost 12 years ago. The newer ones are real nice and the price reflects that. Expensive part is that my lite uses two camera type batteries at 5 bux a piece. But, I will replace that lamp on it as it is incredibly bright and comes in handy.

I've owned the Streamlites too andthey aren't near as bright but great lites.

 

[BucknRut]

Why is it...

Why is it...

...that you guys can almost NEVER talk me into anything cheap?!?!

I should have known before I even asked, but the fact is that I am looking for the best light out there and I have NEVER heard a complaint about the surefires. I have always used maglights and can't complain about them for the min they cost and I will continue to use the 2 and 3 D-cell large lights. Surefire it is.

Now I just need to find the model I want. Here are my criteria:
-small
-minimum weight
-1 or 2 batteries
-prefer push button over twist end switch
-waterproof (aren't they all???)

Any suggestions? Has anyone played with the Aviator?

Thanks a bunch,
Joshua

 

[BucknRut]

Blaster

Blaster

...Expensive part is that my lite uses two camera type batteries at 5 bux a piece. But, I will replace that lamp on it as it is incredibly bright and comes in handy.

Blaster...consider buying them in bulk. That's what I did when I was spending lots of time with the camera in the cold. It will save you lots.

 

[BucknRut]

One more thing...

One more thing...

Do you ever have a problem with accidentally clicking the light on? I like the Defender for the simple reason that the switch is protected by the defender bell, but not interested in paying the extra $$$ for that.

 

[TBLOOMA]

surefire 6p

surefire 6p

I have the surefire 6p, got it at bass pro for $30!! Case(12) of batteries ran $12. I have seen the same one at sportmans warehouse for the same money. I know alot of guys that have the Aviator, and like it, but when i show them mine, the like it better. 1. it's smaler, about half the size. uses the same batteries. And both are SUPER bright. This light sits in the bottom of my flight bag and in the bottom of my packback while hunting, I had it 3 yrs now and have replaced the batteries 3 times i think, and have never replaced the bulb. You can get the 120lms bulb if ya want, but the 60 lumens bulb is plenty.mine has a push button at the end for short bursts, but mainly it has the screw in end, and it never comes on in my pack accidently. I believe in you get what ya pay for, but this is a deal for sure!! Had many mag lights before, and this is where it is at. I'll have to admit, one of the mechanics on the flight line had one of those rechargeable 3cell mags and it was pretty impressive, but he was impressed that i got so much light out of the little unit i had.
just my .2

 

[Alaskacanoe]

Oh wow!!!

Oh wow!!!

this is amazing stuff,,, I am so far behind the curve.. I still hold my mini mag in my teeth when I need a head lamp...
I have been known to cook entire meals with a flashlight in my teeth..
set up a tent, and finish cape on a moose....
but then again.. a head lamp with LED and other bright lamps would be of interest... old dogs..new tricks...huh...lol
I gotta get out to the stores more often and look at the new things..
lol
Max..

 

[BucknRut]

...Max

...Max

this is amazing stuff,,, I am so far behind the curve.. I still hold my mini mag in my teeth when I need a head lamp...
I have been known to cook entire meals with a flashlight in my teeth..
set up a tent, and finish cape on a moose....
but then again.. a head lamp with LED and other bright lamps would be of interest... old dogs..new tricks...huh...lol
I gotta get out to the stores more often and look at the new things..
lol
Max..

ha, ha...been there, done that. Had a headlamp on my Christmas list for 3 years before I recieved one last year! I have used the headlamp more than any other flashlight combined. camping, hunting, fishing, doing electrical work, plumbing, wrenching on the truck... Canoe, you gotta get one. I have a used 4 different one's now and I would strongly suggest the Petzl Tikka Plus or the Petzl Tikka Tech?? Plus (the 2nd has a red filter for emergency beacon). Cost $36 and $40 respectively. The Browning Black Ice is also a good light, but I like the Petzyl better. Another option for you is the "catz eyes" that clips on the bill of a basball cap. Cost about $10.

 

[BucknRut]

6P for $30 at Bass Pro???

6P for $30 at Bass Pro???

I have the surefire 6p, got it at bass pro for $30!! Case(12) of batteries ran $12. I have seen the same one at sportmans warehouse for the same money. I know alot of guys that have the Aviator, and like it, but when i show them mine, the like it better. 1. it's smaler, about half the size. uses the same batteries. And both are SUPER bright. This light sits in the bottom of my flight bag and in the bottom of my packback while hunting, I had it 3 yrs now and have replaced the batteries 3 times i think, and have never replaced the bulb. You can get the 120lms bulb if ya want, but the 60 lumens bulb is plenty.mine has a push button at the end for short bursts, but mainly it has the screw in end, and it never comes on in my pack accidently. I believe in you get what ya pay for, but this is a deal for sure!! Had many mag lights before, and this is where it is at. I'll have to admit, one of the mechanics on the flight line had one of those rechargeable 3cell mags and it was pretty impressive, but he was impressed that i got so much light out of the little unit i had.
just my .2

TBLOOMA, I had a look at Bass Pro and there price was $60, just wondering if you had a "finger slip" or if I should keep trying to find a better price. I liked the feel of the E2E Executive much better than the 6P, but from what I understand you get approximately the same amount of light out of them and for half the price...well, I suppose I won't get tooo picky.
Joshua