The Down Range Forum
Member Section => Down Range Cafe => Topic started by: SigShooter on December 05, 2008, 03:17:05 AM
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I'm thinking about a ccw flashlight for my Xmas list and need some suggestions from end-users of such products. I'm leaning towards something from Surefire or Streamlight, because those are brands I recognize, but I don't want to be too focused on big name brands if others can seriously compete (I'm sure I'm going to get comments on my SN for this forum, but it's just what I could think of when I joined). So what are the best choices for a ccw flashlight whether or not they're from prominent brands?
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I've got a 1-cell LED Surefire in my pocket right now that goes everywhere with me. Maybe that's the prerequisite for a carry light. Will I carry it? This light is the E1L, which is more of the outdoors/all-around light. It is fairly bright and battery life has been great! I will be getting the single cell tactical light next. I have another 2 cell incandescent light in the safe. It is the Surefire E2D, which I would rather have in LED configuration. This has been a great light and I have used it in lights-out pistol matches as well. This light also has the strike bezel for when the proverbial @&%# has hit the fan. I've given myself a little more than a light rap on the skull to get an idea how effective this would be and I would say *ouch*. They seem to have done this right, hope I never need it though.
There may be other great lights out there, but I can certainly attest to Surefire's ruggedness and reliability. Another reason that I chose this brand was because their headquarters is a short drive from me, in case I have any trouble. I'm happy to say that I've had none!
I have an LED MagLight that may not see too much use anymore. These others just kick its butt.
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As I type this, a Surefire E2D LED Defender rided in my left jeans pocket, and as the AmEx slogan goes, I don't leave home without it!
Personally, the Surefire is the only game in town! JMHO! I have several and think they're the best in the business. I just recently upgraded from the L4 Lumamax to the E2D LED Defender. Only 20 lumens difference, but the lens set-up is so much more to my liking!
The L4 is a great light, but is best suited to relatively close quarters for best effect. If you try and see something more than 25 yds out, it just doesn't have the 'throw'. In the deep woods where there are lots of brush and trees, its great, just like inside your house or any other building. The L4's output is 100 lumens.
The E2D LED Defender is just as Fuzzdaddy descibed except that it uses an LED with a special TIR or 'total internal reflection' lens, which throws a much tighter longer beam. This lens is what I have been looking for, living out in a rural setting. It more than doubles the effective range of the the light. It also throws a fairly good periphial beam. The output of the E2D LED Defender, is 120 lumens.
Both lights have their place, and are absolutely, reliable. You won't be disappointed!
Hope this helps!
J.
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I own several Fenix (https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22) lights. They are well made and very reasonably priced. I just purchased one of these (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_37&products_id=358) - 220 lumens and it is strobe capable. One caveat, they are made in the land of the godless heathen that want us all dead.
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See this thread on tactical flashlights:
http://www.downrange.tv/forum/index.php?topic=3102.0
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Check out "First Light" flashlights. Pricy but worth it.
Richard
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not sure if you can get them in the USA
I have just ordered my self a couple of torches from here
http://wolfeyes.com.au/
the Sniper 260 (http://wolfeyes.com.au/wolf-eyes-sniper-260-p-30.html?osCsid=4csehhmtef1jcsffnqak6tc766) is the most popular one
lol the way the Aussie $ is atm they would be a good buy as well for people in the US
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OK, I'll ask a dumb question. Is y'alls electricity compatible with ours (US) or would we need a converter to run the chargers?
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I don't know about you but for CCW needs this is my choice !
http://www.surefire.com/HellFighter
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OK, I'll ask a dumb question. Is y'alls electricity compatible with ours (US) or would we need a converter to run the chargers?
I will check for you mate
over here it is 240VAC where it is 110VAC in the US
a lot of gear these days will work on both voltages.
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We're 110VAC and 60 hertz
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Here is a thread on lights by Watchmaker that is the best Ive ever seen.
http://www.packing4life.com/showthread.php?t=3314&highlight=lights
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I have a Surefire G2 that's with me most of the time...and a Browning MicroBlast that is in my pocket 24/7.
Here's an article that is on topic that I wanted to share:
http://pistol-training.com/articles/handgun-low-light-essentials (http://pistol-training.com/articles/handgun-low-light-essentials)
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Surefire Aviator (A2, I think). LEDs, bright, but with dimmer red light for reading maps, etc. You can get the dimmer light in red, white, green, blue and yellow. Red screws with night vision the least, hence my choice. Inside pocket of my suit coat each and every day (right side, so I can draw it with my non-gun hand, in case you're keeping score.)
Worth every penny.
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I got an email back
the chargers are 90- 240V (he actually haves plugs for both). if you want them
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not sure if you can get them in the USA
I have just ordered my self a couple of torches from here
http://wolfeyes.com.au/
the Sniper 260 (http://wolfeyes.com.au/wolf-eyes-sniper-260-p-30.html?osCsid=4csehhmtef1jcsffnqak6tc766) is the most popular one
lol the way the Aussie $ is atm they would be a good buy as well for people in the US
Hey we got an Aussie!
Sorry about the gun ban down there...... But glad you are part of the forum.
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Where have you been E? Our Aussie has been here for a week!
Now fess up.......................;D