1733 replies to this topic

[Mark R]

I want to get a Xenon Surefire torch after running around in the woods last night after some runners, Where is the cheapest, Niton is a little costly there MUST be cheaper around. I think the model i want is the 6P

Thx

[Bas]

I want to get a Xenon Surefire torch after running around in the woods last night after some runners, Where is the cheapest, Niton is a little costly there MUST be cheaper around. I think the model i want is the 6P

Thx

ebay

[Snapper]

I want to get a Xenon Surefire torch after running around in the woods last night after some runners, Where is the cheapest, Niton is a little costly there MUST be cheaper around. I think the model i want is the 6P

Thx

I got a Surefire G2. Its a lot cheaper than the metal bodied 6p unit. Brilliant torch, small & compact but powerful.

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[MrBlonde]

Just order it direct.
www.surefire.com
Works out at about £30 with the current exchange rate. Even after paying duty it's a good deal, or you could get a better model.

[Sheepy]

I just get cheapo ones off ebay that way it doesnt matter if it "goes missing" which 2 already have!

[Santini]

I got a G2 and it is a brilliant torch, much brighter than other peoples maglites etc when doing searches.

I got it from ebay with a holster for about 40 quid i think. I have done about 150 hours worth of duties now, mostly at night and I still havent had to change the batteries which is something I worried about as they aren't very cheap.

[WT]

Ebay's definately your best bet mate.

[Crusty]

Yeah, I got mine direct too. Much better value for money ( I think Niton is way too expensive. )

I'm currently using the Blackhawk Gladius. Not cheap, but if you can get it from the U.S. it's much, much cheaper.

[India Oscar]

Yay, a torch thread!! (Haven't seen one for a while!)

I got an ASP triad, half price from Niton (because ASP have now switched to LED) it easily outshines my colleagues big beefy Maglites, and they only carry them in winter, where as a little 'tactical' (how American!) light can live on your belt.

The only problem with this type of torch is they can be pricey with batteries as they use the funny 3V ones. As I don't use mine often I got a load from 7dayshop.com, for about half the price you can get them elsewhere (including ebay).

Another option is rechargable batteries, but you'll need to change the bulb. It appears your best bet might be to get a 9P (9V) bulb, in a 6P body, then use rechargable 3.6V(?) batteries to run it with.

If you're really interested in doing some research, go to candlepower.com, but be prepared to be out geeked. They really like their torches.....

IO

[Chigley Xpress]

Yay, a torch thread!! (Haven't seen one for a while!)

I got an ASP triad, half price from Niton (because ASP have now switched to LED) it easily outshines my colleagues big beefy Maglites, and they only carry them in winter, where as a little 'tactical' (how American!) light can live on your belt.

The only problem with this type of torch is they can be pricey with batteries as they use the funny 3V ones. As I don't use mine often I got a load from 7dayshop.com, for about half the price you can get them elsewhere (including ebay).

Another option is rechargable batteries, but you'll need to change the bulb. It appears your best bet might be to get a 9P (9V) bulb, in a 6P body, then use rechargable 3.6V(?) batteries to run it with.

If you're really interested in doing some research, go to candlepower.com, but be prepared to be out geeked. They really like their torches.....

IO

Apparently Uniross do a 3.0 volt battery and charger so you shouldn't have to change the bulb, ight work out to be a significant saving over primaries.

[India Oscar]

Apparently Uniross do a 3.0 volt battery and charger so you shouldn't have to change the bulb, ight work out to be a significant saving over primaries.

I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I think even the 3V rechargables, when freshly charged come in over 3Vs; so there is still a danger of blowing the bulb when you first power up. If you switch to a 9V bulb straight away, you still have the 6V as a 'back up' to use with non rechargable batteries.

As I say, I'm no expert, this is pretty much the extent of what I picked up from Candlepower.com before being out geeked!

IO

Edited by India Oscar, 21 May 2007 - 07:25 AM.

[matt_w]

Yeah, I got mine direct too. Much better value for money ( I think Niton is way too expensive. )

I'm currently using the Blackhawk Gladius. Not cheap, but if you can get it from the U.S. it's much, much cheaper.

How are you finding the Gladius? Have you strobed anyone with it yet?

[Crusty]

How are you finding the Gladius? Have you strobed anyone with it yet?

Awesome bit of kit, which is much brighter than a surefire. Also, the dimming function is great when writing notes etc as the surefire tends to reflect and dazzle too much off of paper. I've had it a for a while now, and only just this past weekend changed the batteries for the first time!

And, no, not strobed anyone!

[Chigley Xpress]

I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I think even the 3V rechargables, when freshly charged come in over 3Vs; so there is still a danger of blowing the bulb when you first power up. If you switch to a 9V bulb straight away, you still have the 6V as a 'back up' to use with non rechargable batteries.

As I say, I'm no expert, this is pretty much the extent of what I picked up from Candlepower.com before being out geeked!

IO

Me neither, but from what I understand they come off the charger at around 3.2 volts so they 'should' be OK with a 6v flashlight. Anyone care to try blowing a bulb . 123s are far too expensive for their capacity which is why I stick with AAs even more so now they've introduced the hybrid cells.

I'd second the bit about Chinese flashlights, there seem to be some amazing stuff coming out. I've got a Minimag sized light that will put out a very usable 10 lumens for over 50 hours but has an amazing 130 lumens instantly available. The only drawback is the glass lens which would be very difficult to replace if broken. It'll also give out 10/90 lumens with a dummy cell or 1AA body, but only half the runtime.

[rik105]

I have made my mind up and am going with a fenix l2d. It runs off 2 AA and puts out up to 135 luminems. The problem is I dont know where the cheapest place would be to get one as I have never bought a torch before.
Anyone help?

Rik

[matt_w]

Awesome bit of kit, which is much brighter than a surefire. Also, the dimming function is great when writing notes etc as the surefire tends to reflect and dazzle too much off of paper. I've had it a for a while now, and only just this past weekend changed the batteries for the first time!

And, no, not strobed anyone!

I stopped using my old 6P in favor of the Gladius. I like the dimming feature and have re-programmed the first channel to start dim and go bright as I find it more useful that way.

Get someone to run at you whilst you strobe them, it works a treat even in full daylight! It's a very good distraction technique if you ask me!

[Chigley Xpress]

I have made my mind up and am going with a fenix l2d. It runs off 2 AA and puts out up to 135 luminems. The problem is I dont know where the cheapest place would be to get one as I have never bought a torch before.
Anyone help?

Rik

That's the one I'm talking about, absolutely amazing. Sending PM. And no I don't sell them!

Edited by Chigley Xpress, 21 May 2007 - 12:17 PM.

[Bas]

Yeah, I got mine direct too. Much better value for money ( I think Niton is way too expensive. )

Have to agree. I paid £85 for mine a couple of years ago

[Gabba]

Click for a one I have just got

[Knighty]

Its been said already but ebay, also while there get some more batteries. Was out the other night on the beach looking for someone so had attacked a officer already, and my torch dies

[India Oscar]

Its been said already but ebay, also while there get some more batteries. Was out the other night on the beach looking for someone so had attacked a officer already, and my torch dies

Eek! Don't want that happening!

On the battery front though, these are the cheapest I've found:
http://www.7dayshop....ducts_id=101444


I AM IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH THESE PEEPS! But they are ludicrously cheap. Loads cheaper than E-bay.

IO

[matt_w]

Cheap lithium cells do EXPLODE - I have seen one 6P blow the lens and lamp out because the batteries went POP!

[Anto - PSNI - Con P/T]

I got a Surefire 9P last October.

Cannot recommend it enough!
I only have Maglites to compare it to (2xD cell and 2xAA cell type) so don't know how it stands up to other high spec models.
But it totally blows Maglites out of the water.

Recently we had half a dozen cops running round the woods with their standard issue 2xD cell Maglites looking for a potential suicide victim and not doing too well. Out comes my Surefire 9P and it's like a search light from a van. Deep penetration of the woods and several times brighter than a Maglite with a brilliant white light. Everyone was amazed at the power for the small size (fits into the document pouch on my belt and nearly the same size as my mini maglite.).
('victim' was later found safe and well at a party in a friends house and wondering what all the fuss was about )

If you shine it in someone eyes from a few meters away you will temporarily blind them.

As mentioned above watch out for battery usage and costs - half an hour constant on during the wood search was enough to warrant changing the batteries.
And the lens gets very hot if it is in constant use.
Carry spare batteries with you for protracted searches (they are small and easy carried).

Thanks to India Oscar for the link to cheap batteries - just bought 3 boxes - should last me a couple of years hopefully!

[Nicholas Angel]

If everyone seems to like surefires here, whats in there for MAGLITE??

[Crusty]

I used to be a Surefire fan, but the Gladius simply blows it out of the water in terms of power, functionality and most importantly, battery life. A 120 lumen Surefire will eat new batteries within 20 minutes. Simply too quick, whereas the Gladius might cost more initially but the batteries will last at least 90 minutes on full chug, or absolutely ages (hours!) if used in the dimmer mode (which is used a lot when doing roadside paperwork etc.) I have had the Gladius for about 6 months now and I've changed the batteries once. Yes ONCE! You soon recoup the initial cost of the torch in battery savings when compared to the Surefire. Besides, the Gladius has so much more of a quality feel about it.

As for the Maglite, well they are just plain rubbish when compaired to the latest torches.

Edited by Crusty, 22 May 2007 - 11:58 AM.