Maglite Vs. Surefire?

N

Natural Outlaw

Joined
Aug 18, 2002
Messages
46
For many years I have owned and used Maglites.
I have recently discovered the Flashlight-firm known as surefire. My initial impression was that they very expensive, then I saw that they had a very high lumen. Basically I do not know what the f*ck lumen is?

So How much lumen does maglite have (this is not shown anywhere)?

I know that a Surefire 6P has 65 lumen, so how does that compare to a mini-maglite?
 
The 6P totally blows away the Mini-MagLite. Pictures say it best. Here's some from Brock's website: http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/led/E2-comp.jpg Brock even has the Brinkmann bulb in the Mini-MagLite for the shot. Which is whiter, slightly brighter than the stock Mag bulb.

What doesn't show up well is the corona or the light surrounding the spot. Even the little Sure Fire E1 has a better corona than the Mini-MagLite.
 
There's no comparison. At all. Even the smallest SureFires are brighter than the biggest Maglites. The only advantage Maglite has is battery life and cost.
 
The tiny SureFire 6P is somewhere around a 5 D-cell Maglite in brightness, in my experience. Brightness and beam-quality-wise, there's no comparison between the two companies.

Joe
 
Originally posted by Natural Outlaw
I know that a Surefire 6P has 65 lumen, so how does that compare to a mini-maglite?
Click to expand...

I think that someone over on the Candlepower forums said the 2 AA Maglite puts out around 5 lumens.

--Bob Q
 
Analogy time:

Mini-maglite (AA) : Surefire = tossing pebbles : minigun.

I don't think I'll ever take my Maglite to do any important tasks. For throwing around the apartment and lending to friends, it's alright. I'm sitting here at work fondling my 6P between rounds of typing.

I used to use a Mini-maglite. First time I lit up my new 6P, I couldn't hold back a sinister round of laughter. Now I sleep with my Surefire next to me. :)

My 6P even fits on my airsoft MP5 handguard (it won't fit on the real deal, you gotta get a much more expensive Surefire for that [info from Spark]). Bright light + MP5 = yummy.
 
last nite was comparing the output of my 5 cell 'c' mag lite, and my surefire Z2 and M3. the little Z2 blew away the larger mag lite, and the M3 was like no comparison at all - like an old 6 volt truck head lite vs a modern 'q' beam - no comparison at all - and the mini mag isnt even a fair comparison imho, its just too weak compared to surefire (also comapred the M3 to my Z3, and the M3 wasnt THAT much brighter, some for sure, but suprised it wasnt more, and it does have the hi output bulb in it too). guess the Z3 is pretty bright also. i like all of mine, have a C2 on order w/the EKI CQC8 from TAD, someday will be available i guess.............and i wanna get he small executive the E1 i think, just to carry in pocket for edc, the M3 is kinda big, have been using the Z2 lately.

get a surefire, they rule, and the plastic cased ones are cheap, like $50 or so, and would be brighter than a 5 cell maglite too - course ya cant use the surefire as an impact weapon like a batonlite, but its easier to carry


greg
 
Maglites are good, general purpose flashlights but if you want a few steps up in performance and quality, Sure Fire is definitely the one to go to. The extra money spent for Sure Fire IMHO is well worth it. You certainly won't be disappointed.
 
Since it looks like you're focusing on a replacment for the mini-mag I'd recommend you check out the Scorpion by Streamlight.
Streamlight is somewhat of a competitor to Surefire and while I'd go with Surefire in every other case -- The Scorpion is the one light that I'd say compares favorably to the 6P.
The light output and beam quality are nearly identical (for those 2 models) but the Scorpion at around $30 is about half the price of the 6P.
The Scorpion bulbs are also cheaper but their lifespan is also less than the 6P's.
Bottom line is that when jumping from an $8 mini-mag it might be more palatable to jump to the $30 level than to the $60 level.
 
I got a new SureFire M2 in a sealed box delivered to my door for under $100. It is waterproof, shock resistant and comes with both the 60 and 120 lumen lamps. It's amazing. Kicks the crap out of my 2D Maglite, which I'd already made brighter by adding a Willie Hunt 8AA conversion.
 
Almost like comparing Moon light to Sun light, it's that big a difference! I used to use a Maglight but now, just my Surefires!

Even the lowly E1 is a nice leap above the mini-mag and has a very long run time as well...
G2
 
Originally posted by Gary W. Graley
Almost like comparing Moon light to Sun light, it's that big a difference!
Click to expand...


Another comparison.....(only slightly exaggerated).....
A mini-mag will light up a shoebox.
A 6P or a Scorpion will light up a shoestore.

:-)
 
The Scorpion will beat a MagLite, but in my experience does not come close to matching SureFires.
The UKE-2L is a far better choice then the Scorpion for a cheap better-than-MagLite flashlight.

The SureFire 6P can be converted using options the Scorpion can't even dream of.

High output lamp
Shock Isolated Bezel (two options)
Rechargeable
TurboHead Bezel (four options)
Convert to three cell and associated TurboHead options)
Many TailCap switch options
BeamFilters, covers, shapers, traffic cones...
Many holsters, pouches and Lanyard options.

To name but a few...

Oh, and the KL3 Luxeon Bezel will fit the 6P - become part of the next generation of illumination tool users.

Al
 
Another vote for UKE if you want a more disposable flashlight that is better than a MagLite. I´m very pleased with mine (previous MagLite owner).

(Yes, yes, I´m scrounging up cash for a SureFire but there are too many nice knives to buy and I do have a cordura craving that needs attention too... :D )

/Colinz
 
FWIW, i think since ya can get a surefire w/a xenox case (or whatever it is....) for like $50, why spend $30 plus S&H for a streamlite/maglite/etc, when ya can get the real McCoy, a surefire - the $20 ya saved will be long gone, ya will still want a surefire, and ya end up costing yourself $30 imho, lol - seriously, i would spend the $20 and get the superior product myself....

the surefires rule, no doubt, the others dont even compare imho


greg
 
You are so right.

I'm not sure the current price for a G2Z - I think it's under $50.

It's one of the cheapest SureFires ever, and surprisingly one of the most feature-rich.

G2Z Nitrolon (Polymer)

Anti-Reflective Coated Pyrex Lens
LockOut TailCap
Lanyard
P60 Lamp
Anti-Roll Bezel "Hex" style
Adjustable CombatGrip
(Obviously supplied with two SF123A batteries)

This beauty has more shock resistance compared to the likes of the Aluminium 6P, can readily accept the P61 High Output Lamp Assembly, and any one for four TurboHeads housing the N1 lamp.

I am very excited about the G2Z!

Al
 
Well its been said enuff...but once more SureFire! However be aware it's a slippery slope once you start. Next you'll start lurking around the various flashlight sites. Oh you'll start out small, we all did...like an Arc AAA in one pocket, maybe a Photon on the keychain. Then you'll be lusting for more lumens and be "jonesing" for the latest. Next you'll start getting your fix from guys with handles like Lambda, data2zip and elektrolumens. Heaven fordid if you start splitting 223's down for singles!
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
Nuttin beats a Surefire for light quality and craftsmanship. I had an E2, now a proud owner of HA E2e. However, they are expensive to feed... so I got myself a Streamlight UltraStinger rechargeable (2 hours fast charge fo 1 hour of light).

Strangely, enough, despite the larger size, I carry the Ultrastinger everywhere I go and use it at least 30 minutes a night! It's so bright I can light up the hill behind my place. 75,000 Candlepower rechargeable.

For EDC, nothing beats the E2e for light output and convenience; but again it's expensive to feed!!!
 
My Surefire E2 totally blew away all the other techs today at work! We were working under the floor and their maglites shined a tiny spot, while my E2 brightened EVERYTHING!

It was worth every cent!
 
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