Surefire on the Cheap

[tucker301]

http://lifehacker.com/400292/top-10-how-to-videos

 

Video #1 at the bottom of the list (It's a countdown).

[Orphanedcowboy]

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1347900/worlds_brightest_led_flashlight/

[Duggan]

I've done a few projects like this ... I have mixed feelings on the matter.

 

It's great fun to be able to get a powerful light for not very much money, but it also seems to lead people to believe that there is no reason to invest in a quality light like a surefire ... and there isn't, if you don't care about longevity, durability, reliability, waterproofness or build quality.

 

That 900 lumen led looks interesting, I may have to try that out ... I wonder how long it will last in a garbage housing like the donor flashlight?

[ERdept]

There may be cheaper ways, but I wouldn't try them for several reasons:

 

1. Established reputation and real world performance of Surefire.

 

2. Parts availability.

 

3.Systematically tested with actual test equipment.

 

4. Modular system with interchangeable rails, bulbs, switches, etc. etc.

[Orphanedcowboy]

I've done a few projects like this ... I have mixed feelings on the matter.

 

It's great fun to be able to get a powerful light for not very much money, but it also seems to lead people to believe that there is no reason to invest in a quality light like a surefire ... and there isn't, if you don't care about longevity, durability, reliability, waterproofness or build quality.

 

That 900 lumen led looks interesting, I may have to try that out ... I wonder how long it will last in a garbage housing like the donor flashlight?

 

It will last a long time if you take care of the light, and use the appropriate heat sink, when you order the led, they will give you several choices, I used the smallest one and the light lasted several months, I went with a same led mounted to a larger heat sink and the light has been flawless.

 

But on a side note, you can buy a better light on eBay for the same money as making it, and it will come sealed with o-rings in an aluminum housing.

[tucker301]

Someone on another forum stated that the Cabelas line of tactical flashlights are exact duplicates of the Surefires. Parts even interchange.

[splashtx556ftw]

check out www.sportsmansguide.com they have a lot of tactical stuff. i have in my life noticed that when a product first comes out on any market, that it is cheap.till it becomes popular.

[Orphanedcowboy]

Someone on another forum stated that the Cabelas line of tactical flashlights are exact duplicates of the Surefires. Parts even interchange.

You talking about this post?

 

I bought 2 flashlights that were involved in the email only sale. I just wished I would have bought more. They were listed as $18 and some change each. They are excellent lights for what they are. They have a glass lens, a switch (no twist on or off), came with batteries, rubberized camo coating, double o-rings, and a more even light distribution than the Surefire. I tested both bulbs against each other and the Cabela's won with a brighter light and better, more even distribution.

 

Here are some pictures:

 

Double O-rings

 

 

Bulb Comparison:

 

[splashtx556ftw]

just goes to show that sometimes your just paying for the name, thanks for the info.

[Nikolai552]

If i were ever to get a flashlight for use in a life or death situation, or even just for camping, SureFire only.

[Novaking]

You talking about this post?

 

I bought 2 flashlights that were involved in the email only sale. I just wished I would have bought more. They were listed as $18 and some change each. They are excellent lights for what they are. They have a glass lens, a switch (no twist on or off), came with batteries, rubberized camo coating, double o-rings, and a more even light distribution than the Surefire. I tested both bulbs against each other and the Cabela's won with a brighter light and better, more even distribution.

 

Here are some pictures:

 

Double O-rings

 

 

Bulb Comparison:

 

 

looks like they go to different schools together

 

novaking

[Lakotah]

I was beginning to wonder how you could put cheap and surefire in the same sentence. LOL.

All things being equal, I would still pay for the surfire. Yes, its a name, but its also a repeatedly proven item. Plus, my life depends on it due to the job.