Surefire 6P/6PX questions...

[Gibbmusic]

Hey,
I'm about to finish rookie school and I've been doing a little research on which flashlight I want to invest in to carry on my belt for traffic stops, etc. I don't have the waist size (or energy) to lug around a full size flashlight so I was looking at the smaller versions. I have heard great reviews on the Surefire 6P or 6PX models and I think I may go that route. My questions are for the folks who have experience with these lights:

First question: Is it worth the extra money to upgrade to a rechargeable model of this light?

Second question: What is the standard life of the bulbs? I read somewhere that the Xenon bulbs in some other lights have a life of about 4 hours which seems quite short to me.

Last question: How tough are the lights? Can I expect to have to replace the bulbs after a scuffle?

Thanks for any help.

Kevin

[720]

I have a full size Streamlight that I love so I can answer one of the questions...YES it is worth the money to buy a rechargable!!! It is one of the best investments that you will make in your career. Plus you save money in the long run if you take care of the battery. And may I recommend the Stinger by Streamlight, I have NEVER heard a complaint about them.

[Delta_V]

I don't know about the models you specified, but have had both a battery powered and rechargable Mag-Lite, and can assure you that it's worth it to get the rechargable one. As long as you keep it charged, you don't have to worry about the light dimming over time. Also, most of the rechargable models that I've seen are a bit brighter than their battery powered counterparts.

If I were you, I'd really consider a full size flashlight. For one, you can get a charger that plugs into the outlet of your car, so that whenever you're not carrying the light it is always recharging. Second, if you are surprised with a physical action by a suspect, that light can also be used as an impact weapon in a pinch, if you don't have time to get out your OC or baton(although I've seen some agenceies that have specific policies against this).

There are good and bad factors with both, the smaller one can be kept on your person at all times, while the larger one can't...but it only takes a second to take it out of its charger and put it on your belt. By the way...those rings for full size flashlights don't take up as much room on your belt as a small flashlight would.

[This message has been edited by PatrickM98 (edited 05-27-2001).]

[Mark THG]

I'm also a rookie and have a reserve position. My light gear is the Surefire G-2 (same as 6P but plastic) also a surefire 8NX same as a Stinger but plastic. AND I have a Streamlight Ultra Stinger. opinion? The surefire can be beat for light quality and construction. I had a streamlight Stinger XT there is just no comparison. The 8NX is rechargeable and comes with 2 batteries. The G-2 is lithium powered but I'm ordering the rechargeable kit next week. For sheer light power the Ultrastinger is great, but it is the same size as a super stinger but has a one hour run time. Lithium batteries for the smaller lights are expensive and only give an average of one hour run time. Surefire also offers a high output light head for almost all models, it effectivly doubles the output of the light but at the cost of halfing the run time on the batteries. If your looking for one light to carry I would reccomend the Surefire 9AX series . It has 2 lamps, one low power for writing and checking eyes the other a high power lamp when maximum output is needed. Surefire is expensive when compared to the Streamlight but it has features and quality that just can be compared.The lamp assembly's are more money at initial cost but they should last a lot longer so the cost per use is about the same as a bulb for other lights. Consider getting a large high power light if you can afford it to use in the car or gearbag. The Ultrastinger can just about burn the paint off a car!

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[leedesert]

I've had a 6Z for about 2 years now and I'm still on the same bulb. It's been dropped a few times but still keeps ticking. I have heard that the recharge batteries don't last as long. It's suppose to last about an hour continuous with the lithium batteries.

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It's easier to get out of jail than it is a morgue. Live long and defend yourself!

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COP in 2002
NRA Lifer
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KABA

[Gibbmusic]

Thanks for the replies guys. I ended up buying a Stinger because I ran across a good deal. It's a pretty good light from what I can tell so far.

Thanks again for the input.

Stay safe,
Kevin