A good flashlight is not hard to find, what with the many different kinds of flashlights in the market today. We're not talking about your standard flashlights you find in your neighbourhood store, we're talking about industrial strength, extremely powerful and durable flashlights. This site gives you all the information you need about flashlights - especially led flashlights!
Barometer falling; opinion of SureFire rising
The New Zealand weather bureau called it a "bomb". The barometer had just fallen 12 millibars and we had received almost 5" of rain with wind gusts up to 110 kilometers an hour. The river behind my home had risen almost 18ft during the day, flooding most of the property, and was still rising.
I had bought my first SureFire less than 5 weeks earlier, sight unseen, and it has been on my belt every day since. Knowing I had it clipped in my pocket was comforting as I pushed my way through the driving rain to do one last check on the horses before dark. By the time I reached their flooded paddock, darkness was well and truly upon me and I needed the SureFire 6P Original to locate them. One of the mares has a late foal and the little one was making hard work of the appalling conditions. Thankfully, with the help of my SureFire, I was able to find them all and lead them safely out of harm's way. I'm so impressed with the 6P's performance that I am ordering two more SureFire flashlights, one for my night stand and another for my truck.
Jim B.
Northland, New Zealand
High winds jog memory
I kept that darn SureFire flashlight in my glove box for 4 years. I even forgot it was there. But as the wind gusted to 60 mph and the rain clouds blotted out the full moon, I knew I needed some real help in finding my way to my boat. I knew it would be bucking in its slip and needed some extra dock line pronto...and guess what? The flashlight worked! Its strong beam revealed that the marina was really rocking and rolling in the El Nino storm. I got to the boat and secured it without a problem.
George B.
Season's beatings from Florida
I keep my SureFire flashlight close to me during the Atlantic hurricane season— from June until the end of November. It has been a priceless item during the last several years. Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Georges and Hurricane Irene all came to visit my home and we lost power during two of those storms.
Richard J.
Tavernier, FL
Adrift in a storm
I took my two grandsons wood duck hunting early last fall on Reelfoot Lake. We had a good hunt and they had a good time. We stayed late, almost until dark, and a storm came up. Our prop got caught in some old decoys and nylon rope that was afloat. It was raining, lightning and really storming out.
It got dark and we were completely disabled. I had my SureFire 6P Original, so I used it and my pocketknife to cut our boat out of a tangled mess. By that time we were disoriented by the high waves, rain, and darkness.
I used my SureFire light to spot markers on the side of cypress trees and get my bearings; if it had not been for my SureFire light we wouldn't have found our way back to the dock. My 6P saved us from a miserable night out on the lake and possibly saved our lives.
Since then I have bought SureFires for all my children, their spouses and my grandchildren. I am truly a believer! Thanks SureFire.
Eddie C.
Coping with hurricanes
I use my SureFire A2 Aviator whenever I go flying, and it even finds some carry time when I'm just out on the town. It served me well during the hurricanes of 2004, as a representative of a relief group. The dimmer light was great for walking around at night or looking at maps, while I could use the regulated beam to look through windows or spot damages from a distance. I also have a G2 Nitrolon and an E1e Executive Elite, both of which have served me well. Thanks for producing the best overall lights that I own, SureFire!
Forest fire torches trail; SureFire blazes new one
Until last fall, I would never have paid $185 for a flashlight, even though I'm an elk hunting guide and spend a lot of time in the mountains at night. I got your A2 Aviator last September as part of a tip from a successful client. It came in the mail the day before I killed a bull with another hunter. By the time I packed the elk on horses, it was get-lost dark with no moon. While I knew the area, a large forest fire had recently wiped out all trails. I turned on your high beam and could see for what seemed like acres. I easily oriented myself and led the horses and hunter out quickly and safely. If I ever lose that light, I will gladly buy a new one, no matter what the price. (That second hunter since purchased his own SureFire flashlight.)
Chris K.
Emigrant, MT
Stocking up on SureFire during calm between storms
As a retired veteran of law enforcement, I have appreciated the high quality and dependability of SureFire flashlights for many years. During the 2004 Florida hurricane season, we were in the direct path of three major tropical storms (Charley, Frances and Jeanne). During those hurricanes, I used my SureFire E2e Executive Elite when the power went out, to check for property damage, as well as for general "after storm" safety and security.
I am now well stocked with SureFire batteries, along with my SureFire E2e, and ready for any new potential storms of the 2005 Hurricane Season.
Thanks, SureFire!
Bruce M.
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Out and back in the Outback
While traveling across the inhospitable Simpson Desert in outback Australia, we became trapped between two salt lakes when a sudden storm struck. Realizing we could be trapped for weeks between the lakes, we broke camp and headed across the crust of the lake. Unfortunately, the crust of the lake was already too soft and we broke through, smashing the front of the truck and all the lights. Fortunately no one was hurt. We had to winch ourselves free and cross the saltpan using the light from our two SureFire Z2 CombatLights. The Maglite® we had with us was useless in comparison.
After reaching the end of the salt lake, we taped the Z2 to the roof rack with duct tape and drove for an hour. So the Z2 saved us from being trapped in the saltpan and replaced our headlights for the urgent drive out of the flood plain. I always ensure that the Z2 stays in the 4WD and we now carry a good supply of batteries! The efficiency and robustness of your products are a credit to you allˇX perhaps one day I'll invest in the 10X Dominator!
Gordon F.
After Isabel, even backups needed backups
I work for the Federal Aviation Administration. In the aftermath of Hurricane Isabel, the power was out and one of our mountain-top microwave repeater sites had to switch to backup power. The power company said it would have power restored no later than the following Tuesday. Only problem: It was Thursday afternoon and the backup batteries would fail before then. Air Traffic needed the site to remain on the air so the decision was made to install a backup generator at the site.
Our expert electrician, Mike, and I responded to do the installation. It was foggy and getting dark by the time we found a generator and got to the site. Mike's eyes aren't the greatest and during the wiring process he was squinting really hard at the cables and wiring diagram while using his C-cell Maglite®. I fired up my SureFire E2e Executive Elite and it cut right through the mist and rain and helped him out greatly. As it got darker and the weather worsened, we needed even more light, so I retrieved my SureFire 9P Original with the 120 lumen bulb and it really lit up the area! I will never forget Mike's comment, "Man, that is one hell of a light." The batteries soon ran low and I quickly replaced them with fresh ones from my spares carrier and we finished up the work. My SureFire E1e Executive Elite was the perfect light for voltage checks inside the darkened building prior to placing the site on generator power. Outside, a quick scan of the 100 foot tower, using my 500 lumen SureFire 12Z (since replaced in SureFires lineup by the M4 Millennium Devastator), revealed that no damage had occurred to the waveguide or any of the antennas from the storm. The entire job was performed quickly and safely using your flashlights with no interruption of service. Thanks for the excellent products.
Bears hotwire ATV; hunters still escape
One of your products saved my friend and I from a very long night in the deep woods of Nova Scotia, Canada. We were archery hunting for black bear. The only way to our stands was by ATV. We drove a little over 18 miles, then parked our ATV for the 2 mile walk into the woods. When we came out that evening we found that the battery on the ATV had shorted out, leaving us with no lights. There was no way that we could drive out of the woods without lights. So I pulled out my trusty SureFire C3 Centurion flashlight and away we went. After one battery change and an hour and a half of driving we finally made it out.
Situations like these are just one of the reasons I have used your products for over 15 years. I have weapon mounted systems and hand held lights. I was just promoted to detective division, and purchased your E1e Executive Elite. Thank you for such great products!
Andrew O.
Man angered when dog refuses to speak
While walking my dog at night, I always carry my gun and my SureFire 12ZM (since replaced in SureFire's lineup by the M3T Millennium Turbo CombatLight) around my neck when I go out. One night, a man came toward me who looked to be very drunk and could hardly stand up. He wanted to pet my dog, but my dog wanted no part of him. I told the man to leave the dog alone, but he started yelling and cursing—at the dog, not me. He even told me, "Stay out of this. It's between me and this dog." I had enough and flashed my 12ZM in his face. He yelled, cupped his face in his hands, fell over the curb, got up, and ran right into a light pole. It was great! I did not have to use my gun or my fists. Thanks a lot guys. You make a GREAT light!
Sean R.
Winchester, VA
Failed trapeze tryout
While working as a security guard, I responded to an alarm at a school. I found a crook climbing onto the roof after a unsuccessful attempt to gain entry by breaking a ground level window. I challenged him using my new SureFire 9N (since replaced in SureFire's lineup by the 9AN Commander) torch. He raised his hands to cover his eyes from the light and fell 5 meters to the ground, breaking both arms. Security 1, Crook 0. As a result of this awesome display of light stopping power, several area policemen now carry their own SureFire lights.
Craig M.
Drunk undergoes retina training
My first police job was working for the City of Mackinac Island, Michigan. Of all the things I learned, I think the most important was to carry a high quality flashlight. Our department issued these big, clunky, six D-cell Maglites®... talk about unwieldy. Since the island does not allow vehicles, our patrol is limited to foot and bicycle duty. After only one night of hauling an object more suitable as a baseball bat, I decided to upgrade to a SureFire 8NX Commander rechargeable flashlight.
One night, while dealing with an abusive subject, my SureFire wound up being knocked to the ground by a drunken male. Amazed that the bulb did not break, I picked up the light and gave my subject's retinas 110 lumens of blinding light to help him reconsider his behavior. The subject immediately covered his eyes with his hands, and responded to my verbal arrest procedure commands. Thanks to the powerful SureFire, I did not have to resort to my baton or pepper spray. I carry the same 8NX on my duty belt every night to this day as well as a SureFire 6P Original as a back-up light. Thank you, SureFire, for building such a stellar product, and keep up the good work.
Jeremy McA.
Self-appointed town crier needs subtler approach
I am a career paramedic in a town of about 20,000. One night we were called out to do a welfare check on a resident who had not been heard from for a while. While my partner and I, along with the police, tried to find a way into the house we started to attract an audience across the street. It was pitch black out and the lighting in that part of town was not too good. All of a sudden one of the people started yelling and running at us. It was windy out and we couldn't hear what she was saying. The officer with me lit her up with his 3 D-cell flashlight but she kept running towards us. I fired up my SureFire Z2 CombatLight and lit her up. It was like she hit an invisible wall right there in the middle of the street! She stopped and put her hands up in front of her eyes. It turns out she was just trying to be helpful, but we weren't sure of her intentions, especially considering the neighborhood we were in. Needless to say, the officer I was working with has since switched to a SureFire Z2!
Paul M.
Mt. Vernon, SD
SureFire owner ready to mess with Lexus in Texas
Here's one for all you safety-minded females….Just after Christmas I had to make some exchanges at a nearby Wal-Mart after work. The return line was just under an hour, I got what I needed and checked out (another 25 minutes).
With my keys and SureFire 6P Original in hand I set out for the trek to my car on the other side of the parking lot. As I came out of the store, a Lexus was parked right there, and when I walked around it a male voice inside said, "I like your outfit." Here I am in my conservative work clothes with a very large coat that went to my knees. I didn't even acknowledge the man and proceeded to walk on.
I had almost reached my car when the Lexus pulled next to me and the same male voice said, "Baby, I really like your outfit." I was really frightened at this point. This guy had followed me from the front of the store to the back of the parking lot (a Lexus in a Wal-Mart parking lot screams perp to me). I blasted my 6P in his face and yelled, "I WILL kick your a** if you do not….." He peeled off before I could finish my sentence. An hour later, after dealing with Wal-Mart security, I was finally on my way home.
Having that little, powerful 6P really gave me an edge. I am safe, unscathed and euphorically happy with your product. Thanks for making a flashlight that enhances safety and is so handy.
Kristine
Fort Worth, TX
Drunk may not remember his college daze
I work for the University of Minnesota Police Department as a campus security guard. I bought the SureFire 9AN Commander because of its rechargeable abilities. One night while on bike patrol near the Mississippi River, my supervisor and I heard a noise coming from the bushes near us. I pulled out my 9AN and shined it in the individual's eyes. He was intoxicated and the bright light was enough to disorient him. He stumbled to the ground. We called for backup and within minutes the individual, along with three of his friends, were sitting on the curb talking to officers. My supervisor now wants a SureFire of his own. Thanks for making such a high quality product!
David T.
Minneapolis, MN
Wrong party wearing diaper in confrontation
I carry my SureFire 6P Original everywhere I go. One night, my wife was working late and I decided to take my 19 month old son to dinner. We were just leaving when we encountered a group of young men entering the establishment. Some of them had been drinking and one called my son a racial slur (he's adopted and from South Korea). I kept walking to my vehicle. He decided to follow us, calling my son and me names. Not wanting a physical confrontation, I chose to get in my truck and leave. He kicked the side of my door and tried to get me out of my truck. I rolled the window down and told him to back off. He kept at it, so I pulled out my 6P and hit the on-off switch in rapid succession about 9 or 10 times right in his face.
He dropped like a rock. Apparently, he had a history of seizures. I have heard that some people are susceptible to seizures when exposed to bright, blinking lights. He did not have a grand mal seizure but a petite mal, which is not as big a deal.
The guy got up fairly quickly, but the fight was taken out of him because he had wet himself. His buddies apologized for his behavior and once they figured out he was O.K., they left. I did overhear the attacker say it was the brightest light he had ever seen.
Even criminals want a SureFire flashlight
I am a law enforcement officer and carry the SureFire Z2 CombatLight on my duty belt. I have had the opportunity to use it quite a few times. The most recent encounter was when I chased a suspect into a dark building from a lit area. Once I got into the building, I pulled my light and immediately found the suspect. He told me that he wished he had the light when he entered the building because he hit his leg on a table and fell. That was the reason I found him on the floor under a table.
John S.
Bella Vista, AR