Posted: 7/29/2007 12:44:06 AM EDT
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Well I've been seeing a lot of talk on the boards here lately about the CREE upgrades for Surefire flashlights. I guess I have some questions. 1. With the CREE replacement installed, does the flashlight maintain it's spotless, focused beam? 2. Has anyone had any problems with their flashlights once they upgraded them? 3. What replacement bulb do I use for the following flashlights? G2 - E2D - A2 4. I saw the CREE replacement bulb for the G2 on eBay. It states that it puts out 200 lumens. Does it? That's all the questions I have off the top of my head, but feel free to add any information you feel is important. If you have any pictures to demonstrate before and after results feel free to post them. Thanks. -MEI PS - Leaving on a trip in 1 hr so I will check back when I arrive at the hotel later on tonight. |
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The only reason I can find to use a CREE drop in is to keep the strike surfaces on the E2D. Otherwise, you might as well just get a complete unit like they sell on DealExtreme. The build quality is as good as a Surefire, but it has the controls designed into the flashlight making it easier/possible to adjust. ETA: Also, purpose built flashlights often regulate the current, which is important for the life of a LED as well as to maximize output. Some of these regulating circuits also allow you to use the higher voltage Li-Ion batteries 
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Fenix P3D Cree edition CREE led 160 lumens for 1.8 hours 6 different modes with up to 40+hours continuous use possible uses 2 CR123 batteries ~$60 I can't get this kind of performance out of a Surefire. I'm a huge SF fan, but they've got some catching up to do. Biggest praise I can give it, a buddy of mine's a medium sized Surefire dealer. He's called Fenix to get set up on their dealer program. Everyone in the store was amazed at what the "little LED flashlight" could do. Inadvertently made a few converts that day. |
Surefire's tech may be behind the times and their prices may be highway robbery, but their workmanship is a joy to behold. |
no truer words spoken. I'm not ditching my Surefires. The machine work on my A2 and E2 are outstanding. They have a certain "heft" the others don't (including the Fenix P3D I linked to). BUT If I could get the P3D performance from my Surefires, there'd be no need for me to purchase others. technology>cosmetics 
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It's ok, a machined aluminum tube and a couple O-rings isn't exactly state of the art anything though. I think my Pentagon light is better built (well even more overbuilt) than either of my SF lights. The three Fenix lights I have are tough as nails, no problems with any of them yet. If a "standard" aluminum SF light was $30 they would have a good, marketable product far into the future. Keeping the prices 2-300% higher than they should be only assures their eventual failure. |