So I know the brand Surefire, that's it. Who else builds top notch lights? I want to pair the light with a vertical grip, who makes good grips?

I noticed on SF website they make a combo, I think I am going to go a different route. Reason being, I may want to take the light off the gun and or the grip at certain times. With this unit from what I understand you cannot do that. If you want to take one off you have to take both off. Also, I was thinking what if the unit breaks? I now have to send not only the light but my grip in since they are coupled together.

That said, what would be a clean way to have a light on the gun with being able to turn the light on and off by squeezing the vertical grip? I have seen pics. You guys have many different set ups all look nice. I'm just not familiar enough with this equipment to know what light, what grip, and what set-up I see in the pics of your guns.

Thanks for the help.

ok I'm not trying to belittle you or to put you down in anyway I am merely advising you that from reading your posts Black Rifle Disease has taken over, you need to slow down and research a good base rifle first, worry about accessorization after you learn the basics of the platform ok?

I used a light with a pressure switch like the second type you mention. One that is separate from the vertical grip. You lose some control of when you control the light with a pressure switch. You can accidentally squeeze the light when you don't want to and that's a bad thing. You might want to look into a vertical grip and a light with a rear button on it and mount it where you can push the button when you need the light.



TS

What TS said Thats the route im going.

Im currently running a Fenix TA21 on my SBR build, and a Streamlight Super Tac on my SPR build. I like both. I really like the Fenix because it is super bright, has a strobe, and low settings to save battery life. I also like the Streamlight SuperTac because it throws REALLY far. If you want a light that will light up someone at 200 yards, this is your light. It might not be the prettiest, but it works.

Those Surefire lights with the VFG built in are nice, but for a few hundred less, you can get a really good light, and a really good VFG.

This post has been edited by AnonymousD: October 25th 2009 10:39 PM

Would one of these lights work well?

http://www.streamlight-flashlights.com/tlr3.html

Also what is the quality difference between Fenix and Surefire?

I really like this light for maybe general use? The strobe could come in handy. But are there specs reliable or are they bumped up to look good. I was on SF website and they dont have anything like this per say.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.ph...products_id=718

While I like my Fenix, I will say that they probably dont compare to the higher end Surefires. But even though Fenix is made in Chine, they are good quality. It blows my Surefire G2 out of the water though.

The lumen rating on an LED bulb is always going to be different than a regular bulb, but the 225 lumens from the Fenix I have is super bright, and it throws really far.

The TLR-3 is a good light, but is more meant for pistols. Alot of people seem to like the Surefire G2 for a cheaper weapon light. You can get the LED version for about $70.

The TLR series of lights is a good series.



I can't truly say as I haven't used a Fenix light. Some members have had trouble getting mounts to attach Fenix lights to their ARs.



That does look like a nice light.



TS

I just used a standard scope ring to attach my Fenix. No problems at all.

I dont think Id put the TA30 on a rifle though. Too long. Look at the TA20 and TA21.

Ya I was looking at the dimensions the TA20 I think would be my choice, the 21 has too many functions for me. I Just want someone who know to tell me if there all there suppose to be. Like I said, same light size in SF isnt event 230 lumens nor does it have a strobe function. AnonymousD touched on their quality compared to SF. Anyone else?

Also is there a brand that is hands down at SF level in terms of quality?

Thanks

Ive never owned a high end SF flashlight, but my Fenix is durable. I dropped it on concrete from about 3 feet with it on and it didnt miss a beat. It hit on one of the raised parts on the battery cover, and put a nice little ding there. But it still works fine. And I agree about the having too many features on teh 21. I am thinking about getting a 20 and putting that one on my gun and the 21 in my car.

Has anyone compared a Surefire high end in the 150 lumen range against a Fenix in the 220-230 lumen range?

I assume sure fire makes sure their specs are spot on. If they say 150 lumens it will be. I might be a little bit skeptical of the fenix. I just dont see why surefire wouldnt have just as bright if not brighter.



Also any brand(s) at the Surefire level for sure? I guess like comparing bmw, mercedes.

because there is two different ways you can look at lumens values broad path lumen basically a very bright flood light and focused lumens very narrow path but when viewed this way the objects lit are actually lit better than a higher lumen light

There are other premium U.S. Made flashlight manufacturers besides Surefire; NovaTac, Inova, Elzetta, and some models from Pelican and Streamlight.

Funny that you mention Elzetta, sonrider, that is what I am running nowadays. Made in America, and about the best customer service out there. Lots of options with their lights and affordable when compared to others. I run the ZFL M-60 with their ZORM mount, and a KAC VFG.




Elzetta's Website

pleaforwar: I really like that elzetta especially the one with the "tactical" front in case you need to use it as a weapon. I didn't catch it on their website but is there a flash/strobe mode? That is the one thing I do like about the fenix.

I don't think there is, but I will contact the owner and ask. The real advantage is the light distribution. The Fenix has a real high-powered focus, which is impressive, but creates a tunnel-vision effect. This effect makes it more difficult to see moving objects outside of that very high-powered beam.

And consider this, ask yourself why you need a strobe function. It is an added function that can cause issues. Who wants to fumble around to get the right beam while you are going through several different modes?

The Fenix I have makes a pretty wide beam, wider then my Surefire G2. The center is much brighter and the G2, and the halo of soft light around it is a good bit bigger.

And if you want an elzetta light, one of our sponsors, Primal Rights carries them IIRC.

As far as fumbling with the extra settings, the Elzetta only has two less settings than a Fenix TA20, and the switch is in a different position. And the strobe actually will work as a light if you are behind it. Its just when you are on the other side when its bad.

Does the Elzetta have lockout switch?

This post has been edited by AnonymousD: October 30th 2009 3:13 PM

Currently Elzetta does not offer a lockout switch.

If I get the time I will take a photo at night that will show you the difference in beam projection with Fenix and Elzetta.

My Elzetta has a push cap, and I can switch hi-low by rotating the cap.

Now don't be offended by this, but didn't you have an issue with the strobe while confronting a thief?

Ahh, found it....



Now I don't know which Fenix model you have, but I like to keep it simple. On/Off-Hi/Lo.

I have a Fenix and it is setup the same exact way. I guess it all falls down on operator opinion.

Yea, it was on strobe when I caught that guy trying to break in my car, but like I said, its not bad from behind it. Its the other end thats bad.

I have the TA21, the TA20 is the one with only 4 settings. I will probably end up getting the TA20 and putting it on my rifle though. I will agree that 12 is just too many settings for a flashlight on a defensive rifle.

I was actually thinking about putting some sort of textured surface on the switch, and the flashlight, so that when the line up, it would be on the bright solid beam. That way I could make sure it was on that if I was in the dark. And from there, its one click counter clock wise to get strobe. Like all things, if you train with it and get used to it, then you can use it fine. The textured surface would be needed though, so you would have a point of reference.