Streamligh or Surfire

[Olay020]

I was wondering which flashlight is better. The streamlight stinger or a surefire. Both flashlights are around 5-7inches. I am in an academy class and we were wondering which flashlights are better?

Pray for the best, train for the worst

[Astor]

I was contemplating the same thing when entering the police academy. But my instructors told me to go with the Streamlight Stinger.

On paper, I like the Surefire's better. You can get some that are brighter than the Stinger, and they weigh a little less and are less bulky. But they have a tail-cap switch, whereas the Stinger has its on the side.

The tail-cap switch on the Surefire is for "momentary on", if you want to turn the thing on constant, then you have to twist the base. That takes two hands, which could be an issue in certain situations.

Our firearm's instructor told us to get the Stinger because the switch is on the side. It makes it easier to do night firing, at least the way that they teach it.

If you're instructors don't have a preference, then just try out each one at a shop and see which one you like.

[Wick]

So many different issues here. The switch type can be overcome. Surefire does make a "clickie" switch that can be retrofit to most it lights.

Battereis are another big difference. Lithium 123 vs. rechargeable. Obviously recharables are cheaper to run. You can get a box (12) of 123 Litiums for $15.

For a patrol light get the Stinger. For a more tactical environment get the Surefire.

Check out candlepowerforums.com for more information than you can digest.

[sigy]

Honestly, It just comes down to personal preference. I use four different flashlights on patrol. I'm issued the Streamlight SL-20X which I probably use the most. In my patrol bag as a backup, I carry a Streamlight Stinger XTHP. On my belt, I have a Surefire 6 P. On my Glock, I have theStreamlight M-6. I like all four lights, but have really enjoyed the Surefire 6 P since I got it. (It replaced the Stinger XTHP on my belt.)

Like previously stated, there are several issues you may want to consider before purchasing. Rechargeable vs. battery. Tailcap switch vs. side switch. The Surefire 6 P does have the "momentary on" tailcap switch but you can twist the base to turn completely on, which can be done with only one hand unlike previously stated. It's actually fairly easy to turn on with one hand. My Stinger XTHP has a tailcap switch not a side switch. I like the thing, but when I tried the Surefire 6 P, I was hooked. I just carry the Stinger XTHP in the bag for when somebody needs it.

I'm fairly comfortable now with what I have. See if anybody has one you can try out to see if you like it. That may be helpful.

Sigy:destroy:

[darrell]

I carry a Streamlight SL 20XP and a Stinger XT. I got the Stinger XT specificaly cause of the tail cap switch.

[dmclark]

Myself and my guys have the Streamlight XTHPs and they are just great. I also use the 6P in my tac vest. DM

[paul810]

A friend of mine has a Surefire he always carries on his belt and a rechargable d-cell size maglight in the car. He grabs the mag when he thinks he needs it and the surefire he always has with him. That way if need be he can loan the maglight to someone for a bit or if he drops it and breaks it he always has a second bright light. Just some food for thought for you guys. You always want to have two flashlights, since flashlights rely on batteries and bulbs, both of which can go bad at the worst times.

That being said personally I prefer the Surefires, they are brighter lights and I do trust changable batteries over rechargable. Also, the tacticle ones have bulbs that are more resistant to dropping and shock over streamlights. They arn't that hard to turn on one handed and I prefer the switch in the back to a front mounted slide, however that depends on how you were taught to use a flashlight with a weapon.

[kennethm3]

If you are in uniform you'll be better off with the rechargeable Stinger, especially if you buy the package with both the home and vehicle chargers. The surefire eats a hell of a lot of $2.00 dollar batteries, two at a time, the cost adds up quick. If you are plainclothes and seldom use a flashlight then the Surefire is fine, it is what I am issued but like I said, I never use the damn thing. I carried the Stinger while in uniform and loved it, it is a great light.

[MTB_Patrol]

I'm sold on the (poly) Stinger, the size is great, it's light and tough. I've used a buddies Stinger and I'm convinced I like the poly stinger better, I feel that I get a better grip in the plastic than the metal, and when it's cold out the plastic does not hold and conduct the cold to your hand like the metal version does. Some details like the the recent Liberty Bowl or Beal St. I carried two stingers on my belt, you appreciate a few less grams of weight of the polys.
One thing someone mentioned was the "momentary" button of the Surefire. I found that I can quite easily depress the button of my stinger and light it up before it clicks and produce the same "momentary effect", really handy "feature" IMO.

A big plus is everybody here runs Stingers, so if you have a cell-pack dies on you it is quite likely someone will have a fresh one to borrow to finish your shift. (Though it seems they always call me since they know I have 2 stingers and two piggyback chargers ;-) I doubt any of my 4 cell-packs are the ones I bought, with the way we "borrow" them back and forth.

[Police Explorer]

I've had Maglites, a Stinger XTHP, and two Surefires, and I can honestly say that Surefires are the ULTIMATE for sheer light intensity.

The Stinger HP models are better then stock Surefires in long range applications, however they are not as effective in CQ, or in most tactical applications.

I have the best of both worlds, a Surefire 8NX (polycarbonate, and rechargable :D ) and I put the "turbohead" upgrade on it, so it now has equal range when compared with the Stinger HP. Anyone who is still using a Stinger IMO has not seen a "real" flashlight. (just foolin with you Stinger owners...........:p )

Here are the company's websites.

EDITED BY MODERATOR - PLEASE READ THE RULES OF THE BOARD REGARDING COMMERCIAL LINKS BEFORE POSTING

[universible]

I'll jump on the bandwagon and say Surefire....but if you're into gadgets :D Strategos International (google it) has a new line of lights coming out (debuting at the SHOT show this week). They posted 1 pic on their forum, and they look pretty sweet!

Ted

[SigGuy552]

I have a surefire M3 and everyone in a while I get stupid and decide to turn it on while staring at it in. It's like having a flashbang go off in front of you. You can't see sheit for about a good 4-5 secs. They weren't kidding when they said defensive flashlight.

[Police Explorer]

To the Moderator who edited my post above, I'm sorry about that. I forgot about that rule! ;)

[1890to1811]

I too have carried both the Surefire and the Streamlight. I will agree that there are tons of pros and cons for both, however I tend to lean to the Streamlight.

With the Surefire I found that it gave plenty of bright lighting, and had the cool finger grips for firing with two hands. However with the lithium batteries you only had 56 minutes of burn time and when the charge was depleted, it gave no indication ahead of time. More than once I was using it when the light suddenly went dark, not a good feeling.

The other problem I had with the Surefire was with the tailcap. It was simple enough to switch from momentary switch to constant lighting, so simple in fact that it could turn on by getting in and out of the car. Again speaking from experience the light coming on while in your duty gear will deplete your charge, and cause enough heat to distort the lense.

After encountering these things I started to use the Streamlight. I can honestly say that the only thing I liked less about this light is the lack of the cool finger grips that the surefire had. This is still the light on my gear.

In addition to the Streamlight I always have the trusty MAG close at hand.

Thats my 2 cents.