Review: SureFire M6LT-B Guardian

Posted on July 26, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The M6LT-B Guardian is the largest and most powerful handheld LED flashlight available today from SureFire. Touted as a “searchlight that fits in a coat pocket,” this latest version of the M6LT is rated to produce a 1200 lumen blast of light, 33% more than its predecessor, the 900 lumen M6LT-A.

Featuring a distinctive body design to accommodate its six 123A lithium primary batteries, the M6LT-B also incorporates an oversized 2.5” Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens to produce a long-reaching beam. An equally oversized tactical tailcap switch is used to activate the single output mode. Continue reading→

OVEREADY Custom Shaved SureFire 6P

Posted on July 25, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

With its classic look, compact size, durable construction and modular design, the SureFire 6P Original has been a long-time favorite of flashlight enthusiasts due to the ease with which it could be modified and upgraded. Whether swapping in a new tailcap, upgrading the light engine, or using a different bezel, there are an untold number of ways a 6P can be customized to suit the needs and tastes of its owner. Regardless of the changes made, the one constant has always been the knurled 6P body. That is, until now.

OVEREADY has taken this classic and done the unthinkable by machining away the knurling that is such a distinctive feature of the SureFire 6P. The result is a smooth and clean finish that stays true to the original form but gives the light a modern and more stylish appearance. Available with either black or natural (gray) hard-anodized finish, the Custom Shaved SureFire 6P can be purchased as a host (with no light engine) or as a turnkey flashlight with a TorchLAB Triple LED drop-in (Review) or M2 Mini TurboHead (Review) already installed. A selection of switches, lenses, bezel rings, and bezels provides additional options for configuring the Custom Shaved 6P in a number of different ways. Continue reading→

Review: HDS EDC Rotary 170 219B

Posted on July 22, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The EDC Rotary from HDS Systems is a compact Everyday Carry sized flashlight that features some of the most sophisticated electronics available in a handheld illumination tool. Incorporating a tail-mounted switch and rotary brightness control, the HDS EDC Rotary allows users to select from 24 discrete output levels as well as Emergency and Tactical Strobe modes. The advanced electronics also allow the end-user to customize several aspects of the light’s operation. Following a recent price increase from the manufacturer, the EDC Rotary currently retails for about $279.

For the discerning flashlight user, OVEREADY has commissioned HDS Systems to produce a custom version of the EDC Rotary equipped with the Nichia 219B emitter, well known for its neutral tint and accurate color rendering. When powered by a single 123A lithium primary or 16340 rechargeable battery, the Nichia 219B equipped Rotary is rated to produce 0.02 to 170 lumens of output. Continue reading→

Review: OVEREADY Mini TurboHead

Posted on July 20, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The OVEREADY Mini TurboHead is a no-holds-barred, high output upgrade for the SureFire 6P, C2, Z2 and other compatible flashlights. Based upon the SureFire Z32 bezel, which was designed for use with incandescent lamp modules, the Mini TurboHead is totally reworked on the inside to accommodate a high performance Cree XM-L2 LED in Cool White or Neutral tint. These modifications allow the Mini TurboHead to produce over 1000 lumens of output while still retaining the stock appearance of the original SureFire bezel.

The Mini TurboHead is available with either of SureFire’s stock hard-anodized finishes, natural (gray) or matte black. A selection of custom stainless steel bezel rings is also available to replace the original plastic ring used by SureFire. The Mini TurboHead may be purchased separately or as part of a complete flashlight with pricing beginning around $200 for the head alone.

A sample of the Mini TurboHead, with black finish and crenelated bezel was provided by OVEREADY for the duration of this review. Since the Mini TurboHead can be used with a variety of different hosts, the review will focus mainly on the head itself. Continue reading→

Review: SureFire Y300 Ultra

Posted on July 18, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The new Y300 Ultra is SureFire’s latest entry into the compact handheld flashlight market and features a decidedly different look than any of their previous handheld flashlights. Based upon the X300 Ultra weapon light, the new Y300 Ultra is powered by a pair of 123A lithium primary batteries, arranged side-by-side rather than inline, resulting in an extremely compact design. In addition to a 500 lumen maximum output, the Y300 Ultra also adds a 15 lumen low mode suitable for up-close work.

To provide multiple carry options, the flashlight has an integrated magnetic base in place of the weapon mounting hardware of the X300 and may be used with the included quick-detach belt clip or steel 2-way pocket clip. The Y300 Ultra has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price of $295.00 with retail pricing approximately $210.00.

A sample of the Y300 Ultra was provided by SureFire for the duration of this review. Continue reading→

TorchLAB R1 Lawman McClicky Switch Conversion

Posted on July 6, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The SureFire R1 Lawman is, without a doubt, one of the finest rechargeable duty lights ever brought to market. With high performance and a well thought out dual switch user interface, the Lawman certainly has a lot to offer but, as great as it is, some owners don’t care for the tail mounted twist style switch.

Fortunately for these owners, the TorchLAB R1 Lawman McClicky Kit provides an aftermarket solution to this problem by replacing the stock switch mechanism with a click-type switch. Built around the well regarded McClicky switch mechanism, the self-installation kit comes with all the parts needed to make the change in minutes.

The TorchLAB R1 Lawman McClicky Kit is available from OVEREADY for less than $30. A sample kit was provided for use during this review.Continue reading→

Review: Elzetta Alpha Modular Flashlight

Posted on July 5, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

As promised at SHOT Show 2014, the new Elzetta Alpha is now available. Powered by a single 123A lithium primary battery, the Alpha is Elzetta’s most compact light to date and is intended for everyday carry and close-quarter usage. Using a Cree XP-G2 emitter, the Alpha is rated to produce a maximum output of 315 lumens distributed across a broad area.

Just like its larger siblings, the two-cell Bravo and three-cell Charlie, the Alpha features a modular design allowing up to 24 different configurations based upon different combinations of switches, bezel rings, and lenses. Prices range from $130 to $179 depending upon configuration with custom engraving available for an additional $10 fee. Continue reading→

OVEREADY Custom HA 6P

Posted on June 29, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The venerable SureFire 6P Original has received a 21st Century makeover from the fine folks at OVEREADY. With modifications made to improve both performance and aesthetics, their Custom HA 6P allows users to get the most out of the latest P60 LED drop-ins and more powerful lithium-ion rechargeable batteries.

Available with either black or natural (gray) hard-anodized finish, the Custom HA 6P can be purchased as a host (with no light engine) or as a turnkey flashlight with a TorchLAB Triple LED drop-in (Review) or M2 Mini Turbohead already installed. A selection of switches, lenses, and bezel rings rounds out the available options allowing the Custom HA 6P to be configured in a multitude of ways.

A sample with black hard-anodized finish, black smooth steel bezel ring, Ultra-Clear lens, and McClicky tailcap switch was provided for this review by OVEREADY. Since actual performance will vary depending upon the drop-in used, this review will focus on the host itself. Continue reading→

Review: PK Design Lab PK FL2 LE

Posted on June 26, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

Representing the first retail offering from PK Design Lab, the PK FL2 LE is a compact handheld flashlight capable of producing up to 650 lumens with its Cree XM-L2 emitter. Powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries, the PK FL2 LE provides two modes of operation, a 650 lumen high mode and a longer-running 20 lumen low mode for up close tasks.

Featuring a visually distinctive exterior design, the PK FL2 LE is available in a run of 1000 lights. Each light is individually numbered and has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $190.00. The sample used in this review was provided by Paul Kim of PK Design Lab. Continue reading→

Review: SureFire 6PX Tactical, Pro, and Defender

Posted on June 22, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The SureFire 6PX is a compact handheld flashlight powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries and rated to produce 320 lumens in its highest output mode. The 6PX is available in three versions, providing switch, output, and bezel options.

6PX Tactical (6PX-C): Single output version (320 lumens) equipped with a tactical press for momentary, twist for constant-on switch.
6PX Pro (6PX-D): Dual output version (15 lumens and 320 lumens) with a click-type switch. Partially press for momentary-on low output or press further, until it clicks, for constant-on low output. High mode is activated by returning to off and pressing (for momentary) or clicking (for constant-on) again within 2 seconds. After being off for more than 2 seconds, the 6PX Pro will always return to low mode the next time it is turned on.
6PX Defender (6PXD-C): Single output version (320 lumens) with a click-type switch and crenelated bezel.

The Tactical and Pro versions have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $90.00 and can be found at retail for less than $70. The 6PXD Defender has an MSRP of $106.00 and retails for around $75.00. Continue reading→