SureFire UDR Dominator

Review: SureFire UDR Dominator

After years of anticipation the SureFire UDR Dominator has become a reality.  The largest and most powerful LED equipped flashlight produced by SureFire, the new UDR Dominator is an ultra-powerful portable spotlight designed for demanding activities such as search & rescue, border patrol, military operations, and maritime applications.  Utilizing the Luminus CBT-90 LED assembly, the UDR Dominator is capable of producing a focused 200,000+ candela beam.

Users may select between 9 output levels (14 lumens to the full-throttle 2400 lumens) and a strobe mode by use of a head mounted selector ring.  Three push-button switches then allow direct access to momentary, constant, or maximum output.  Normally powered by an included lithium-ion rechargeable battery, the UDR Dominator is “Dual Fuel” capable and allows the use of 123A lithium primary batteries as an alternative power source. Continue reading

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2014 Best Flashlights Feature

Best Flashlights of 2014

Now that 2014 is behind us the advent of the New Year provides an opportunity to reflect upon the year that was.  Over the past 12 months I’ve been fortunate to get my grubby paws on a lot of great products from some of the biggest names in the business, as well as a few that aren’t as well known.  This includes more than just flashlights, and in fact some of my favorite products have been the accessories and modifications that make my existing flashlights more useful.

Through it all there have been some products that stood out from the rest so I will start with a dozen noteworthy items that were reviewed here during 2014.  Some were brand new products, introduced during the past year, while others were simply new to me personally.

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SureFire LLC Machining Center

SureFire – Behind the Scenes

As I was preparing for an upcoming trip to San Diego, California I couldn’t help but notice that I would be a mere two hour drive from Fountain Valley, the birthplace of the many SureFire flashlights in my collection.  As a certifiable flashlight nut (flashaholic) I just couldn’t pass up this opportunity without attempting to visit their facilities while on the West Coast.  Hopefully I could learn more about the company, people, and processes that create such great products.Continue reading

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Review: SureFire P1R Peacekeeper

The SureFire P1R Peacekeeper is a compact high-output flashlight designed to meet the needs of law enforcement personnel. Normally powered by the included lithium-ion battery the Peacekeeper is rated to provide a maximum of 600 lumens of output and is available in two versions.

  • P1R Peacekeeper Tactical (P1R-A-BK):  Single output version (600 lumens) equipped with a press for momentary, twist for constant-on tactical switch.
  • P1R Peacekeeper (P1R-B-BK):  Dual output version (600 lumens and 15 lumens) with a click-type switch.  Partially press for momentary-on high output or press further, until it clicks, for constant-on high output.  Low mode is activated by returning to off and pressing or clicking again within 2 seconds.  After being off for more than 2 seconds, the Peacekeeper will always return to high mode the next time it is turned on.

Both versions of the Peacekeeper have a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $250 and retail for around $200.

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SureFire M6LT-B Guardian

Review: SureFire M6LT-B Guardian

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

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SureFire Y300 Ultra

Review: SureFire Y300 Ultra

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

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SureFire 6PX

Review: SureFire 6PX Tactical, Pro, and Defender

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

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SureFire E1D LED Defender

Review: SureFire E1D LED Defender

The E1D LED Defender (E1DL-A) is the latest addition to the SureFire Defender line of flashlights and the first member to operate on only one 123A battery. Rated to produce a maximum of 300 lumens, the E1DL also offers a long-running 5 lumen low mode with its output focused by a Total Internal Reflection (TIR) lens.

The E1DL-A has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $240 with retail prices beginning around $170. Continue reading

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SureFire G2X

Review: SureFire G2X Pro and G2X Tactical

The SureFire G2X is a compact handheld flashlight powered by two 123A lithium primary batteries and rated to produce up to 320 lumens of output.  Constructed with a tough polymer body, the G2X is available in two configurations providing switching and output options:

  • G2X Tactical (G2X-C):  Single output version (320 lumens) of the G2X equipped with a tactical press for momentary, twist for constant-on switch.
  • G2X Pro (G2X-D):  Dual output version (15 lumens and 320 lumens) with a click-type switch.  Users may partially press the switch for momentary-on low output or press further, until it clicks, for constant-on low output.  The high output mode can be accessed by returning to off and pressing or clicking again within 2 seconds.

Each configuration is available in a selection of colors including black, desert tan, forest green, and yellow.  The G2X has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $70.  Continue reading

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