Review: SureFire UDR Dominator

Posted on October 4, 2016October 10, 2016 by Jim Basham

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→

Review: Moddoolar Triad Tailcap

Posted on August 28, 2015September 9, 2015 by Paul Banks

The Moddoolar Triad is a custom designed tailcap for use with 1″ flashlight bodies such as those from SureFire and Moddoolar. Named in part for the three distinctive lobes at the end of the tailcap, the Triad is CNC machined from solid aluminum and has a hard-anodized finish applied in either a natural (gray) or matte black finish.Continue reading→

SureFire 123A Battery Long Term Testing

Posted on May 1, 2015February 7, 2016 by Jim Basham

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from SureFire asking if I would be interested in testing some old 123A lithium primary batteries. How old? Well, the batteries in question were manufactured over 12 years ago, in February 2003. Of course I was interested!

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Freedom Alliance Commemorative Flashlight

Posted on March 27, 2015September 9, 2015 by Paul Banks

SureFire has announced the upcoming release of a special commemorative edition of their P2X Fury celebrating the 25th anniversary of Freedom Alliance. Founded in 1990 by Lt. Col. Oliver L. North USMC (Ret) and the late Lt. General Edward J. Bronars, Freedom Alliance is an educational and charitable organization which sponsors numerous activities aimed at supporting and honoring our US service members and their families.Continue reading→

SureFire 2015 New Products

Posted on January 26, 2015February 8, 2015 by Jim Basham

Like many companies, SureFire uses the annual SHOT Show® to showcase their diverse line of products to prospective buyers and users. The bulk of their booth space is devoted to displaying their current offerings including illumination tools, tactical equipment, hearing protection, and training services.

However, it is the circular display counter at the center of the booth that arguably draws the most attention. Arrayed with the newest products planned for the coming year, this is where visitors can lay their eyes and hands upon the next generation of SureFire flashlights. Judging from the size of the crowd around this display, there was no shortage of people who were interested in seeing what SureFire has been up to.

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2015 SHOT Show: Day 1 Recap

Posted on January 21, 2015February 8, 2015 by Jim Basham

The 2015 SHOT Show® got off to a roaring start this week and the first day is in the books. I’ve been battling computer problems which have hampered my ability to post updates but I do have a few quick hitters I can share from Day 1.

As soon as I entered the show, I ran into the Brite-Strike booth and received a great overview of their product line from Beth and Glenn. The Plymouth, MA based company manufactures a full line of tactical flashlights as well as numerous products intended to assist in law enforcement functions. One such product is their APALS (All Purpose Adhesive Light Strips) system, a nifty LED alternative to chemical light sticks that provides 80+ hours of operation. Pretty cool stuff!

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New SureFire Titan-A

Posted on January 16, 2015January 26, 2015 by Jim Basham

Just a few months after debuting their largest LED flashlight, the UDR Dominator, SureFire is ready to make waves again with the introduction of their smallest, the Titan-A. Designed as an ultra-compact keychain light, the upcoming Titan-A is the first SureFire flashlight powered by an included rechargeable AAA Eneloop NiMH battery or AAA alkaline (not included).

Simple counterclockwise twists of the head allow the user to activate the Titan-A and select one of its two operating modes – a maximum of 125 lumens (for 30 minutes) and a longer running 15 lumen level (2 hours). A proprietary faceted reflector is used to create a wide and evenly dispersed beam suited for close-range use.

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Best Flashlights of 2014

Posted on January 2, 2015February 7, 2016 by Jim Basham

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 Z41 Switch Upgrades

Posted on November 30, 2014January 4, 2015 by Jim Basham

The SureFire Z41 tailcap has been around for quite a while. For more than 25 years this classic design has remained largely unchanged, even as handheld lighting has evolved immensely. Inside its aluminum or Nitrolon shell, the Z41 houses a ruggedly simple switch mechanism that has proven itself to be durable, reliable, and ideally suited for tactical use. With a simple user interface that allows momentary operation with a press of the tailcap, the Z41 ensures the flashlight is easy to activate when needed and, equally important, turns off when the switch is released. Constant operation is achieved by simply twisting (tightening) the tailcap.

Although the Z41, along with its many derivatives, works well for its intended purpose, it’s not perfect for every application. Some would prefer the convenience of a click-type tail switch while others may wish for a lower-profile or more efficient alternative. Whatever the case, the popularity of SureFire flashlights has led to the creation of several aftermarket solutions allowing the Z41 switch mechanism to be replaced using only simple hand tools.

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SureFire – Behind the Scenes

Posted on October 29, 2014February 7, 2016 by Jim Basham

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→