Favorite light for IDPA/Defense?

[GingerKid]

Hello all... I'm new to IDPA and last night was the first time I ever shot in a low light stage. Holy cow was I not prepared... Not only without a light (they let me borrow one) but I've never shot one handed in the dark!

Since I plan to continue shooting IDPA I've thought about purchasing a decent light. Let me qualify this by saying I'm not interested in spending a lot of money, maybe $50, and want to get everyone's opinion on favorite or best value for lights.

Any drawbacks to simply picking up the Surefire G2 for $36?

Thanks!

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Captain Crunch]

Any drawbacks to simply picking up the Surefire G2 for $36?

No drawbacks at all. Good choice. Get the LED model.

[pgrass101]

I second the LED model

[GingerKid]

I found a post on here about a $25 Rayovac, don't laugh, from Walmart that ran on 2 AA's... And a few more from the clubs such as Sam's and Costco. Folks seemed rather pleased that they could buy relatively cheap batteries and have a decent light. I may go that route... are there any smokin' deals on the G2's?

[MitchellCT]

I like a 6P because I like the aluminum body better for an impact weapon, but the polymer surefire is fine.

I'd look at getting an LED bulb, as the incandecent eats batteries like a fat guy in a doughnut shop chowing down on your dime.

[PaulBk]

There is a world of difference between a Surefire (or any other quality flashlight) and a Costco/Sams Club AA special, especially for IDPA or SD. My mini mags are great for bonfires, camping, and general 'around the house' lighting, where OK is good enough.

As you learned in the low light stage, you can't hit what you can't see and a quality light WILL let you see more.

Your call...

-Paul

[dunndw]

I've never shot a low light stage..yet. Will they let you use a mounted light or do you have to go with a handheld?

Regardless..the G2 is a good light. I bought one for my wife to keep in her purse. I have one of the 6P Defenders (with the strike bezel) on my belt right now... but it was QUITE a bit more than the G2

[kazzaerexys]

I've never shot a low light stage..yet. Will they let you use a mounted light or do you have to go with a handheld?

Handheld only for IDPA. No weapon lights.

[Wils91]

i just picked up a Smith and Wesson Delta Force for $34 from opticsplanet

very nice and very bright little light, 93 lumens. comes with a belt pouch, extra bulb, key ring accessories.

[GingerKid]

I ordered this one... figured I'd give it a shot and it seemed like a bargain. We'll see if you get what you pay for. 5-watt, LED, CREE bulb, 100 lumens, Smith and Wesson, $39 shipped.

Smith & Wesson CREE 5 Watt LED Flash Lights w/ FREE UPS SW775LX

Article that I found just came out this week...

FlashlightNews | Smith & Wesson Announces New LED Tactical Flashlight

[Ragin Cajun]

I bought one of the $25, 80 Lumen Rayovac's from Wal Mart. It's very bright, LED, and good quality. I don't see the need for a Sure Fire anymore. Well worth the money.

[houndawg75]

I've got one of the G2's but found that the button would get held down while in a pocket. I found an LED Lenser at Home Depot for about 30 bucks. It uses 3 AAA batteries and the button doesn't seem to get held down. Even if it does the AAA batteries are a lot cheaper and easier to come by.

[Ragin Cajun]

I ordered this one... figured I'd give it a shot and it seemed like a bargain. We'll see if you get what you pay for. 5-watt, LED, CREE bulb, 100 lumens, Smith and Wesson, $39 shipped.

Smith & Wesson CREE 5 Watt LED Flash Lights w/ FREE UPS SW775LX

Article that I found just came out this week...

FlashlightNews | Smith & Wesson Announces New LED Tactical Flashlight

That S&W light has a lot of simularities of the Rayovac. Must be the same OEM.

[GingerKid]

That S&W light has a lot of simularities of the Rayovac. Must be the same OEM.

Not certain if it is correct, but I read a post that Nuwai in China makes the Rayovac and others while a company called PowerTech in Tennessee makes the S&W lights.

[Jamie Young]

FYI- These are IDPA Legal and come in handy. I was at the IDPA Nationals last Sept and the guys that used them didn't drop the flashlights. The Ultimate Retention Device