I feel that alot of people purchase a Surefire brand thinking that these are the only small,sturdy,bright,lights out there.
I'm sure the lights are well made. If you drop the light and a concrete truck happens to run over it,it will survive. Slamed in a safe door,it will live. Emersed in water....well almost all little lights will live through that.
I don't endorse a light for self defense purposes except for TARGET ID. For that you need a very bright light. (the brighter the better)
For me it's the most lumens for the buck. It has to be reasonably sturdy. Waterproof. Batteries and parts have to be easily obtainable. Can't be too big OR too small. A snap on red filter and a snap on blue filter(blood tracking) would be a plus also. Fairly well made light holder that rides "right" on the belt would be great also.(although I pocket mine) Color ?,hell that's what spray paint is used for. Plus,it looks distintive with a little wear(just like your carry weapon).
Pick the light that has the features that you need (real or imagined)to do the job that you think (feel) will need to be done. If you feel that you will need the light to save your life someday,then purchase it as you would your firearm or blade.
I would just reccommend that before you run down to the Surefire store,look around. Their are other choices. Lights with allot more lumens for allot less money.
How about a light that puts out 180 lumens for 50 bucks. Takes standard batteries. 90 minute run time. CNC machined- aluminum anodized construction.Red,green,or blue,filters available. Waterproof. Etc,etc. This works for me. ---------