I love Streamlight flashlights, and my love of them has been well-documented here on INGO: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...reamlight_has_become_my_go_to_for_lights.html
However, while taking Mindset Laboratory's Flashlight Combatives course back in December I found that my EDC PT2L, while a fantastic light in most respects, lacked one feature that is slightly more desirable-- a non-clicky tailcap. You can check out my AAR for an explanation of why this is important to me: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...boratory_flashlight_combatives_12_4_11_a.html
The light that Shay recommended to the class that incorporated all of the most desirable features was the Surefire LX2 Lumamax. Its tough-as-nails, blindingly bright, large enough to strike with while still being small enough to EDC in a pant pocket, and most importantly it has a 2-stage non-clicky tailcap. The downer came when I looked it up and saw the price tag-- $210!
Now I'm all about paying good money for good gear, but I was having a hard time justifying that kind of price gap to myself. My PT2L was just under $50-- a difference of $160. Was it worth $160 to just eliminate a clicky tailcap? I said 'no way' and continued to carry my PT2L.
Then last week I was discussing the light with INGOer Westside, and he sent me a link to a place in New York City that was selling the LX2 for $147 with free shipping and 2 free extra Surefire batteries. It was from a reputable company that he had prior dealings with, so I felt that the offer was legit.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/631918-REG/Surefire_LX2_HA_WH_LX2_LumaMax_LED_Flashlight.html
The price gap was now significantly lessened, and I then had to reconsider my position. Making matters 'worse' was the fact that I had some gun fund money burning a hole in my pocket. So I bought one.
I submitted my order to B&G Photo on Wednesday around Noon. By 5pm I had a UPS tracking number in my email inbox. Today (Friday) it arrived on my doorstep at 11am.
Opening the shipping box I found the nicely boxed light and the 2 free extra Surefire batteries (2 were already loaded in the light).
Its built like a tank. Everything about it exudes quality-- from the rubber switch cap to the engraved patent numbers. The pocket clip is quite stout, and has an interesting design that would allow some alternative carry methods. A slight push of the tailcap emits 15 lumens, while further pushing brings out 200 lumens. Twisting the tailcap allows for constant-on in either mode. Its everything a "tactical illumination tool" should be.
So of course my first task was to compare it directly to my Streamlight PT2L. I snapped several pictures to help give you an idea of how their dimensions compare.
I didn't have a scale to weigh them, but in my hand the LX2 feels only slightly heavier. This surprised me, as it also feels much beefier overall.
As you can see in the pictures, the LX2 is slightly longer and has a larger diameter in certain areas. I wondered if this would be a problem for pocket carry, as I felt my PT2L was the perfect size.
I've been carrying the LX2 in my work pants (dress slacks) all day today and its as comfortable and hides just as well as my PT2L. I have not yet tried it with jeans. Although the LX2 is probably the largest handheld light I would personally want to EDC, I don't find the minor size increase to be an issue at this point.
I'll update this thread as I get more time with the LX2. I'll be using it next month in Mindset Lab's Low-Light Force-on-Force Scenario course, and will report on its performance then as well.
http://mindsetlab.com/wordpress/?p=258
If you have any questions I'd be glad to try and answer them.
However, while taking Mindset Laboratory's Flashlight Combatives course back in December I found that my EDC PT2L, while a fantastic light in most respects, lacked one feature that is slightly more desirable-- a non-clicky tailcap. You can check out my AAR for an explanation of why this is important to me: https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...boratory_flashlight_combatives_12_4_11_a.html
The light that Shay recommended to the class that incorporated all of the most desirable features was the Surefire LX2 Lumamax. Its tough-as-nails, blindingly bright, large enough to strike with while still being small enough to EDC in a pant pocket, and most importantly it has a 2-stage non-clicky tailcap. The downer came when I looked it up and saw the price tag-- $210!
Now I'm all about paying good money for good gear, but I was having a hard time justifying that kind of price gap to myself. My PT2L was just under $50-- a difference of $160. Was it worth $160 to just eliminate a clicky tailcap? I said 'no way' and continued to carry my PT2L.
Then last week I was discussing the light with INGOer Westside, and he sent me a link to a place in New York City that was selling the LX2 for $147 with free shipping and 2 free extra Surefire batteries. It was from a reputable company that he had prior dealings with, so I felt that the offer was legit.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/631918-REG/Surefire_LX2_HA_WH_LX2_LumaMax_LED_Flashlight.html
The price gap was now significantly lessened, and I then had to reconsider my position. Making matters 'worse' was the fact that I had some gun fund money burning a hole in my pocket. So I bought one.
I submitted my order to B&G Photo on Wednesday around Noon. By 5pm I had a UPS tracking number in my email inbox. Today (Friday) it arrived on my doorstep at 11am.
Opening the shipping box I found the nicely boxed light and the 2 free extra Surefire batteries (2 were already loaded in the light).
Its built like a tank. Everything about it exudes quality-- from the rubber switch cap to the engraved patent numbers. The pocket clip is quite stout, and has an interesting design that would allow some alternative carry methods. A slight push of the tailcap emits 15 lumens, while further pushing brings out 200 lumens. Twisting the tailcap allows for constant-on in either mode. Its everything a "tactical illumination tool" should be.
So of course my first task was to compare it directly to my Streamlight PT2L. I snapped several pictures to help give you an idea of how their dimensions compare.
I didn't have a scale to weigh them, but in my hand the LX2 feels only slightly heavier. This surprised me, as it also feels much beefier overall.
As you can see in the pictures, the LX2 is slightly longer and has a larger diameter in certain areas. I wondered if this would be a problem for pocket carry, as I felt my PT2L was the perfect size.
I've been carrying the LX2 in my work pants (dress slacks) all day today and its as comfortable and hides just as well as my PT2L. I have not yet tried it with jeans. Although the LX2 is probably the largest handheld light I would personally want to EDC, I don't find the minor size increase to be an issue at this point.
I'll update this thread as I get more time with the LX2. I'll be using it next month in Mindset Lab's Low-Light Force-on-Force Scenario course, and will report on its performance then as well.
http://mindsetlab.com/wordpress/?p=258
If you have any questions I'd be glad to try and answer them.
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