Let’s assume that SF has the best quality and nobody was disputing that. I think most of us tend to focus on value, which is a combination of quality and price. So, quality is important, but without a good price, the value goes down. That’s why I haven’t bought one. It looks like a good quality product, but I think other brands are a much better value. But that’s just me. I’d personally rather have 4 Fenix lights for example than one SF light. But different people have different priorities, and I respect that.
The older Surefires are way out dated. I think everyone can agree on that. Take a look at some of the newer models. The E2DL Ultra for example is a pretty awesome light, it is hitting close to 20k with awesome side spill with a nice big hotspot. It is just a bit longer than a P60 host, but a lot thinner. The Fury can be had for a lot less and is comparable to the $100 lights that Fenix, Nitcore, etc etc put out. Plus a way better warranty. Everyone likes lights for different reasons and that is cool. Really no need to argue about it. I myself would rather pay a little more and get a better quality light. It does not matter if it is Fenix, EagleTac, Surefire or what ever else is out at the time. I stay away from the supper cheap stuff, because it tends to have issues. Bottom line is different things work for different people.
Horses for courses.
We live in a greyscale, not this black/white only perspective some are sprouting as the only choice.
Really pleased to see some well thought out answers 
Kinda helps balance the discussion, I wasn’t arguing for Surefire, I just think people should be able to buy and support any brand without persecution or need to justify that purchase, as borked said horses for courses.
hey, if i had the cash i would have a titanium sunwayman with enough trits in it to light my night stand... a lot here would think i was crazy, but it is what i want
i just dont see the value in surefire.
yes, i would love to have an m6, and maybe a couple others... but there is just no value for money involved in them. they are just another anodized aluminum host...
I see these on ebay and think to myself if only these guys knew what kind of real flashlight they could by for that money. I would by a K40 or TN31 before I thought even once for paying $50 for that light.
I was thinking that yesterday. That most of the SF argument can be distilled down to “My Aluminum tube is better than your Aluminum tube!”
$ureFire torches are nice collectibles. I do have a few of those; all of them bought at a ridiculously low price off eBay.
“Look, this is the original one, and this… is the Chinese version of it. And, look, how the Chinese have improved the original design so much, at a much lower price!”
Yeah Brad that is the older version one. I would not waste my time with that. Like I said earlier the Ultra is pretty impressive for its size. The k40 and Tn31 are awesome also, especially once Vinh gets a hold of them, but they are not even the same type of light. The Ultra is about the size of a 2AA light. I have all kinds of lights, only a few Surefires though. I can say that they are made a lot better than most lights. You hold any other Chinese light you can tell the difference in the quality between the two. The TIR lens they put in some of their lights is pretty cool. It really throws the beam. Are they worth the extra money? That is up to the person buying it. Vinh said that they are one of the few lights that he does that he does not have to do much to them if anything. They come from the factory the way a light should be. Other than upgrades to the older emitters. I think we all can agree that Vinh knows a thing or two about the quality of a flashlight.
I think you guys are missing the point, I own one Surefire, I didn’t buy it because it was cheap or super bright, I just wanted a Surefire.
A mate of mine collects stamps from a little principality in India he pays big money for one stamp, I on the other hand go down to the PO and buy a whole book of 20 stamps for a few quid.
Get the point?
I fully understood the point long ago, people buy a surefire because its a surefire.
Try to bare in mind, I am odd, I don’t and never have done designer gear, and in the world of torches, surefire is definitely a designer name.
The only designer name I’m interested in is teng tools and that is because, in my experience they live up to my work requirements.
For me torches are just something to do, I don’t collect them, I use them, I mod them, so for me the first interest is “what can I fit” then does the answer to the first question interest me? The brand name takes third place in my interest at best because there’s likely to be little left of the brand when I’m satisfied.
You chose to own a surefire because of the name on the side. All power to you, because it makes you happy, thats the main point, your choice made you happy, my choices by and large make me happy.
Does that make either of us wrong? no! but there’s no reason why we cant have a crack with each other - you can poke fun when my home builds fail, I can poke fun at the price over performance of a surefire, we are, at the end of the day, arguing the merits of a dammed torch.
To put the importance of this into perspective, myself and toni are travelling from wigan to Sheffield on monday to have an mri scan on our unborn baby, the scan is to attempt to assertain the extent of possible brain damage on our unborn baby, a baby that is unlikely to make full term, we are participating in this experimental scan in the hope it helps others in our situation.
Now tell me how important you really think a name on a torch really is to me at the moment?
This is merely somewhere for me to briefly escape reality, I’m sorry you feel upset, but I wont feel guilty for enjoying myself a little, if I’ve offended you, I apologise, but understand it is definitely nothing personal.
Thanks Gords you put your finger right on the whole point.
It’s all merely entertainment, boys and girls.
And, Gords, on a serious note, for whatever it’s worth- you, Toni, and the baby will be in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck!
“My X is better than your X!” succinctly summarises why conflict exists.
Add whatever you’re arguing in lieu of X to ascertain the validity of this statement, be it your imaginary friend/religious beliefs, automobile, child, partner, item of clothing, heck even right down to piece of food !
i think the point of all of this is:
some of us may not prefer or understand spending a lot of money on a surefire
BUT
this is a friendly place and surefire is a flashlight!
so to each his own and enjoy your lights
My X(terra) is better than your Z(71)!!! yeah buddy 
My chilli is better than your chilli too 
IMO this brings the original posters point to light - one can understand your point without having to agree with it.
Some of us may understand and agree, others may understand and still not agree, and a lot may not even care - but it’s not necessary to act like it’s life and death for others to understand and agree.
Most importantly, people don’t need to get banned for not agreeing or choosing to not keep their alternate opinions to themselves (whichever side of a point is made, as long as they are not completely disrespectful of the other and the admin’s very limited rules here).
+1. I came across Surefire in 2005 which started off as the “Newport Corporation” in 1969, in 1979 as “Laser Products” and in 2000 with its current name. It has always been priced at a premium. But it’s marketing could really come closer down to earth.
I know Surefire makes a great flashlight. But they are way overpriced is all I’m saying. But those guys that want to pay the price is fine by me. I myself won’t.