True Stories

I'm a studio photographer who really appreciates the quality of light that your E1L Outdoorsman puts out - bright, beautiful, and smooth. I had to give a lecture on my specialty, "painting with light," so I decided to do a still life photo of oranges, in front of an audience of 60 people, and I lit it solely with my E1L. The results were great, and the audience was amazed at how well that little flashlight lit the subject.

Harold R.
West Chester, PA

Yeah, your lights are great , but let’s hear about the other products.

All I can say is.....wow! Your M73 Picatinny Rail Forend is the best out there. I did my shopping and compared all of the available hand guards out there. I cannot say enough about your "M" model. By far this is the best engineered device I've ever seen!

When it arrived and I saw how the M73 mounted on the weapon, I was beside myself. I have never been so pleased with an "Attachment" than I am with your M73 Forend. The engineering of it has surpassed all out there. I am in no way showing favorites....This is just the truth. Yours attaches in such a way that it doesn't move one centimeter at all. The M73 is rock solid, lets the muzzle breathe, and with the lower front end (at the 'six' position) being a half inch longer, my bi-pod takes up less real estate on my weapon.

I have bragged about your "M" series to all my "Black Rifle" buddies out there! Keep up the great work SureFire!

Your very satisfied customer,

Mike C.
State College, PA

Just wanted to let you guys know how much I love my Surefire lights. I started off with the A2 thinking I was insane for spending over $200 for a flashlight, but boy was I wrong! Within moments of turning on my A2, I realized it was money well spent, and a week later I bought a U2 Ultra, which never leaves my side.

I work nights hauling liquid nitrogen and oxygen and depending on the task at hand I need different amounts of light. When I'm reading a LCD meter, too much power washes out the readings, so I set the U2's adjustable setting to low. When I'm inspecting my truck or scoping out a dark delivery area, I have the U2 set on high. ]

I've dropped my U2 several times and it shows no signs of wear at all. My company gave us "police style" flashlights made by another major manufacturer a few weeks back, and I just had to laugh at the build quality and the performance (or lack of it). Needless to say, that light is still sitting in my locker collecting dust while my U2 is my light of choice. My U2 is also the only light that, when people see me using it, they walk up to me and ask me what kind of light I am using. I let them try it out and direct them to this site so they can get their own.

Thanks Surefire for making my job much safer, easier, and brighter!

Les L.
Bethlehem, PA

I have a few SureFires, but the one I keep coming back to is the SureFire L4, which has a great, wide-angle beam—and it comes in a slim, small package that makes it easy to carry virtually anywhere. My friend once fired up my L4 and was absolutely amazed at how bright it was. Well, my friend recently went to a Southeast Asian country where there isn't much in the way of streetlights and there are a lot of power outages, so I gave him an L4 as a present, along with six sets of SureFire lithium batteries. He said it was really useful, and the light had such a great runtime that he ended up only using one set of batteries the whole two-week trip.

Way to go, SureFire. I know he'll use that light for a lifetime, and I feel great knowing that he now has one of the best illumination tools available. Keep up the good work.

Maurice C.
Alameda, CA

I don't have a story about how my SureFire saved my life, but I wanted to talk about the level of excellence my 3-year-old, daily carried E2D LED Defender^® has provided to me. It has been in the swamps of southern Georgia, dropped in muck; run over with a full size Chevy on a slate driveway; dropped; banged up; and scratched. But like a pen with smooth ink, nothing feels better in my hand, and it has brought light into the darkest of places.

Whether on a tour of Mammoth Cave, looking for street signs or house numbers, on the backcountry ski slopes, tracking an animal on a hunt, or just helping someone look for something they dropped in the parking lot, my SureFire immediately draws attention. I usually spend a good amount of time showing and demonstrating my light and explaining to total strangers who SureFire is, and they're always amazed at how bright my light is. In fact, the park rangers at Mammoth Cave wouldn't let me leave without finding out how I could light up the whole cavern with something I had in my pocket-a pocket-sized something that drowned out their large, belt-holstered flashlights. If I would've had a box of SureFires that day, I could've sold one to every ranger there.

Thank you, SureFire, for making such a quality product.

Andrew S.
Lexington, KY

As a security officer and an EMT, I need a good light that will hold up to the rigors of daily life. I recently picked up a 6P® LED from a local gun shop, and, when I went to pay for it, the owner's wife asked why SureFire lights were so popular and cost more than other brands. I simply replied, "Because they're the best damn lights out there—period." The owner's response was, "I couldn't have said it any better."

Thanks for making awesome products that constantly beg for attention and turn heads wherever I go.

Bruce B.
Atascadero, CA

I work as an EMT in an Emergency Dept. in northern Vermont. Besides my trauma shears, a cheap pen, and an extra pair of gloves, the only piece of equipment I carry on my person day to day is my trusty E1L Outdoorsman. I use the low beam to check pupillary response and have used the high beam to investigate a multitude of foreign body obstructions in any number of openings and orifices. The ER Docs are often surprised by the intensity of "that little light" when I hand them my Surefire instead of one of our 2 D-Cell plastic lights.

Thanks for making a dependable product that performs flawlessly, every time.

Matt L.
Burlington, VT

My in-laws were visiting for Thanksgiving and were telling us a story about how their power went out in their new home during a BIG storm. With Christmas just around the corner, I made a mental note to get them a SureFire G2® LED.

Last week, while visiting, my mother-in-law dropped something that went under the couch. Excited to try out her new flashlight, which she had with her, she fired it up and looked under the couch, where she excitedly found the item she was looking for—and a whole lot more. Her excitement quickly turned to shock as she gazed at all the dust under the couch. A "clean freak," she immediately proceeded to dust, sweep, and vacuum, her G2 LED in hand, making sure she picked up every last speck of dust.

Not only did that G2 LED save the day, it got our house cleaned more thoroughly than it's been in years. Thanks, SureFire.

David G.
New York, NY

I have been into flashlights for as long as I can remember. I've owned more than I can count, from disposable squeeze lights, in the early years, to many name-brand, bulky aluminum ones; spotlights too. I have been on a two-decade search for the "best" flashlight I can carry, since I have plenty at home and in my car. I eventually made my list of qualifications of my dream everyday-carry flashlight:

1. Small enough to carry
2. Not too expensive
3. A super-bright LED
4. Durable
5. Won't accidentally turn on in my pocket
6. Affordable batteries


Unfortunately, no flashlights I checked out met all of these qualifications. I'd heard of SureFire, mainly from family friends, but I always thought they were hundreds of dollars, even for the cheapest models. I also thought their lamps burned out in a matter of hours and that the 123A lithium batteries that powered them were expensive.

Well, one lucky break at the car-rental place where I work changed my mind. When we find things in cars that aren't garbage, we put them in lost-and-found and, if they aren't claimed after a couple of months, we can keep them. I found a SureFire 6P^® in a car, which never got claimed, so, after a couple of months, it became mine. I bought some new batteries for it, and it worked fantastic. After that, I started visiting the SureFire website frequently, even making it a "favorite" on my phone. I read a lot about your flashlights, and what really impressed me were the "True Stories."

Recently, I bought a 6PX™ Pro and a quick-release holster at a local store that carries SureFire, and I now know that, at 30 years old, my search for the "best" flashlight is finally over. It meets all of my qualifications. All other flashlights (except my found 6P) are nothing but cheap toys now. My 6P is next to my bed, at home, and I carry my 6PX everywhere I go, always on my belt, ready for use.

I am a SureFire fan for life.

Jayson H.
Beaverton, OR

After reading about your new EIB Backup light in a magazine, my wife and I decided to purchase each other the lights for Christmas of 2008. We ordered them via the web and received them in early December.

On December 11, 2008, our region of the Northeast got slammed with the worst ice storm in recent history. Power went out for many days as a result of ice-caked trees taking the electric facilities down. Since I work for the local electric utility, I was called in from vacation to assist with power restoration and was assigned to lead some Tennessee contract line crews. The crews worked tirelessly for 16-hour shifts. I was able to take along and use my early Christmas gift, the SureFire E1B Backup light during the restoration. I used it primarily when I was away from my vehicle, mostly on the low setting, for close-up work, but when I needed to see any distance, the high setting really did the job and seemed like a spotlight.

I was very surprised to discover that, during the six days I was in the field during the restoration, the battery held up and lasted the duration. I'd actually brought along my wife's Backup for a backup, but never needed to use it. Since then, we experienced a severe windstorm in February 2010, and I was again called to duty to run outside contract crews for restoration. One of the first things I grabbed was my Backup-and a spare battery.

I would highly recommend the Backup to anyone as a primary light. Keep up the great innovative work, SureFire.

Skip Z.
Exeter, NH

I an Eagle Scout and go camping quite frequently with my local Boy Scout Troop. The one thing that I always bring with me is my SureFire L2 and/or my SureFire E1L Outdoorsman. These great lights have always served me well in all camping conditions. My L2 can easily light up the whole campsite. I am always amazed at how many comments I get about how bright it is. Also, I always love how these lights become the center of conversation among the younger scouts—and even the adults. It's always kind of fun to gloat and be, like, "Yep, that's my flashlight."

Thanks, SureFire, for making such an awesome flashlight that can wow Boy Scouts. Keep up the good work.

Ben M.
Lebanon, OH

During the 1994 Northridge earthquake, my wife and I lived upstairs in an apartment, which shook us out of our bed and pinned us under the dresser. After pulling ourselves out, I searched for a flashlight so we could make our way downstairs. Finally I found a long black one, which we'd stuck away for just such an emergency, only to find that the batteries were dead and leaking all over. I told my wife then and there that we'd never again be in that situation.

I searched for months to find the right flashlight, finally deciding upon the FBI-issued SureFire Z2 CombatLight®. My wife bought it for me for my birthday and, wow, was I happy. I now own six: the Z2, E1L, M4, E2e, L5, and G2®. I recently bought my Dad the perfect Father's Day Gift: his own G2® LED. I know he will use it for a long time and will come to depend on it as we do ours.

Thank you, SureFire, for giving us the comfort of knowing we will always have light.

Alan O.
Simi Valley, CA

I think that when a flashlight is named "G3D Fire Rescue," it's pretty clear it will be able to withstand the heat, smoke, steam, and brutal elements that we firefighters face. That said, I won't state the obvious high-quality design and ruggedness of this product. Instead I want to share with you the faith I have in this device.

Before, I would never spend more than 20 or 30 dollars on a flashlight. I figured it was a waste of money to spend any more on a case housing, some batteries, conductive metal, and a bulb. This changed when my fire department and I were conducting a search-and-rescue operation and my department-issued flashlight failed to work. Because of this, I was stuck relying on other rescuers' lights and felt more like part of the problem than the solution, as I kept getting in their way. After that, I realized that, when I drop 100+ dollars on a SureFire light, I'm not just buying a flashlight—I'm buying a well-engineered piece of equipment designed to make me more effective as a rescuer. When SureFire puts "Fire Rescue" or "Law Enforcement" on a device, they are putting their name on the line, something they can do comfortable since they are confident their devices perform beyond all expectations.

I don't have a thrilling story about a heroic vehicle-extrication or saving a baby in a smoke-filled room with the aid of my flashlight, but I have the confidence that, if either of those two circumstances ever occurs, I will have the right light to help me do my job. Today I trust and rely on my SureFire G3D-FYL Fire Rescue flashlight every bit as much as the rest of my protective gear. I know that it will work when I need it and that it will help keep me safe. I want to personally thank SureFire for creating such a quality illumination tool.

Matthew R.
Ewing, NJ

After putting my Surefire E2D LED Defender® to the test this past winter, during a bad ice storm, I learned how important a quality flashlight is. We lost power for about four days, and I was the only person in my family who had a SureFire-at least I used to be the only one.

My SureFire performed great throughout the entire ice storm-from navigating through the house at night to outdoor use to helping neighbors and friends cope with the power outage. I only had to replace the batteries once because I took full advantage of the lower-output, five-lumen setting to conserve power. I have to give SureFire a lot of credit for making lights with two power levels. It's like having two flashlights in one. The five-lumen setting gives enough light for closer tasks, such as reading and walking in pitch-dark environments. And knowing that the solid-state LED wouldn't burn out or break a filament, like with an incandescent bulb, provided me with great peace of mind over the course of the storm.

I also have to praise SureFire for making their lights with pocket clips, which keep the light securely in place and allow you to clip the light to a baseball cap for impromptu hands-free lighting. The scalloped tail of the E2DL allows the Defender to stand on its tailcap, so it can even be left alone to illuminate an entire room by bouncing its 120-lumen beam off the ceiling.

Thanks, SureFire, for making the best.

Danny G.
Cohoes, NY

As a camera assistant on motion pictures, television shows, and commercials, I handle very intricate and small parts, often colored black, every day. Though a movie set is full of light, where cameras are placed is never bright, and we camera crew need flashlights all day long.

Threading film precisely inside film cameras and checking for dust and foreign objects is one of the main tasks of a camera assistant. When an assistant director says to check the gate after a take, it is the camera assistant's job to check the gate area of the camera for any foreign objects that might show up on the film. Upon our approval, we move on to the next camera set-ups. This process requires a good, dependable flashlight, as we have to inspect a very small film gate very thoroughly. SureFire flashlights are the camera crew's choice and have been for years. We use them every day, and SureFire never fails us. They're bright, robust, durable, and feature long- lasting bulbs, at affordable prices.

We camera crew guys consider SureFire one of our best investments.

Sung C.
New York, NY

On a Friday night, we responded to a motor vehicle accident with person pinned. On scene, we had two patients who were already being treated. The second vehicle was nowhere in sight, and law enforcement had assumed it was a hit and run. Upon further investigation, we found the second vehicle under a tree, the limbs covering the vehicle, hiding it from plain view.

As we started patient care, I crawled into the back seat to assist with patient care. One of the EMTs handed me their bulky Maglite and told me to hold it. I took it and promptly laid it down in the seat and reached up and switched on my SureFire G2®, with LED conversion, that I had mounted on my helmet. It nearly blinded the techs as we packaged the patient for transport.

While en route to the hospital, both EMT techs asked where they could purchase a light like mine. A month later, an email came out to everyone, recommending the purchase of G2 LEDs. I own many flashlights, but nothing compares to the quality of my SureFires.

Sean B.
Wichita, KS

A couple of months after purchasing my new Surefire E1L Outdoorsman, I noticed that the tailcap pushbutton switch was making a strange noise every time I pressed, unlike all of my other SureFire lights that make no strange noises and are very solid. So I called SureFire Customer Service, and they were more than happy to send me out a new one to see if it would correct the problem, which it did. There was no hassling me about where I bought the light, if I had the receipt-nothing. They just asked for my name and address and very quickly shipped me a new tailcap. Quite simply, an outstanding product and legendary customer service. Thank you very much for standing behind your product. I love all of my SureFire flashlights.

Scott C.
San Carlos, CA

An A+ to the Warranty/Repairs Department at SureFire. I purchased a G2^® LED and a Helmet Light, both of which were beaten to near death by me. SureFire was very helpful in sending me replacement parts and even replaced my Helmet Light for no charge. Thanks, SureFire. You now have a customer for life.

Rod H.
Anchorage, AK

Back in 2007, I purchased a C3 Centurion^® to celebrate my new job. On more than one occasion it proved to be a very valuable light. I used it for everything from lighting up a sieve I was cleaning to using it as an overhead light for asphalt testing. This tough light was even dropped in the solvent I was using for the test. Compared to the conditions other SureFire owners have subjected their lights to, this one can be classified as "gently used."

Earlier this year, I bid my old friend a fond farewell, as I sold it, along with a few accessories. Now someone else can enjoy the quality and reliability of this SureFire. I now have an E2D LED Defender^®, which is now my truck light. I haven't used it yet but have given several demonstrations of its brightness, ruggedness, and versatility. Since the light bears the SureFire name, that's all the validation I need to know I own a flashlight that's the very best. Keep up your commitment to quality.

Eva S.
Jackson, MI

A few months ago, I started looking for a better pocket flashlight than my ten-dollar No-Name brand that would go dim shortly after a fresh set of batteries were installed. I found the SureFire G2X™ Pro, which had the best blend of usability, reliability, and cost, for my budget, anyway. It took almost an entire month for its batteries to run down, and I use it all the time, and the quality is just amazing I wish I had a life-or-death story to tell about it, but not yet—although I know that if the situation ever arises, it will surely stand up to the occasion.

Thanks, SureFire, for your dedication to quality. Nothing in portable lighting comes even close to a SureFire. Period.

Divad V.
Whitsett, NC

I have retinitis pigmentosa (RP), a genetic and incurable retinal degenerative disease that causes night blindness and tunnel vision. For this reason, I have walked fully clothed into a swimming pool several times in my life, apologized to mailboxes and fire hydrants when I walk into them, etc.

One day, my wife discovered a SureFire flashlight in a spy shop in London. Since that day, I never go out without one, and often two, SureFire flashlights and spare batteries. Unfortunately, very few people with RP have heard of SureFire flashlights, or know about the great intensity and superb quality of your products. And rather than direct patients to SureFire, local RP experts in Boston have instead urged patients to purchase expensive infrared optical devices, a much less cost-effective alternative.

I'm indebted to SureFire, and frequently tell others with my condition about your superb products.

Peter C.
Chestnut Hill, MA

I ride my bike almost every night, and there are some crazy drivers. But now I carry my new SureFire Stratum™, and when there's a crazy driver, I hit the switch three times—it's so bright that they always slow down. Sometimes they come from around the curb, and I can hear their engines roaring, so I just shine the light in front of them, on the ground, and they see it and calm down.

Sometimes, when I ride and a car drives by, I compare my Stratum's beam with its headlights. The Stratum always wins. I take that light with me everywhere I go; it's an everyday carry for me. I even take it into the shower, because you never know if the lights will go out. My life is just so much safer with this powerful illumination tool, because you never know what you might be up against.

Peter L.
Sarasota, FL

When I was ten years old, I received a two-D-cell flashlight for a birthday present. Since I have always been fascinated by flashlights and pocket knives, I was thrilled that I finally had a flashlight of my own. However, the novelty quickly wore off when I took it with me to a retreat and shut it off in embarrassment when people with much-brighter, pocket-sized lights turned theirs on.

Soon after that, I moved to Denver. One afternoon I was in a local sporting goods store, which I learned was a SureFire dealer. The clerk turned me on to the SureFire brand after I told him I was looking for something that had long range and was pocket sized. I will always remember the first model I tried: the E1E Executive Elite^®, with an output of a mere 15 lumens but a flawless beam that made it seem so much brighter. Three weeks later, I sold my two-D-cell flashlight and put the proceeds toward buying my first SureFire, which soon came in real handy at school during a power outage. Everyone was blown away by the brightness of my pocket-sized SureFire, and I showed it proudly to my classmates and told them where they could get one.

I have since purchased several other models, including the G2^® Nitrolon^®, the E2D LED Defender^®, which I keep in my truck, and the E1B Backup^®, in silver, which goes wherever I go. I've even purchased two G2s for my mom, who uses them both extensively. Thank you for making such an awesome product.

Eva S.
Jackson, MI

A must have for 3 gun shooting. The best back-up sight available anywhere. These sights are so sturdy I put a second set on my SWAT entry rifle.

Keith Garcia

As a previous machine shop owner, I appreciate the quality, durability and versatility of this product (RTS). After using it for 3-gun shooting, I feel you have designed and manufactured a superior product for the sport.

DuWaine Emmons
Kuna, ID

I just installed a set on my LMT Defender and they are bad ass! I have a Leupold AR 3x9 and needed a close range sight system and they more than exceed my expectations.

Ben Gibson
Goldsboro, NC

I've never saved anyone or performed an act of heroism with my SureFire, but as a visually impaired person, I find the quality of SureFire lights to be second to none. I use mine with a diffuser and find the nice, even light with no dark spots perfect for every situation where I need light, like finding my kids in the dark or taking out the trash. I've had several SureFire models over the past eight years and have found them all to be excellent. I've managed to avoid having to use a white cane; for me, a SureFire is a better, more efficient tool.

Brent B.
Newfoundland, Canada

My friend was directing a play and needed a flashlight for an actor to use on stage. All the stage lights were supposed to go off, except for the flashlight. It had to be bright enough to light up the stage but compact enough to be pocketed easily and not look awkward in the hand.

I'm not a gaffer or a grip, but I thought one of my SureFires might do the trick. So I screwed a click-on/off switch onto my G2^® LED and lent it to the theater company. The director was totally thrown back by how much light that little light could put out and used it every showing, from opening night to closing night.

The cast and crew put on a great show, but, to me, my little black flashlight was the real star.

Eric C.
Tulsa, OK

I have been a courier for the world's largest overnight-delivery company for nearly 24 years. Many tools have come and gone over the years, but my SureFire E1L Outdoorsman has been the best purchase I've ever made.

The lights in the back of our vans are not always the best, or even operational, and moving a package to the light to see the address takes too much time on a fast-and-furious schedule like mine. My E1L is always on a lanyard around my neck, resting in my shirt pocket. I hold it in my mouth to have both hands free, so I can grab things quickly, check addresses, and keep moving.

I change out to my higher-powered E2L Outdoorsman when the days turn to night and I have to check mailboxes and house numbers. Walking up to a house at night isn't the best part of my job, because many times people forget or do not know a package is coming and the only light available is in my hand.

I can promise you that the light in my hand will always be a SureFire.

James W.
Tallahassee, FL

On a recent trip up to our family cabin, in the snowy mountains of Southern California, my G2X™ Pro was indispensible and helped me ensure that all the people around me stayed safe and comfortable. SureFire, as a company, is a perfect example of what American companies are capable of. The manufacturing is top notch, and the customer service is hands down the best I've ever encountered. I have extreme confidence that my G2X will continue to keep me and my loved ones safe for many years to come. Thank you for an excellent product and outstanding customer service.

Zach S.
Temecula, CA

I'll admit it, SureFire, I broke down and purchased a flashlight from another high-end brand name, thinking it might be cost-effective and perhaps a little brighter than my current SureFires. I'm sorry to say that I had to learn I was wrong—the hard way. My new, somewhat pricey, "high-end" flashlight just isn't SureFire material. The threads are dicey, the anodizing is questionable, the switching isn't reliable, due to ultra-complicated modes and programming—plus, I'm constantly worried about breaking the thing or dinging it. And babying a flashlight is a waste of time; it's supposed to work for you, not you for it. That's why I'm returning to my original SureFire. It's still the only one I feel comfortable counting on to work every single time. Simpler really is better.

Kevin J.
New York, NY

Well, my story isn't one of life or death but rather the story of a man trying to do a job most people would rather not. That job being pest control. In my line of work, the light you carry is the most important tool of them all. One cannot properly rid a client's residence of a pest if one cannot properly and accurately identify the pest and/or their harborage. So thank you, SureFire, for engineering and manufacturing such a reliable, quality, American-made product-in the form of my beloved 6PX™ Pro. These thanks are not only on behalf of me but on behalf of the many customers whorely on my expertise, professionalism, and a quality work.

The East Coast was being slammed with a freak snowstorm. We had just lost power, and I had to go out and get some ice to prevent our food from spoiling. At the intersection near the store, two cars were involved in a pretty nasty accident. With no electricity to power the traffic signals, they must not have noticed each other and collided. The situation appeared to be pretty dangerous with limited visibility and flying snow.

A police officer was already on the scene, and he looked pretty overwhelmed. I and a few other drivers got out of our cars to see what we could do to help. The officer told everyone to get back in their cars–except for me. He called me over and asked me to help divert traffic. I gladly obliged, grabbing my G2X™ Pro to assist the officer in redirecting cars until official help arrived.

After the situation was under control, the officer thanked me and I asked him why he selected me to help. "Easy," he said, nodding at the SureFire cap on my head, "your hat." He said he was familiar with SureFire and the types of people who use their products. SureFire represents more than just quality illumination tools; it represents a certain brand of people. In this particular officer's eyes, strong, capable, people who can be relied on for help. Thanks, SureFire.

Victor P.
Hellertown, PA