Surefire

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Surefire is a California-based company that produces precision tactical flashlights. Commonly used in the law enforcement and military fields.

Surefire U2 digital variable-output LED flashlight

Surefire flashlights are also popular in the civilian market for personal, occupational, and self-defense purposes. Their lights are often seen in TV shows and movies, such as the television show CSI.

Surefire models range from single-cell Xenon lights to a large 20-cell HID model (also available with a rechargeable solution). They also produce a line of LED flashlights which include features such as electronically-controlled power regulation and multiple levels of brightness.

Many of their flashlights are powered by Lithium 123 A batteries that allow for compact size and low weight while offering high power output. Like most higher-end flashlights marketed today, Surefire flashlights are primarily made of aluminum, usually hard anodized or type II anodized in various colors. Some models contain Nitrolon, a proprietary impact-resistant, non-conductive, glass-reinforced polymer.

One of Surefire's most popular products is the6P Original. At 5.1 inches (130 mm) in length, it is slightly shorter than the ubiquitous AA Maglite Mini-Mag, and weighs just 5.3 oz (150 g). Two Lithium 123 A batteries provide power to produce 65 lumens of light, roughly twice the output of a typical three D-cell incandescent flashlight, for about sixty minutes.

Surefire produces flashlights for a wide variety of purposes, from the tiny E1E and E1L to the huge M6 Guardian searchlight. They are all waterproof and have a number of accessories to enhance them, from beam diffusers, to lanyards and pouches/holsters. Surefire's marketing slogan is "smaller, brighter, better". Certain models may have several times the output power of standard flashlights, yet are much smaller, portable and easy to carry.

[edit] History

Surefire began as a laser weapon-sight company; they remain innovators in the flashlight industry and are one of the biggest suppliers of flashlights to the U.S. armed forces.