Last Updated on September, 2024
Imagine having the Chinese flashlight brands’ performance (or even more) with American-made quality.
That’s a straightforward way of outlining SureFire.
Since 1979, SureFire has been expanding from its venture of producing weapon lights. As of 2023, the company sells a wide variety of quality lights aided by superior design quality.
So, considering SureFire is one of the best decisions.
We took the time to research, purchase, and test these best SureFire flashlights on our own and made a resourceful ranked review list.
All you need to do is read through and make a choice.
So, let’s get started!
The overall best flashlight from SureFire
(Best Overall)
The best everyday carry flashlight from SureFire
(Best EDC)
The best tactical flashlight from SureFire
(Best Tactical)
Table of Contents
5 Best SureFire Flashlights
1. Surefire E2D DEFENDER ULTRA (Best Overall)
SureFire flashlights don’t forget the tactical design aspects of their flashlights. Upon evaluation, E2D DEFENDER® ULTRA becomes the best overall flashlight.
The flashlight is only 5.6 inches in length while weighing only 4.2 ounces. When you combine that with excellent shape, build quality, and body knurling, the E2D is extremely easy to handle.
Most importantly, the flashlight has a stylish and valuable look.
The E2D works with two modes; high and low. The high mode features a powerful 1000-lumen light at a beam distance of 200m. The corresponding runtime is 2.75 hours.
The light is powerful enough to disrupt an attacker’s night vision.
The low mode drops to 5 lumens, making the E2D run for 63 hours at max. Even at that low lumen output, E2D’s TIR optic lens provides enough surround light for peripheral vision.
So, E2D’s dual operational mode makes it simple yet diverse, suiting many types of needs.
The flashlight qualifies to be a tactical flashlight as the accessibility to the modes is enabled by a tactical tail cap switch.
SureFire is one of the best flashlight brands & their lights are recognized for their resilient build quality.
That’s why the E2D DEFENDER ULTRA is made from aerospace aluminum. But that’s not it. E2D’s body features Type III Mil-Spec hard-anodized coating. This ensures protection against corrosion and abrasion.
But that’s not all. The flashlight comes with an IPX7 waterproof rating.
A build quality this superior is admirable for any flashlight.
E2D’s pocket clip is resourcefully unique; it features a bezel-up or bezel-down, ensuring pocket storage. Not only that, the clip is stainless steel. The package also includes high-energy 123A batteries with 10-year shelf life.
So, all things considered, SureFire’s E2D DEFENDER ULTRA is their best overall flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- 5.6 inches length x 1.13 inches body diameter
- 4.2oz weight
- Two operational modes: High mode at 1000lm and Low mode at 5 lumens
- 200m peak beam distance
- Aerospace grade hard anodized body
- Rechargeable
- Crenellated Strike Bezel
- TIR optics
- Adjustable stainless steel pocket clip
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
Cons
2. Surefire STILETTO PRO (Best EDC)
SureFire’s Stiletto Pro is their best EDC flashlight. There are so many reasons to back up the claim.
At first glance, you can notice how it has a round-edged rectangular shape deviating from the conventional cylindrical shape.
But this flat design makes it relatively more convenient to carry. The Stiletto Pro is made from premium Mil-Spec hard anodized aluminum and polymer.
The specifically designed knurling pattern enables a better grip. Combine that with the IPX7 waterproof rating, making Stiletto Pro perfect for a wide variety of everyday carry work.
That’s Gold standard quality for you.
Ultimate compactness only makes things even easier. It’s only 4.5 inches long and 1.7 inches wide with a 0.87 bezel diameter. When you balance that with its 4oz weight, the Stiletto Pro becomes the best Everyday Carry SureFire flashlight.
What about its light?
SureFire flashlights usually have two to three modes of operation.
The Stiletto Pro features three different light modes because of that. This is a focused beam with great light quality thanks to the high-performance white LEDs.
The following important question is, how many lumens?
The highest light output is 1000lm at a 142m peak beam throw at a battery runtime of 1 hour.
The primary switch activates the operational modes and can be programmed to reverse the activation sequence for preferences. This feature isn’t commonly seen in other SureFire flashlights.
The medium level emits 300lm for 1.5 hours. The low settings have 25lm, and the peak runtime of the Stiletto Pro is 23.5 hours. This is after the flashlight has been charged to full power.
But, the presence of the strobe mode accessible by the tail switch makes the Stiletto Pro an EDC tactical combo.
That’s why the flashlight could also be used for tactical purposes.
Surefire Stiletto Pro is micro-USB rechargeable, and that’s a great feature seen in regular flashlights. To complement that, the flashlight has a LED dual fuel gauge or battery level indicator, which also shows the discharge status.
This gives an opportunity for low voltage protection and overcharging prevention.
The cherry on top is the Melonite® coated, spring steel pocket clip. It’s reversible or bezel-up, and you can bezel-down the clip to carry it easier. You won’t see a similar feature in other flashlights.
In conclusion, SureFire Stiletto Pro is the best flashlight in the EDC category exceeding the industry standard quality.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.5’’ x 1.7’’ x 0.87’’ dimensions
- 4oz in weight
- Three light output levels
- High: 1000lm
- Medium: 300lm
- Low: 25lm
- Strobe mode for defense
- 142m peak beam distance
- 23.5 hours peak runtime
- Programmable main switch
- IPX7 rated
- Rechargeable with micro USB
- Duel fuel Battery level indicator
- Reversible pocket clip
Pros
Cons
3. Surefire G2X Tactical (Best Tactical)
Tactical lights are hard to design and produce. But SureFire has been the absolute expert in the field for decades.
The G2X Tactical is at the top of the best SureFire tactical flashlights list.
However, the G2X Tactical is different from the G2X Pro. The G2X Pro has multiple lighting modes, and its tactical version is not the same.
This is a single-output flashlight which makes things pretty straightforward. But this is not a weapon light.
All you need to do is press that tactical tail cap switch to switch it on. That simplicity makes the G2X Tactical an amazing tactical light.
You will love the knurling pattern and the design quality. The knurling pattern is different from the traditional double helix. The G2X Tactical features separately positioned embossed shapes on the body. On the flip side, its head’s design has embossed parts for fingertips to fit.
Only the best SureFire tactical flashlights showcase such design aspects.
The G2X Tactical is 5.2 inches in length, 1 inch in body diameter, and 1.5 inches in bezel diameter. The corresponding weight is just 4.4oz, making it reasonably compact as far as tactical flashlights are concerned .
Combined with its superior design quality, the G2X Tactical deserves its place in the best SureFire tactical flashlights list.
The single output of the flashlight features a maximum output of 600lm with a beam throw of 187m for a maximum duration of 1.5 hours. These numbers are impressive for a very compact and tactical flashlight.
It’s important to notice the precision reflector of the G2X Tactical. This reflector creates a smoother and optimized beam that provides surround illumination. That ambient light is essential for the best illumination.
All of this is done by two CR123A fresh batteries included in the package. They’re rechargeable, and that increases the overall cost-effectiveness.
The flashlight is built to last long thanks to the anodized aluminum and polymer material. Combine that with an IPX7 rating, and it further increases.
So, all of these features and performance stats make the G2X Tactical the best SureFire tactical flashlight.
KEY SPECS:
- Single mode flashlightL 600lm — 187m — 1.5h
- 5.2’’ x 1’’ x 1.5’’ dimensions
- 4.4oz weight
- Precision reflector
- Runs with two CR123A rechargeable batteries
- Hard anodized aluminum body
- IPX7 waterproof rating
- Traditional cylindrical body shape
Pros
Cons
4. Surefire MINIMUS (Best Headlamp)
SureFire’s Minimus is their best headlamp and one of the best on the market today.
The Minimus as the headlamp is very lightweight and compact at a length of 2.4 inches, a height of 2 inches, and a width of 1.1 inches.
When you balance these dimensions with a 4 oz product weight, you don’t have to worry about any neck strain when wearing the lamp.
Minimus’ headband is quite impressive.
The headband is as important as the light itself. That’s why SureFire brings a custom-made headband that utilizes a fine mesh material. That ensures a secure fit with higher comfort without needing a helmet.
The most critical area of a headlamp is the contact point between the light and the wearer’s forehead. For that, SureFire has integrated a Breathe-O-Prene® pad. This wicks moisture while fitting comfortably on your forehead.
Not only that, you can remove the pad to wash or replace. In addition, the headband’s adjustment clip is low-profile and rugged yet comfortable.
What about the light?
A high-performance LED with the MaxVision® reflector produces a wide and smooth beam. It enables a white light with the highest lumen output of 300 lumens.
But the headlamp lets you switch across 13 light intensity levels with one button. That lets you achieve a low light of 5 lumens for a maximum runtime of 75 hours.
That’s more than three days with one charge.
Apart from the two operational modes, there’s an SOS mode too. This protective feature goes a very long way, especially in emergency situations.
In addition, there’s also a detachable red filter for reduced visible signature. That provides better visibility for red-light readable maps.
The headlamp runs with one CR123A lithium battery, and that’s included in the package. The end cap is leashed and is built from hard-anodized aluminum.
All things considered, SureFire Minimus is one of the best headlamps on the market. In the SureFire store, it is the absolute best.
KEY SPECS:
- 2.4’’ x 2’’ x 1.1’’ dimensions
- 4oz
- 13 light output levels
- Highest: 300lm — 1.5h
- Lowest: 5lm — 75h
- 75 hours of peak runtime
- 66m peak beam distance
- Custom-made adjustable headband
- Breathe-O-Prene® pad
- MaxVision® reflector
- Detachable red filter
- Single button operation
- Hard anodized aluminum body
- IPX7 waterproof rating
Pros
Cons
5. Surefire Stiletto (Best Mini Surefire)
SureFire Stiletto is the smaller version of the Stiletto Pro.
But for a mini flashlight, it’s absolutely impressive how well the Stiletto performs.
The flashlight has the same body type as the SureFire Stiletto Pro; flat with round edges and super ergonomic.
But the Stiletto is only 4.45 inches long weighing only 2.8oz, with a 0.8-inch bezel diameter.
That’s amazing lightweight compactness.
For that compactness, the Stiletto has a strong 650lm white light output that reaches a distance of 66m. That’s just the highest mode that runs for 1.75 hours.
There are three modes altogether; the medium mode emits 250 lumens for 2 hours. The lowest mode emits 5 lumens for 30 hours of maximum runtime.
The light is clear and crisp, thanks to combining two key elements. The first element is the high-performance LED light, and the second is the MaxVision Beam® reflector.
This is all thanks to the integrated or built-in lithium polymer battery, which is completely rechargeable. The charging method is micro USB, and a cable is included in the package.
The Stiletto features a battery level indicator to ensure your plans aren’t ruined, or the battery is not damaged by overcharging.
These operational features skyrocket Stiletto’s market value.
SureFire Stiletto is a very diverse mini flashlight. It could be your backup EDC or tactical flashlight with a powerful output and multiple operational modes. After all, the flashlight features a dual-switch function.
The main switch lets you switch between the three main modes. The tactical switch allows instant access to the high mode and the strobe mode for self-defense.
The durability aspects of the Stiletto are excellent. The flashlight is made from durable Mil-Spec hard anodized Aluminum polymer. Its safety only increases with the IPX7 waterproof rating.
The icing on the cake is the Melonite® coated, spring steel pocket clip. Similar to the Stiletto Pro, you can bezel it up and down depending on the requirement. The Melonite coating is a feature bespoke for SureFire flashlights.
In conclusion, the Stiletto is the best mini SureFire light.
KEY SPECS:
- 4.5 inches long
- 2.8oz
- Three light output levels
- High: 650lm — 1.75h
- Med: 250lm — 2h
- Low: 5lm — 30h
- 30 hours of peak runtime
- 66m peak beam distance
- MaxVision Beam® reflector
- Melonite® coated pocket clip
- IPX7
- Dual switch operation (tail cap switch and main switch)
- Battery level indicator
- Micro USB rechargeable
Pros
Cons
Top Factors to Consider When Buying a SureFire Flashlight
Intended End Use
Is it for everyday use? Military work? As a defensive light? A light for an older adult? A light for handless operation? And this list could go on. For example, a tail cap switch is essential for tactical operations.
The bottom line? You must always keep the intended end use in your mind — the review is based on that.
Dimensions and Weight
You must consider the length, head, and body diameter first. Then, you should compare the dimensions with the corresponding weight. This gives you a clearer idea of whether it is a compact flashlight.
Highest Light Output, Modes, and Corresponding Beam Throw
Having several light modes give you better control of the light. But how much lumens can it emit at the highest level? Do you receive a clear white light?
Most importantly, you should check for the corresponding beam throw. The reason is that the quality of the LEDs decides the throw, not merely the lumen count.
Durability Factors
American companies like SureFire are known for supreme build quality. But it doesn’t hurt to double-check. That’s why you should check for durability factors such as the water resistance rating and impact resistance.
Warranty
SureFire provides you with a limited lifetime warranty unless specified otherwise. Naturally, the longer the warranty period, the lower the risk is. But be sure to read the terms and conditions beforehand. You shouldn’t buy flashlights without any warranty, period.
Benefits of Buying Surefire Flashlights Over Other Brands
- All-American-made quality
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Superior military design features for all flashlights
- Unique design types
- Higher cost-effectiveness
- American-based after-sale service
- And much more!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, SureFire is not only one of the best American-made brands but also a distinctive flashlight brand. Each flashlight we’ve for each type is the best for the kind.
However, the SureFire E2D DEFENDER ULTRA is the best overall flashlight. No matter what you choose from the list, we are sure that SureFire will meet and exceed your expectations.
Just like they did ours.
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