New Weapon Light Purchase

[RayB]

It's a veritable flame thrower! Far superior to the X200A model for indoor sweeps of the property, as the wider, brighter beam gives you "skip" off the walls and ceiling--all from an aperture just a little bigger than a nickel!

This is one of those, "Oh, wow..." products.

Certainly not the baddest, brightest, out there, but when you consider its size, specifications, and almost elaborate quality...

At $300.00 one bites the bullet at the register, but when you get it home, you'll marvel at it. An apt analogy would be a Bose Wave Radio/CD... SureFire did their homework!

Note: On both the A & B models, the battery door hinges take a little care to attach. Use a non-marring tool to carefully press the hinges onto the pins. One wonders why this assembly isn't done at the factory? Also, a pliers is not needed... To insert the fail-safe cotter pin, a push of the thumb or a pencil eraser is plenty. And a small cross bar, put through the pin's loop (paper clip?) would be fine to remove it.

I can easily see a future for multi-mode models--almost like automotive Hi-Lo, Fog & Spot Beam applications.

An attached, hinged lens cover accessory for the A & B would be welcomed by me.

--Ray

[Cmoosh]

Good review i am actually looking into getting one of these in a month or so. Although i am still having an inner debate of flood versus throw. Although to be truthfull i really don't think i will ever use it outside for any significant time (it is at my bedside) which is the main reason i am opting for the X200B. Although if you could try it outside at night and tell me about its performance and length of throw i would greatly appreciate that since i do have to go out and lock the gate to my property. Any light is actually appreciated out there, i used to use my mini mag AA *laughs*, and throw distance is only 10-15 feet max because of significant brush. Now i go out with a G2 nitrolon which has a pretty nice throw, especially compared to that little mini mag, but i don't like the fact that i have to hold my G17 one handed with a flashlight in the other, it feels awkward which is one of the main reason for me getting a weaponlight.

[dwestfall]

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[RayB]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cmoosh
[B]Good review i am actually looking into getting one of these in a month or so. Although i am still having an inner debate of flood versus throw. Although to be truthfull i really don't think i will ever use it outside for any significant time (it is at my bedside) which is the main reason i am opting for the X200B.

*****

Thank you!

For indoor sweeps, hands down--the "B". While the "A" can be used in this manner, the X200B is clearly in its element indoors, lighting many rooms wall to wall.

The X200B actually has a higher output LED than the X200A (5 vs 3 watts), and utilizes a reflector system instead of a TIR lens.

Both give a full hour of light on a set of batteries.

In case you're wondering, the "A" is not convertible to the "B".

I still think a "stacked compound beam", at a couple ounces more, would be great!

*****

Although if you could try it outside at night and tell me about its performance and length of throw i would greatly appreciate that since i do have to go out and lock the gate to my property...

*****

Sure! :)

The X200A, has by far, at least twice the actual "throw". But the tunnel of light is considerably narrower too.

The "A" was developed to allow a LEO to identify whether or not a suspect is holding a gun at 35 yards; and it easily exceeds that specification. My "A" projects a useful beam to at least 250 feet, and with my night-adapted eyes, I might well spot a gun at that distance, using this light.

Still, I believe both the "A" & "B" could meet the 35 yard criterion. In fact, both lights will easily allow positive ID of friend or foe, within, say, 100-feet.

All said, while I'm pleased with both lights, if I had it to do again,
I would likely opt for two X200B's.

*****

...but i don't like the fact that i have to hold my G17 one handed with a flashlight in the other, it feels awkward which is one of the main reason for me getting a weaponlight.

*****

My feelings exactly; but there are valid arguments to the contrary--like it's illegal point a loaded gun at people! Suppose you shine a cop? ;P

--Ray

[Cmoosh]

Since that that particular gun is only for scouting around the house and around when i go to the gate. Although that whole "what if you shine a cop" thing may concern other people, in my case, i live in the middle of nowhere which is not even in the city limits. So if anyone confronts me out here chances are it is anything but a cop.

Thanks for the A and B comparison i will definately be getting a X200B now. Like i said before i used to use one of those little 5 lumen mini-maglites and that worked (light is light heheh especially when it is pitch black) but then i found surefires G2 nitrolon and man was that an upgrade. I am pretty sure the X200B will give me more then enough light from what you have told me to do everything i will ever require from it.

[RayB]

Good luck!

Let us know what you think!

--Ray

P.S. SureFire promptly answered all e-mail regarding product questions.

[philford]

For those of you that have the x200 can you post a picture inside say a hallwall/room as well as outside in say a yard. I think this will help me determine which model to get. Also, for law enforcement purposes does the x200b produce a blinding light from 20-30 feet. Does the x200a do the same (or better/worse).


Sorry for all the questions. I know that I could sell the light if I am unhappy, but I would rather be happy with my first purchase.

[RayB]

All your questions, sans pictures, are answered in the above thread, which says, in part, "The 'A' was developed to allow a LEO to identify whether or not a suspect is holding a gun at 35 yards; and it easily exceeds that specification... All said, while I'm pleased with both lights, if I had it to do again, I would likely opt for two X200B's."

The "A" has awesome reach, but a much narrower beam. The "B" has plenty of reach, and a wider, more useful beam. Battery life is similar.

Both will momentarily blind a trespasser, and allow you to assess the situation. ;P

I think the "B" will serve you best! ;)

--Ray

[hydroshok]

Originally posted by dwestfall
I have two x200Bs but if I was going to use it outside I'd actually prefer a M3X.
IMO the M3X cant be beat

[RayB]

I don't question your experience or expertise; but incandescent lamps, while ultimately brighter and cheaper than current LED's, are not solid-state devices, and do succumb to age and shock. They also consume far more power.

I once had aircraft landing lights for high beams in my car. Crude, but effective! ;P

--Ray

[Four_T_Five]

+1 I have an X200B and love it!

[RayB]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by philford
[B]For those of you that have the x200 can you post a picture inside say a hallwall/room as well as outside...

*****

No--sorry! I lack the equipment and expertise. But you will find attached, a photo that readily shows the projected beam patterns of both X200 A & B models.

Note how the "A" model (upper left) barely spills any light onto the cloth on which the gun lays? You can see the focussed spot beam, throwing most of the light out to the distance.

I can easily illuminate a neighbor's house from across the street and both yards, with my X200A. I find this remarkable from a 3.5 oz light with a lens the size of a nickel! ;P

Note how the "B" model (upper right) flares the light, right from the lens, onto the cloth on which the gun lays?

Clearly, the X200B is far superior for indoor use, as it offers good reach, and wall-to-wall illumination, as opposed to the comparatively narrow "tunnel of light" offered by the "A". :cool:

I predict the X200B will easily outsell the "A" in the months to come, as its illumination will better serve most users.

And I will maintain that a double-beam unit would be even better! ;g

--Ray

[philford]

now who has the x200b at the lowest price?

[Four_T_Five]

Originally posted by philford
now who has the x200b at the lowest price?
Depends... if you are LE or military, buying from SF direct will save you 25% off the MSRP.

If you aren't in that category... try here (http://glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=393925)