Surefire 6PX Pro

Surefire's recently come out with 4 new interesting LED "illumination tools," as they say... The 6PX Tactical, 6PX Pro, G2X Tactical and G2X Pro are all extremely well-priced considering Surefire's past MSRPs. The new G-series lights will be a little cheaper than normal G2s and the new 6Ps are an especially nice deal considering that they offer more features than a normal 6P for a percentage of the cost. I've picked up the 6PX Pro. The "Tactical" models feature a single output level, (200 lumens), and Surefire's traditional tailcap, (push for momentary on, twist for constant). The "Pro" models feature two different output levels for different applications. The first output level is 15 lumens, the second 200 lumens. The tailcap can be twisted out so that the button will not activate the light, (for transport mainly), but also as with Z-series tailcap switches it is meant to be screwed down tightly and not rotated at all during use. Explaining the process of selecting a light output level is far easier in person when I can demonstrate it, but I'll do my best to not sound too confusing here. Basically, depress the button until it clicks once for 15 lumens. Click it again to turn it off. If the button is clicked again within 1 second of it being turned off, it then throws 200 lumens out. Click again to turn it off and return to normal. Now, the details. If you wait longer than 1 second after turning it off from its 15 lumens mode, it will not put out 200 when you next turn it on. Instead the process restarts and it will put out 15 lumens again after 1 second. However, if you only depress the button enough to momentarily activate the light but not to "click" it on, (if you've used a Z-series tailcap switch you'll know what I'm talking about), it will put out 15 lumens. If you then release the button and wait no longer than about half a second before depressing it again, it will then put out 200 lumens. I've found this is the fastest way to enter the 200 lumen mode, as clicking it on and off until it gets to 200 lumens takes 3 clicks if you go through them all. This can take a good second or more, far too long in my opinion if this light may be used in a defensive setting. Personally, I'm eagerly awaiting Surefire's Optimus, assuming they're still going through with it. It would feature an option for immediate output of extremely high light levels as well as a variable output system. Given, it would be FAR more expensive than any other EDC light on the market and probably far larger and as a result more difficult to carry. Whether or not its price reflects its build quality will only be seen with time. Surefire may have simply finally cut their markups to compete with Fenix and other dudes.

Anyways. That's enough. If you've got questions about em, ask away.

It ships in your regular Surefire packaging.

Compared to a Z2LED (With older gen 6P bezel, yeah its weird, deal with it). Easily carried in a pocket. I presume that it will fit most if not all Kydex 6P holsters as it is the same diameter as my 6P.

The 6PX Pro's LED is actually fairly smaller than the 6PLED. Impressive light output.

The bezel does feature some very mild crenelation but honestly I highly doubt that it would make any difference at all in a fight. I don't know exactly what they were thinkin on this one. It may be polymer, as well. Not sure. So. Just be careful with it, don't strike it on too much. 

Tailcaps. Left to right: 6PX Pro, Z2LED (w/ Z59 Tailcap), G2.

The beam is thinner than a 6P's. Dispersion is equal and nicely done. 200 lumen mode shown here.

The tailcap and bezel are sealed from the elements by single O-rings underneath each. When it arrived, they needed a bit of oiling. Check yours. Use silicon oil.

Thus far it's been a great light. As reliable as you'd expect a Surefire to be. We'll see how it fares during extended abuse. As usual, I'll update this if I notice any issues.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this or other equipment, feel free to ask away. I'll respond to the best of my ability. Cheers.

UPDATE (1/22/11): It fits my Blackhawk holster for Surefires. I know, I know. Blackhawk sucks. I just had this laying around and tested it out to ensure that it fits. HOWEVER I have heard of 6PX Pros fitting too losely in normal 6P mounts. This could always be remedied with the tape of your choice. I would also NOT use it as a weaponlight due chiefly to the process one must go through to get to 200 lumens taking too long in a demanding situation, but also because I have heard of issues with recoil. Pure hearsay, but enough to make me keep my 6PX and my weapons separate. It's no big loss to me. Throw a 6P on your weapon if you need a light and be done with it.

UPDATE (4/9/11): Do NOT use for weapon-mounted applications. Surefire was kind enough to let consumers know this in very small text on their packaging. If you use it in its 15 lumens mode and hit it against something hard, you can reliably get it to switch to 200 lumens mode.

UPDATE (12/31/13): It now switches output modes from 15 to 200 lumens if I just turn it on and put it in my teeth. Very annoying. Don't know if this is a lemon.