)…
Rating: 4 / 5
Pros:
Inexpensive, sturdy, bright pencil beam, runs cool
Cons:
Limited close-range use due to narrow beam and high output, shiny housing, made in China, lacks the “quality feel” of Surefire and Fenix
The Bottom Line:
The price factored heavily into the rating, but it is still a nice light. All things considered I would buy it again. However the Fenix T1, despite it’s odd shape and size, is still the best bang for the buck in my collection.
In search of a cheap, yet powerful, LED light to mount on my (cheap) shotgun I stumbled upon the Ultrafire C2 at Deal Extreme. For a mere $18 (and another $6 for the remote pressure switch) I figured why not. Afterall, it is rated at 210 lumens and is getting great reviews (this is not the first time I had heard of Ultrafire).
The flashlight is quite light, much nicer to carry compared to the bulky Fenix T1, but I doubt it is nearly as strong as a Surefire. Still, it seems solidly built and does not rattle at all. The C2 is a very simple single-mode light, with a switch that is on par with most other tactical lights on the market. I did find the switch a little tougher to operate with my thumb as it is recessed into the body a little more than on other lights. The switch also lacks the ability to function momentarily by pressing it slightly, which I found rather disappointing. It will handle voltage inputs from 3.6 to 9 volts, and is designed to run on two CR123A lithium batteries or one 18650 battery. Batteries can be inserted from either end of the flashlight as both ends unscrew easily. The light lacks a pocket clip, but includes a lanyard. With a lens/reflector assembly this big, you probably wouldn’t want this light in your pocket or on your belt anyhow. The finish is strong, and yes, it is really that shiny. When running, the flashlight’s housing takes about three times as long to heat up as the Fenix and Surefire models tested, and it does not get nearly as hot. I am guessing this is due to the extra space between the LED and the housing.
The beam pattern leaves some to be desired as a multi-function light or a weapon light. While the distance of it’s throw is excellent, it is a true “pencil” pattern and is best suited to long range use. It would do well mounted to a mountain bike as a headlamp. The peripheral is not totally non-existant, but the brightness of the spot tends to take away from it. After having the four test lights out side by side I am tempted to carry the Ultrafire C2 in my truck and instead put the more flood-like Surefire L4 on the shotgun.
. I’ll admit I decided to try out these pouches with a FAK in mind because I like the little first-aid logo on the pouch and wanted one for my pack. Fortunately, this impulse-buy did pay off and the VTAC line is now my favorite line of tactical nylon (yes, even ousting Maxpedition). Their pouches are well built, strong yet flexible, and well thought out without an overbearing amount of divisions and mini-pockets to get in the way (not EVERY pouch needs to be an “admin” organizer). I also appreciate their selection and consistency with colors here, well done. The “Coyote Tan” is the true coyote tan, the darker more widely effective color that is also available in their clothing line. I also picked up their equally well built and quite customizable radio pouch to add on the upper-side webbing of my pack. It’s designed for military/corporate radios so it’s a little big for even the larger consumer FRS/GMRS and HAM radios, but the shock cord can easily be re-routed for effective retention. I find it’s just big enough to hold my radio and my hands-free headset.
