Surefire 6PX and Surefire G2X LED Flashlight Review

The new 6PX and G2X LED flashlights from SureFire are the latest addition to the 200 lumen LED flashlight market. The 4 models can be seen here: Surefire 6PX PRO, Surefire 6PX Tactical, Surefire G2X PRO, Surefire G2X Tactical.

At 200 lumens, either the SureFire 6PX or G2X make an excellent addition to any gear cache.  Both lights are available in 2 models, the PRO and the Tactical.  The 6PX sports an all aluminum body and the G2X has SureFire’s Nitrolon composite body with an aluminum head.

The PRO models have two levels of output that are accessed from the rear click switch.  The switch is momentary with light pressure and steady on if you continue to press until you hear and feel the “click.”  The first output level is 15 lumens and is plenty if you just need a light for general navigation purposes.  The second output level is 200 lumens.  It is accessed through the same rear switch by clicking the switch a second time.

When you first start using the PRO model the UI can be a bit quirky and takes a few minutes to get used to.  If you are using this light as a tactical or duty light, you just have to train yourself to “double click” the switch as you illuminate your target.  However; for everyday patrol use, this light is an excellent choice.

The Tactical models are super simple to operate.  They have one level of output, 200 lumens of retina burning LED power.  The light is operated by pressing the tailcap button for momentary on/off activation of the light.  For steady on, turn the tailcap clockwise until the light comes on and turn it counterclockwise to return to momentary operation.  Simple!

Although the 6PX and the G2X lights are SureFire’s economy models; they are not cheap by any stretch.   These models use a standard reflector instead of SureFire’s patented TIR lens design.  With a very small amount of orange peel on the reflector, the lights throw an excellent beam with just enough spill to be useful for picking up peripheral threats you need to be aware of.

The body of each model has indentations to help with grip and the head has a hexagonal type configuration for anti-roll.

In the LED flashlight world, where more output is the name of the game these days; bigger, badder, brighter seems to be the mantra.  However; it is very easy to get misled.  SureFire has been slow to jump into the “me too” high output lumen arena and with good reason.  It can be tempting to buy a light that touts X number of lumens of output; but, when compared side by side with a light of lesser rating, it pales in comparison.  It comes down to the amount of USEFUL light a flashlight produces.

An LED Flashlight that is going to be used in high stress, confrontational situations needs to be rock solid and do what it is designed to do.  SureFire knows this and leads the industry in durability.  Don’t be concerned that these lights only produce 200 lumens, it is 200 SUREFIRE lumens you are getting and they are worth every penny.

The only downside I have seen to these lights is the first output mode on the PRO models.  I would have liked to see the first mode be 200 lumens and the second one be 15 lumens.  The logical argument to that is blasting your own night vision to kingdom come in low light with 200 lumens of light.  Regardless of the argument; you cannot beat the value of these SureFire lights.

If you are a new cadet looking for your first duty light or an old road dog trading in the tried and true Kel-Light, either the Surefire 6PX or the Surefire G2X will be an excellent choice to add to your duty belt.

This review was submitted by Rick London from Tactical LEDs LLC.  Rick has been a police officer for 18 years and is the managing partner of Tactical LEDs LLC, the online super store for LED and HID lighting equipment.  He has written numerous articles for law enforcement publications regarding the application of low light in police field operations. He can be reached here.