In the computer world there is an unofficial “law” first coined by Intel co-Founder Gordon E. Moore, that basically states that the amount of semi-conductors placed on a silicon chip (how much information that can be processed) will double every two years. The guys at Surefire must be in to computers, because just as I was getting used to my 500 Lumen fury and my 750 Lumen R1 Lawman, they upset the status quo with the new 1,000 Lumen P3X Tactical. I know that some other companies have crossed the 1,000 Lumen threshold already, but I trust that Surefire is going to work every time I press the button, that’s not something I can say of some of the after market add ons and competitors that I’ve had experience with.
Measuring in at 6 5/8 inches long, the P3X is exactly 1 1/2 inches longer than it’s little brother the P2X Fury. Oftentimes, a small change can make a huge difference, and in this case, it most certainly does. The advertised 500 lumen difference is something that really needs to be seen and “experienced” to really be appreciated. If all you plan on doing with your handheld light is standard building searches or other mundane tactical (or even not so tactical) tasks, then the older Surefire lights will suit you fine. However, if like me (and most of the guys I take advice from), you’ve started to use light as a tactical tool, dominating space and denying area, then this light is for you. The intensity of the beam is amazing, completely blinding me when I performed my ill advised “shine the new light in my face” test. There is zero chance anyone would be able to look through or past the beam. It was even disorienting when I performed the same test with my eyes closed. That’s right, this light will compromise a suspects sight even with their eyes closed. It’s not that the 1,000 Lumen beam is necessarily painful, it’s that it is debilitating. It’s like trying to look at the sun. I’m not going to pump you full of hyperbole and use phrases like “game changer”, but if using light offensively is part of your game, this will take you from AAA to the Big Leagues.
In use, the main beam is not as tight as the P2X Fury’s or even the older 6PX’s beam. There is more of a gradual fade to the corona of the beam, but don’t let that fool you. The least intense portion of the P3X’s corona seems to be about as bright as the most intense portion of the P2X’s beam. To do a quick test of the light’s “throw”, I sent my son to the furthest edge of our property and from my neighbor’s backyard (about 80 yards) it was like he was standing in daylight. I can’t wait to get this light out to a real range so that I can report on what it can do when attached to a rifle. I ran through some house clearing drills with it in complete dark, and the intensity of the beam did take some getting used to. It was a bit jarring at first, but by my second time through, I had adjusted to the brighter beam and started to hold it a little lower and a little further out than I did with my P2X Fury. Advertised run time at full brightness is 1.5 hours (the same as the P2X), but when I tested it, the light remained at what seemed full brightness at the 1:50 mark. At that time, I turned it off and swapped batteries to continue my abbreviated test for you guys.
While a bit large for EDC for most people, the P3X is the perfect size for an on duty Police Officer or the dedicated kit of an armed citizen. It fits well in my Surefire V70 belt holster, sticking up that extra little bit, but not being really noticeable throughout the day. I’m not sure what the cost will be, as the light hasn’t been officially released yet, but whatever it is, I’ll pay it.
Jeremy thank you for being a hand held light guy.As a instructor that pushes low light tactics & skills, its nice to see someone who puts information out on new light sticks out on the market. Couple of ?, 1 does the light in ? Have multiple tail cap function’s, 2 Does the tailcap button work well, and 3 did you find the body mods, or shape of the tube fitting to one’s hand, for transition drills to finger placement, ect..
Thank you.
Hi Robert,
The light came with the Surefire “tactical” switch, the standard pressure only one. I replaced it with a “clicky” switch from an older Fury because I plan on rifle mounting it soon. Both switches worked well, and I imagine that the clicky switch will be an option down the road. This version of the light was the “tactical”, so it just had one setting: face melting. The standard version will come with the 5 lumen downshift option. The light body has the newer Surefire “swells”, so it fits the hand great, and as a duty light, the extra length helps when performing low light reloads and similar manipulations. The only place where the extra length could hinder rather than help is as a low profile EDC option.
Good to know, I thank you for responding fast.stay low and reload my friend.
Seems like a great light. Before launching the Fury series Sure Fire offered nothing that some competitors did not at only like say 5 times the price…….. The Fury lights seem to have bridged the gap a little. However these things still just run of 123a batteries. That is great IF your agencies pays for them. If you are a civilian or are issued with inferior quality light and have to pay for it yourself you will probably want to use rechargeable 18650 cells. I don’t understand why Sure Fire does not make their tube diameters a bit larger to accommodate these cells. In the mean time I will not be buying their products.
WOW!!!
At some point, won’t these lights get so bright that they blind the user at night when they reflect off stuff?
Wow!
I’m a low light instructor. That’s awesome . I can’t wait to get it. I have been using the K2 Charger that SF offers. The rechargeable work great. I have saved a lot of money recharging.
Can’t wait!
Very much looking forward to this light.
Like John S., I too am using the rechargeable batteries that surefire sells (Lithium-Phosphate rechargeable 123 batteries) and loving not only how well they work, but the $$$ savings over standard 123 batteries.
Jeremy,
Appreciate the insight into the light – definitely worth a look for my duty carry.
I did have a question though, any recommendations for an EDC light that would be carried in my back wallet pocket (jeans)?
Thanks!
Look into the crkt light that James Williams designed. Great e.d.c. light.small, brite, abd has some cool make since features.
Thanks!
Jonathan,
I have been very well served by my older Surefire E1B Backups. The newer EB1 is a little longer but puts out 200 Lumens and is still well within the limits of an ideal EDC light. Another option that is a little less spendy is the Streamlight ProTac 1L, very size efficient and packing a very useful 180 Lumens.
Jeremy,
Thanks! I’ll check those offerings out.