Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight Review

First Thoughts on the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight

In the world of tactical and outdoor gear, Surefire has long been synonymous with premium quality and unwavering reliability. When I first heard about the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight, or EDC2-DFT, my interest was immediately piqued. This compact powerhouse promises a blinding beam intensity, dual-fuel capability, and the ruggedness that Surefire is known for.

My need for a reliable, high-performance EDC light stems from years of exploring remote wilderness areas, participating in tactical training exercises, and simply navigating dimly lit urban environments. I’ve often found myself needing a light that can cut through the darkness and reach distant targets. This led me to search for a compact light that could throw a focused beam over a long distance, and the EDC2-DFT seemed like the perfect solution.

Upon unboxing the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight, the first thing that struck me was its solid build quality. The Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body felt incredibly robust, and the tempered window gave me confidence that it could withstand significant abuse. The weight was also surprisingly manageable for such a powerful light.

Compared to other EDC lights I’ve used, like the Streamlight MicroStream and the Olight S2R Baton II, the Surefire EDC2-DFT stood out for its focused beam and long throw capability. While the Streamlight is more compact and the Olight offers magnetic charging, neither could match the Surefire’s impressive beam distance. I chose the Surefire for its superior throw, essential for spotting potential hazards at a distance during nighttime hikes or identifying targets at the range.

My initial impression was one of cautious excitement. Surefire products come at a premium, and I was eager to see if the EDC2-DFT lived up to the hype. The flashlight feels incredibly solid and well-engineered, but the real test would be its performance in the field.

Real-World Testing: Putting Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real-world test of the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight took place during a nighttime hike in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The terrain was rugged and uneven, with plenty of potential tripping hazards. I needed a reliable light to illuminate the path ahead and spot any wildlife.

The EDC2-DFT excelled in these conditions. Its focused beam cut through the darkness, illuminating distant objects with remarkable clarity. Even in light rain, the flashlight maintained its performance, and the IPX7 waterproof rating provided peace of mind. The light was easy to operate even with gloves on, and the simple tailcap switch was intuitive to use.

There were no significant issues after the first use, but I did notice that the beam pattern was narrower than other flood-style EDC lights. This was expected given the “turbo” designation, but it’s something to consider depending on your intended use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight has proven to be an exceptionally reliable piece of gear. It’s accompanied me on multiple camping trips, range visits, and everyday tasks around the house. The flashlight has consistently delivered its rated output and beam distance.

The Surefire EDC2-DFT has held up remarkably well to the rigors of daily use. There are a few minor scratches on the hard-anodized finish, but the light still looks and functions like new. The tempered window remains scratch-free and clear, and the threads on the battery compartment are still smooth and easy to operate.

Maintaining the EDC2-DFT has been incredibly simple. I wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use to remove any dirt or debris. Periodically, I clean the threads and apply a small amount of silicone grease to ensure smooth operation.

Compared to cheaper EDC lights I’ve used in the past, the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight is in a different league. Its superior build quality, consistent performance, and impressive beam distance make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who demands the best. It outperforms other lights I’ve owned in terms of throw distance and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight

Specifications

  • Lumens: 700. This refers to the total amount of visible light emitted by the flashlight.
  • Peak Beam Intensity: 100,000 candela (with SF18650B battery), 90,000 candela (with two 123A batteries). Candela measures the intensity of the light beam in a specific direction, indicating its throw distance.
  • Battery: One Surefire SF18650B rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) or two 123A lithium primary batteries. This dual-fuel capability provides flexibility in power options.
  • Runtime: Varies depending on the battery type and usage. Surefire provides specific runtime figures in their documentation.
  • Body Material: Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum. This ensures exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • Waterproof Rating: IPX7. The IPX7 rating signifies that the flashlight can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
  • Length: Varies depending on battery used.
  • Weight: Varies depending on battery used.
  • Switching: Tailcap click switch. This allows for simple and intuitive operation.

These specifications are crucial because they directly influence the flashlight’s performance and usability. The high candela rating translates to an exceptional beam throw, making it ideal for long-distance illumination. The dual-fuel capability ensures that the light can be powered by readily available batteries.

Performance & Functionality

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a long-distance illumination tool. The focused beam is incredibly bright and penetrates deep into the darkness, making it ideal for spotting objects at a distance.

The primary strength of the EDC2-DFT lies in its impressive beam distance and reliable performance. The flashlight consistently delivers its rated output, and the tailcap switch is easy to operate even with gloves on. The dual-fuel capability is another significant advantage.

One potential weakness is the lack of different brightness modes. The EDC2-DFT only has a single output mode, which may be too bright for close-range tasks. While a lower-output mode would increase versatility, its focused design is optimized for maximum throw.

The Surefire EDC2-DFT meets my expectations for a high-performance EDC light. It provides exceptional beam distance, reliable performance, and rugged durability. Its design focuses on its core strength.

Design & Ergonomics

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight boasts a simple yet effective design. The Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body feels solid and durable, and the knurled texture provides a secure grip. The flashlight is also relatively lightweight and compact, making it comfortable to carry in a pocket or pack.

The EDC2-DFT is incredibly user-friendly. The tailcap switch is easy to operate with one hand, and there is no complicated interface to learn. The light has a simple design with a single output.

Durability & Maintenance

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight is built to last. The Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body and tempered window are designed to withstand significant abuse. The IPX7 waterproof rating provides additional protection against the elements.

Maintaining the EDC2-DFT is straightforward. Regular cleaning with a damp cloth and occasional lubrication of the threads are all that’s required. The flashlight is designed for easy battery replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight comes with the Surefire SF18650B rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a charging cable. While there are not many customization options for this light, it is compatible with Surefire weapon light mounts, allowing it to be attached to a firearm.

The EDC2-DFT is also compatible with a variety of third-party 18650 batteries and 123A batteries. The versatility of battery options enhances its usability.

Pros and Cons of Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight

Pros

  • Exceptional beam distance: The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight provides outstanding reach in dark environments.
  • Rugged and durable build quality: The Mil-Spec hard-anodized aluminum body and tempered window ensure long-lasting performance.
  • Dual-fuel capability: The ability to use both rechargeable and disposable batteries provides flexibility and convenience.
  • Simple and intuitive operation: The tailcap switch is easy to use, even with gloves on.
  • IPX7 waterproof rating: Provides peace of mind in wet conditions.

Cons

  • Lack of multiple brightness modes: The single output mode may be too bright for close-range tasks.
  • Price: The Surefire EDC2-DFT is a premium product with a correspondingly high price tag.


Who Should Buy Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight?

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight is perfect for:

  • Law enforcement and military personnel who need a reliable and high-performance light for tactical operations.
  • Hunters and outdoorsmen who require a long-distance illumination tool for spotting game or navigating in the dark.
  • Security professionals who need a powerful light for patrolling and security checks.
  • Anyone who values quality, durability, and performance in their EDC gear.

Who should skip this product?

  • Those on a tight budget may find the Surefire EDC2-DFT too expensive.
  • Individuals who primarily need a close-range floodlight may find the focused beam less useful.

A must-have accessory for this light is a high-quality holster or pouch for convenient carry. A spare set of batteries is also a good idea for extended use in the field.

Conclusion on Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight

The Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight is a top-tier EDC light that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. Its impressive beam distance, rugged build quality, and dual-fuel capability make it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications.

The price of the EDC2-DFT is undoubtedly an investment, but the quality and performance justify the cost for those who demand the best. If you need a compact, high-performance flashlight that can throw a focused beam over a long distance, the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight is an excellent choice.

I would highly recommend the Surefire EDC2-DFT to anyone looking for a premium EDC light that can handle demanding tasks and challenging environments. If you want a light that will always perform when you need it most, then pull the trigger on the Surefire 700 Lumens Everyday Carry Light Dual-Fuel Turbo Flashlight today.


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