The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum Made a Bold First Impression
In the world of tactical lighting, reliability and versatility reign supreme. The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum promises both, offering a powerful output and a design intended for both everyday carry and tactical applications. Its dual-output LED and robust construction immediately caught my attention, promising a light that could handle the rigors of field use.
For years, I’ve relied on various flashlights, but none have truly bridged the gap between EDC convenience and tactical readiness. I needed a light compact enough for daily carry, yet powerful and durable enough to trust in demanding situations, like low-light range scenarios or navigating tricky terrain during search and rescue training. The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum appeared to offer exactly that.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the weight and solid feel of the aluminum body. The knurling provided a secure grip, and the overall design felt purposeful. Compared to my old Streamlight ProTac and even a Fenix PD35, the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum felt more refined, more intentionally designed for serious use. The Streamlight felt too basic and the Fenix, while powerful, didn’t quite inspire the same confidence in its long-term durability.
I was immediately impressed. This wasn’t just another flashlight; it felt like a tool designed to perform under pressure. The promise of the MaxVision Beam and the simple, yet effective, dual-output system had me eager to see how it performed in the real world.
Real-World Testing: Putting Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test took place during a nighttime navigation exercise at a local training facility. The environment consisted of varied terrain including wooded areas and open fields. The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum performed admirably in the cool, damp conditions.
The 800-lumen high output was more than sufficient for illuminating large areas, making navigation significantly easier. The MaxVision Beam truly lived up to its name, providing a wide, even spread of light that minimized tunnel vision and revealed potential hazards. Switching to the 5-lumen low output was intuitive and perfect for reading maps without compromising night vision. No issues arose during the first use; the light operated flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including weekly trips to the range and several overnight camping trips, the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum has proven to be remarkably durable. There are only minor signs of wear on the anodized finish near the pocket clip, but nothing that impacts performance.
Maintenance has been minimal, consisting primarily of wiping down the body with a damp cloth after exposure to dirt or rain. Compared to other flashlights I’ve owned, the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum has consistently outperformed them in terms of both output and reliability. It feels like a worthwhile investment considering its consistent performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum
Specifications
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum boasts some impressive specifications. It has a dual-output LED with a maximum output of 800 lumens and a low output of 5 lumens. The flashlight is powered by two CR123A lithium batteries, which are included.
The body is constructed from lightweight, yet durable, aerospace-aluminum with a Mil-Spec hard anodized finish. The head diameter is listed as 1 inch, and the overall length is 5.04 inches, making it easy to carry. Its weight with batteries is 3.7 ounces. These specifications translate to a powerful, compact, and rugged light that is comfortable to carry and capable of withstanding harsh conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum performs exceptionally well. The 800-lumen high output is ideal for illuminating large areas and identifying threats at a distance. The 5-lumen low output provides ample light for close-up tasks without blinding the user or compromising night vision.
The dual-output switching mechanism is simple and intuitive. Hand-tightening the front bezel sets the light to high output, while a quarter-turn counterclockwise switches it to low output. This system is both reliable and easy to operate, even with gloved hands. The only minor drawback is that there’s no strobe function, which some users might find useful for signaling or disorienting an attacker.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum is outstanding. The aerospace-aluminum body feels solid and well-constructed, and the Mil-Spec hard anodized finish provides excellent resistance to abrasion and corrosion.
The knurled surface provides a secure and comfortable grip, even when wet. The pocket clip is robust and keeps the light securely in place, while also allowing for bezel-up carry. The light’s slim profile and balanced weight make it comfortable to carry in a pocket or on a belt. There is no learning curve; the light is instantly user-friendly.
Durability & Maintenance
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum is built to last. The durable aluminum body and robust construction suggest it will withstand years of use in demanding conditions.
Maintenance is straightforward; simply wiping down the light with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The LED is rated for tens of thousands of hours of use, so bulb replacement is unlikely to be necessary. The battery compartment is easily accessible for quick battery changes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum comes with two CR123A lithium batteries. Beyond that, customization options are limited, as it is primarily designed as a standalone tool.
However, its 1-inch head diameter makes it compatible with some weapon light mounts designed for similar-sized lights. It’s crucial to verify compatibility before purchasing any aftermarket accessories.
Pros and Cons of Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black AluminumPros
- Extremely Durable: The aerospace-aluminum body with Mil-Spec hard anodized finish can withstand significant abuse.
- Powerful Output: The 800-lumen high output provides ample light for most tactical and EDC applications.
- Versatile Dual Output: The 5-lumen low output is perfect for close-up tasks and preserving night vision.
- Intuitive Operation: The bezel-tightening mechanism for switching between outputs is simple and reliable.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
Cons
- No strobe function. Some users may miss this feature for signaling or defensive purposes.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other tactical flashlights.
Who Should Buy Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum?
Pros
- Extremely Durable: The aerospace-aluminum body with Mil-Spec hard anodized finish can withstand significant abuse.
- Powerful Output: The 800-lumen high output provides ample light for most tactical and EDC applications.
- Versatile Dual Output: The 5-lumen low output is perfect for close-up tasks and preserving night vision.
- Intuitive Operation: The bezel-tightening mechanism for switching between outputs is simple and reliable.
- Compact and Lightweight: Easy to carry in a pocket or on a belt.
Cons
- No strobe function. Some users may miss this feature for signaling or defensive purposes.
- Relatively expensive compared to some other tactical flashlights.
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum is perfect for law enforcement officers, security personnel, and anyone who needs a reliable and powerful light for tactical applications. It is also an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and anyone who wants a dependable EDC flashlight.
Those who primarily need a light for casual use or are on a tight budget might find other options more suitable. Must-have accessories are high-quality CR123A batteries. Consider purchasing a weapon mount if you intend to use it as a weapon light.
Conclusion on Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum
The Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum is an exceptional flashlight that delivers on its promises of reliability, versatility, and power. Its durable construction, intuitive operation, and impressive output make it a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs a high-quality tactical or EDC light.
While the price may be a barrier for some, the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum justifies its cost with its superior performance and long-lasting durability. I would highly recommend the Surefire Tactician Dual-Output White LED 5/800 Lumens CR123A Lithium (2) Battery Black Aluminum to anyone looking for a top-tier flashlight that can handle the rigors of daily use and demanding situations. Upgrade your EDC and experience the Surefire difference – you won’t regret it!