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SureFire U2 Ultra
Name: Eddie Rice
Age: 23
Gender: Male
Height: 6’0” (1.8 Meters)
Weight: 174 Pounds (79.09 Kilograms)
E-Mail Address: [email protected] mailto:[email protected]
City, State, Country: Mustang, Oklahoma, United States of America
Date: 23 September 2015
Backpacking Background:
I began backpacking 1 year ago. I went with a group of friends that had some extra gear down to the Wichita Mountains. It was an incredible experience. I am in the process of getting my setup put together as I can afford it. I look forward to many more trail miles all around the USA and abroad. Oklahoma provides mountainous terrain with variable conditions.
Product Information:
Manufacturer: SureFire
Year of Manufacture: 2013
URL: www.surefire.com
Listed Weight with Battery: 5.7 Ounces (*****)
Actual Weight with Battery: 5.9 Ounces (*****)
Length: 6.0” (*****)
Diameter: 1.47” (****)
MSRP: $299.00
Battery Type: 123-A (Included)
Battery Run Life: High- 1 Hour, Low- 175 Hours
Battery Shelf Life: 10 Years
Bulb Type: Luxeon V LED
Bulb Life: Not reported by manufacturer, 2 Years of use, still going strong.
Illumination Distance: Not reported by manufacturer, easily illuminates 100 feet away.
Output: 6 Stage Variable Output
Lumens: 100 (Max)
Warranty: Lifetime
Batteries & Functionality:
The U2 Ultra utilizes 2 CR123-A Batteries for its operation, which are supplied by surefire with the flashlight. The 123-A batteries are neither cheap (12 Pack-$22.50) nor easy to find. I have noticed some retail stores beginning to carry them, but I have purchased all of mine online since I have bought the light. Installing/Replacing the batteries is simple, simply unscrew the tail-cap and insert the batteries positive side down (Towards the bevel). To power on the U2 Ultra, locate the button on the tail-cap, partially pressing for momentary illumination, or pressing fully for constant illumination. Surefire also equips this light with a locking feature, simply rotate the tail-cap counter-clockwise. This will prevent you from accidentally powering on while it is in your pocket, bag, etc.. The U2 Ultra comes with 6 different levels of output, ranging from 4-100 lumens. You output is adjusted by the beveled ring located just above the bulb housing. The adjustment is smooth and silent while also being able to be adjusted with a single hand.
Build:
The U2 Ultra comes in at 6.13 inches long, a little long for some, but this light is worth every inch. It is constructed from aerospace grade aluminum followed by an anodized (Type 3) finish. The U2 only comes in black, which gives the light a very sleek and professional look. The U2 ultra is O-ring sealed. Surefire reports a waterproof rating of 33 feet. I cannot verify 33 feet, I can verify it going overboard on a duck hunting trip while it was powered on, and it handled that flawlessly because it stayed powered on until I found it, 10 feet underwater. It has also been in my pocket while swimming in the river, as well as made a couple accidental passes through the washing machine. I highly recommend keeping your O-Rings lubricated to prevent wear and breakdown. The U2 ultra also comes with a stainless steel pocket clip. This has been the only defective part 2 years into its life, but the no hassle lifetime warranty makes that quite an easy fix. The U2 also features knurling both on the body and tail-cap for improved grip. The U2 has a domed pyrex window, equipped with AR coating (Almost impossible to scratch). The domed lens is a very well thought out feature providing the light with increased impact resistance.
Illumination/Beam:
At the base of a deep and stippled reflector, sits a Lux V LED bulb. Given the depth of the reflector, the beam is rather narrow, but still provides an impressive spill and throw. I have heard and read some complaints of a donut hole within the beam while shining at a wall. I cannot confirm or deny this statement, my U2 Ultra does not have this problem.
My Surefire U2 ultra goes everywhere with me. From the nightstand in the event of a home invasion, to the back of the ambulance, to my tent, and on night hikes. Wherever I am, my U2 Ultra is with me. I take this on all of my camping, climbing, and outdoor trips. This light is as close to indestructible as you can get. This light is 110% reliable, and has never failed me, even after the rigorous things I have put it through. It has seen water, rivers, lakes, sand, dirt, and mud while constantly continuing to work as it did the day I bought it.
The adjustable output allows the U2 ultra to handle all of your illumination needs. I have used it for reading, night hiking, fetching fire wood, collecting water, checking patient’s pupil response, extricating people entrapped in vehicles, and signaling additional units to our location while working accidents far off of the roadway.
As for the negatives; the belt clip snapping off is the only issue I have had with the U2 ultra, which is nothing a temporary holster and a warranty claim cannot fix. The batteries could be a tad more reasonable, but for the quality of the flashlight I am getting, It is worth the couple extra bucks.
Surefire did it big with the U2 Ultra. This thing is an absolute beast. It is hands down the most reliable flashlight I have ever owned. It is worth every penny. It provides you with excellent illumination, as well as reasonable battery life. In my opinion, this is the best choice in the illumination department due to its versatility and durability.
Pro’s:
Made in USA
Durable
Variable Output
Well-Designed, Comfortable
Cons:
Battery Cost
Belt Clip
Lack of Lanyard attachment point.
This Concludes my review of the Surefire U2 Ultra
-Eddie Rice-