Monthly Archives: July 2010

SureFire X200B

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Earlier, we had a short feature on SureFire’s X200 line of weapon lights. The X200B is a 5-watt LED-powered light that attaches to handguns. Technically, the X200 series has been replaced by the X300 and the X400 which also has a laser sight, but the X200B is still plenty available, and we just got our hands on it for an actual review.

The X200B, compared with the X200A, was designed to produce a wider beam which can be useful for peripheral threat identification. The body is constructed from impressive quality Milspec Type III hard-anodized aluminum, and the LED is surrounded by a micro-textured reflector. The lens itself is made from tempered Pyrex and has an anti-reflection coating.

Fitting the X200B is made easy by its Rail-Lock system. It clamps solidly to universal-style rails and to the MIL STD M-1913 rail, more popularly known as the Picatinny rail. In the package comes adapter plates for both rail systems.

The light can be switched two ways—first via a monetary ambidextrous switch located at the back of the light. You can press it for monetary on and rotate it for constant on. The switch is designed to be reached by the either hand via tactical grip.

The X200B produces up to 100 lumens maximum, and is powered by two SureFire SF123 3.0 volt batteries. Overall, it measures 1.34″ high by 1.43″ wide and 3.47″ long. It is really small and light (weighs less than 4 ounces), which makes attaching it to handguns seem invisible.

The torch itself is also waterproof up to 30 meters.

What can we say?

The X200B is quite impressive even for a semi-old product. Technically, the X300 upgrade wouldn’t have come any sooner, and the only reason why the X200B has been replaced is because of technology. Yes, technology that moves so fast SureFire has basically afforded to make improvements on the X200B with less cost. So yes, if you need a weapon light, by all means go with the SureFire X300. But if you happen to have one of these (X200B) around or have not heard of the X300, don’t fret too much as it is still a great little torch.

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surefire x200b

Led Lenser Frogman

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The Led Lenser Frogman is a diving torch—a flashlight for divers, used in the deep blue. Different from regular flashlights, first of all these torches are waterproofed to different standards. The Frogman for one, is waterproof up to 60 meters in depth. Another thing different is because normal lamps’ beams would not get very far under water because of refraction, an axial collimator is used in the Frogman. That alone achieves a focus strength which cannot be attained using regular reflectors.

The Frogman is impressively made. The head which used to be the rotary switch has now been replaced by a fixed polished high-grade stainless steel. The bright yellow neon body, which in itself is already blinding, is made of synthetic shockproof material. The newly-designed flick switch in located just below the head. The design makes single-handed operation a breeze. A lanyard is also supplied which matches the body’s color, and attaches tightly. It comes with a quick-adjust spring-assisted adjustment thing.

I believe there has been four versions of the Frogman to date: 7456 which is the old neon yellow, 7457 the old black, 7456III the new neon yellow (which we have), and 7457III which is the new model black.

The new models now use CREE LEDs rated at 75 lumens—1.25 watts light chip. It also has dual o-rings, and has a prism reflector system.

The Frogman’s dimensions are just right—not too small, not too big either. It measures 160 mm x 41 mm and uses 4 AA batteries for operation. It weighs 226 grams with batteries.

Battery life claims to go up to 40 hours on a new set or fully charged set of batteries. The life of the LED, well don’t even worry about that as most LEDs nowadays have a 100,000-hour service life.

What can we say?

The Frogman is impressive. It is very well made and is very bright. Not blindingly bright especially if you are used to the brightness levels of the latest torches in the market today, but it is decent for diving use and really cuts through water. If you buy the Frogman, chances are you’ll be using it as a backup torch. And for that purpose, it is very, very adequate.

Reading most of the reviews before our unit came, the only issue we read about was the rotating switch. Well, in the new version that has been taken cared off and replaced with a flick-style magnetic switch. So I guess nothing wrong is left with this torch. There was a small bubble in the lens that bothered us, but we read something that it it was really part of the manufacturing process.

By the way, the Frogman throws a diamond shaped beam with absolutely no spill. It is good under water, because you need a really thick and powerful beam down there.

The Frogman sells for around $50 from most online dealers.

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led lenser frogman