The SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT Dual Fuel LED Combat Flashlight is a newly available high-performance flashlight. The design and build are specific for tactical use in conjunction with a handgun. This flashlight stands out for its robust construction, high lumen output, Dual Fuel flexibility, and patented CombatGrip. I was provided with one for evaluation, and here is what I found.
SureFire and Its Combat Ready P1RZ-B-DFT
SureFire, originally known as Laser Products, was founded in 1969 by Dr. John Matthews, a young engineer with a Ph.D. from Cal Tech. The company initially focused on harnessing the power of laser technology for industrial applications. Over the next decade, Laser Products grew to become a leader in the field, pioneering a host of industrial uses for the laser.
In 1979, Dr. Matthews decided to merge his expertise in laser technology with his passion for firearms. He designed and patented the first commercial laser sight for use on a firearm. This original laser sight was large and unwieldy. However, its revolutionary performance validated the concept, and the pace of development accelerated.
The firearms industry was slow to catch on to the benefits of this new technology, but two seismic events in 1984 vaulted Laser Products into the limelight.
First, it fulfilled a request to supply light-equipped shotguns to the Los Angeles Police Department’s SWAT team during the 1984 Summer Olympics. Second, the company’s groundbreaking laser sighting tools featured prominently in the science-fiction film The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
These events demonstrated the practical applications of their technology. Likewise, it contributed to the broader acceptance of laser and light-equipped firearms in the industry.
Becoming SureFire
The company changed its name to SureFire, LLC in 2000. Since then, SureFire continues to innovate and lead the industry in the development of illumination tools, suppressors, and tactical products. Likewise, the company attained ISO9001:2000 certification in 2008.
SureFire flashlights and weapon lights have a reputation for their brightness, robustness, and high quality. The SureFire CombatLight flashlights were among the numerous patents that the company developed.
Introduced in 1997, the SureFire 6Z was the first CombatLight. It was optimized for what is now commonly known as the Rogers/SureFire Technique, setting it apart from any flashlight before it. This innovative design quickly became a hit with armed professionals around the globe.
The SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT carries on in its legacy.
Design and Construction of the P1RZ-B-DFT
The P1RZ-B-DFT has a rugged construction, featuring a CNC-machined 6061-T6 tempered aluminum body and tailcap. It’s Mil-Spec hard anodized (MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2) for maximum resistance to both abrasion and corrosion.
The flashlight measures 5.6 inches in length, with a bezel diameter of 1.39 inches and a body diameter of 1 inch. When equipped with batteries, it weighs 6.5 oz. In addition, it is O-ring sealed and boasts an IPX7 water-resistant rating. As a result, it can be submerged up to one meter for 30 minutes.
It features an anti-roll head, a slightly scalloped bezel, and a window made of impact-resistant, coated borosilicate glass.
The flashlight comes with a removable, welded steel lanyard ring and a black 550 parachute-cord lanyard. This lanyard has a cord lock, a fastener, and a safety feature that allows it to break away under extreme force.
CombatGrip
The CombatGrip design features a narrowed center section and rubber grip ring, enhancing ergonomics and compatibility with the Rogers/SureFire Technique. This combination of features ensures that the flashlight can be easily retained and manipulated under a wide range of conditions.
The Rogers/SureFire Technique—developed by former FBI Agent and world-champion IPSC shooter Bill Rogers—involves holding the flashlight between the index and middle fingers of your support hand. This allows for a two-handed grip on your gun, enhancing accuracy and control.
You activate the flashlight using the base of your thumb. This technique allows you to use your support hand for other tasks, such as opening doors, reloading, or clearing malfunctions while maintaining the flashlight in the Rogers/SureFire grip. It also enables a quick return to a shooting stance when necessary.
Dual Fuel Capability
One of the standout features of the P1RZ-B-DFT is its Dual Fuel capability. This feature enables the flashlight to operate on a single 18650 lithium-ion rechargeable battery or two 123A lithium primary batteries. This versatility ensures uninterrupted operation when recharging is not feasible. Simply replace the depleted batteries with fresh ones for continued use.
The flashlight includes a high-performance 3.6V SureFire 18650/3500 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery. This battery features a micro-USB port for convenient charging from any USB power source, ensuring the flashlight is always prepared for use. An integrated protection circuit provides automatic recovery in the event of a short circuit and prevents over-charging and over-discharging.
A bi-color LED, located on the positive (+) terminal end of the battery, indicates the charge status. Red signifies charging, while green denotes a fully charged battery. The flashlight comes with a USB to micro-USB charging cable. Additionally, an external 18650 compatible CC-CV cradle charger (not included) can be used for charging. You cannot charge the battery while it is inside the flashlight.
Output and Beam
SureFire tests its lights in accordance with the ANSI/PLATO FL1 2019 Standard. The P1RZ-B-DFT model—when powered by the included SureFire 18650 rechargeable battery—has a beam output of 1,500 lumens of intense, white light. When powered by 123A primary batteries, the beam output is slightly lower at 1,100 lumens.
The peak beam intensity of the P1RZ-B-DFT—when using the SureFire 18650 rechargeable battery—is 34,000 candela. When powered by the SF18650 battery, the beam distance is 369 meters. However, using 123A batteries slightly reduces the beam distance to 316 meters. The beam is in the cooler color range, which is typical of modern, high-output LED lights.
The precision-engineered smooth parabolic reflector creates a seamless Hybrid Beam, producing a bright central area surrounded by a gradually diminishing corona. It is ideal for tactical applications, as it distinctly illuminates the primary object of interest while simultaneously providing ample peripheral light to maintain situational awareness. The beam is flawless.
Unlike other brands that use stamped metal or molded plastic, the reflector is made from CNC-machined aluminum. As a result, it exhibits superior strength, heat transfer capabilities, geometric dimensioning, and tolerancing precision.
The P1RZ-B-DFT is a high-performance flashlight designed specifically for combat scenarios. It operates in a single-mode full-output-only mode and doesn’t have a low-output/admin mode.
Recognizing that the latter feature is important for many users, SureFire also offers the P1RZ-IB-DF. It is an auto-adjusting version of the flashlight equipped with the company’s proprietary IntelliBeam technology.
Activating and Controlling the Flashlight
The flashlight features a click tailcap that supports both momentary and constant-on. One of the most important features on a tactical flashlight is the ability to have a momentary function. The flashlight’s click-on/off tailcap switch is designed for quick and ergonomic operation, even in the most stressful conditions. Half-press for momentary and full-press and click for constant-on.
The design of the switch provides easy, reliable activation and reduces the likelihood of negligent discharges. The tailcap also features Surefire’s patented twist lockout.
P1RZ-B-DFT Runtime
The P1RZ-B-DFT offers a substantial runtime. Runtime with the SureFire 18650 rechargeable battery is up to 2.25 hours. This runtime is all the more impressive, considering the flashlight’s output and compact size. Runtime with 123A primary batteries is 1.75 hours.
The flashlight exhibits excellent regulation throughout its runtime. It emits maximum light for a minute, then steps down to produce a consistent amount for most of the remaining runtime before gradually decreasing. This is to mitigate the risk of overheating and maintain optimal performance.
V70 Polymer Speed Holster
The P1RZ-B-DFT fits bezel-up in the optional SureFire V70 Polymer Speed Holster. The patented holster is made of rigid polymer, which not only protects your light but also ensures an “open mouth” for fumble-free re-holstering. It’s adjustable to fit belts up to 2.25 inches wide and is available in black or desert tan. It’s a convenient way to carry the flashlight on duty and range belts.
Final Thoughts
The SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT Dual Fuel LED Combat Flashlight, with its robust design, high output, dual-fuel flexibility, and CombatGrip is an outstanding tactical flashlight. It’s a powerful pocket-sized searchlight optimized for use with a handgun.
MSRP for the P1RZ-B-DFT is $249.00. Not inexpensive, but well worth every penny in my opinion. It’s designed and made in the USA. It has a 30-day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee and is covered by the SureFire No-Hassle Warranty.
For more information, please visit SureFire.com.
SureFire P1RZ-B-DFT Specs
| KEY ATTRIBUTES | |
| High Output | 1,500 lumens (w/ SF18650B) |
| High Runtime | 2.25 hours (w/ SF18650B) |
| Peak Beam Intensity | 34,000 candela (w/ SF18650B) |
| Batteries | One SF18650B (incl.) or two 123A lithium (not incl.) |
| Switching | Click tailcap |
| Length | 5.6 in (14.2 cm) |
| OUTPUT | |
| High Output | 1,500 lumens (w/ SF18650B) / 1,100 lumens (w/ 123A) |
| High Runtime | 2.25 hours (w/ 18650B) / 1.75 hours (w/ 123A) |
| Distance | 369 meters (w/ SF18650B) / 316 meters (w/ 123A) |
| BODY | |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Finish | Hard Anodized (MIL-A-8625 Type III, Class 2) |
| Weight W/Batteries | 6.5 oz (164.3 g) |
| Bezel Diameter | 1.39 in (3.5 cm) |
| Liquid Ingress Protection | IPX7 |
| MSRP | $249.00 |
