Late last month, we put up a sneak peak of the SureFire Sidekick ‘Ultra-Compact Triple-Output Keychain Light’. Now that they’re available for purchase, we got one for ourselves, and decided to give it an overview.

The packaging for the Sidekick is pretty standard for a SureFire-brand light: red background blister pack with all the technical information right on the front, while the back displays the general features. Included within the packaging is the Sidekick light, a 6″ USB cable for charging the light, and a key clip.

The Sidekick is a triple-output light, with settings for 5, 60, and 300 lumens. It produces a wide MaxVision beam with a maximum range of 66 meters, and has an onboard rechargeable li-ion battery, and a mini-USB port to charge the battery. The Sidekick has a maximum runtime of 45 hours at 5 lumens, 4 hours at 60 lumens, and 1.25 hours at 300 lumens. It is marketed primarily as a keychain light, and as such comes with a key clip for attaching to a keychain or carabiner.

As the Sidekick is designed as a Keychain light, its closest analogue within SureFire’s own product line is the Titan. The Titan is an ultra-compact dual-output flashlight, marketed on the packaging as “an ideal keychain light”. The model we have in our possession is the Titan-A, which has a dual output of 15 and 125 lumens; the Titan-B or Titan Plus is the triple-output model with an output of 15, 75, and 300 lumens.

Comparing the two, you’ll quickly find that the Sidekick is arguably superior in almost every aspect. The Sidekick’s max runtime is 45 hours at its lowest setting, versus the Titan-A with a runtime of 8.5 hours and the Titan-B with a runtime of 6 hours. If you find that comparison a bit questionable given the different lumen outputs between the low settings, then it’s also worth reminding that the Sidekick has a 1.25 hour runtime at 300 lumens, versus the Titan-A’s runtime of 50 minutes at 125 lumens, and the Titan-B’s runtime of 1 hour at 300 lumens.

The Sidekick comes with a rechargeable li-ion battery and a complimentary USB charge cord. The Titan models are powered by a single AAA battery, and do come with a rechargeable AAA battery, but no method provided to recharge it. Also, while the Sidekick is roughly twice as wide as either Titan model, it also is .5″ less lengthy than the Titan-A, and .875″ less lengthy than the Titan-B. Not to mention the Sidekick has an MSRP that is comparable to the Titan-A, and costs less than the Titan-B.

The Sidekick is a powerful light for its relatively-diminutive size, however it’s also roughly the size of a key fob. While that doesn’t take away from how small it is for its capability, it will definitely take up some real estate on your keychain, if you choose to carry it as intended. Still, with three output modes, a max output of 300 lumens with a range of 66 meters, and a rechargeable li-ion battery, the Sidekick is a good choice for an EDC light, and since you’re likely to have it with your keys, you’re also more likely to always have it on you.

We do have to note that the Sidekick is an Amazon-exclusive product. On one hand, this does potentially open up SureFire to a wider customer base. On the other hand, through this deal SureFire has locked out their established distributors and retailers from carrying what is honestly a solid product.

You can get the Sidekick at the following link: www.amazon.com/SureFire-Sidekick-Compact-Keychain-Flashlight/dp/B0177H4S5Q

SureFire has recently announced their new auto-adjusting P2X Fury with IntelliBeam Technology. The full release can be read below:

Fountain Valley, CA — SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, is releasing its first auto-adjusting flashlight—an IntelliBeam™ version of the popular P2X Fury. This new Fury with proprietary IntelliBeam™ Technology (P2XIB)­ features an intelligent sensor and microprocessor-based system that continuously and seamlessly adjusts light output by constantly evaluating your surroundings. This model always delivers the right amount of light for the task at hand.

This cutting-edge technology also helps preserve dark-adapted vision by evaluating the environment before turning on, so it never activates on high in close quarters. If you’re in an open field, you’ll get all 600 lumens. If you’re prepping gear or loading a vehicle, it will dial in the necessary output based on the environmental feedback it receives, down to as little as 15 lumens. Just press or click the tailcap switch to engage this auto-adjusting mode. To override this mode, simply return to off and press or click again within one second to activate the max-output/tactical mode. This second press or click locks in all 600 lumens where maximum output is needed. The P2XIB defaults to IntelliBeam mode when it’s off for more than one second.

The P2X Fury with IntelliBeam Technology—like all Fury models—uses a high-performance LED to deliver its broad, intense light that’s focused by its reflector into a smooth, wide beam with a bright central area and generous peripheral light. The high-strength aerospace aluminum body is knurled to provide a comfortable yet secure grip and it is hard anodized to military specifications (Mil-Spec Type III) for extreme resistance to abrasion and corrosion.

The P2XIB is powered by two 123A lithium batteries (included) and has a MSRP of $229. It’s available for purchase via authorized SureFire dealers, by visiting www.surefire.com, or by calling SureFire at 800-828-8809.