REVIEW: Surefire versus Element Helmet Light Gen. II

When it comes to helmet lights, the answer is still Surefire. Or Element. We have brought together the original Helmet Light Generation II with a replica for you and see what the two can do compared to each other.

On the left side the original, on the right side the Element replica: externally there are few differences, except for the markings. But it's all about the internal values: Surefire offers a whole range of helmet lights, with different color combinations and IR light. Helmet lights with the latter function - used for friend-foe identification with night vision devices - would normally be export restricted. An overview of the current Gen. II Surefire models can be found HERE. Element also offers several options: 3x White LED & 2x Red LED OR Blue LED or Green LED for illumination; one IR LED is included in all (without export restrictions). The selection at Surefire is larger. The light quality is also slightly better, see a comparison with Gen. I Helmet Lights HERE, which is still valid. In our model comparison, we found the toggle switches on the original device to be significantly better than those on the replica.

Comparison of the two helmet mounts with an SDS Warrior Helmet in the background. Light color differences are noticeable and the replica has no logo. The clip on the helmet edge is tight on both.

The Element package includes several different mounts: the clip for the helmet edge (left), small parts for screwing onto a baseball cap (center), and a mount that can be used to mount the helmet light on a Picantinny Rail - essentially as a weapon light. Element is more generous than Surefire in this regard: the weapon mount is not included with Surefire.

CONCLUSION: Element delivers a solid replica of the Surefire Helmet Light, which is slightly weaker in terms of luminous power. It always has IR and is very affordable for a good device. The original Surefire would be very expensive, but because it has been widely distributed among the US armed forces, it is now also quite affordable.

The Element Helmet Light Gen II for example costs 27 dollars at RSOV and is available in Black, Tan, and Foliage colors. The original Surefire Helmet Light Gen II costs 190 dollars directly from Surefire, on Ebay it can be found between 45 and 60 dollars.