Surefire has an interesting new entrant into the flashlight market–a flashlight that auto adjusts based on ambient light, from 15 to 600 lumens.

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.

I wonder how much the sensor technology affects the battery life?  And while it is a neat idea, I can’t agree with the idea that white light (of ANY level) will preserve “dark adapted vision”.  It may not fully blind you, but I would argue that you are going to lose night vision even at 15 lumens.  That said, I think it would serve purpose in a non-tactical environment.  Thoughts?  What do you readers think?

Specifications:

• Output High: 600 Lumens
• Output Low: 15 Lumens
• Runtime High: 1.5 hrs
• Runtime Low: 45 hrs
• “Tactical Runtime”: 1.5 hours (max until lumens drop below 50)
• Bezel Diameter: 1.37 in
• Body Diameter: 1 in
• Length: 5.4 in
• Weight: 5.7 oz
• Finish: Mil-Spec Type III Hard Anodized
• Batteries: 2 x 123A
• MSRP:  $229.00

Phil Note: We have one ordered for review.