Flashlight people.....

[greencobra]

would you be knowing what the smallest flashlight with the brightest beam would be. I'm thinking Mag Light Solitare size only with some serious intensity.

[JD Spydo]

There is one word for flashlights. SUREFIRE!!! I have had 4 other brands that I thought were good. But SUREFIRE is the best. If someone knows a better brand I would love to see it. But SUREFIRE in my opinion is top notch. Their "rechargables" are just super units. I have the E2d defender, the 6p w/extension kit and the 9an rechargable. They are cooler than cool. :spyder: ;)

[Hannibal Lecter]

Good day, all.

I must echo J.D.'s sentiments regarding the Surefire lights; I have a 6Z Combatlight and it is amazing. It is probably the best non-lethal low-light defensive tool you can buy.

I might suggest looking at an E1E Executive if size is a big factor. I have handled one of these also and they are unbeatable.

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/pgrfnbr/362/sesent/00

Enjoy... :D

---
Ta,

H

[greencobra]

JD, Doc, thanks a lot.

[Ted]

The smallest with the highest output would probably be an HDS Systems EDC 60. That's 60 lumens from one CR123 in a very compact package. A SureFire G2 or E2 does 75, but with two CR123's. An E1e does 15 lumen.

Edit: or a custom from the Bright guy...see CPF...

finally got my confirmation order for my HDS EDC 42...at last...

[Dr. Snubnose]

I have the Surefire E1L with the KL1 adapter Lens which gives off an extra 15 Lumens.....it's terrific...my favorite Surefire for sure...Doc

[i.v]

if you want something keychain sized i really like the streamlight keymate or the inova version of the micro light... sure, they're not 60 lumens, but they are tiny, much brighter than the solitaire & very comfortable to carry :)

i also imagine that 60 (or 75) lumens from 1 cr123 requires quite frequent battery changes which may be annoying with something you carry 24/7 & most likely use a lot.

[JD Spydo]

if you want something keychain sized i really like the streamlight keymate or the inova version of the micro light... sure, they're not 60 lumens, but they are tiny, much brighter than the solitaire & very comfortable to carry :)

i also imagine that 60 (or 75) lumens from 1 cr123 requires quite frequent battery changes which may be annoying with something you carry 24/7 & most likely use a lot.

Good point i.v. That's what I have been finding out just experimenting with my surefires. There is always a tradeoff. Now the Surefire "rechargables" are truly a long term money saver. A little pricey? Yes to begin with but I would hate to tell you how much I spent on D cell batteries with those Mag Lites I had. I would be willing to bet that it exceeded $300 over a 4 year period. I'll bet that Mag Lite owns stock in one of the major battery companies. I am finding that the 123A batteries last quite a while in E2d defender. I have been using it for a month now and it still has the same batteries that it came with. Also Surefire has very good prices on their batteries and you can get overnight shipping for an extra $3.50. Also Surefire units are so high quality that I am commonly hearing that people have had the same flashlight for 3 years and not having to replace the lamp assembly. ONe more note: Surefire is also getting into the knife market and it looks like quality to me. ;) :spyder:

[i.v]

i don't think it gets any better, economy wise, than rechargables.. but the ones i have seen so far are quite big & of course, if you're going camping or anywhere outdoors, flashlights with regular batteries have an advantage.

what i'd really like to see is a keychain sized rechargable flashlight with a charger like that of a cell phone & some kind of adapter that you can recharge it in the car as well... that would be great :p

[Michael Cook]

I carry a surefire C3, 120 eyeball scortching lumens :eek: you probably want a smaller one though. :p

[Simon G]

Surefire 3P is my flashlight carry. But the Streamlight Keymate get's the most use.

iv is spot on!

God bless,

Simon.

[Manifest]

would you be knowing what the smallest flashlight with the brightest beam would be. I'm thinking Mag Light Solitare size only with some serious intensity.

Probably HDS 60. I just ordered the HDS Ultimate 42, I'll post a review when I get it (The wait time for HDS is pretty long though).
http://www.hdssystems.com/EdcBasic.html

Maybe try searching for a Fire~fly on Candlepowerforums. Review at:
http://ledmuseum.candlepower.us/firefly2.htm

I've heard that the Alephs are verrrrry bright:
http://secure3.dnsaction.com/~anlighte/shop/default.php?cPath=43&osCsid=87431d04eaf72b3dac90b54ddfbdafb5

All of the above run on 1 Cr123 and cost between $125US-$200US. For comparisons sake, A surefire P60 bulb claims 60 lumens, so does the HDS Basic or Ultimate 60. However, the HDS is half the size.

For something that is ~$100 and runs on common batteries, maybe TNC Customs?
http://tnccustomproducts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=TnC&Category_Code=1F

Also, there's always the Surefire E1L and Nuwai QIII.

Hope that helps :D

[Jimd]

Surefire E2e is very small, very bright, and yields over an hour of light.

Peruse the Surefire website, they'll have a light for your needs. And they have a lifetime warranty that can't be beat. If it fails, they replace it.

[greencobra]

And thanks over here too for the FL info. I'll take some time tomorrow to sort out the links you gave me and investigate the recommended choices.

You guys were all over this one! :)

[MeJoomeok]

Surefire is the way to go.

I was always worried about the cost of batteries. But, I compensated for that.

Seems that when I just need a little bit of light, I have my handy dandy LED. If I need to fog an area with a bright beam, I use the E2E.

I wish there were something out there that could hold:

PDA
Cell Phone
Pad and Pen
4 knives
Wallet
Surefire Light
LED Light
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Toothpicks
2 sets of Keys

that is not a backpack, travelling vest, courier bag and most importantly a "MAN'S PURSE" !!!!!!!!!! :eek: :D :eek:

[maddox]

surefire is the only way to go a nice size light for edc is the e2e its small and bright i would not recommend the e2d for an edc because the sharp bezel will shred right through your pants if you wear it inside the pocket
60 lumens is enough for most applications and BTW i personally wouldn't recommend a rechargeable light they just are not reliable if needed in tactical situations as soon as it comes off the charger its loosing power
just my opinion
mike

[Irish Lager]

I have been carying an E2D as my edc for almost a year, i can't express how much i love this light. I own several surefire lights and this is still my personal favorite in my collection. As stated by mike, if you intend to carry it in your pocket, the bezel will no doubt chew through. Mine stays cliped to the outside of my left front pocket of my jeans all the time, and i havent had any problems. Its a great light with an outstanding amount of light, and works in all situations. If the crennulated bezel is out of your taste, stick w/ the E2E, either way you cant go wrong.
GS

[xrob]

Anyone have any opinion on the Surefire LED vs. traditional? Many people here prefer the E2E or E2D, but has anyone used any of the L models? I'm curious...

Thanks for the info.

xrob

[JD Spydo]

surefire is the only way to go a nice size light for edc is the e2e its small and bright i would not recommend the e2d for an edc because the sharp bezel will shred right through your pants if you wear it inside the pocket
60 lumens is enough for most applications and BTW i personally wouldn't recommend a rechargeable light they just are not reliable if needed in tactical situations as soon as it comes off the charger its loosing power
just my opinion
mike

Hey Maddox: Welcome to the Forum by the way. I hate to get off on the wrong foot here but I disagree with your assessment of the Surefire E2d not being a good flashlight to carry. I carry mine all over the place and I have not had any clothing problems at all. Plus I like the fact that it has that wicked bezel on it. IT is actually designed to be a self defense weapon of sorts. Plus right now as we speak the Surefire company is making a rechargable battery that you will be able to use in the 6p, E2d and other 2 battery lights. Sorry but I have to disagree. But Peacefully :D

[BOK]

I carry an E2D everyday with a KL1 head.

Has a fair bit of throw for an LED.

[Jurphaas]

Hi all - If you like to learn more about flashlights and LED light go to the candlepower forums.
I've learned quitte a lot there and these flashlight guys never stop to amaze me.

[rorschach]

Anyone have any opinion on the Surefire LED vs. traditional? Many people here prefer the E2E or E2D, but has anyone used any of the L models? I'm curious...

Thanks for the info.

I have both the KL1 head for the e2e and the L4. The L4 is my favorite surefire hands down. The incandecent purists will argue that it does not "throw" as far as the e2e (which is correct) but for me the WALL O LIGHT it produces is phenomenal. The KL1 is nice when you need less light but the beam is downright purple compared to the whiteness of the L4.

[JD Spydo]

It's time I gave you all my testimony about how my Spyderco/Surefire addiction got started. As I became an avid knife collector back in 95 I went though a rat maze of different brands, varieties and so forth :confused: . TheN one day I got bit :spyder: . A lot of you know what I am talking about. Here about 6 months ago I was introduced to a flashlight that would make my Mag Lite look like the end of a burning cigarette. When you get bit and lit up, a metamorphosis takes place. SPYDERCO & SUREFIRE it just don't get any better.

:spyder: I GOT BIT BY THE SPYDER!!!, THEN I SAW THE LIGHT!!!!!!!!! :D

[WORKER#9]

I Have Had My Surefire Addiction A Lot Longer Then My Spyder, Addiction. I Currently Have Only Two, One Z2 And One M3. Both The Best I Ever Owned! #9

[greencobra]

I'm taking a look at the e2d. I just went on the web site last night to find a dealer and theres one 15 min from the house. I can get some hands on time hopefully there before I make the decision. Maybe it's a secret knife store too. I believe it's a police supply place.

[JD Spydo]

I Have Had My Surefire Addiction A Lot Longer Then My Spyder, Addiction. I Currently Have Only Two, One Z2 And One M3. Both The Best I Ever Owned! #9

Worker#9 it's time you got caught up. You should get a rechargable on your list right away. I highly recommend a model 9an. Also their model 6p with the extension kit ( PM me and I will tell you a secret about that one) is an awesome unit. Those 2 Surefires totally made a confirmed believer out of me. Check out their website www.surefire.com. They have some new models for 2005 that look promising. However those 2 you can't go wrong with. JD :spyder: O

[firespec35]

Surefire is the way to go.

I was always worried about the cost of batteries. But, I compensated for that.

Seems that when I just need a little bit of light, I have my handy dandy LED. If I need to fog an area with a bright beam, I use the E2E.

I wish there were something out there that could hold:

PDA
Cell Phone
Pad and Pen
4 knives
Wallet
Surefire Light
LED Light
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Toothpicks
2 sets of Keys

that is not a backpack, travelling vest, courier bag and most importantly a "MAN'S PURSE" !!!!!!!!!! :eek: :D :eek:
OK as far as a flashlight goes If cost is a factor go the surefire G2 for around $34 you essentially get the power of a 6p or E2 series but with a plastic shell.

As for MeJoomeok dude check out a Maxpedetion Fatboy. Either that or give up and use a dang backpack like the rest of us.

[MeJoomeok]

firespec35,

That is nice. Very nice. I think I can walk with my head up on that one! Thanks for the suggestion. I think I am looking at the one you are talking about. Check out the attachment...is that the one?

How does it ride? Slim enough to go under a jacket while travelling?

[Irish Lager]

I carry an E2D everyday with a KL1 head.

Has a fair bit of throw for an LED.


Just out of curriosity? Doesnt it defeat the purpose of having the e2d if you take the bezel away? I couldnt see giving it up, its far to enjoyable.

For all others, if you want and led for an edc and want surefire executive size range look into the e1L and e2L from surefire. THey are e1 and e2 bodies w/ the new kl1 heads and click on tail caps. This will provide you with great runtime, respectable throw and output. They are new to the line this year, and so far i have handled the e1L and can say its quite nice.
Just a thought,
GS

[Jimd]

And don't forget, Surefire gives a very generous discount if any of you are law enforcement, medical personnel, or any of the like. Surefire rocks!
And no, I'm not a paid company spokesman, lol!

[BOK]

Just out of curriosity? Doesnt it defeat the purpose of having the e2d if you take the bezel away? I couldnt see giving it up, its far to enjoyable.


I actually had the KL1 head on a 1 cell Vital Gear body but the switch bomobed out on me so I decided to put it on the E2D.

I does defeat the purpose of the "defender" part of it in a way but I was getting sick of the original head biting into my pants.

[greencobra]

I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to find the Surefire dealer their web site said was in my area, no luck. All I found was an industrial park and cruised all through that. I want to try before I buy. Ok, lets start a flashlight passaround!

[Irish Lager]

I actually had the KL1 head on a 1 cell Vital Gear body but the switch bomobed out on me so I decided to put it on the E2D.

I does defeat the purpose of the "defender" part of it in a way but I was getting sick of the original head biting into my pants.

I see, were you carrying it inside the pocket? That seems to be the cause of most peoples problems. Ive found that if its clipped to the outside of the left pocket it rides well, and doesnt wear on the jeans. Also with the pocket clip it uses you dont have the fear of it falling off. Mine always stays put.
GS