Please educate this flashlight newbie?!

[Mr Blonde]

I own a surefire E2D and G2 with p61 light assembly. Still, I am not a real flashaholic, I 'just' want a couple of good lights and surefire is my favorite brand. The Candlepowerforums are awfully techie and hard to translate for me. I have a few basic questions regarding LED and incandescent lights, I hope you can help me out (rycen you out there :D?).

What kind of jobs do Surefire LED's do best? Tactical (blinding) or utility (looking for stuff in daylight and the dark) or both? There's is a lot of talk about spill and donut holes in the beam and color variations in supposedly white lights. Would this 'average user' notice such things/flaws to the point of utter disappointment with the light? I read that Surefire LED's are something of a lottery, but is that mainly for the 'real' and picky fans?

I'm looking for a small utility light, something to use for finding my way in the dark or lost items (little screws, broken glass, contacts etc...). I'm thinking about a nice little LED light for this, something no bigger than an E2E. I will be backing this light up with my E2D or G2, so it doesn't have to be a do-all kind of light.

Which Surefire LED light would you recommend and why (laymen's terms please)? The light has to work (bright, reasonable runtime) and handle and carry comfortably (EDC worthy).


Thanks,

Wouter

[greencobra]

I just have a 4 cell mag
Me too! But I want to upgrade and really get one for a more tactical application. I used my 4 cell as a baton but it's hard to see good if the beam is pointed down or up while being used as such.

Unfortunatly, none of my defensive tools are equipped with tactical rails. If you can't tell, I'm old school. No wax on, wax off :), a Sig 220 chambered for .45 ACP works for me.

[markg]

The advantage of LED's over regular bulbs is run-time and the fact that LED's have an unlimited life (ie. don't burn out).

The difference you will notice is this... When it comes to white light (you can get the LED's in other colors; red, green, blue) you will notice that the LED is VERY white, and the white Xenon bulb will appear more "yellow-ish" when compared to a white LED. This might seem like an advantage for the LED, however some consider it to be a bit un-natural. Sometimes white LED's will have a blue hue to them. My Surefire L1 is very white.

LED's make great tactical lights for weapon mounts, since they withstand the shock of recoil better than bulbs. You can get "tactical" lights for hand held use from LED's however they will cost you more, and be bigger than a similar voltage Xenon rig, Why? With the Xenon bulbs, you have enough power to run the light or it does not. With LED's they can make light with ever diminishing power from a battery (also I think because they are an electrical circuit, they are a more efficienct source of light). This seems nice on the surface, however what will happen in reality is the LED will grow dimmer, and not give the user a consistiant output of light (like the Xenon bulb will do.) To fix this, the LED light needs digital circuits and stuff (without being too techie!) that make sure you manage the battery power and this gives you the consistant output you expect. Downside? It makes the light bigger than a similar powered Xenon light. In the end, expect a consistant quality source of light from your LED, however you will have to pay for this with some increase in size. (That is why I will recommend the L1)

LED's will give you longer battery life, and most have the option of variable output (which also increases battery life). This makes LED's a great choice for utility lighting, and for survival/disaster use. Also, with variable output, you can look for a lost pen in the car, without blinding yourself with excessive backwash of un-need lumens at that point.

If you have a E2e, a L1 is a nice pick. It is about the same size, but runs on only one battery. It gives you two levels of light (the lowest ain't much but it is usable), longer runtimes, and at its highest output, is hard to tell the difference between it and the E2e in regards to output. From what you are looking for, the L1 fits the bill to a tee. If you go much bigger, you will lose the effecitive ablitiy to EDC the light, IMHO.

I have over a dozen Surefires, and it is in the top 3 lights I have. I frankly find its' ergos better than the E2e.

[Manifest]

If you like the E2 or G2 style, there are LED heads you can put on them.

[markg]

If you like the E2 or G2 style, there are LED heads you can put on them.

I did that with a Z2 I have (KL3 head). I was not as impressed with it as I would have liked. My L1 farway outpreforms it. Also, those LED conversion heads ain't cheap either!

However it is an option.

[Mr Blonde]

Markg thanks for the explanation!

Wouter

[philuk44]

Hi Mr Blonde
Thought about an Inova X5?
Compact, tough, and plenty bright for finding your way around in the dark, looking for lost things under beds etc - the kind of job where a Surefire is just too much.
Best thing though is that when your CR 123 batteries get run down and won't light up the Surefires they'll still run the X5 for hours - basically you get free light :)

Phil

[chinook]

I am really liking this light. Same size as my E1E with KL1 head, butt with superior output and beam is nicely shaped and good corona. It can use RCR123A's for increased output and can utilize depleted CR123A batteries that no longer work in my Surefire 6P It is a steal at this price.
http://store.advancedmart.com/nu3waluposil.html

[thenick]

I am really liking this light. Same size as my E1E with KL1 head, butt with superior output and beam is nicely shaped and good corona. It can use RCR123A's for increased output and can utilize depleted CR123A batteries that no longer work in my Surefire 6P It is a steal at this price.
http://store.advancedmart.com/nu3waluposil.html

I second you on the Nuwai :D

it's an amazing little light :)

I EDC one all the time.

Wish they put a HA3 version on the market and not just in aftermarket :|

[Irish Lager]

If you want a tatical purpose led that is manageable in size look into the surefire e2l. Its the e2e with the new kL1 head and click on tail cap, quite impressive. As for me i have had an e2d as my edc for the last year, and love it. I have yet to find its replacement. I also have an A2 (white), L1 (green), two g2's, a 6P, and soon the e2L. What Markg said about the color led's is true, however it can only be found in a 1 watt format for now. Anything brighter is white. Personally i prefer xenon lamps for the simple fact that the light is cheaper to start, and kicks out some serious light. Anything above 60 lumens is great for tatical purpose, and 60 is reasonable for everyday tasks.
GS

[markg]

$200 for a flashlight is insane.

I guess it would be good for on the job work.

But for EDC or to leave around the house. Why $200

here in NYc i stills ee cops with there 4 cells and sometimes even 6. They are heavy.

These lights would be good for them,

Yes, and they still shoot 9mm in NYC too don't they :)

The larger the administrative chain, the bigger the organization, the less likely they are to change and adapt. Plus, I don't know many cops who carry actual "battery powered lights" like the Mags, they are normally the rechargable models. Paying for all the batteries will kill you, LEO's are not that highly paid!

The same can be said about knives, have you not had someone say to you... "why spend $100 on a knife, you can get one at Wal-Mart for $15!"

I use a light a lot, and I have had a Mag Light fail on me, lots. I have 4 kids, and if something goes "bump" in the night... I need to know what that bump is.

I live where I work, 8 arces, 3 buildings, and woods. I spend lots of time in the dark, and I need a light I can depend on.

Now, $200 is a lot. Most are not this high (my M3 was, but it will knock you into the next room, and produce enough heat to bake browines.)

Most of the lights I would recomend could be had for $50 to $90. Still not cheap.

Not trying to ride your response, I can fully understand it and many people feel the way you do.

I am someone who needs a good light, and I will pay for it. Plus, I have not seen many people, who once they start playing with these things, don't get hook. You can pimp them out, amp them up, you name it, it gets quite fun.

[Ted]

Wouter, my most important requirement for an all-round EDC light is multiple output levels

One example is the SureFire L1 (but I don't know the usability of the lowest level).
There's the SureFire U2 (but big & expensive). Other options are custom made lights (ask Jurphaas), or the Arc 4 (out of production), or the new HDS Systems EDC series link (http://www.hdssystems.com/EdcBasic.html) ( I have one on order and hope it will do the job )

A good headlight will be the Petzl MIO XP (http://www.petzl.com/petzl/LampesNews?MotRecherche=Quick+Search&Langue=en&News=99)
That has 3 levels, a boost mode and a diffusion filter for a wide beam.

So my perfect set is

Have:
Arc AAA on the keychain, cause it's so small and is great for checking on the kids at night, or reading a book in a tent.
SureFire G2 + P61, cheap/light with a massive 120 lumen output! - lights up a forest at night to find a trail!

On order:
HDS EDC Basic 42 (on order), 4 fixed levels (I've read reviews on CPF where they said that the levels were very well picked). It's fully digitally regulated and runs on 1 x CR123
(so I can use my partly drained batteries from the G2 in the HDS)

At the end of the year:
Petzl MIO XP headlight in the camo outfit that will be coming later this year. That one has a red diffusion filter instead of white, for close-up work without spoiling night-vision.

[Irish Lager]

One example is the SureFire L1 (but I don't know the usability of the lowest level). SureFire G2 + P61, cheap/light with a massive 120 lumen output! - lights up a forest at night to find a trail!

The low output for the L1 (i believe its like 6 lumens) is actually quite usefull for walking in the dark or looking for a dropped item. However it is not capable of spotting things more the 10 feet or so away. Thats were the 20 lumens kicks in. As for the G2 w/ P61, it is cheap in price with an amazing output, however not the most pratical setting because it decreases the runtime to about 30 mins.

To comment on the statments above about spending over $100 on a light, my opinion is that i would rather pay for quality any day. (there are few excetpions to this rule, like the G2 for $33. and all of spyderco. The best prduction knives ive ever delt with and also verry sensibly priced) Surefire has a lifetime guarentee and has hands down the best customer service in the lighting industry. Add that to the durability of their product and output, and it is the perfect decision.

Not trying to upset anyone, just giving my opinions to help expand everyones opinions, and to help get your feedback as well.
GS

[Manifest]

On order:
HDS EDC Basic 42 (on order), 4 fixed levels (I've read reviews on CPF where they said that the levels were very well picked). It's fully digitally regulated and runs on 1 x CR123
(so I can use my partly drained batteries from the G2 in the HDS)


I have the Ultimate 42 on order! The funny thing is that I have no use for this light but I just thought it would be cheaper than buying a Surefire L1, Inova 24/7, and a seperate gent's light (e.g. Peak LED).

I chose the Ultimate 42 over the Surefire L1, E1L, KL1 because of the extra brightness levels and the wider beam.

[Jurphaas]

Wouter - when you are with me next time check out my Aleph 2 custom light by McGizmo. Two output levels and just 1 x 123 cell. This Next Gen Bad Boy 500 rocks like hell.

You can also check out my customized SF E2e WineLight with a custom BadBoy 750 light engine. Small and very powerful light.

Both very remarkable LED lights. :)

See you then!
Jurphaas.

[Mr Blonde]

Thanks for the additional replies guys. Jurphaas, I'd definitely like to check out those lights you mentioned.

I'm new to lights, and like to stick with Surefire due to my good experiences with them. From what I read I think a small LED light would be an excellent low threshold 'utility' light. For that I don't really need throw, just an indecent amount of light to light my way in a dark forest or finding that little screw that fell on the floor in the house. Gear-nut that I am, I really want what the brochures call a 'flawless' beam, no visible rings or dark spots.

I think I like to stick to incandescent for emergency use, when I like more throw. I was considering a E1L combined with something like an E2E. Then again, that L1 is getting an awful lot of pixels in this thread.... :rolleyes:

The U2 looks really good on paper, but I'm concerned it's too bulky for carry and too expensive to leave in the pocket of my jacket. For that price it should always be in my pocket or ride on my belt, looks to be too bulky.

I'm a little 'other brand' shy, but I'd like to see the toys Jurphaas has!

Wouter

[Jurphaas]

Wouter, you are most welcome and maybe, just maybe I can find one of the very last Arc AAA's for you.......... Go check them out on the web or on the candlepower forumsite.
I have one on my - Tres Amigos - "OPS" set you have seen on this very forum!
Jurphaas.

[davec]

Just got my first Surefire today, it's an old school incandescent 6P. I'm very impressed, especially with the flawless finish. Now I need to snag a E1e.


<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v348/dvc73/surefire6p.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

[fret]

About three weeks ago I sent my small aaa cell flashlight to Eveready along with the leaking Eveready aaa battery. They sent me a check for five dollars to replace the ruined flashlight. I am still looking for a flashlight. Last night, Friday the Thirteenth, I tried to turn on my Burgess Safari Lite. I opened it and sure enough there were two leaking Eveready d cells in it. I took it apart and soaked everything in water and baking soda. Rinsed it off and let it dry. Then put two d cell Duracell batteries in it. Works ok now. :) Just in time to help me replace my other flashlight that was ruined. Problem is I have to use the five dollar check to buy an Eveready flashlight. :(

[cdf]

A good LED lite is a joy to own , you will wonder what you did without it !The Surefire line is a good bet if you might have to bet your life on it . Dont get to mesmerized by Lumen ratings , look at beam quality and build quality . An E2L would be great for you , especially combined with an aftermarket McE2S switch for a two stage output .

[Mr Blonde]

And the helpful replies just keep coming in....thanks, I'm learning more with every post!

Jur, thanks for the offer. The arclite AAA does seem a little too small actually. It fits well with the other two amigos ;) . I was more thinking along the lines of an E1L or E1E, thinking it is in the same size/power range as a dragonfly/kiwi in spydieworld.

Wouter

[bpfsu]

Don't know what you're looking to spend but the EDC Basic 60 has 4 light settings and is compact enough to carry in the pocket. BatteryStation.com shows what they have in stock. I ordered one and had it two days later (granted I live in the US and not overseas). The fit and finish on these is excellent.

If you are looking at getting a SureFire you might want to check out the E1L instead of the E1E. It has 25 Lumens as opposed to 15, and since it's LED the bulb and runtime should be a lot better. SureFire doesn't have the E1L listed on their website, but if you download their 2005 Catalog (.pdf) it contains the specs for each.

[Dr. Snubnose]

I'm carrying the E1L with the K1L conversion head...it's my EDC and it throws off more than enough light for such a small surefire...it's a pleasure to carry and everyone who has seen it wants one ASAP...I have 4 surefires and this one is just about my all time favorite...Doc

[Ted]

Wouter, I will be getting my HDS Basic 42 this week. I'll let you know how it works!
Ted