Are Surefire E2's worth it??

C

chomo

Joined
Jul 4, 2001
Messages
101
I have read in the forum that the Surefire E2 is one of the flashlights of choice amongst forumites. I am extremely interested in purchasing one as a result of the rave reviews that they have received. My difficulty is that it is apparently going to cost $50 to get it sent by UPS to New Zealand. That is $50 for shipping alone. That is going to make a $60(?) flashlight into a $110 flashlight. Is it worth it?

I would REALLY appreciate your input on this. There are no Surefire distributers in New Zealand, so I am kindof stuck buying from the US.

If it helps you to provide advice (or even alternative flashlights to consider) I intend to use it as a primary-use light in the back country. It would also be used for a everdyday use light at home. NZ wilderness is similar to Washington State wilderness (in terms of climate and vegetation, I believe). I have tried maglites. I have tried Pelican (mitylight and super sabrelight). I have tried petzl zooms (and like them but they are a little bulky for backpacking).

Thanks

Cho
 
I have practically retired all my other flashlights, from the Photon II to the 4 D Mag, including my Scorpion and E1, as I always have my E2 on me. Fits perfectly in the hand. Throws alot of light out there. Good burntime.

I would think it is worth the money in that it is IMHO the best light out there. Depending on who you were planning on ordering from, perhaps you could order some more stuff at the same time to make the shipping charges more palatable? Maybe 2 E2s?
 
I've sent many packages to NZ, and have never had any difficulty using the US Postal System. Prices are significantly lower than UPS, Fedex or DHL. I just weighed an E2HA in it's sealed box along with a 12B (batteries) and the weight is 15.9 oz. Factor in some shipping weight (packing materials, external box) and figure 1.5 lbs. Here's your options via USPS ( www.usps.com ):
International Calculator

First, how quickly do you want it delivered to New Zealand?*

International mail service options based on selected mailpiece size, weight and destination country. Service Speed Price Dimensions


  • *Global Express Guaranteed Non-Document Service
    Note: Postage is subject to dimensional weight calculation.
    *Global Express Mail (EMS) 2 - 3 Days $24.00
    *Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (large) 3 - 5 Days $9.00 9-1/2" x 12-1/2"
    *Global Priority Mail - Flat-rate Envelope (small) 3 - 5 Days $5.00 6" x 10"
    *Global Priority Mail - Variable Weight Envelope (single) 3 - 5 Days $13.00 Max. length 24", Max. length, height, depth combined 36"
    *Airmail Parcel Post 4 - 7 Days $16.00
    *Economy (Surface) Parcel Post 4 - 6 Weeks $21.50

I took the liberty of deleting the options that would not accomodate your potential package (letter and document services). Without batteries (based on what other NZ customers have told me, the US is a far cheaper source), the shipping cost is for under 1 lb. The Global Priority rates are fixed and cannot be insured. The Airmail Parcel post and Express mail are the options I use most and unless Customs slows things up, it's fairly quick, and thus far, reliable.

You should ask whatever dealer you are considering about the option to use US mail (once flights fully resume over here, of course).
 
Thank you both for your replies and the very useful information that they contain.

both places (I am a little lazy) that I have contacted will only ship via UPS, but Surefire have a 20% discount for intial purchase which I will take advantage of to reduce the cost.

Much obliged

Cho
 
Chomo,

Mr. Flanagan, who replied to you, is a dealer. I highly recommend talking to him before you place an order with anyone else. His service is second to none!
 
Chomo, Pat and Clay are right, if you order from Tim you will not be disappointed. That's where I got my E2.

Joe
 
thanks for the heads up guys...if i had realised that I would have dealt direct with Tim.

Any future purchases will certainly be heading in that direction if practical.

All the best,

Cho
 
Thanks for the kind words guys. I didn't want to give the appearance of impropriety with a sales pitch.
 
I just got my E2 and am very impressed.

As an owner of a 6P aleady I kept wondering why I needed the E2.
The answer is that I probably didn't but I'm glad that I got one all the same.

The E2 just can't be beat for light output in a small package.
It's both shorter and slimmer than the 6P and the Stinger (it's only a hair bigger than a Mini-Mag in diameter but 3/4 the length) and the light output is comparable to say the least.
With the much slimmer head the beam is much more focused and in fact seems brighter than the other two.

The knurling is also more user friendly than on the 6P which makes it easier to turn on and off.

The Scorpion is still probably the leader in value but for those wanting something slimmer to fit in a shirt pocket the E2 is a winner.


Along with the new E2 I got my first AAA ArcLight and that thing is just plain neat.
Like all LED lights it's light is almost undetectable in daylight or a well-lit room but in the dark this thing is a tiny marvel.
It's much brighter than the CMG infinity and easily as bright as a Photon I or II (I still haven't tried a {Photon III).
With the cheap and easy to obtain batteries this thing will definitely be the light to have in the LED wars.
Now I can't wait for the Arc-LS.
 
The Scorpion is still probably the leader in value but for those wanting something slimmer to fit in a shirt pocket the E2 is a winner.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more. The Scorpion really is a great value and a terrific work light. Tough and easy to use, and the carry on spare bulb has come in handy on more than one occation.

But the E2 is just too sweet a toy not to enjoy. For size to light output it can't be beat, I've gotten my wife to upgrade from an E1 for her purse.
 
I have a 9P, how does the E2 compare with that SureFire?
The 9P is about as bright a light as I've ever seen!

G2
 
Hi Gary!

Well the E2 won't compare to the P91 bulb, it is a bright flashlight and the size is amazing. According to my desk ruler it is about 4.5 inches from tip to the end of the tailcap button, 7/8" diameter around the head and 11/16" around the barrel. So, what you lose in brighness is made up for in compactness.

Last night we had a power outage at out corporate building (where all our servers are) and one of the UPS's failed. Lucky me was on call. Most people thought to bring flashlights, but the E2 ruled the day! Everyone asked me about it, even our CIO. Went thru a whole set of batts though!

I like the HA coating for it's durability, as my GM E1 and E2 both showed alot of scuffage from repeated droppings (NOTE: this is different from deer droppings :D).

Don't know how I lived without one.
 
Yes sir, you betcha! The E2 is my default carry EDC flashlight. The E2 is compact, easy to carry yet it puts out a lot of light. Powerful little booger :) And its quite tough too, I've accidentally dropped it a couple times and the bulb still keeps on shining! Ever since getting the E2 (leave alone, all my other SF's for that matter) my Mini Maglites have been resting comfortably in my drawer ;) The E2 IMHO is the best compact flashlight money can buy.
 
Sorry to add a silly question, but are these E2 torches waterproof at all? I don't mean "scuba diving depth" waterproof...more "like use in torrential rain and accidentally drop into a puddle" waterproof.

Cho
 
chromo,

they are O-ring sealed and thus waterproof in a landlocked sense. One other tip, you might want to order an extra blub/lens assembly. If your primary goes out, It would be a long wait for a replacement. Ask for a replacement lamp assembly. A very hard shock can break the blub.

-seth
 
Hi guys

I just wanted to repeat my thanks for your help and advice. My E2 arrived today, and initial (daylight) reactions are that it is an impressive piece of kit.

My advice to any new buyers of E2 flashlights...don't look into the light when it is on. You can get away with it on a maglite, but not with an E2!!!

PS Damn those batteries are expensive here...equivalent to 5 Big Macs each!!
 
Originally posted by chomo

PS Damn those batteries are expensive here...equivalent to 5 Big Macs each!!
Click to expand...

If you can order one of SF's 12B Hurricane Battery Lights, that'll give you an economical source of the DL123A's (12 in total). Just a thought...
 
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