E1 for a missionary buddy?

A

anewguy

Joined
May 8, 2003
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Hey all, I am looking for a nice little flashlight for a missionary friend of mine who is in Belize. This is not to be used as any kind of “combat” light, but I want to get him something tough enough to hold up, yet small enough that will enable him to always have it on his person, but not too small so that it gets lost amidst all the other loose stuff in one’s pocket. I like the surefire name, but I am open to other ideas. The primary use is just to light up the path, and other every day type chores. Do you think that the L1 is bright enough for this (my main concern is walking around at night—bad time/place to fall into a ditch, sounds kinda dumb, but it is a real danger there). I was considering getting him an E1 (stand alone) or perhaps an E2 and putting the KL1 bezel on it, what do you think?
Thanks in advance!
 
I've carried an E1 every day for almost the last year, and I am very pleased with it.

It has proven to be plenty tough. I'm quite sure that it will survive anything that I will, and probably more. The body is scratched and dinged and there are a few scrapes on the lens, but it still functions like new.

It due to the small size and light weight it is easy to carry, but the clip keeps it available if you need it quickly. I just keep it loose in my pocket with keys and change and such and I've never had a problem finding it. The shape is pretty distinct.

I have found the light output to be adequate for any normal task. It is not all that great for illuminating things that are far off (~30 feet or more) but up close the output is quite good. Certainly enough to see to avoid ditches and other fall hazards at night.

About the only thing that I would be concerned about is the availability of replacement lamps and batteries in Belize. In almost a year of moderate usage I'm still on the original battery and lamp that came with it, but I understand that an E1 can be a power-hungry little guy if it is being used continuously.

All things considered I am very pleased with the purchase, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anybody who needs a good general-purpose flashlight.
 
I agree with your battery concern, that is one of the reasons why I am thinking about the LED. Thanks for your response, glad to hear that you like it so much!
 
Yeah, can he get vast quantities of 123 batteries at a price he can afford? Does he have an ARC AAA or AA? I'd send him that before I'd send him a tactical light -- that's something he can use. AA batteries might be easier for him to get than AAA.
 
Yeah, no kidding. I'd send him an ARC-LS with a AA battery pack, or a CMG Reactor before the E1 because of the battery situation.
 
I'd also recommend a AA based light considering his location. Lithium 123s will be much harder to come by than plan old AAs. I'd recommend an Arc LS, or for less money a Mag AA LED conversion like the Opalec unit. With the money you'd save over a Surfire you could add a Walmart Kershaw Vapor or a small Cold Steel Voyager to the package.

jmx
 
if you want something like the e1 size, then an arc ls would work much better. longer runtime, tougher, 50ft waterproof...it's really a better overal edc than the e1, it's also smaller.
a 2aa pak is also an option with the arc, and would probably be easier for him to find batteries for. not to mention he can probably use batteries that are too dead for his other equipment and still light up the arc for quite a while.

the arc aaa/aa is also a must. i really believe that they are a must for everyone on this planet.

the arcs are really the best edc lights you can get. a high powered surefire is also a good idea for emergency situations, if an elephant comes and tramples the camp or whatever...
 
Don't forget that too small can be as much of a problem as too big. I have an E1 and an E2 and the E1 is great but ... with winter coming up, I noticed it gets lost in a gloved hand. I've always used it more around the house.

I use an X5T a lot, walking around at night. It uses seemingly depleted batteries from my E2 so its battery needs are free!

Whatever else you get him, an Arc AAA is a great tiny light, easily replaced battery, pop it on a keyring or as part of a survival necklace.
 
Streamlight LED AA

I have the AA and C cell models. I use both of them with very good results, especially considering their pricepoints and operating costs compared to other lights. The C cell model is pretty versatile with the LED mode and higher power incandescent mode when you need to throw the light down range.

Get him an ARC AAA and a Streamlight, either AA or C model. Both are relatively cheap, well made for the price, have good run times and light output, and have common everyday batteries.
 
Also, have you considered the CMG Infinity Government model light? I have carried one off and on for a while on a neck lanyard. It is AA which would work well with the AA Streamlight. It is larger in diameter then the ARC AAA though, so it is not a good key chain light but, would fit nice in a pants pocket.
 
Originally posted by Spark
Yeah, no kidding. I'd send him an ARC-LS with a AA battery pack, or a CMG Reactor before the E1 because of the battery situation.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I was going to suggest an LS with the AA battery pack, too, for the same reasons.
 
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