Surefire 101 [part II]

J

jemelby

Joined
Feb 20, 2005
Messages
280
Thanks to all your great gems of wisdom in the thread "To All: Please Explain Surefire Flashlights"

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=338611

I got alot of great insight. That thread has served its purpose, and I am now into the "weeding" phase. Unlike the other thread, I am asking for opinions, as well as education here. I have narrowed my decision to two models.

The E2O (Outdoors): I chose the E20 over the E2E and E2D based on the larger belt clip. It looks to be more compatible for hanging on Army gear. I would also procure the optional 65 Lumen bulb for this one, as it comes with the 25 lumen long-run-time bulb.

The L2 : I chose the L2 over the L4 based on the 15/100 lumens option.

Now the question remains: Which of the two will I get? I can put my hands on, and play with an E2E, but none of the local retailers stock the more expensive L2. I expect to pay about $100 for the E2O option, and $155 for the L2 option.

I will not be using this light in the cockpit, as I already have a plethra of gadgets for this purpose. I will likely use it primarily out of doors in marginally lit areas.

Anciliary Question: Do any of the models come with the "Click-on-off" option, or do they all require the appropriate $36 upgrade?

Let's have your opinions, please :)
 
The L2 doesn't have a click option, and the E2O may come with a click tailcap. However the E2O has been discontinued AFAIK.

I'd go for the L2 anyway, more versitile.
 
I swear by anything surefire makes over 100 lumens, a combo led/100+lumen light would be my all purpose light.

I have the 8ax model (120 lumen rechargeable older version) and have no complaints

but this is what I would recommend...A2

a2_large01.jpg
 
For a bright outdoor flashlight, I prefer incandescents. They tend to throw farther and their more natural color lets you make out objects easier.

I don’t have any E2s, but I do have a few Surefires with the P60/P61 lamp assembly. The one I use most is a G2Z with a P61 HOLA in it. It’s not an EDC, but I carry it whenever I go for a walk at night (along with dimmer flashlights).

The L2 on high is great for medium-range use. It will light up an entire backyard, but it won’t cast too much light beyond that. People talk about a “wall of light” with the L4 and L2, and it really is like a wall; the light just sort of stops after a certain distance.

The low beam on the L2 is good for most tasks in most situations, though it can still be way too bright at times. The beam shape is pretty similar to an Inova X5, but the L2 on low is a bit brighter.

I think Surefire’s forte is really their incandescent flashlights. All of their lights are well made, but if you want to focus on LEDs, there are a lot of competitors out there with some very attractive flashlights.
 
Between the two, I'd pick the L2. A custom made Aleph is slightly more expensive but highly worth the money, IMO..
 
The E2O (Outdoors): I chose the E20 over the E2E and E2D based on the larger belt clip. It looks to be more compatible for hanging on Army gear. I would also procure the optional 65 Lumen bulb for this one, as it comes with the 25 lumen long-run-time bulb.
Click to expand...

You don't have to get the E2O to get the bigger clip. I called and asked if the clip could be ordered seperately and they said it wasn't a problem. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. :rolleyes: That said, I wouldn't (and don't) rely on that clip as the sole retention device. If you're going to drop $100+ on a light, spend another $15 on a good case for it. Also, don't forget to ask for the military discount when you order! It's 25% and good on everything but batteries. All you have to do is mention it when you order by phone or put your rank in the online order form.
 
All great replies. Thanks. As luck would have it, Diamondback Tactical wheeled in a few semi loads full of goods, and set up a tent near Fort Campbell. No doubt cashing in on the immenant deployment of the division. They has a great price on the E2o ($72). I got one, then went to my local shop to accessorize it. I got a Spare Parts bin, a 60 lumen bulb (E2o comes with a 25 lumen bulb) and a box of batteries. I also placed an order with surefire for a sheath and click switch. Thanks for the tip on the 25% discount.

And thanks to all for helping me make my decision. In the end, the price and availability kept me away from the L2, though I conceed that that would have been my first choice. I am sure I will be quite happy with my E2o.
 
Glad to hear it, sounds like you made out well. Be sure to get lots and lots of batteries. Their spare battery carriers are nice as well, especially since they also carry extra bulbs. They have a tendency to burn out at innoportune times leaving you with an expensive paperweight.
 
ACMarina said:
Between the two, I'd pick the L2. A custom made Aleph is slightly more expensive but highly worth the money, IMO..
Click to expand...

I agree, if you are going to get an LED get an Aleph!!

If you don't know what the Aleph is head over to http://www.candlepowerforums.com and do a search, you will get all the information you need.

All in all a great, flexible, and amazing system
 
as far as throw i put an KL1 head on my E2e and it has at least as much throw as my incandescent E2D which really suprised me, the better/brighter head (KL4???) must be bad a$$, i didnt think any LED would be that bright.
 
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