Surefire e1e-ha vs. e2e-ha vs. Inova x5

Bearlegs

Bearlegs

Joined
Oct 1, 1999
Messages
166
I just can't seem to decide which of these I should buy! I haven't actually seen any of them shine, so I have no real idea how much light they will produce. I own a few Maglites and would like more output than they provide, but I don't necessarily need the sun in my pocket, either. ;)
I like the size of the e1e and the fact that it uses only one battery, but perhaps someone can convince me that I need the larger e2e. Does anyone know how long the lamp assembly will last in each? As for the Inova, that might be nice because there is no lamp assembly to replace. Help! :eek:
 
My first suggestion is to see them shine before making a final decision. I have an e1, 6p and x5t. I prefer the e1 and 6p to my minimag for intense light output, although the runtime of the Surefires is less than the minimag. CR123 batteries are more expensive too. The runtime of the x5t is supposed to be much longer, but the LED light output doesn't match the Surefire lamps. I carry the e1 daily in my briefcase, the 6p is readily accessible at night, and I hope to see what the x5t does in the woods this deer season. The Surefire lamps and the x5t LEDs are in completely different classes as far as light output goes, although each is well suited within its intended purpose.
You will probably find alot of information here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/
I hope this helps.
Jim
 
Chris, I had all three. I still have the E1 and E2; I gave the X-5 to a buddy who hunts. It is a blue-lens version, which supposedly makes blood stand out in dim light.

Like Jim said, you are comparing apples and oranges between the X-5 and the other two; LED vs incandescent. First you must decide what the light is for.

If all you want is something small for putzing around, etc., the X-5 will do that. If you think you need a bright light, for whatever purpose, get the E2. The E1 is neither fish nor fowl. It makes a good putzing-around light, but sucks it's battery down in a little over an hour. And those 123s ain't cheap. The X-5 will give you 4-5 hours of "good" light, with another 10 or so of dim illumination.

The E2/6P types are serious use lights that are hampered by their relatively short run times, but that's why you keep spare batteries.

For general-purpose use, they are overkill. The X-5 would be better for non-defensive purposes. Ya gotta decide what it's going to be...;)
 
Yes, I have considered the Arc LS, but they are so pricey. Maybe someone can convince me it would be worth the money? ;)
 
I've not been convinced to buy an ArcLS.

I suggest you go for the E2e-HA.

If you want 4.5 hours of regulated (constant) output, a KL1 Luxeon like the ArcLS is well worthwhile.

And, I believe the E2e-HA + KL1 costs less then the ArcLS.

With the E2e (+KL1), you have three outputs available if you decided to the MN02 low output lamp for it as well.

Al
 
Hi Al.

I see you weren't convinced by the ARC LS:D

I am unsurprised... (I only got one 'cos 2nds were available)
But it is *very* small. As you suggest the Luxeon output is impressive. I'd certainly not suggest the X5

I've got an E2e HA and KL1 on order from The Prince, (I was going to just get the E2e and then upgrade my 6P with a KL3, but he talked me round)

Now, I use the HOLA quite often in the 6P (which you can't with the E2e) so as an alternative upgrade to the KL3 (which I won't need) what's the KT1 turbo head like?
 
Soa,

If you weren't so far up North, I'd arrange for a visit with my SureFires... The Prince has a way of making you buy stuff doesn't he?
I wanted one back SureFire poloshirt. I think he's selling my three grey ones :rolleyes:

I was actually unconvinced by the ArcLS before I saw even a proto-type of the KL1. It's just not my bag. It's number one downfall for me is the lack of a pocketclip.

In my opinion, the KL1 on the E2e-HA is far better then the KL3 on a standard two SF123A SureFire. In my opinion, the standard SureFires need the P60 output, and the M2 needs the P61 output to justify their size (in terms of carrying them about)

What's the KT1 like?
The N1 beam is nice - pure and round. However, it lacks the punch I expect from a [SureFire] TurboHead (which is atleast an N2 beam). Perhaps that is because I started with a 12PM so my expectations are high?

Anyway, the E2e-HA is a great flashlight for EDC. It's on me when I need it but it's not obvious or a trouble at all to carry.

To me, my EDC must be defined by my need for light on an everyday basis. In many respects the E2e+KL1 is all I need. However, when out at night, I prefer to have a more powerful illumination tool with more range to it.

Al
 
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