Help me find a flashlight

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: shortylickens
If you get another $200 flashlight I promise you will "lose" it again.
I have an L7 Digital and I never take it out of the house. Nice gift from my uncle but I would never buy something like than for myself. Too risky.

In the car and around the house I use Maglights. Have a six D-cell light in my car and plenty of two or three AA lights in drawers all over the house. The three-cell AA models have LED lights.

Altogether I spent less than the price of one Surefire and have plenty of backups, which are less likely to be "lost".

I understand that's a risk, but to me it's a justified one.

 

[ivan2]

as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

I've narrowed it down so now it's between the E2DL Defender, or the E1B Backup. For about the same price, and similar specs any benefit of one over the other?

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

Well, when I was working base security in the Navy we used Maglights, because they were just as sturdy and a lot cheaper. When you talk about outfitting an entire security force or a police department you have to acknowledge cost-effectiveness. A single, private user can buy whatever they want. The rest of us have to come in under budget.
Of course, if we didnt piss away 50 million dollars for a single F-18 maybe we'd have more money for nice equipment, but thats a whole different subject and will only make me mad.
It will suffice to say that in all the time I was out there, we never had any issues with the Maglights. They were strong enough to use as pry bars and tight enough to keep sand out. They did the job well no one ever needed more.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

Well, when I was working base security in the Navy we used Maglights, because they were just as sturdy and a lot cheaper. When you talk about outfitting an entire security force or a police department you have to acknowledge cost-effectiveness. A single, private user can buy whatever they want. The rest of us have to come in under budget.
Of course, if we didnt piss away 50 million dollars for a single F-18 maybe we'd have more money for nice equipment, but thats a whole different subject and will only make me mad.
It will suffice to say that in all the time I was out there, we never had any issues with the Maglights. They were strong enough to use as pry bars and tight enough to keep sand out. They did the job well no one ever needed more.

It was when I was working base security in Ingleside that I bought my L2...

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: shortylickens

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

Well, when I was working base security in the Navy we used Maglights, because they were just as sturdy and a lot cheaper. When you talk about outfitting an entire security force or a police department you have to acknowledge cost-effectiveness. A single, private user can buy whatever they want. The rest of us have to come in under budget.
Of course, if we didnt piss away 50 million dollars for a single F-18 maybe we'd have more money for nice equipment, but thats a whole different subject and will only make me mad.
It will suffice to say that in all the time I was out there, we never had any issues with the Maglights. They were strong enough to use as pry bars and tight enough to keep sand out. They did the job well no one ever needed more.

Maglights are heavy as hell, and pretty rugged. The issue with Mag's are:
1: a bit hard to EDC (everyday carry) for civilian non-police type jobs
2: don't provide anywhere near the throw or high power that a more expensive will
3: heavy, and not nearly as easy to use with a pistol (this is more of an IMO, because plenty of police/military use pistols with Mag's)
4: Relating back to 2, a Mag won't impair a person's night vision as much

Just take a look here

I definitely understand the price difference when you have to look for an entire dept/branch/etc, but I don't. I am solely looking for a personal EDC

 

[HannibalX]

When I used to work the graveyard shift I bought a Maglight for I think $25. It has held up very well and got at least two hours of use per night, sometimes a lot more. It has a rechargeable battery and still holds a charge well. I used it five days a week for two years and only replaced the bulb once. Great flash light.

If I really needed to light up an area I would use my hand-held, 300 candle power spot lamp.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: iFX
When I used to work the graveyard shift I bought a Maglight for I think $25. It has held up very well and got at least two hours of use per night, sometimes a lot more. It has a rechargeable battery and still holds a charge well. I used it five days a week for two years and only replaced the bulb once. Great flash light.

If I really needed to light up an area I would use my hand-held, 300 candle power spot lamp.

I'm not able to carry a 300 (or any other number) spot lamp in my pocket

 

[trmiv]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

All that toughness and warranty coverage didn't help you much when you lost it, did it?

 

[drinkmorejava]

Did you check dealexteme. I'm sure they're knockoffs...but they're sooooo cheap.

 

[krunchykrome]

I have Surefire M2 Centurion and it's great

 

[iGas]

I had a Surefire that was very bright but it sux for staying power. My favorite now is the $29 Streamlight 4AA LED that deliver up to 155 hours on a set of batteries, and it is more than adequaly bright. My second favorite is the $4.00 HRS-Global headlamp that uses 2 CR2016 Cells at 36 hours, or 2 CR2025 cells at 66 hours.

Out of my 40+ LED flash lights & LED head lamps at dollar/hour/brightness the Streamlight is the best, and the HRS-headlamp come in a close second (it is not as bright as the Streamlight, but it is very convience, lightweight @ 2 ounce, and is the smallest head lamp that I own). The worst of the bunch is the Surefire.

<--- work with flashlight & headlamp everyday.

 

[voodoochylde]

I bought a Fenix TK-10 a few months ago from New Graham Knives in Bluefield, VA.

I freakin' love this thing. Comparable in size and quality to Surefire/Streamlight but it kicks out 225 lumens (!!!) on high and I think 60 on low. Lasts around 1 - 1.5 hrs on high and around 13 on low with my rechargable RCR123A's.

About 80 bucks, too.

 

[oogabooga]

My g2 LED has been fantastic as I post everytime this topic comes up. I carry it around I guess as my "EDC" and love it.

 

[sygyzy]

Lots of good suggestions here. i am confused about the ones you are considering in your OP though. You lost a Surefire A2 that you love and instead of replacing it with another A2, you want to replace it with a different 2XCR123 that is the most like your A2, without being an A2. And it must be Surefire?

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Edit: I've narrowed it down so now it's between the E2DL Defender, or the E1B Backup. For about the same price, and similar specs any benefit of one over the other?

The E2D's crenellations (pokies) are quite pocket-unfriendly. I've never liked the Surefire 1x123 series, as the lamp assembly and tailcap add significant length relative to the battery.

 

[CRXican]

if you go surefire, buy it here:
(not my site)

Free shipping and free batteries

http://www.lapolicegear.com/

 

[eber]

I lost my first E1B and ended up buying it again. My job requires a good light, plus they supply the batteries. The battery life at the high setting isn't so great, but I preferred it because of its small size.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: ivan2
as a low tech theorist, I am interested in finding out what the surefire can do while the $15 dollar dealextreme lights can't (or the $30 one at goldengadgets)

Really it's just about the quality of it, not that it can put out more light or whatever.

They have been pressed into new asphalt (you know while still steaming, and a steam roller goes over it), and when they pry it out it still works fine. Do I work in the construction/military/policy fields? No, but knowing that it can survive that stuff and has a lifetime warranty justifies the price to myself and many others.

All that toughness and warranty coverage didn't help you much when you lost it, did it?

Touche

Originally posted by: sygyzy
Lots of good suggestions here. i am confused about the ones you are considering in your OP though. You lost a Surefire A2 that you love and instead of replacing it with another A2, you want to replace it with a different 2XCR123 that is the most like your A2, without being an A2. And it must be Surefire?

I loved the A2, but it didn't get bright enough for my liking on either the high or low settings. The problems with the A2 was the LED's weren't bright enough, and were too much of a "flood" beam for my liking. If they were either brighter or more focused, the low end on the A2 would have worked. The low end runtime was long enough for me, but the high end was only 1 hour which wasn't nearly long enough for me. Nor was it bright enough for me, and would like to go up to 80+ lumen on the high setting minimum (but 100-120 would be nice).

I like the low/high settings, and also the size/design of it. So I want to find one that is the same size (2x cr123 sized), brighter, and higher runtime (namely on the high end).

Originally posted by: Flatscan

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus
Edit: I've narrowed it down so now it's between the E2DL Defender, or the E1B Backup. For about the same price, and similar specs any benefit of one over the other?

The E2D's crenellations (pokies) are quite pocket-unfriendly. I've never liked the Surefire 1x123 series, as the lamp assembly and tailcap add significant length relative to the battery.

That is one thing I am worried about with those. I have no problems either just putting it on my belt loop, or a holster to put on my belt.

Originally posted by: eber
I lost my first E1B and ended up buying it again. My job requires a good light, plus they supply the batteries. The battery life at the high setting isn't so great, but I preferred it because of its small size.

Are the low/high settings bright enough for you? How well do you like it overall? Have you used any other Surefires and can compare it to them?

 

[eber]

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: eber
I lost my first E1B and ended up buying it again. My job requires a good light, plus they supply the batteries. The battery life at the high setting isn't so great, but I preferred it because of its small size.

Are the low/high settings bright enough for you? How well do you like it overall? Have you used any other Surefires and can compare it to them?

My job requires me to take readings and inspections in dark and low-light conditions. Even though the low setting is low lumens, it's still very good since it focuses the light well and the light is very white and provides high contrast. The high setting is very impressive. My co-workers have all types of brands (including Surefire) with all sorts of lumens ratings and the E1B is still up there in terms of overall performance. I showed it off to one of my friends one day in a parking garage and it looked pretty much like a car headlight from at least 20 ft.

One thing I don't like about it is I wish that the low setting came before the high setting (you click once for high and second click within two seconds for low), which would probably increase the battery life by forcing me to use the low setting more often.

Besides being small, I like that it has its own clip, which I just use to attach the light directly to my lanyard...that way I don't have to have a holster and it has easy/quick access. And since it's small, I can carry it with me outside of work (another reason I used to justify paying more for the size) without having to have a holster or a huge bulge in my pocket.

 

[runestone]

http://www.eliteled.com/products/fenix.html

I have a couple of Fenix lights that have worked very well, surviving more than a few hard falls.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: eber

Originally posted by: DisgruntledVirus

Originally posted by: eber
I lost my first E1B and ended up buying it again. My job requires a good light, plus they supply the batteries. The battery life at the high setting isn't so great, but I preferred it because of its small size.

Are the low/high settings bright enough for you? How well do you like it overall? Have you used any other Surefires and can compare it to them?

My job requires me to take readings and inspections in dark and low-light conditions. Even though the low setting is low lumens, it's still very good since it focuses the light well and the light is very white and provides high contrast. The high setting is very impressive. My co-workers have all types of brands (including Surefire) with all sorts of lumens ratings and the E1B is still up there in terms of overall performance. I showed it off to one of my friends one day in a parking garage and it looked pretty much like a car headlight from at least 20 ft.

One thing I don't like about it is I wish that the low setting came before the high setting (you click once for high and second click within two seconds for low), which would probably increase the battery life by forcing me to use the low setting more often.

Besides being small, I like that it has its own clip, which I just use to attach the light directly to my lanyard...that way I don't have to have a holster and it has easy/quick access. And since it's small, I can carry it with me outside of work (another reason I used to justify paying more for the size) without having to have a holster or a huge bulge in my pocket.

Well I went to a sporting goods store nearby that is an authorized retailer, and played with the Backup a bit. I was impressed with the size, but the low-output (5 lumens) didn't seem bright enough. So I need a 10 or 15 lumen light on the low end. I need to go spend some more time to play with it though (the high end didn't seem bright enough in the brightly lit store).

That means the only options are
L1 Lumamax
U2 Ultra
L2 Lumamax
L7 Lumamax

E2D LED most likely won't work, but it's high end is possible still. Need to check it out.

 

[KDOG]

Ahhh a flashlight thread. I feel at home now. Join candlepowerforums.com if you want the latest info. I have a Surefire E2DL, a C2-HA and a custom HA-III Surefire 6P on the way. I really like the E2DL. Its actual output is WAY above the rated output. Some guy over at CPF has an integrated sphere and independently test 2 of them at 180+ lumens on high, and 8 on low.

The C2-HA has got to be my favorite light though. Pocket clip, grip ring, endless mods and LED modules for it. I have a 5 mode Cree R2 in there now. That would be my suggestion. However the L1 is a badass light. The new LX1s' and LX2s' should be out in a couple of months. I also can't complain about the E1B I've owned several of them. They even have a silver one now.

BTW, go to the Dealers corner on CPFMarketplace, if you snoop around you can find seriously good deals there on new lights. Of course you can find great deals in the regular BST section there too....

 

[Koing]

I have a SureFire 6P and a E1B.

The SureFire 6P was my first and it's great for it's time, 60Lumens for an hr with 2x CR123 batterys but I much prefer the E1B for myk purposes. Dual 5lumen and 80lumen modes, and only one battery so the 2 batteries that I leave in my bag is plenty of usage. They are both built really well and are great in the hand. 5/80 are bright enough for me and provide good enough light time.

The Fenix TK-10 looks very interesting. I got to read some more on it

I really appreciate the qualityand the build of these things. Do I need it? Hell no. I don't do anything mission critical that needs it but they are very nice to have. We went on a camping trip and a buddies cheapo ebay know off led flashlight dropped and broke and stopped working. Most should have worked after but his didn't . The 80lumen beam at night in the forest near the river was stunning

Koing

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Originally posted by: Koing
I have a SureFire 6P and a E1B.

The SureFire 6P was my first and it's great for it's time, 60Lumens for an hr with 2x CR123 batterys but I much prefer the E1B for myk purposes. Dual 5lumen and 80lumen modes, and only one battery so the 2 batteries that I leave in my bag is plenty of usage. They are both built really well and are great in the hand. 5/80 are bright enough for me and provide good enough light time.

The Fenix TK-10 looks very interesting. I got to read some more on it

I really appreciate the qualityand the build of these things. Do I need it? Hell no. I don't do anything mission critical that needs it but they are very nice to have. We went on a camping trip and a buddies cheapo ebay know off led flashlight dropped and broke and stopped working. Most should have worked after but his didn't . The 80lumen beam at night in the forest near the river was stunning

Koing

Do you find the E1B's 80 lumen beam bright enough? I'm still not sure if it is bright enough for me or not.