Posted: 11/13/2006 2:07:05 PM EDT
| It's been a few years (about 10) since I've owned a SureFire, and the new models and technologies incorporated into them are a huge leap beyond what they used to offer. It's a little daunting, I have to admit, when trying to choose which one to buy. I'm basically trying to decide whether I should go for an incandescent model or an LED model? Anybody got any recommendations/advice? Thanks in advance. |
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The new LED models from surefire are as bright as the incandescents. On the other hand, they tend to cost 2-3 times as much, or more. If you're on a budget, get the G2. If you're not on a budget, look at an E2E. If you have LOTS of money to spend, buy one of the Lumamax's built on the E2E. Personally, I have 2 E2E's and a G2. I'll consider going LED when the prices come down. Sam |
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You could always get the Aviator - Aviator Info Usually can be found for $165 - $175. Uses 3 LEDs and 1 incansescent LEDs are great for general lighting and the incan is great for defensive / super-bright needs. Mike |
The Aviator to me is truly one of the best lights ever made. You've got useable light for something like 20 hours, then the full 50 lumens for an hour. Both digitally regulated. Even when theres not enough power to burn the incan, the leds still work for another 5 hours or so. It's an awesome light and is for sure worth the money. |
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I picked up one of these a few weeks ago and love it. E2 Executive Defender www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/1132/sesent/00 I also have a G2, Z2 and one mounted on one of my Paras. |
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While LED light may have the same Lumen value as a given comparable Incan, they DO NOT have the same range, throw, or abitlity to cut smoke and fog. I'm a bit of a Surefire junkie as I have: 1-E1 2-E2e 4-G2 1-9P 1-618 shotgun fore end 1-9 volt weaponlight 1-6 volt weaponlight 1-X200 pistol light I am now eyeing a 500 Lumen M6 Gaurdian. |
couldn't agree more. I DID manage to pick mine up for 100 bucks after it sat on my FFL's shelf for over a year. It gets nightstand duties. For general "navigation" to the bathroom I use the LEDs. For up close and personal encounters I have the incandescent bulb. |
| I'm a pipefitter. We do a lot of maitenance on ultra-high pressure deburring washers,and I use the G2 to spot pinhole leaks in the hoses. A while back,I was working with another guy, and the G2 got forgotten in the wash chamber,and spent the next shift in a 5000 psi environment. Thankfully,it was out of the way of the spray nozzles,or it would have been cut into pieces,but still, it was as good as new when I retrieved it the next day. I've made a lot of converts at work who have seen the benefits of using a truely superior flashlight. |
I bought my dad the aviator for christmas last year, it's a really good light, expect the bright light to last about 1 hour, the led's about 4 hours after that. It's really small and light. I also have the m3 combat light with a 125 lums bulb and a 250 lums bulb. It's power out in the woods is something else, but with 3 batteries it's not practical to use much, 1 hour at 125, less than that with the 250 bulb.  but the aviator is 1 of the more practical surfires there is in my opinion. |
| I like my E2L. Love the battery life (check it out compared to the others!). It has a lower output but an optically focused beam. The optics give it a real tight beam with a good throw. I use a diffuser inside the house for more of a flood light. This light seems to be a good compromise for a do-it-all light with the added benefit of battery life. It doesn't do anything exceptionally well, though. After a year with it I still think I made the right decision. I could only afford one and I think I picked the right one. |
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I first bought a standard 6P, It's a great flashlight and you can't go wrong.. I then decided I wanted a LED flashlight and I bought a L2, another great flashlight but in a different sort of way. My 6P with it's original 60 lumen bulb is a VERY intense in your face flashlight (there is an option for a much higher output incandescent bulb). I really like my 6P but wanted an LED option. I chose the Surefire L2. The L2 has two switch settings, one at 15 lumens and one at 80(supposedly) lumens. The 6P is more of a spot beam, and the L2 is more of a flood beam. for me they both serve their purposes. I have both, and I need both.... Pic of the 6P beam:  Pic of the L2 beam:  Since I bought my L2 it is now the only flashlight I use. |
...and they also DO NOT have: 1. An expensive bulb that has a life expectancy of several dozen hours (unless you drop it!), 2. Light output that constantly gets dimmer as the batteries discharge, 3. A choice of exactly zero battery-saving brightness levels, 4. A urine-colored beam that gradually changes to dull orangish-red as the batteries discharge, and 5. The limitation of not being able to accept either primary or rechargeable Li-Ion batteries without modification. Incandescent flashlights are like vacuum tubes - Obsolete in just about every aspect that really matters. |
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1. An expensive bulb that has a life expectancy of several dozen hours (unless you drop it!), 2. Light output that constantly gets dimmer as the batteries discharge, 3. A choice of exactly zero battery-saving brightness levels, 4. A urine-colored beam that gradually changes to dull orangish-red as the batteries discharge, and 5. The limitation of not being able to accept either primary or rechargeable Li-Ion batteries without modification. Incandescent flashlights are like vacuum tubes - Obsolete in just about every aspect that really matters. depends on what your intended use is. The leds do have limits in other ways. Besides the yellowish light is a lot more natural, I prefer it tenfold to the led light. |
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For a personal flashlight, get a Gladius and thank me later. Brighter, narrower beam than SF's L2 and L4. Variable brightness, strobe/disorient mode, programmable, heat protected, tells you when the battery is about to puke etc. For a weapon mounted light where 100yds plus is needed, Incandescents still rule when more than 2 cells are used in the light.. |
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For a personal flashlight, get a Gladius and thank me later. Brighter, narrower beam than SF's L2 and L4. Variable brightness, strobe/disorient mode, programmable, heat protected, tells you when the battery is about to puke etc. For a weapon mounted light where 100yds plus is needed, Incandescents still rule when more than 2 cells are used in the light.. |
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The Surefire L2 Digital is tuff to beat! Call Calvin at Brightflashlights for the best price. www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/surefire_l2.htm |
Another +1 for the A2. It's often overlooked because of the newer multi-level LED's out there. But people forget its incan and LED's are 2 types of lights. The 50 lumen bulb out-throws any of my KL4 LED's, so you can't just compare lumens. The A2 is also the only regulated incan I know of, so the beam will stay just as bright with fresh batteries as it does with old ones, as long as there's enough juice to keep it in regulation. At that point you still have the LED's for several hours. Other incans will dim and yellow as the batteries deplete. Some say the A2 is over-engineered. I say it's a great light. Back OT: For general purpose, every day carry lights, LED’s have the advantage over incans. Even for a short range weaponlight, an LED would probably be better. Incans are best for overall raw output and throw. Just my 2 cents. |
That's not true at all. Both LEDs and Incan lights have their place in certain applications. LED light are great for short range/long use personal lights and Incans are better for longer range applications. Try using an LED light for a night search in the woods or desert, or as a weaponlight ot ID a target at 100 yards. I use LED lights as a keychain light and I love my Surefire X200 pistol light. |