New Surefire E2D Defender 1000 lumens - single and dual outputs

[Monocrom]

Have to be honest, except for the original with the domed lens, I own every variation of the E2D. Including one with the "Error Head." (Though I legoed that one together with the right body.) I own the 600/5 lumen one too. But 1000/5 lumens.... I'm just not seeing the benefit. Even single-output, I've got a SureFire G2Z MV headed my way. Paid just over $90.oo for it. Single-output, 800 lumens. I just don't see the benefit of paying double for a clip, a slightly skinnier body, and 200 more lumens. 800 actual lumens vs. 1000 actual lumens just isn't that much of a huge difference.

Maybe I'll wait a couple of years and get the next E2D.... 1500/5 lumens.

 

[coffeeandlifting]

Maybe I'll wait a couple of years and get the next E2D.... 1500/5 lumens.

I might be wrong, But I think we're at the bleeding edge of practical output for 2xcr123a. A 1500 lumen version would be in regulation for like ten seconds. Such a light wouldn't appeal to me at all. Poor regulation is the reason I use LiFePO4 on all my 1xcr123a lights now. You just can't pull that much current from lithium primaries.
Even with the 1000 lumen model, unless I see a really impressive runtime graph, I still think 500 lumens is the sweet spot for a 2x123. If we're talking single-output, give me a p2zx all day.

 

[bykfixer]

Yeah that whole 1000 lumen thing really did a number on the truth in lighting tools.

To me 500 is plenty, but I have a couple of 650's that stay bright without needing an oven mit.

I tried to like the EDCL2T but it just gets too hot to mentally comfortable. Run it like 2 minutes, take batteries out and place in pockets for warmth. The 1200 lumens is a sight to behold for sure, but my brain kept thinking I was carrying a hand grenade with the pin pulled.

 

[Monocrom]

I might be wrong, But I think we're at the bleeding edge of practical output for 2xcr123a. A 1500 lumen version would be in regulation for like ten seconds. Such a light wouldn't appeal to me at all. Poor regulation is the reason I use LiFePO4 on all my 1xcr123a lights now. You just can't pull that much current from lithium primaries.
Even with the 1000 lumen model, unless I see a really impressive runtime graph, I still think 500 lumens is the sweet spot for a 2x123. If we're talking single-output, give me a p2zx all day.

We'll see what happens in a few years. Hey, I still remember when 65 actual incandescent lumens was considered the equivalent of 650 LED lumens today! Back when you bought an LED for good output and great runtime. But if you wanted "blinding" output, you bought the proper incandescent model. (A Streamlight Scorpion if you couldn't afford or didn't want to pay for a SureFire 6P.) Who knows what another decade will bring. Or even another 2 years.

But if I'm honest, I do think the sweet spot is also right around 500 lumens. With a lower output option that takes a bit of deliberate activation to get to. It honestly bothers me that SureFire abandoned one of the best such options for a tailcap switch. What we used to get on the L1. Push a bit for low, push farther down for high. Need high right now? Just slam your thumb down on that momentary switch. Need to perform some sort of mundane chore? Just twist the tailcap a bit for for constant low. Twist farther for constant high, but no point in that.

That U.I. was one of the absolute best in the industry! And SureFire just tossed it aside like it was worthless when they got rid of their L-series lights. :shakehead

 

[coffeeandlifting]

It honestly bothers me that SureFire abandoned one of the best such options for a tailcap switch. What we used to get on the L1. Push a bit for low, push farther down for high. Need high right now? Just slam your thumb down on that momentary switch. Need to perform some sort of mundane chore? Just twist the tailcap a bit for for constant low. Twist farther for constant high, but no point in that.

That U.I. was one of the absolute best in the industry! And SureFire just tossed it aside like it was worthless when they got rid of their L-series lights. :shakehead

Check out the edcl1-t! It has that exact interface. Its the light I carry the most.

 

[Monocrom]

Check out the edcl1-t! It has that exact interface. Its the light I carry the most.

Hey, thank you for the heads-up. I'll be honest, I was given some bad information and didn't double check it. But I'm manly enough to admit when I'm wrong. Going to leave my previous post unedited so everyone can have a hearty laugh at it. Once again, thank you for correcting me. Though my wallet hates you.

 

[vadimax]

Hey, thank you for the heads-up. I'll be honest, I was given some bad information and didn't double check it. But I'm manly enough to admit when I'm wrong. Going to leave my previous post unedited so everyone can have a hearty laugh at it. Once again, thank you for correcting me. Though my wallet hates you.

No reason to laugh at, it is impossible to know everything At least we know now that you ain't a cyborg.

 

[Monocrom]

No reason to laugh at, it is impossible to know everything At least we know now that you ain't a cyborg.

Yes, that's it exactly. You have nothing to fear from me, human. :thumbsup:

 

[vadimax]

This is weird, but might have some scientific explanation. Surefire prefers to stay at the same cd/m2 level while going up with lm level:

Left to right: E1B Backup 300lm, EDC1L-T 500lm, E2D Defender Ultra 1000lm. Looks like all extra lumens go to a wider hotspot and a brighter spill area (not seen on the image).

P.S.: Oh yeah, and heat generation as well The Defender was the warmest one after several minutes, the Backup barely warmed up.

P.P.S.: Left and right hotspots are not symmetric because of beams being non-orthogonal to the wall.

 

[mrbofus]

Did you ever get yours? We never heard back from you, so I wasn't sure if you decided to cancel the order or just forgot about letting us know your thoughts.

I'm pretty sure I'll have mine in the next 48hrs. Soon as I give it a go I'll let you know my thoughts on the new light

 

[vadimax]

May anyone tell the tint off the image in the post #29? I am color blind (B2)

P.S.: Oops! Not necessary any more. Asked my wifie and... the wall turned out to be light green itself. I was sure it is light gray But the Defender beam has light yellow tint with no green in it.

 

[usdiver]

Has anyone tried this out in the field, not indoors? I had the 200, have the 500, not seen the 600 or 1000. 500 is way better than the 200 but the 500 clip breaks easily after time. The only benefit fo me to ditch the 500 and get the 1000 is if the 1000 doubles the distance otherwise 500 is plenty enough. Don't forget lumens is just a number now and there are several other factors that determine how much light there is and how far it ll go.

 

[kelmo]

I got the new one in single mode. I like it. I used it out in the open and it provides a generous hotspot with big flood. Nothing hides within what I estimate 150m. The problem with a light this bright with what I call a hybrid hotspot (a larger illumination cone) is if there is particulate or water vapor in the air the refraction washes out down range vision. It is akin to a whiteout.

The light is very satisfying, I just wish it had a lanyard attachment point.

kelmo

 

[vadimax]

The light is very satisfying, I just wish it had a lanyard attachment point.

Wait... a lanyard attachment point? Then what are these:

 

[kelmo]

Wait... a lanyard attachment point? Then what are these:

I could never get a small enough split ring attached to those holes that would fit in my holster. I guess I could look for thinner paracord vadimax.

 

[vadimax]

I could never get a small enough split ring attached to those holes that would fit in my holster. I guess I could look for thinner paracord vadimax.

Paracord heaven in EU: https://www.paracord.eu/ where you may find something like these: https://www.paracord.eu/Swivel-eye-Clip-Carabiner-Light-Version-60-mm-gun-metal. But I guess it is better to use Paracord only in order not to damage anodisation.

 

[270winchester]

Does the 1000 lumen model throw further than the 200 lumen one & how does their Hotspot size differ?

If anyone has the new ED2 and also the EDCL2-T how do their beam profiles compare? I love the beam on my EDCL2-T but prefer the additional knurling/form factor of the E2D & the longer battery life (assuming since it is 1000 lumens instead of 1200).

I have the same question for anyone who has both, is the new E2DL using the same LED and optics and just dialed down the drive current a bit?

 

[usdiver]

I have the same question for anyone who has both, is the new E2DL using the same LED and optics and just dialed down the drive current a bit?

According to Surefire it's still the same optics. 200 is definitely less, my 500 out threw the 200 by a substantial distance but haven't had the 600 or 1000

 

[Tachead]

I could never get a small enough split ring attached to those holes that would fit in my holster. I guess I could look for thinner paracord vadimax.

Countycomm has some Nano Titanium Split Rings. Also, Atwood Rope's Micro Cord works well for many things small👍.

I don't think I can post a link?

 

[archimedes]

.... Atwood Rope's Micro Cord works well for many things small👍.

I don't think I can post a link?

Easy enough to find Atwood Rope MFG with a websearch ... and thanks for mentioning that.

I was looking for aramid thread a while back, and it seemed incredibly difficult to find at that time.