Surefire LX2 (Part 3)

[pjandyho]

Ok, someone please jump in and help me.....today my batteries finally needed to be replaced....so i figured i would get as much light out of them as i could....so i turned the light on low and pressed to see if i could get any more light on high...well believe it or not....THE LX2 STARTED STROBING!!!!! is this a low battery warning? i was unaware of this feature if it is...it was pretty cool though...why would they not incorporate that into the light to begin with....maybe a strong incentive to buy the LX2.2 version????

I don't know but mine only strobe once and went into low mode.

[RobertM]

I just hopped onto the bandwagon! Bought my LX2 yesterday... this will be my first surefire. Hopefully it comes early next week

Hopefully I get lucky and get one with matched anodizing and white tint

Congrats! An LX2 is definitely a great first SF!

-Robert

[pjandyho]

I just hopped onto the bandwagon! Bought my LX2 yesterday... this will be my first surefire. Hopefully it comes early next week

Hopefully I get lucky and get one with matched anodizing and white tint

You won't regret it for sure. I love my LX2 even though I had plenty of other SF lights as well as some Nightcore, Jetbeam, and Fenix. The LX2 is now my EDC.

I know, LX2 does not have as much of a flood as the other lights I have but it does have a good balance between throw and flood.

And even though it runs on primary batteries, I don't see it as much of a problem because the moderately long run time of 2 hours on high mode ensure that I get enough run-time. In fact, the low mode is good enough for most of my applications.

So, enjoy your LX2 when you get it and do keep us posted on your findings with it.

[BST07]

Thanks guys... I will let you know guys know my impressions when I receive the light

[run4jc]

Okay, mine came yesterday - like the 50+ child that I am, I posted a couple of photos HERE. Took it on the normal 4:30 AM dog walk today. With 2 dog leashes to hold, it's a bit of a struggle doing too much comparison and beam shot photos are almost impossible, but there are plenty of beamshots posted already. Here are my impressions:

• The interface is taking some getting used to, but I like it. Twisted 'on' to low, then pressed the button for momentary high when I need it. Frankly, I like the click on of the Olight M20 and twist for level, but I think I'll grow to like the Surefire UI and probably keep the light on low more since it is quite usable on low with high a button press away. That'll save my batteries since I am now using primaries (got 24 extras....)

• I LOVE the size! Light weight, good feel in my hand, just a bit smaller than the M20. And even thought it is light, it feels as if it could handle being run over by a tank!

• As for the output, this is what I observed. Yes, geek that I am, I took my Eagletac M2XC4, Olight M20 Warrior Premium, and the Surefire LX2. The LX2 throws ALMOST as far as the M2XC4! The LX2 has a spill ALMOST as defined as the M20 but has a spot as large as my just sold M30 and has a throw every bit as far as the M20. I walk past a dark soccer field and love to light up the treeline along the far edge of the field. The field is about 10 yards from where I walk along the edge of the street - I don't know how wide a soccer field is but the treeline is beyond the opposite side. I love to take my light and illuminate the field to see the fox that is almost always hanging out on the treeline. I often see deer out there as well - the light is more that a means to light my way on the walk - it serves as a searchlight for wildlife.

Frankly, it is the 'perfect' light. I used all those "almost" statements to point out that by carrying one light, I have the monster throw of a relatively large 800 lumen Eagletac, the spot of the M30 and more usable light that the M20 (which is almost the same size - but just a bit larger.) I used to carry both the M20 and the M2 in the mornings - I'd use the M20 except when by the soccer field - the M20 was better for walking on the path and the M2 was the 'searchlight.' In fact, it may replace my Fenix L1D for an EDC - it is that light and comfortable to carry and has no edges to catch on my pocket.

It is the perfect light, and now I "get it."

Would it serve as a 'weapon?' No - if I needed to cold cock someone the Eagletac has the most heft, but I don't think that will be an issue - I'm not a LEO (but thank all those out there who are!!)

So I've been bitten, infected, whatever, by the Surefire bug. It's gonna cost me!! Now I want an E1B Backup and the NRA version of the E2DL Defender!!!

[pulstar]

Oh boy, mine is on pre-order and should come here in EU in about two weeks. While reading posts like that i just can't wait these two weeks to pass... I have a nitecore extreme r2, which i think will stay my primary EDC(just because i won't regret it to much if it'll catch a scratch or two), but on the other hand lx2 will be(i expect that) huuuuge improvement over Extreme....

The only problem is, that I just can't wait.....

[run4jc]

Oh boy, mine is on pre-order and should come here in EU in about two weeks. While reading posts like that i just can't wait these two weeks to pass... I have a nitecore extreme r2, which i think will stay my primary EDC(just because i won't regret it to much if it'll catch a scratch or two), but on the other hand lx2 will be(i expect that) huuuuge improvement over Extreme....

The only problem is, that I just can't wait.....

I'm thinking you'd have a heck of a time scratching this thing. I was really somewhat skeptical about all the hype surrounding the Surefire lights. I mean, come on, $200 US for a small flashlight? Geez, my Olight M20 was less than $100 and has a higher lumen rating! But I have to have the 'best', and everyone says that the Surefire is the best, the the LX2 was the brightest light I saw in their LED line up, so I justified purchasing it by selling an M30. Again, it is still early, but the way this thing lit that soccer field was amazing. It has the spot size of the M30 (not quite as much spill) and almost as much throw as the big Eagletac. Granted, it is $60 more than either one of those two, but it is so right sized and light to carry that it is worth the extra $$. After all, sometimes smaller things cost more to do the same as larger things.

I know it is tough waiting - I had a hard time waiting 4 days!!

But you'll make it! And you'll be glad you did!

Slovenia....I'll be in Turkey and Bulgaria next year for a couple of weeks...

[G23fan]

It seems by viewing some of the pics on here, the E2D LED holds it's own very well against the LX2. The E2D LED is also a good bit cheaper.. Any thoughts/advice? Thanks

[Size15's]

It seems by viewing some of the pics on here, the E2D LED holds it's own very well against the LX2. The E2D LED is also a good bit cheaper.. Any thoughts/advice? Thanks

Welcome to CPF!
I've merged your question into our established existing discussion on the LX2. I'm not quite sure if we've covered comparisons with the E2DL already in this thread but this seems the ideal place for now...

So that we don't confuse the "E2D LED" with it's incandescent kin the E2D we refer to products by their model number rather than model name; i.e. E2DL

Based on discussion and debate over the relative merits of the LX2 and E2DL it seems to come down to personal preference:

The E2DL has a dual output clickie user interface (UI) so that you toggle between high and low output - clicking the light on and off to do so.

The LX2 has as two-stage push button pressure switch UI so that you simply press for low output and press harder for higher output. Constant-on output is achieved by rotation of the TailCap.

The E2DL has an aggressively crenellated bezel and TailCap purported to be useful in conflict resolution. One side-benefit is that the TailCap can be used to 'tail-stand' the flashlight - useful to ceiling bounce the light to provide general illumination.
One distinct disadvantage (that I personally feel very strongly about) is that the aggressive crenellations can make carry and use of the E2DL somewhat inconvenient and even a liability.

The LX2 has a far more natural user interface - highly intuitive and easy to use. Yet mechanically and electrically complex to achieve which accounts for some of the increased cost over the likes of the E2DL.
The LX2 body is slightly wider diameter which makes a lot of difference to the way it feels to hold. Far more comfortable (perhaps more so if you have larger hands?)

The LX2 comes with a two-way PocketClip so it can be carried either bezel up or bezel down clipped inside a pocket. This has provoked mixed reaction from LX2/A2L owners for a variety of reasons. SureFire don't officially recognise the ability to interchange the LX2/A2L two-way clip with the standard L2/A2 clip.

So there are advantages and benefits to both the LX2 and E2DL as well as 'issues'.

For me the LX2 wins without hesitation and is easily worth more than the E2DL.

Al

[Wattnot]

I'm STILL going back and forth between these two (LX2 - E2DL). I'm now leaning toward the E2DL. The written description of the UI doesn't to it justice. I am a big fan of the LX2 UI. I have it on my L1 and my A2 and I feel it is a great interface. However, after finally seeing an E2DL in person, I kind of like that UI too. The one downside of the LX2 UI is having to resort to two handed operation to get it to stay on. Yes, I know you can twist the tailcap one handed between your thumb and index finger but it's not as easy as a clicky and less intuitive than you might think if you hand the light to someone.

I didn't know that there was momentary available. I thought you had to fully CLICK to get the light to do anything (like the Tiablo A8 and A9) but a half press will give you high and low by cycling it, all while not clicking. I didn't realize that from the way it was described.

[Size15's]

The one downside of the LX2 UI is having to resort to two handed operation to get it to stay on. Yes, I know you can twist the tailcap one handed between your thumb and index finger but it's not as easy as a clicky and less intuitive than you might think if you hand the light to someone.

Whilst some people seem to find the two-stage TailCap a two-handed operation to rotate, I never even considered it necessary and was surprised the first time I heard this.
Each to their own I suppose.

Re: E2DL
I didn't know that there was momentary available. I thought you had to fully CLICK to get the light to do anything (like the Tiablo A8 and A9) but a half press will give you high and low by cycling it, all while not clicking. I didn't realize that from the way it was described.

Whilst this momentary-pressing to toggle between high and low is an option; I find it distinctly annoying.
I hate that I can not flash the likes of the E2DL on and off without it switching modes. This is perhaps the most infuriating aspect of this UI for me. I've grown up with the momentary push button pressure switch and the two-stage push button pressure switch so even a single-output clickie winds me up sometimes!

[run4jc]

I'm STILL going back and forth between these two (LX2 - E2DL). I'm now leaning toward the E2DL. The written description of the UI doesn't to it justice. I am a big fan of the LX2 UI. I have it on my L1 and my A2 and I feel it is a great interface. However, after finally seeing an E2DL in person, I kind of like that UI too. The one downside of the LX2 UI is having to resort to two handed operation to get it to stay on. Yes, I know you can twist the tailcap one handed between your thumb and index finger but it's not as easy as a clicky and less intuitive than you might think if you hand the light to someone.

I didn't know that there was momentary available. I thought you had to fully CLICK to get the light to do anything (like the Tiablo A8 and A9) but a half press will give you high and low by cycling it, all while not clicking. I didn't realize that from the way it was described.

While I had my doubts about the interface, I think those doubts have been fully dispelled. Like the majority of people on this forum, I have multiple lights (another to arrive today - an E1B Backup). For tailstand room lighting, I'd simply reach for a different light. If I were going somewhere and concerned about the ability to deal with a conflict, I'd either carry my snubnose or my Eagletac M2XC4. But for walking my dogs in the dark, which is where I use my lights 90% of the time, the LX2 is PERFECT. I twist the light on to the low setting - it gives me plenty of light to see the path and the surroundings - it is light and comfortable to carry, and when I need to light up the night or spot something far away a simple press of the button accomplishes that. I also like being able to twist counterclockwise and lock out the pushbutton altogether.

Now, someday when funds allow I'll buy an E2DL, but if I were forced into having only ONE of these two, the LX2 would be my choice. Of course, it is a personal thing. Also, I've read many reports and it seems that the LX2 is a bit brighter.

[subiedriver1990]

Okay, mine came yesterday - like the 50+ child that I am, I posted a couple of photos HERE. Took it on the normal 4:30 AM dog walk today. With 2 dog leashes to hold, it's a bit of a struggle doing too much comparison and beam shot photos are almost impossible, but there are plenty of beamshots posted already. Here are my impressions:

• The interface is taking some getting used to, but I like it. Twisted 'on' to low, then pressed the button for momentary high when I need it. Frankly, I like the click on of the Olight M20 and twist for level, but I think I'll grow to like the Surefire UI and probably keep the light on low more since it is quite usable on low with high a button press away. That'll save my batteries since I am now using primaries (got 24 extras....)

• I LOVE the size! Light weight, good feel in my hand, just a bit smaller than the M20. And even thought it is light, it feels as if it could handle being run over by a tank!

• As for the output, this is what I observed. Yes, geek that I am, I took my Eagletac M2XC4, Olight M20 Warrior Premium, and the Surefire LX2. The LX2 throws ALMOST as far as the M2XC4! The LX2 has a spill ALMOST as defined as the M20 but has a spot as large as my just sold M30 and has a throw every bit as far as the M20. I walk past a dark soccer field and love to light up the treeline along the far edge of the field. The field is about 10 yards from where I walk along the edge of the street - I don't know how wide a soccer field is but the treeline is beyond the opposite side. I love to take my light and illuminate the field to see the fox that is almost always hanging out on the treeline. I often see deer out there as well - the light is more that a means to light my way on the walk - it serves as a searchlight for wildlife.

Frankly, it is the 'perfect' light. I used all those "almost" statements to point out that by carrying one light, I have the monster throw of a relatively large 800 lumen Eagletac, the spot of the M30 and more usable light that the M20 (which is almost the same size - but just a bit larger.) I used to carry both the M20 and the M2 in the mornings - I'd use the M20 except when by the soccer field - the M20 was better for walking on the path and the M2 was the 'searchlight.' In fact, it may replace my Fenix L1D for an EDC - it is that light and comfortable to carry and has no edges to catch on my pocket.

It is the perfect light, and now I "get it."

Would it serve as a 'weapon?' No - if I needed to cold cock someone the Eagletac has the most heft, but I don't think that will be an issue - I'm not a LEO (but thank all those out there who are!!)

So I've been bitten, infected, whatever, by the Surefire bug. It's gonna cost me!! Now I want an E1B Backup and the NRA version of the E2DL Defender!!!

I recently acquired an E1B Backup in silver and I really like it. For a single cell light, the throw is very surprising. I got lucky with the emitter though, nice and white and centered perfectly. Get the E1B, you won't be disappointed!!!

[G23fan]

Thanks for all of the help Dimerazor. I ordered a LX2 today off of Ebay for my first real flashlight. Should be here in the next few days. Does the LX2 come with batteries? I guess I better go ahead and get me a box of Surefire 123a's..lol

[DimeRazorback]

Congrats!


It will have a pair pre-installed by Surefire.
So you can light it up straight out of the box!

[kaptein america]

Ordered Lx2

[BST07]

Just got my LX2 today!

This is my first Surefire so I won't be able to compare with other Surefires out there. However, comparing to my Eagletac and Fenix lights, there is a quality difference. There is a sense of ruggedness coming from the Surefire when you sit beside the aforementioned lights.

The anodizing is mismatched... the tailcap and the head appears to be the same color, but the battery tube is definitely more olive and 'darker'.

The LED is ever slightly off-centered and I believe that's the reason why I see a little bit more artifacts on one side of the beam compared to the other. The beam pattern is very usable outdoors (probably my best) but if you were to do some whitewall hunting, the beam does have some artifacts around the hotspot. It is still very good for indoor use though, unfortunately the smoothness of the beam won't compare to my T10C2. I think I got very lucky with the tint lottery, my appears to be cool white (no greens) and appears to be slightly blue compared to my T10C2.

I probably am going to get used to it, but I do require a little more force than usual to fully press the switch. I had this little problem with the D20 but got quickly used to it.

Overall, I am definitely loving this light. Hopefully this will be my only Surefire for awhile... these lights aren't exactly cheap!

[Outdoors Fanatic]

What do people feel about a verion of the LX2 having one of the levels as a strobe?
To me, it would seem to make sense that the first mode would be the high output strobe and the second mode would be high output so that 'mashing down' under stress etc would result in full steady output rather than the other way around...

I suspect this would make it a rather niche tool.

Al

No strobe, please. Don't ruin a perfect U.I.

[run4jc]

Just got my LX2 today!

This is my first Surefire so I won't be able to compare with other Surefires out there. However, comparing to my Eagletac and Fenix lights, there is a quality difference. There is a sense of ruggedness coming from the Surefire when you sit beside the aforementioned lights.

The anodizing is mismatched... the tailcap and the head appears to be the same color, but the battery tube is definitely more olive and 'darker'.

The LED is ever slightly off-centered and I believe that's the reason why I see a little bit more artifacts on one side of the beam compared to the other. The beam pattern is very usable outdoors (probably my best) but if you were to do some whitewall hunting, the beam does have some artifacts around the hotspot. It is still very good for indoor use though, unfortunately the smoothness of the beam won't compare to my T10C2. I think I got very lucky with the tint lottery, my appears to be cool white (no greens) and appears to be slightly blue compared to my T10C2.

I probably am going to get used to it, but I do require a little more force than usual to fully press the switch. I had this little problem with the D20 but got quickly used to it.

Overall, I am definitely loving this light. Hopefully this will be my only Surefire for awhile... these lights aren't exactly cheap!

I read with interest about the artifacts and the off center LED - I'm still somewhat a newb in the 'land of Surefire', but I seriously doubt if the company would want you to have the light in that condition. I'm betting that they'd make it right in short order. It's funny, I was out walking my dogs (yes, at 4:30 AM!) and took my E1B, LX2 and Eagletac M2XC4 - I always enjoy the comparisons. Make no mistake - for pure throw the Eagletac is a monster - if all you want to do is "reach out and touch someone" it is a champ - piercing spot - at a rated 800 lumens you'd expect it to be strong. But then I fire up the LX2 and am amazed that, at a rated 200 (I know, I know, lumens have limited use in the 'real world') it is almost as strong, but the size of the spot and the gradual reduction in spill make it much more pleasing to use. I can light up a soccer field. And on mine, the beam ever so slightly warm and is absolutely devoid of any artifacts and the LED is dead center. As for the interface, I like to rotate it on to the low position - gives as much light as I need for 90% of the time, then quick press the button when I want the stronger light. Oddly, the little E1B is so close to the LX2 - when using it for 50 feet or so and closer, I can't imagine needing anything more than the E1B - and it, too, has a 'perfect' beam. My finishes are both about perfect - I've very slightly nicked the crenelation, but that was my fault - I've since put it in a holster.

Sorry for the long reply, but I think I'd get in touch with Surefire if I were you. Anyone else think the same?

[pjandyho]

BST07

I say, "call Surefire"

run4jc

I read with interest in regards to your E1B. Now you are tempting me to go with the LX1 if and when it is launched. Can't wait to get it as a little brother to my LX2 which I loved dearly.

[run4jc]

BST07

I read with interest in regards to your E1B. Now you are tempting me to go with the LX1 if and when it is launched. Can't wait to get it as a little brother to my LX2 which I loved dearly.

I think the LX1 will soon be available...although I don't see it on Surefire's site:

Try this link

I prefer the E1B for a backup because of the interface - click on high, click off, click on low, click off. Of course, you can press it lightly for instant light without clicking on. The LX2 interface is great for what I use it for, but I like the size, feel and interface of the E1B for a backup. Of course, I wouldn't mind having an LX1 just because.....

[Numbers]

Just got my LX2 today!

This is my first Surefire so I won't be able to compare with other Surefires out there. However, comparing to my Eagletac and Fenix lights, there is a quality difference. There is a sense of ruggedness coming from the Surefire when you sit beside the aforementioned lights.

The anodizing is mismatched... the tailcap and the head appears to be the same color, but the battery tube is definitely more olive and 'darker'.

The LED is ever slightly off-centered and I believe that's the reason why I see a little bit more artifacts on one side of the beam compared to the other. The beam pattern is very usable outdoors (probably my best) but if you were to do some whitewall hunting, the beam does have some artifacts around the hotspot. It is still very good for indoor use though, unfortunately the smoothness of the beam won't compare to my T10C2. I think I got very lucky with the tint lottery, my appears to be cool white (no greens) and appears to be slightly blue compared to my T10C2.

I probably am going to get used to it, but I do require a little more force than usual to fully press the switch. I had this little problem with the D20 but got quickly used to it.

Overall, I am definitely loving this light. Hopefully this will be my only Surefire for awhile... these lights aren't exactly cheap!

Based on my experience with my LX2, both the original and the head SF replaced for me, I would say your light is quite typical of what they are putting out. The replacement head I got back had less noticable outer rings than my original. But neither beam was/is pretty. In fact I think these new SF TIR beams are not as good as on my older SF TIR's. Colors are still mis matched. The "reason" for this is, of course, that these lights are tools.
You may want to send it back but dont expect much of an improvement. And remember, what is an artifact to one man may not even be noticable to another.
If you dont mind waiting - give it a shot.

[redryder]

Based on my experience with my LX2, both the original and the head SF replaced for me, I would say your light is quite typical of what they are putting out. The replacement head I got back had less noticable outer rings than my original. But neither beam was/is pretty. In fact I think these new SF TIR beams are not as good as on my older SF TIR's. Colors are still mis matched. The "reason" for this is, of course, that these lights are tools.
You may want to send it back but dont expect much of an improvement. And remember, what is an artifact to one man may not even be noticable to another.
If you dont mind waiting - give it a shot.

Does anyone know what SF does with these returned items? Do you think they send them back out to consumers?

[Size15's]

Does anyone know what SF does with these returned items? Do you think they send them back out to consumers?

I believe that is illegal in the USA to resell a returned previously sold product as if it were new.
And SureFire don't have an outlet for reconditioned (etc) products.

There are plenty of other ways SureFire can make use of such items - for R&D or other testing, perhaps donations to good causes, offered to staff. A few possibilities I guess?

Al

[BST07]

I wish I have a clear white wall around the house to show you how my beam looks like. So far though, I think I am satisfied with how the light is. I don't want the hassle of shipping it out again after waiting 2 weeks just to get here.

Maybe I am expecting too much for close in door use as I am using my T10C2 as the benchmark.

[Numbers]

I wish I have a clear white wall around the house to show you how my beam looks like. So far though, I think I am satisfied with how the light is. I don't want the hassle of shipping it out again after waiting 2 weeks just to get here.

Maybe I am expecting too much for close in door use as I am using my T10C2 as the benchmark.

IMO the LX2 is inappropriate for indoor use, for that purpose more spill is needed. However, I used mine tonight to search for a friends kid's missing shoes on a little league baseball field, that was an ideal use for this light.
Forget about looking at the beam on a white wall - it will never make you happy. I got over that real quick. Outdoors only, at distance and you will be satisfied.

[Vernon]

I just bought an E2DL and I'm contemplating getting an LX2. Has anyone bought an LX2 in a retail store yet? If so, which one? I'm only having luck finding one from online dealers and ebay. Thanks!

[pjandyho]

Hi Numbers,

Though I may agree that the beam for the LX2 is not as nice in the flood arena, I do notice that the side spill is enough for any application that I may put it through. I don't understand exactly what you are referring to or wanted in the beam patterns because in one post you mentioned about the lack of spill on SF's current TIR (namely the LX2) but on a previous post you claimed that you prefer the older TIR which in many CPFers opinion is really horrible with no side spill at all (I am referring to the older dome shaped optics). Are you comparing it to the much older NX05 optics (which is not TIR), the one before the dome shaped TIR?

[run4jc]

IMO the LX2 is inappropriate for indoor use, for that purpose more spill is needed. However, I used mine tonight to search for a friends kid's missing shoes on a little league baseball field, that was an ideal use for this light.
Forget about looking at the beam on a white wall - it will never make you happy. I got over that real quick. Outdoors only, at distance and you will be satisfied.

I agree. I can shine the Olight M20 Warrior on a wall and the beam is more defined as is the spill - a very defined pattern. My LX2 has a more 'soft' edge to the beamspot and the spill, but outside that translates into a more usable area of light when shined at a distance. I found the information at this link interesting:
Beam Characteristics
Basically, it seems that they want to avoid the hard 'edge' to their light pattern for reasons that the article understands. I know this - at 4:30 AM when I am walking my dogs in the dark, the light is somehow 'easier' to look at and it lights up a soccer field width area into a wooded area so I can spot the deer and foxes that are often lurking. I enjoy my Olight - it was a great first high quality flashlight, but with a few exceptions, I'll be 100% Surefire from now on.

[Numbers]

Hi Numbers,

Though I may agree that the beam for the LX2 is not as nice in the flood arena, I do notice that the side spill is enough for any application that I may put it through. I don't understand exactly what you are referring to or wanted in the beam patterns because in one post you mentioned about the lack of spill on SF's current TIR (namely the LX2) but on a previous post you claimed that you prefer the older TIR which in many CPFers opinion is really horrible with no side spill at all (I am referring to the older dome shaped optics). Are you comparing it to the much older NX05 optics (which is not TIR), the one before the dome shaped TIR?

To me neither the old or the new TIR's are spill lights and I dont use any of them when I need spill. My reference to the old TIR is simply referring to the "cleanness" and symmetry of the beam pattern up close - admittedly a purpose for which these lights are not really used anyway. I would have thought, obviously erronously, that newer TIR technology in addition to providing throw would also have a cleaner beam when viewed on a white wall. For me, up close the beam is a mess - but again up close indoors is not how I use this light.