Confusion on the Surefire E2E's anodizing finish

[ebow86]

Ok, this question is regarding an incandescent flashlight, but the question is regarding the anodizing on the flashlight itself, not the incandescent part so I think it's ok to post it here in the general flashlight forum.

I've been reading post regarding the anodizing on the surefire E2E, and I have quite a bit of confusion. Surefire offers the light in 3 varities, Black, Satin Grey, and Hard Anodized. Surefire's site is confusing me, is the satin grey and black version Hard anodized Type III, or type II? I've read in an earlier post that there are black type II finished E2E floating around but I can't be sure of that cause I've never seen one. Juding by the pictures of the satin grey finish of the E2E it looks like Type III finish to me, and some pictures of the black E2E looks kind of shiny, almost like type II. Can anyone clear this up for me?

 

[Size15's]

I've never seen or heard of an E2e-BK in type II - it's only ever been type III "Hard Anodised".

The Satin Grey (-SG) [previously termed Gunmetal (-GM)] is more like a cosmetic finish (type II) given that creating such a colour finish even when using type III anodisation means it has nothing like the 'hard' characteristics of even black HA let alone 'natural' HA.

 

[ebow86]

I've never seen or heard of an E2e-BK in type II - it's only ever been type III "Hard Anodised".

The Satin Grey (-SG) [previously termed Gunmetal (-GM)] is more like a cosmetic finish (type II) given that creating such a colour finish even when using type III anodisation means it has nothing like the 'hard' characteristics of even black HA let alone 'natural' HA.

Thanks for the reply. I apologize, but I'm still confused. Are you saying that the satin grey is type II, and both the black and hard anodized is type III?

 

[Size15's]

Yes that is effectly the case.

But the technique for type III is what they use for the coloured finishes too but the dye process weakens the anodisation. The purple A2 and the various other coloured non-Classic models are technically type III as well.

 

[ebow86]

Thank you for clearing that up. This is unfortunate news, I thought the satin grey was a beautiful finish, but if one wants an E2E for EDC, type III finish is a must. Ok, you really don't NEED it, but I guess it goes a long way after a few months of riding in your pocket.

 

[Size15's]

I think you're missing out to rule out the -SG finish as an EDC option. Way back when I EDC'd an E1-GM and the character its gained has enriched both it and me for the experience! It is my E1-GM. It's harder and more traumatic to go through the same thing with a natural HA SureFire!

 

[ebow86]

I guess I need to remember that each company has it's own standard for anodization level, and the type II that's on the SG E2E could very well be superiour to other brands type III finish like Fenix or Quark. Surefire lights have a tremondus habbit of looking completely different shades in different photos and angles, especially Type III finishes, would you say that the picture shown in this photo accurately represents what the finish looks like for the HA version http://www.themartialist.com/0704/e2e.htm Notice how completely different the shade looks in the stock image here http://www.opticsplanet.net/surefire-executive-elite-e2e-flashlight.html# much greener.

 

[Size15's]

It is called "natural" for a reason!

 

[computernut]

I have an E2E-BK that's HA (III) and I love it. I put a E2DL tailcap on it and use it for my EDC. It's in a separate pocket from my keys and the only wear has been on the sharp edges of the bezel. I like the looks of the SG but I find it a bit too shiny for me, I like matte.

 

[ebow86]

I have an E2E-BK that's HA (III) and I love it. I put a E2DL tailcap on it and use it for my EDC. It's in a separate pocket from my keys and the only wear has been on the sharp edges of the bezel. I like the looks of the SG but I find it a bit too shiny for me, I like matte.

How come you use the E2DL tailcap? The tailcap on the E2E is already a clicky too, isn't it?

 

[cm_mtb]

Due to manufacturing processes, natural HA varies greatly in color, from a light shade of gray, to what looks close to black in some light. It can sometimes appear slightly green, although I don't think I've seen natural HA as green as the E2E on OP's page.

How come you use the E2DL tailcap? The tailcap on the E2E is already a clicky too, isn't it?

Tailstanding, I would presume.

 

[computernut]

How come you use the E2DL tailcap? The tailcap on the E2E is already a clicky too, isn't it?

The E2DL tailcap has a scalloped shroud around it, it keeps the light from coming on in my pocket. The Z68 is the same but doesn't have the scallops. I wish Surefire would come out with shrouded tailcaps for sale separately in different colours such as natural HA, desert tan, as well as black.

 

[carrot]

The E2DL tailcap has a scalloped shroud around it, it keeps the light from coming on in my pocket. The Z68 is the same but doesn't have the scallops. I wish Surefire would come out with shrouded tailcaps for sale separately in different colours such as natural HA, desert tan, as well as black.

As you wish: http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com/...lared&cat=flashlights&catstr=HOME:flashlights