E2L or E2DL???

[fordwillman]

Hi everybody,
I would like to buy 1 (I know buy both-but I cant afford it) Surefire. (I have an A2 and really like it). I really have narrowed it down to these two. Admittedly, they are somewhat different. I would use this as an EDC. Love the higher power of E2DL, but love the longer run time of E2L. Dont know about the strike bezel, yet appeals to me as multiple purpose--if it wont tear up my jeans!
Guys (and gals) speak up! Help me make this decision--by logic or whatever. I will use this camping also. Anyone have both? If so, which do you like better?? Thanks in advance.
Is there much difference in 3 lumens and 5 lumens on low between the two? Also, how much ACTUAL difference between 60 and 120 in perception? How good a tint do both of these have?

 

[RyanA]

The tint and beam should be about the same between the two. They both use the same emitters and optics.

 

[uspc_e2]

Hi everybody,
I would like to buy 1 (I know buy both-but I cant afford it) Surefire. (I have an A2 and really like it). I really have narrowed it down to these two. Admittedly, they are somewhat different. I would use this as an EDC. Love the higher power of E2DL, but love the longer run time of E2L. Dont know about the strike bezel, yet appeals to me as multiple purpose--if it wont tear up my jeans!
Guys (and gals) speak up! Help me make this decision--by logic or whatever. I will use this camping also. Anyone have both? If so, which do you like better?? Thanks in advance.
Is there much difference in 3 lumens and 5 lumens on low between the two? Also, how much ACTUAL difference between 60 and 120 in perception? How good a tint do both of these have?

I don't have E2L. However, my E2DL can be carried without tearing up the jeans. I have had it 3 months now and my jeans are still ok. The runtime is great since the batteries haven't been changed since my fiance got it for me. Get E2DL and have a spare battery close by if you're worry about the runtime.

 

[generic808]

The price is almost the same for both units so you might as well go with the E2DL. You'll get more output, and better ends in the bezel and tailcap. If you decide you don't like it, you could sell it easier and it holds a higher resale value over the E2L.

 

[loszabo]

You can buy my old E2D, so that I can upgrade to the E2DL... Okay?

 

[bullfrog]

+1 to the E2DL - the thing is a monster! I've had it for a few months now and love it.

I don't have the E2L but I do have an L1 Cree which has a 65 lumen high. When comparing the L1 65 lms to the E2DL 120 lms there is no contest, the E2DL is significantly brighter, and, what I really like is the added spill which isn't there on the L1 or E2L (so I've heard).

The 5 lms low is perfect for walking at night and camp tasks (maybe even too bright if keeping nightvision is important to you). I doubt that I personally would be able to see a difference between 3 and 5.

Get yourself the E2DL + the L04 beam diffuser and you will have an awesome setup!! :thumbsup:

 

[fordwillman]

Anybody else have any comments on these two??

 

[bezel]

Anybody else have any comments on these two??

I'll throw two cents for the E2DL. More light for money. I think you will like it. The only way I'd go for the E2L over the E2DL is if I knew I was going to need a moderate high for long runtimes and the low would not suffice. The "5 lumen" low on the E2DL is quite useable when it is actually dark and still throws amazingly. Can't really speak for the difference between the 3 and 5 lumen low though. Can only say that the 5 lumen low seems about perfect to me...

You could get the E2DL and then someday get just the E2L head (KX2) as an accessory for longer runtimes if you find it necessary. It would be harder to go the other direction. And as someone already pointed out, the E2DL should hold its value better.

good luck choosing!

 

[coloradogps]

I agree look at your intended use.

For camping the E2L looks better with a longer run time.

I have the E2DL and a L1.

You can tell the difference between 120 vs. 65 lumens.

The E2DL will tear things up, the E2L won't.

The L1 is also a great light.....

 

[bezel]

Oh, forgot to mention that I have used the E2DL camping and it is great...the low will suffice most of the time.

Also, I don't think the bezel will tear jeans. only if the sharpest part of the bezel is placed in a really tight part of your jeans. Sure it will probably eventaully wear a hole as would keys or anything else making a buldge. I have seen others post about the bezel cutting/tearing jeans or pants up and am left scratching my head....

 

[Double_A]

Hi everybody,
I would like to buy 1 (I know buy both-but I cant afford it) Surefire. (I have an A2 and really like it). I really have narrowed it down to these two. Admittedly, they are somewhat different. I would use this as an EDC. Love the higher power of E2DL, but love the longer run time of E2L. Dont know about the strike bezel, yet appeals to me as multiple purpose--if it wont tear up my jeans!
Guys (and gals) speak up! Help me make this decision--by logic or whatever. I will use this camping also. Anyone have both? If so, which do you like better?? Thanks in advance.
Is there much difference in 3 lumens and 5 lumens on low between the two? Also, how much ACTUAL difference between 60 and 120 in perception? How good a tint do both of these have?

If you look at my sig you'll see all the lights I have and the length of time I've been using flashlights (mainly in my profession).

My response to you is what I intend to do and hope you consider it too.

Since you have an A2, I would suggest you buy a single 123 cell light, the E1B and when it comes out buy the 400 Lumen U2B (i think that's the number) and then walk away from this forum and never buy another light.

I intend to keep my E2e (with spare KL4 head) and buy the E1B & U2B and start to sell off all my other Surefires.

I will keep a small number of lights operating off of AAA & AA cells for general utility and them I'm out of the flashlight mania

I've only bought a couple of lights in the last four years all Fenix's except for this very last one a Jet 1 pro IBS.

I've decide my lights fall into two classes 123 based Surfires and General utility lights using commonly available batts (AA, AAA). I will also only buy lights that can use Alkaline, NiMH, lithium AA's & AAA's.

The Surefires I'll bet my life on, the others I'll loan to friends.

 

[Size15's]

It's model "UB2" (and "UA2") rather than "U2B" (or "U2A")

 

[blinder switch]

I vote E2DL. The strike bezel alone is excellent. I have 3 of these, for which 2 I keep mounted on AR 15 Bushmaster carbines. The other has been in my storage area, but will soon see EDC on duty. And yes, you most certainly can tell between 60 and 120 lumens. That's almost like an L1 on high (65 L) and a E2DL (120+ L) on high output stage.

 

[pipspeak]

I also vote for the E2DL. Lots of light for the money and the E-series is easily lego-able.

The UA2 or UB2 certainly seem to be the ultimate flashlights for 2008 but their achilles heel as EDCs, IMO, is their price. I don't want to be carrying around a $200-$400 flashlight (I assume they'll be in that range) as a personal EDC because it's not something I'd want to lose. If my company, or the government, were paying for it, no problem. If I'm paying for it, however, I'd rather have an EDC that comes in at under (or close to) $100.

I just went to batteryjunction to see of they had the UB2 in stock and they don't but the price is listed as $99,999

 

[fordwillman]

Will the E2DL tail stand, it looks like it should? I like lights that tailstand.

 

[bullfrog]

Yes - the E2DL will tail stand - the 5 lumen low makes a wonderful candle!