Help on which incan to buy

[HeadCSO]

A couple of weeks back I posted a thread about whether I needed an incan. The overwhelming response was yes.

I've decided that for my outdoor activities an incan is better. I have narrowed my choice to 3 - SF 6P, SF E2E and Wolfeyes Sniper. I am limiting to a 2 cell light as I want something pocketable. I would ideally like a combination of throw with usuable side spill. Which one of these 3 should I go for, or can someone recommend something else.

 

[mdocod]

go E2E for most compact size, SF lovers swear by this thing because it's just so compact and nice in the pocket and hand, there are a few configurations available using primaries and rechargeable and a few various lamps. Obviously you get the SF lifetime warranty with this one, a definite plus.

Go for the 6P if you want to stick to the SF warranty but want a few more options as far as configurations go and don't mind the slightly bulkier design over the E series, there are more various lamps available for the 6P. (numerous 3.7V, 6V and 9V lamps that can be used in conjunction with various battery configurations). The 6P also leaves the door open to easily upgrade to a 9P or "12P" size with extenders.


Go Sniper if you want the best rechargeable options and don't mind the extra heft, I hear these things are heavier. This is the only one of the 3 that will support 18mm cells, in the case of the Sniper, you can run a single 18650 size rechargeable cell with a 3.7V high current lamp instead of the 2xCR123>6V lamp. With the E2E or 6P you can only squeeze in a 17670, which has about 30% less capacity.

If rechargability (spelling?) is not a concern, then don't worry about that as a deciding factor.


Having said all that, If I were making a general recommendation, I wouldn't be buying a 2xCR123 sized incan these days. With the latest generation LEDs out, you can get 2xCR123 sized lights that are either 3x brighter or run 3xlonger than the incandescent option. The argument can certainly be made that incandescent light is preferred, which is all the argument necessary IMO and if that's what you want you should not let the latest greatest LED sway your desires to heavily, I only say it because it needs to be said. There's only maybe 2-3 2xCR123 sized incandescent configurations that are brighter than the best LED stuff in this size, and they only run for about 20 minutes, while the LED option runs for at least an hour or 3... I would generally suggest not getting *into* incandescent unless you are willing to step up to a 3xCR123 sized light or bigger, that's where the real incandescent "PUNCH" begins.

 

[Lighthouse one]

I have the sniper with the 18650 and 3.7 volt 150 lumen- Lumens Factory drop-in. It's a really nice beam..powerful- not too tight a spot, and a great spill too. Decent runtime, but I haven't timed it.

 

[KeeperSD]

go E2E for most compact size, SF lovers swear by this thing because it's just so compact and nice in the pocket and hand, there are a few configurations available using primaries and rechargeable and a few various lamps. Obviously you get the SF lifetime warranty with this one, a definite plus.

Go for the 6P if you want to stick to the SF warranty but want a few more options as far as configurations go and don't mind the slightly bulkier design over the E series, there are more various lamps available for the 6P. (numerous 3.7V, 6V and 9V lamps that can be used in conjunction with various battery configurations). The 6P also leaves the door open to easily upgrade to a 9P or "12P" size with extenders.


Go Sniper if you want the best rechargeable options and don't mind the extra heft, I hear these things are heavier. This is the only one of the 3 that will support 18mm cells, in the case of the Sniper, you can run a single 18650 size rechargeable cell with a 3.7V high current lamp instead of the 2xCR123>6V lamp. With the E2E or 6P you can only squeeze in a 17670, which has about 30% less capacity.

If rechargability (spelling?) is not a concern, then don't worry about that as a deciding factor.


Having said all that, If I were making a general recommendation, I wouldn't be buying a 2xCR123 sized incan these days. With the latest generation LEDs out, you can get 2xCR123 sized lights that are either 3x brighter or run 3xlonger than the incandescent option. The argument can certainly be made that incandescent light is preferred, which is all the argument necessary IMO and if that's what you want you should not let the latest greatest LED sway your desires to heavily, I only say it because it needs to be said. There's only maybe 2-3 2xCR123 sized incandescent configurations that are brighter than the best LED stuff in this size, and they only run for about 20 minutes, while the LED option runs for at least an hour or 3... I would generally suggest not getting *into* incandescent unless you are willing to step up to a 3xCR123 sized light or bigger, that's where the real incandescent "PUNCH" begins.

What he said.. :thumbsup:. Great response as usual, i agree 100% with everything said, especially about choosing a 9volt over 6 volt

 

[lightemup]

I'll take my e2e (mn03) and 6p (i'll pop a p60 in it) outside tonight and let you know what I think No experience with the wolf eyes sorry...

 

[Nitro]

+1 on what Mdocod said.

I used to carry my SL TL-3 which is a great thrower, at ~200 lumens for ~60 mins. However, the Tiablo A8/9 has better throw and longer runtime. My Tiablo A8 Q5 replaced my TL-3.

IMO, I would not get an incan smaller then a 2C size light, unless you want it for the color rendition. The ROP is a Mag mod with ~500 lumens for ~60 min on 2 LiIon C's. That's the smallest incan I'll carry.

Check out my beamshots for real world comparisons of various lights.

 

[Brozneo]

go E2E for most compact size, SF lovers swear by this thing because it's just so compact and nice in the pocket and hand, there are a few configurations available using primaries and rechargeable and a few various lamps. Obviously you get the SF lifetime warranty with this one, a definite plus.

Go for the 6P if you want to stick to the SF warranty but want a few more options as far as configurations go and don't mind the slightly bulkier design over the E series, there are more various lamps available for the 6P. (numerous 3.7V, 6V and 9V lamps that can be used in conjunction with various battery configurations). The 6P also leaves the door open to easily upgrade to a 9P or "12P" size with extenders.

Plus one - the SF 6P!!

 

[Flymo]

I have a Pentagonlight X2 (HA-III) and I'm a happy camper ! :wave:

 

[HeadCSO]

I'll take my e2e (mn03) and 6p (i'll pop a p60 in it) outside tonight and let you know what I think No experience with the wolf eyes sorry...

Thanks. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated.

I forgot to mention that I already have SF L4, L1, and various Fenix LED's. The reason for wanting an incan is that UK weather seems to be quite unpredictable these days. I was out a couple of days ago on a clear night with my L4 and Fenix L2D CE. Both lights were very bright and lit up a considerable distance. However, it then suddenly turned misty and they both had problems penetrating the mist and seemed to bounce the light back at me.

 

[yellow]

Unfortunately I dont know the Wolf Eyes, but do have some other of this size: 6P, 6R, Scorpion, some cheaper hotwire 2 CR123s, ...

imho, in this light and size class You are better up with a led light.
I have a 6P modded with a Q4 Cree running at 1 A on max and this light blows everything else I have out of the woods. I even use it for night trail riding and most of the times only a good real bikelight (from lupine) makes more light.

That old LA of the 6P seems like the cells are already dead in comparison.

... have the body milled to fit an 18650 in and now have up to 2.25 hours of full output - in the package of the 6P

except for seeming brighter, the led offers the advantage of some real dimming possibilities. If You need only full output at night all the time (and a 1 hour runtime light), Your outdoor activities are very different to mine - use dimmed light probably 90 % of time

 

[FlashSpyJ]

I would say about what mdocod said! The E2E got quite nice throw for it size, and very nice side spill! Compared to my other lights, this is the one with widest side spill! Must be because the reflector isnt very deep.
By taking the E1E head and put it on my L4 I get an E2E, dont have it in this configuration though, and Im thinking of getting a E2E so I dont have to change heads...

I too wanted an good incan light, I almost bought the 6P, but ended up with the 9P, this is really a nice light! Its a tad bigger than the 6P, which is already a bit bigger than the E2E. with the 6P you could get a extender and then you have a 9P!

Dont have any experiences with WE, I did buy a M90 for a friend, but havent tried it out, the built quality seems very nice! But I think they are more bulky then the SF lights mentioned.

Let the size decide, if you want the smallest of them, go for the E2E, but if you want a light with more opitons with bulbs and so on go with the 6P! Feels like Im just repeating what others have said here...

Oh, one more thing about the E2E, it got a clicky switch, the 6P dont. I prefer the clicky switch over the momentary/twist on. Even though some of them fails early, a bit of lube in the switch seems to fix that in most cases.

 

[BSBG]

I'd vote E2E. It is the perfect size IMO - not too big to leave behind, not so small you cannot find it in your pocket or pack.

You can run the stock MN03 bulb (60 lumens, 75 minutes) or the MN02 (30 lumens, 2.5 hours), or any of the LF options with LI Ion or primaries.

 

[lightemup]

Okay, didn't have as much time as I thought tonight, so I will do a better one tomorrow night for you (and me too ).

Didn't see that you had a L4, I would have taken that too. Tomorrow night I will do the p60, p61, mn03, p60L, L4 and 9p p91 if you like.

So tonight I used my e2d (slighly different optics I think to the e2e) and 6p with p60.

The p60 beat the mn03 on throw. The roof top about 50 metres away was substantially brighter (i'd say about 30% using the mark 1 eyeball) with the 6p than e2d. And from my experience the e2d has a little better throw than the normal e2e.

Close in: Much of a muchness. The p60's brighter hotspot was evident, but for 'practical' purposes: They did the same job

I will still do the comparison tomorrow night, but now that I know you have a L4 i'll give you some food for thought from my experience. I had an e2e and a L4. The E2e did throw a bit better (not tested in fog so sorry can't help there) than the L4, but the L4 is a wall of light in comparison.

Two more features of the L4: it is an led so it is virtually shock proof (no lamps to replace etc), and in my case using pila 168's it is guilt free lumens. I do not use rechargables if I am at all unsure about reliability. In about 3 years of experience the pilas have performed perfectly (touchwood ). I guess what I am saying is that in my experience the L4 does NEARLY everything (sacrifices a little throw) the e2e does in a more robust setup. The L4 is also brighter for longer. imho

My recommendation would be to get the 6p. You have a choice then between the 6p, 6pd and 6pl. Personally I would buy a 6pl, and find a p61 lamp. I'd buy a SC1 spares carrier and put 6 batteries in it. I'd then swap the p60L over with the p61 for maximum throw / brightness etc. I'd compare the two beams and decide which one I wanted permanently in the 6p, and which one in the spares carrier. Your spares carrier can now support both your 6p and L4: the L4 doesn't need any lamps of course, it only needs batteries

Of course if there is a reliable rechargable setup that can get you using a p90 or p91 in a 6p body that is even better. In my usage I just don't see that much of an advantage in the e2e over your L4 to warrant its replacement (given its other advantages).

This is a one sided post because I haven't seen a Wolf Eyes yet

Just my 2 cents, i'll post again after tomorrow night

 

[HeadCSO]

Lightemup, thank you very much for taking the time out to help someone who is new to decent incan lights. I very much look forward to your test and feedback.

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

Having said all that, If I were making a general recommendation, I wouldn't be buying a 2xCR123 sized incan these days. With the latest generation LEDs out, you can get 2xCR123 sized lights that are either 3x brighter or run 3xlonger than the incandescent option. The argument can certainly be made that incandescent light is preferred, which is all the argument necessary IMO and if that's what you want you should not let the latest greatest LED sway your desires to heavily, I only say it because it needs to be said. There's only maybe 2-3 2xCR123 sized incandescent configurations that are brighter than the best LED stuff in this size, and they only run for about 20 minutes, while the LED option runs for at least an hour or 3... I would generally suggest not getting *into* incandescent unless you are willing to step up to a 3xCR123 sized light or bigger, that's where the real incandescent "PUNCH" begins.

As always, mdocod's insight and advice are right on the money. Yesterday I removed the extender from my 3x168A Wolf Eyes M90 and moved it to my Sniper. Now all my lights are 9V. I prefer flood, and a single 168A just can't provide enough lumens to spread out over 50 times the area of a throw while still delivering joy.

 

[glockboy]

Try the Surefire A2.

 

[KeeperSD]

This is a one sided post because I haven't seen a Wolf Eyes yet

Sounds like you need to email Glen and order yourself a Rattlesnake 13V and see the light

 

[lightemup]

HeadCSO: I've got a bezel on the way to lego up a proper e2e. So i'll hold off on the second review so my e2d bezel doesn't bias my response. Should only take a day or two...

KeeperSD: I think i've just figured it out: Wolf Eyes is the new name for Pila flashlights? I thought something was familiar. Can't remember which one exactly but I saw something similar to the rattlesnake a couple of years ago at one of the Brisy cpf meets. Very nice indeed.

Pila batteries are the only rechargables that I have been able to COUNT ON (touchwood). I was dubious with them at first as with all non-standard rechargables, but they have proved to be VERY reliable in two of my lights (L4 and Hotbeam's awesome Pocketmate ) . At one stage I hadn't charged my pila 168's for months and months and i'd used my L4 on and off. It got to the point where I couldn't remember when I'd last charged them so I popped them on no noticeable self discharge! Glen is already my 'go to' guy for when/if they eventually die.

I've already been in contact with Glen by email, its just i've only got limited funds and a couple of other projects on the run at the moment I should be going through Cairns sometime over Christmas if you want to have a meet up and light show :santa: ...

 

[KeeperSD]

I was working the other night with a guy who had a older Pila and low and behold it was exactly the same as my Raider except for the name, oh and the EO9 LA in mine :nana:. Pila are still making lights, which are slightly different in design, so not sure where the seperation with WE and Pila came about (i am sure someone can let us know).

Drop me an email/pm closer to christmas and i will definately be interested, will have to look into some other purchases before then though. Not to sure if there are any other far northerners on CPF that might also be interested.

 

[bones_708]

I like the G2. Cheaper, lighter, and I won't feel quite as bad as if I loose it vs. my 6P or E2D.
Also comes in yellow which makes it real easy to find when it gets dropped!!