L1 or L2?

[Surefire_Rocks]

Hello:
I am in sort of a predicament here: I want to purchase a good camping light for my high-adventure canoeing trip to Boundary Waters of Minnesota. I am looking into either the Surefire L1 or L2 to help me canoe, and camp in the wilderness, at night, but I do not know which to purchase (price being a factor). I have done my research and have noticed that the L1 may not be bright enough for my needs, but I am not sure. So, I am looking into buying any of them, but need some advice on which to purchase and why?
Thanks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-Ian

 

[Sixpointone]

Ian,

Doesn't your brother Tom own the L1, and have the L2 on order?

If I am correct, I suggest you wait until he has both of the lights, and you can compare them, side by side, in person.

Hope that helps,
John

 

[357]

I prefer the L2. I gladly tradeoff size for the my opinion says superior beam quality and dual power levels of the L2.

 

[rscanady]

I havee the L2 and love it, definitely like having he high and low beams.

Ryan

 

[beezaur]

When I was reading the thread title, I was thinking, "hmmm, depends on whether he wants to use it inside or outside,"

Of the choices Surefire L1 or L2, I would recommend the L2.

The L1's low mode is better used in close work. It's bright mode is about right for walking around, but you'll go batteries pretty fast.

The L2 gets a whole lot more life on its low setting, which is basically the same as the L1 on bright. And then there is the bright L2 setting for when you need it.

I know this isn't what you asked, but if I were you I'd spend half that money and get a good headlamp. If you need to use both hands in the dark, you'll be glad you have a headlamp. See www.rei.com for a good selection.

Use the lanyard in the boat if you get one of those Surefires. I'm pretty sure they don't float /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Scott

 

[chumley]

A good lantern will be far more useful for camping than any Surefire flashlight. Also a lights as bright as L1 and L2 will destroy night adapted vision. Get a good headlamp too.

That being said, I imagine that the low setting of either SF would be good for doing any night time hiking. I think that the L2 would have a more useful beam.

 

[Size15's]

Would not a headlamp be a better illumination tool for this sort of activity?

Given a choice between the L1 and L2 I would pick the U2 for this application.

Al /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Pydpiper]

I agree with Al, an L4 just can't be beat..

 

[Luna]

Yeah, after some serious thought and meditation, maybe a L4 is the best choice Pydpiper. (Now is two weeks when the question is slightly change again, I will choose the A2)

-Craig

 

[leukos]

The L2 is superior, but like others have said, definately look into a good headlamp. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[cdf]

If weight and bulk are an issue I'd go L1 and a headlamp .

 

[scudinc]

I wouldn't get either one for camping. Look into Princeton Tec products.

 

[cognitivefun]

Throw is nice to have occasionally. So is long battery life. I would go with an A2 and a good LED flood headlamp.

 

[StoneDog]

You could save some $$ and get one of the Nuwai multi-stage 3w or 5w lights. In fact you'd have enough left over to get a headlamp too!

Jon

 

[Cornkid]

cool..

by the way.. i am STILL waiting for my L2... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

-tom

 

[357]

[ QUOTE ]
Cornkid said:
cool..

by the way.. i am STILL waiting for my L2... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

-tom

[/ QUOTE ]

Why? Is Surefire backorderd?

(just ordered some stuff from Surefire, so I hope they are not backordered).

 

[Surefire_Rocks]

Sorry, but I am not really interested in a headlamp, and can't yet afford a U2. Also, I had the L4 and found that its one stage at 5watts is not flexible enough for my camping needs. So, I am looking into the L2, over the L1, because of what I have gathered through your various comments. Also, I will investigate the Nuwai 5W multi-stage. Are there any other lights that would serve wel for overall camping purposes?
Thanks.

-Ian

 

[scudinc]

Almost anything from Princeton Tec would be a good choice.

 

[GarageBoy]

what's wrong with a headlamp? princeton tec's regulated lux is bright and dimmable. for actual in water, immersion use, streamlight pro polymer luxeon

 

[JimM]

You may want to look at a SureFire G2 for throw and an Inova x5t for general use (waterproof, good runtime, same batteries as G2). I have these 2 lights, as well as an L1 that I like alot. For the uses you describe, the G2 and x5t would give you a backup, alot of bang for the buck, and be cheaper than an L1.
Jim