Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surge?

[Adriano]

Hi,
I know both have a good brightness but I'd like to know if
with L2 I will get a longer throw.
The next month I will have to rend the rainforest night.
I know Princeton Tec Surge is a very cheap, very interesting light and a very long run time.
What is your opinion, please?

 

[InFlux]

Another thread? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/huh.gif

I would just get the L2. That's what I EDC'd in Costa Rica for my honeymoon (Arenal, Monte Verde, and Tamarindo) Of course, I didn't go hiking too much at night (I was on my honeymoon /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif).

When walking in the rainforest, you need to illuminate more than just a small spot. You don't need long throw (the light will get blocked by all the vegetation, etc). You need a wall of light to keep on the trails.

 

[ACMarina]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

If you're concerned with throw, the PT Surge would whoop the L2, I'd think. .

 

[Adriano]

[ QUOTE ]
LazerBurnz said:
Another thread?

[/ QUOTE ]

Unfortunately yes. In this forum I meet very prepared people for the light but nobody succeeds to undestand what I need. I need a very long light throw but the torch has to be light and small. maximum 17-18cm lenght.

 

[cheapo]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

yeah, the surge beats it in throw, but the L2 has the nice type III anodization, 2 stage switch, a deliciouse 100 lumens, and it is also submersible, I say, great flood light.

-David

 

[Sixpointone]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

Adriano,

I suggest that you look into the McGizmo forum on the CPF, and look at the Aleph 3, which from all accounts can really throw.

Hope that helps,
John

 

[The_virus]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

I'm very happy with my Surge, in fact its currently my favourite incandenscent light I own. I've used it in dense forest as well as in the city, and it is a good size if you really need extra brightness, without carrying a spotlight.

As far as throw comparisons, I don't own an L2, but I've used the Surge and illuminated a stop sign (easy to see because it was one of the only things around that would reflect light back) at a range of about 300m. In dense vegetation you'd never see that far anyway, and the Surge is cheaper...so personally I'd go with the Surge.

As a smaller alternative (if you think the Surge is just a little bulky) the PT Tec 40 is a 4AA light that's also very bright, but the Surge is much brighter. Both are dive rated, so no worries there.

 

[Emilion]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

The PT Surge throws very well but I think its a little bit large. The L2 is complete different light, its has long run time for low output and pretty much high output in High mode.

If you like LEDs, I think the L5 is quite good. But for using in rainforest...incand. performs better.

 

[Cornkid]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

If you are going to be in the rainforest the L2 would be the perfect light!. You do NOT need throw in a rainforest. The vegetation makes a wall and whats the point of throw if you cant get the beam very far???

You need a wall of light! And the L2 will do just that for you.

-tom

 

[kongfuchicken]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

Pt surge all the way! Make sure you get a spare lamp tho.
The L2 will be a better choice if you work indoors where light is scarce.

 

[Mags]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

For throw, its very obvious that when an Incan versus an LED, the incan will probably win. Ditto on the spare lamp.

Adriano, dont get discouraged by anyone saying something about you posting too much. As long as your posts are out of genuine interest and curiousity, keep it up!

 

[Cornkid]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

Do you really need throw in the rainforest? Isnt dark enough in the rainforest to make the L2 worthwhile?

-tom

 

[scudinc]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

Just get the Surge. It's cheap, waterproof, long-running, and puts out more light overall than the L2.

 

[Roy]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

Almost everyone that has ever handled my Surge outdoors seems to have a near-religious experiance when they turn it on. I usually hear something along the lines of, "Holy S**t!" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crackup.gif

These lights really need to seen outdoors.

 

[ACMarina]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

I can honestly say that I've never been in a rainforest, so I have no idea if flood or throw is more appropriate. I'd think that you'd generally have a nice amount of ambiant lighting, with the canopy providing good cover. Generally, I find outdoor lighting to be very good..

 

[cheapo]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

NO, No ,NO if you go to cpf and start bragging about a plastic pt surge, well, just dont. L2 is definitely worth bragging about.

-David

 

[cheapo]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

But umm, you can bragg about the throw and output, not the looks or beam quality.

-David

 

[bignasty]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

IMHO, the L2 with 2 levels of output is what you should get, but since the Surge doesn't cost that much, Get Both!

bignasty

 

[PhantomZ]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

[ QUOTE ]
bignasty said:
IMHO, the L2 with 2 levels of output is what you should get, but since the Surge doesn't cost that much, Get Both!

bignasty

[/ QUOTE ]

i'll agree, get both! the L2 is an awsome light. has good flood light and 2 level brightness settings plus long runtime on low which i'm sure you'll be using the most.
i dont have a surge but you might want to have that as a backup light cause its waterproof~

 

[PhantomZ]

Re: Long throw: SureFire L2 or Princeton Tec Surg

oh btw, i would recommend lubing the o-rings before you go. that'll help making it more watertight