My light dilemma, which one to keep

[jzmtl]

So here is my problem. I've set rule for myself about light and other gadgets, that I will not be a collector, only user. If anything I won't use or serves same purpose as something else I have, it will be sold/trade away.

Now the lights in question, surefire L1 and Novatac 120P. Both are 1 cell EDC type lights, and I will only use one of them, so I only plan to keep one. I like both to be honest, one for versatility, compactness and easy upgradability, one for simplicity and light throw. I'd imagine I should have no problem getting rid of either, but which one? And should I just sell it, or trade for something else, a dedicated thrower perhaps?

 

[gunga]

I've tried and liked both, but personally would keep the Novatac.

I just love the versatility and also the ability to use rechargables.
The L1 is a nice light, but not for me. It is easily sold or traded.

 

[xcel730]

I would keep the 120P just because of its programmability feature. Also, I like the beam pattern better.

 

[greenLED]

I like both to be honest, one for versatility, compactness and easy upgradability, one for simplicity and light throw.

Do you feel they're sufficiently different from each other to keep both? For example, do you really take regular advantage of the Novatac's versatility? Or is it just something that's "nice to have just in case" but doesn't really get exploited?

From your post, it sounds like you place some value on throw over other types of beams. Does that imply that the L1 would be best for most of your uses? When you need to use a broad beam, would the spill of the L1 be OK for you, or would you be needing something more akin to the Novatac's reflectored beam?

How's that for throwing more mud in your pool?


I've said this before, but it may be worth repeating. I find myself wanting an HDS/Novatac every time I get a chance to play with one. However, once I let them go, that urge disappears. I'm plenty happy with my L1's.

 

[RWT1405]

For me, my NovaTacs (3) get a lot of use. My single (and it will remain that way, I will buy NO MORE) L1 see's no use. I like SF's and have plenty, but the "lack of spill" beams (my term IMHO) are less then useless.

I still don't understand how people many times talked about the Inovas TIR's (?) beams as "useless" (prior to 2007?) but when SF comes out with pretty much the same, it's the best thing since sliced bread.

I like and use my 6P's, G2's, 9P (all with Malkoff's of course) & L2, but the L1 & E2L are useless to me (and I WANTED to like them). My .02 FWIW

 

[jzmtl]

Do you feel they're sufficiently different from each other to keep both? For example, do you really take regular advantage of the Novatac's versatility? Or is it just something that's "nice to have just in case" but doesn't really get exploited?

From your post, it sounds like you place some value on throw over other types of beams. Does that imply that the L1 would be best for most of your uses? When you need to use a broad beam, would the spill of the L1 be OK for you, or would you be needing something more akin to the Novatac's reflectored beam?

How's that for throwing more mud in your pool?


I've said this before, but it may be worth repeating. I find myself wanting an HDS/Novatac every time I get a chance to play with one. However, once I let them go, that urge disappears. I'm plenty happy with my L1's.

I guess my main problem with them is even thou I like both pretty much equally I won't be using them together, since they are both one cell light and have similar output, so in a sense one of them is "wasted". One thing I do know thou, this is not the first time I tried to decide, and all previous times ended up with no decision and left them alone.

 

[yaesumofo]

IMHO this is a pretty silly question. You are asking us to make a decision for you. We can't.
Here is what I would do though.
I would EDC the one I used the most.
I would take the other put a fresh battery in it and either stick it into my Bailout bag (If you have one) Or I would stick it into the center console of my car or glove box of car if there is no center console. If you don't have a car then keep it on the bed side table. If you don't have a bed side table then in the kitchen drawer with all of the other odds and ends. If you don't have one of those then maybe the bathroom drawer where you keep your razors if you shave if you don't have one of those then maybe just keep it in your other pocket.
Seriously. Keep the other light as a backup. If you loose the one you use you will need a backup quick. If you sell the one you don't use and then end up needing it you will be kicking yourself for being silly and selling it.
The point is this One flashlight is plenty. But none is not enough. If you loose one you need another no matter what. It is always advisable to have a backup. Like a spare tire. You may never need it but if you do and it isn't there you will be sorry.
Yaesumofo

 

[Wattnot]

So here is my problem. I've set rule for myself about light and other gadgets, that I will not be a collector, only user. If anything I won't use or serves same purpose as something else I have, it will be sold/trade away.

Okay, first off, WHAT ARE YOU, NUTS? Are we going to have to do an intervention? Where are you again?

I'm all about efficiency and it usually bothers me too when I have two things that do the same job . . . but with lights, I can always put them to work. I have two in my car . . . a flood LED and an A2 for throw. The CL1H is upstairs, the L1 is here in front of me in the computer room, There is a G2 in the second car and the other, along with the Jetbeam and the Raider are sitting there in the washroom for general family use or power failures. There are incans, flooders, throwers, LED,s and customs. There are low power, high power, lights that are made for rechargeable batteries, the list goes on and on. I can host several more lights and still be okay. You or I haven't even scratched the surface! Your friends and significant other must be getting to you! Don't let them!!!

And here you are worried about a little old 120P and L1, which are apples and oranges, btw. One is a short to medium range with good flood/spill and the other goes hundred of feet with it's awesome optics. The only thing those lights have in common is that they're single cell !!! You're losin it, man!!

But if you are really serious, I'll go against the flow and say keep the L1. you'll regret getting rid of either one eventually but I didn't like the throw of the 120P and traded it for the L1.

 

[prof]

If you don't need the programmability, keep the L1 and get a beamshaper...gives you flood and throw in one light, all for about $13.

I prefer the L1 also (but I *liked* the throw of my old Inova T1 also, so there you go).

I assume you mean a cree L1, also? There are several versions of this light...gets confusing. It's even worse when other manufacturers start using the same names.

 

[chaoss]

IMHO this is a pretty silly question. You are asking us to make a decision for you. We can't.
Here is what I would do though.
I would EDC the one I used the most.
I would take the other put a fresh battery in it and either stick it into my Bailout bag (If you have one) Or I would stick it into the center console of my car or glove box of car if there is no center console. If you don't have a car then keep it on the bed side table. If you don't have a bed side table then in the kitchen drawer with all of the other odds and ends. If you don't have one of those then maybe the bathroom drawer where you keep your razors if you shave if you don't have one of those then maybe just keep it in your other pocket.
Seriously. Keep the other light as a backup. If you loose the one you use you will need a backup quick. If you sell the one you don't use and then end up needing it you will be kicking yourself for being silly and selling it.
The point is this One flashlight is plenty. But none is not enough. If you loose one you need another no matter what. It is always advisable to have a backup. Like a spare tire. You may never need it but if you do and it isn't there you will be sorry.
Yaesumofo

Well said, and i will agree. Keep both of them and rotate as needed for EDC. These are two very different lights that tend to compliment each other well.
I own both as well and carry the 120 while the L1 sits as a backup.

 

[HoopleHead]

120P

 

[sawlight]

Two totally different lights, two different purposes!
The 120 is a GREAT EDC if you need to work up close and light something up within 100 ft.
The L1 is GREAT for moving around the house in low, and will give GREAT throw in the woods/around the campsite.
Do you want usability, and a little throw, or limited up close work and a nice throw?
I've had both (older L1) and hold BOTH in high regard. But they are not anywhere near the same critter.
I'd love to have an L1 Cree just in high mode to compliment my 120P!!
There really isn't anything to compare between the lights, other than they are LED lights!

 

[Crenshaw]

keep the 120p its more versatile overall, and it also holds it market value better then the L1. To me, the L1 is not as bright as it should be honestly, despite being a good light.

Crenshaw

 

[xcel730]

The typical flashaholic's response is "buy both" ... I wonder if it applies to this situation where we tell the op to "sell both". :lolsign:

 

[divine]

I have both and use my Novatac almost every day, while I haven't reached for the L1 for months.

The L1 has much better color rendering, and it is worth the lower brightness for that.

I vote for the novatac, I find it more useful because of the really low low and the nice user interface.

 

[ChocolateLab33]

Novatac :thumbsup:

 

[TIP AND RING]

My .02 only, keep the Novatac...if just for the adjustable settings and the smaller size. Sell the SF and but the funds towards the Ra Twisty or Clicky or a Arc mod or a HDS mod or a Spy 007 or .......:candle:

 

[jzmtl]

keep the 120p its more versatile overall, and it also holds it market value better then the L1. To me, the L1 is not as bright as it should be honestly, despite being a good light.

Crenshaw

I don't mind the brightness of L1, it's pretty good for a 1 cell light. If I need anymore I take out my 2 cell lights. What I don't like about L1 thou is I can't open the friggin head, while novatac's pill slides out easily. I dunno, I'll probably end up keeping both like other times I tried to decide which to keep. :duh2:

 

[adamlau]

Lose them both and wait for the UA2, or UB2.

 

[Crenshaw]

I don't mind the brightness of L1, it's pretty good for a 1 cell light. If I need anymore I take out my 2 cell lights. What I don't like about L1 thou is I can't open the friggin head, while novatac's pill slides out easily. I dunno, I'll probably end up keeping both like other times I tried to decide which to keep. :duh2:

haha, yeah, probably just keep them both.

Crenshaw