Novatac vs. SF L1 - Which do you prefer and why?

[RichS]

For those that ended up with both of these like myself (due to the loyal following each light has), I am curious to know which light has earned your preference and why. I know that many looking for an EDC are looking at these two lights, and getting some insights of those who have both to compare in actual daily use might be very helpful in making their decision.

So, as it was posed to me recently - If you could keep only your SF L1 or your beloved Novatac, which would it be??

Here are my thoughts...

They are both so different but so perfectly useful at the same time it is very difficult for me to pin down an overall preference.

Ok - my painful choice:

Both lights share the following qualities, so neither would be kept solely because of these factors:

• Solid
• Reliable
• Indestructible
• Excellent UI
• Bright
• Compact
• Versatile
• Clips

Here is where they differ:

The Surefire L1 is the best by far for use outdoors. It has a huge spot that just goes forever. It will rival some of the bigger lights for spotting objects at a distance, while lighting up a generous area with it's spot. Another thing that helps the L1 outdoors is the warmer tint which I prefer anyway as it helps give me better clarity and depth perception, but a warm tint is especially useful outdoors with the browns, greens, etc.

However, the optic of the L1 which concentrates the beam giving it the excellent throw it has, also severely limits it's side-spill. This is where the Novatac excels. The reason I wanted the Novatac was that while the L1 is great outdoors, and indoors in some cases, it lights up a much smaller area at a very close range due to mainly having a "spot" with little spill. The Novatac can be used at a very close range (indoor type uses) and still light up a very large area.

The Novatac beam is so clean and provides such perfect coverage, it's like you just turned on a light. Also, using a light to look at things closely, you don't want a very strong spot overwhelming the side-spill - you just want the entire area lit. The Novatac has such a seamless spot-to-spill, that it makes it perfect for more close range use such as indoors, or outdoors looking in backyard/shed, etc., but not necessarily hiking in the woods. It is of course easily bright enough for these purposes, but it definitely will not compete with the L1 in that particular area.

One other thing about the Novatac that makes it just so useful is the single-click low/ single-click off. I like the 2-stage pressure switch w/twist for constant on of the L1, but I'm finding the Novatac switch is a little more convenient for everyday use stuff.

So which one would I choose?...........

Well, based on the fact that I'm a big outdoor fanatic, which is one of the reasons I like flashlights so much, I would have to keep the L1. But, if you were to ask me which light I will be using most of the time as a go-to light around the house and endless other tasks, it will be the Novatac hands down.

Boy, I'm glad this is hypothetical because I am not letting go of either one of these lights!

-Rich

[UPDATE]
So this has of course turned out to be a very difficult decision as expected. Even though you have two 1-cell LED pocket lights here, they each have unique advantages and disadvantages due to their very different beam profiles. That being said, many out their that stumble onto CPF will invariably run into this same dilemma trying to decide which one to buy. We will of course continue to stick by the CPF motto "buy both!", but if that isn't feasible maybe some of the opinions here will help. So, without further adieu..

So here's the tally so far (through Post #20):

If I could keep only my SF L1 or my Novatac..

• I'd keep my SureFire L1 - 5
• I'd keep my Novatac - 7
  
• Sorry, can't/won't choose - 2
  

 

[Valpo Hawkeye]

I've had both, the L1 is the only one that I still own.

With the L1, you know what you get every time you pick it up. It has a simpler interface, fits the hand better, though it is not as pocketable. However, the NovaTac is too big for my tastes for true pocket carry. I EDC a Fenix P2D Q5 for that very reason. I like the beam profile of the NT better and the ultra-low is very nice to have. However, the flickering drove me mad and the sporadic behavior made me wonder if I could count on the light when things get crazy.

 

[Supernam]

I have both. For me, it comes down to the user interface. I like that the Novatac can "click" on. Most of the time I need a light, I want it for more than 5 seconds which is kinda annoying to have to depress and hold as with the L1. On the other hand, the L1 is great because I can change brightness levels instantly. Even though it only takes a double click to change levels with the Novatac, it still takes about one second from the time you initiate the first click to the time the light responds and changes levels. Also, with the L1, you can momentary the low mode OR high mode. One small drawback about the Novatac UI is that you cannot quick momentary back to back, else it would think you are double clicking. There is a low level light tactic for law enforcement/military that involves quick bursts of light here and there as to not allow others to fixate on you. Ironically, the L1 in my opinion is more "tactical" than the Novatac 120T (T for tactical).

 

[270winchester]

the L1, by a thin margin. If the L1 were able to use 3.7v R123s it would be the perfect light.

The Novatac has been fantastic for me as well.

 

[Wattnot]

Traded my one week old 120P for an L1 Cree and I'm very happy with that decision.

The beautiful simplicity of it's button/twist and the unreal throw/output of the L1 does it for me.

In other threads I noticed several people mentioning the 120P being better for indoor use because of it's flood and low modes. Indoor use; I'll give you that one. But I carry an LOD in my shirt pocket all of the time anyway and for indoor use, that's all I need. For outdoor use, I found the 120P lacking. My P2D beat the 120P and my L1 beats my P2D once you get past 20 feet or so if outdoors is your thing, get the L1, no question.

 

[RWT1405]

Removed.

 

[270winchester]

never mind

 

[RainerWahnsinn]

You ask a very difficult question. I possess both and would like neither of them to give. If it means however either or, I keep the 120P. I like its very low low and its versatility.

Rainer

 

[Zenster]

They are both so different but so perfectly useful at the same time it is very difficult for me to pin down an overall preference.

-Rich

That says it all right there. They are so different that comparing them is apples to oranges.

I've got both, and if I had to trim my collection, there are lot's of other lights that would go before either the L1 or 120P.

I pick one of them to use in different situations, so "choosing" to keep just one of them isn't an option for me. They both stay... to the end. :thumbsup:

 

[chaoss]

I just bonded mine together to create a nice spot/flood combo. (not really) But my point is that as others have said, you are talking about two completely different beam profiles. Short answer, I'll keep the 120e & p because 90% of my lighting tasks are short distance.

 

[warpdrive]

I have both

Simple:

120P

- Smaller, more pocketable
- Four levels to choose from, L1 doesn't have a very low minimum setting. I can use the 120P where the L1 would just be too bright.
- Clicky tail with optional momentary on (you need to turn this option on in the settings), more useful around the house. L1's twist to keep on is just a pain.
- Beam more suited for closeup use (80% of my use, usually fidding behind TV sets, computers etc)
- Tail standable

The L1 is nice because it's a thrower, but as a EDC, it's not nearly as useful

 

[jag808808]

I have a MilkySeouled L1 with ultra low setting. It is great! It is very handy for time only a quick light is needed. For anything longer, I have my L2D-Q5. My preference is a clicky with increasing settings. Have not had the money to purchase a Novatac yet.

 

[Knife Boy]

I own both a SF L1 Cree and a Novatac 120E. I love them both, and don't think I would be able to choose between the two. In my mind they are just very different lights. Each with its own strengths. I will say that my 120E probably gets more pocket time since it is more compact, and the L1 gets used more as a bag light.

 

[candlelight001]

I'm the one who posted the question to you Rich, b/c I'm wrestling with the issue with regards to my 85p and L1. I spent a night camping out in the desert on Saturday, and have a few thoughts from the field. I should say that my preference is to be able to carry one light, plus a photon while backpacking.

Pro-L1
-The L1 has a great tint for outdoor use, best of a bunch of lights I tried, including the Novatac and Malkoffs. Something about the tint or clarity of the light is great for contrast and relief, or maybe it's the focus.

-The L1 high beam is great, great throw, bright enough useful spill that the center spot doesn't overwhelm it.

-The switch on the L1 is less convenient, but seems more reliable to me in its simplicity.

Now here's where the L1 breaks down... For me, the low beam is not very useful at all, for anything. For finding your way, it's too bright in the middle, not bright enough in the spill. Even though the spill is there, the center spot is so bright that your eye is naturally drawn to it. So you have to keep sweeping the light side to side. For setting up camp or reading or other short distance work, the spot is too small and bright to be useful.

When you put an F04 on it, the low beam problem goes away and you have a nice flood. But then you've got one more easily lost little piece to worry about, and you lose the benefit of being able to punch on the throwy high beam.

So, I'm left with a simple, reliable two stage light with one great stage and one with limited usefulness.

Pro-Novatac
-I find that the longer I'm outdoors, the less light I need. So the low modes on Novatac are great.
-The beam pattern is more useful for most navigation as I can use my more of my vision without swinging the light from side to side. For camp and reading it's much more useful.
-The 85 lumen max setting is good for medium range. I kind of wish I knew how much brighter the 120 is so I could decide whether it's worth upgrading.

Novatac problems... Obviously it doesn't throw as far as the L1 on high. But more importantly, the complicated nature of its software always leaves me a bit uneasy that it could crash out at some time. I realize that this is fairly unheard of, and that the software can't be compared to computer software, but common sense tells me the L1 is more reliable.

So, with all that said, I think I've decided to keep the Novatac for sure, but haven't decided yet whether to sell the L1

 

[Brigadier]

I'm the one who posted the question to you Rich, b/c I'm wrestling with the issue with regards to my 85p and L1. I spent a night camping out in the desert on Saturday, and have a few thoughts from the field. I should say that my preference is to be able to carry one light, plus a photon while backpacking.

Pro-L1
-The L1 has a great tint for outdoor use, best of a bunch of lights I tried, including the Novatac and Malkoffs. Something about the tint or clarity of the light is great for contrast and relief, or maybe it's the focus.

-The L1 high beam is great, great throw, bright enough useful spill that the center spot doesn't overwhelm it.

-The switch on the L1 is less convenient, but seems more reliable to me in its simplicity.

Now here's where the L1 breaks down... For me, the low beam is not very useful at all, for anything. For finding your way, it's too bright in the middle, not bright enough in the spill. Even though the spill is there, the center spot is so bright that your eye is naturally drawn to it. So you have to keep sweeping the light side to side. For setting up camp or reading or other short distance work, the spot is too small and bright to be useful.

When you put an F04 on it, the low beam problem goes away and you have a nice flood. But then you've got one more easily lost little piece to worry about, and you lose the benefit of being able to punch on the throwy high beam.

So, I'm left with a simple, reliable two stage light with one great stage and one with limited usefulness.

Pro-Novatac
-I find that the longer I'm outdoors, the less light I need. So the low modes on Novatac are great.
-The beam pattern is more useful for most navigation as I can use my more of my vision without swinging the light from side to side. For camp and reading it's much more useful.
-The 85 lumen max setting is good for medium range. I kind of wish I knew how much brighter the 120 is so I could decide whether it's worth upgrading.

Novatac problems... Obviously it doesn't throw as far as the L1 on high. But more importantly, the complicated nature of its software always leaves me a bit uneasy that it could crash out at some time. I realize that this is fairly unheard of, and that the software can't be compared to computer software, but common sense tells me the L1 is more reliable.

So, with all that said, I think I've decided to keep the Novatac for sure, but haven't decided yet whether to sell the L1

Kinda sounds like if Fenix made a good pocket clip for the P2D/P3D series of light, they'd have them both whipped. I put a clip on my P3D from a Rayovac 3W 2XAA light that suddenly died, and carrying the P3D bezel down in my left front pocket is just about as perfect a light as you can get. The only fly in the ointment is the reverse clicky tail cap.

 

[RichS]

So this has of course turned out to be a very difficult decision as expected. Even though you have two 1-cell LED pocket lights here, they each have unique advantages and disadvantages due to their very different beam profiles. That being said, many out their that stumble onto CPF will invariably run into this same dilemma trying to decide which one to buy. We will of course continue to stick by the CPF motto "buy both!", but if that isn't feasible maybe some of the opinions here will help. So, without further adieu, I have added the tallies of the preferences in my opening post.

 

[precisionworks]

I bought the L1 first ... how SF can make a single cell light so long is beyond me ... sold on BST within an hour.

Seery suggested the 120P ... bought one ... bought another. It sees more 'pocket time' than any other light I own. Convinced my son to buy one, but now he prefers the HDS:shakehead

Nothing else even comes close to the 120P in the ability to deliver multiple levels of user selected brightness. With a perfect beam profile.

 

[Blindasabat]

See my avatar!

I might prefer my L1 by a slim margin just because it is modified ...OK all three of them are modified. And they are soo cool.

 

[Patriot]

I've owned the L1 for a longer period of time but since getting the Novatac I prefer it for most thing. Rich's overall observations of both lights is spot on though. Even though the L1 is longer I think is carries easier that the Novatac. The L1 has a better clip and the body is more slim. For every other reason that I carry a flashlight, the 120 is just a little bit better including the switch feel. I can't think of another light that has a nicer switch with the exception of the WiseLED possibly.

I'd hate to make the choice but I'd have to keep the Novatac.

 

[cv3po]

I prefer the SF E1B. It is the correct size for a 1-cr123 light, it has a simple 2-level UI with a bright (80 lumen) high with around 1-3/4 hour regulated runtime (on mine), the low level is perfect for me for most tasks and lasts a silly amount of hours, high comes on first with a forward clicky, the clip rocks, I like the TIR optic beam pattern.................I'm sure I'm forgetting something. The NT is more versatile but I already have a yellow Photon II for my low low light and for some reason I just distrust ANY light that is programmable. I think I'm getting old but they make me nervous. YMMV