Oh.. oh..Here we go again... Fenix T1 vs Surefire L1 Cree

[Bruce-YVR]

Gents... I almost pull the trigger on the T1 but unfortunately ( or fortunately ) I saw some reviews on the SF L1. Was there a poll done on this comparison before?

What do you think?

Price aside... a few $ difference, that's fine with me.

Usage aside... I am not going to war here.. this is a pure gadget buy for me.

Which one would you get?

Thanks

Bruce

 

[iSleep]

It depends on your needs ...

If you want high brightness with mid-long range throw and practically indestructible, choose the T1 ...

If you want something pocket friendly and you just need it for EDC, then the L1 should be enough ...

Otherwise, do it the CPF style : Buy BOTH ~ :naughty:

 

[TooSharp]

+1 ^^
:welcome:
I've got the T1 and it is an awesome light. It is my bedside light and it feels great in the hand. I also have the L1 on order so I can't speak to it yet, but I think it will be my EDC. I agree with iSleep get both I did!

 

[Bruce-YVR]

Hi.. what is EDC?

Thanks

 

[iSleep]

EDC = Everyday Carry

The listed maximum brightness the L1 can go is 65 lu, and the T1 215 lu ...
But keep in mind that surefire often understates their lumen ratings, while fenix states emitter lumen ratings ... You might want to take this into consideration while making your choices ... no matter which light you choose in the end, both are still great lights ...

 

[Helmut.G]

Also keep in mind that some people (me ;P) can EDC the T1 without problems:devil:

 

[jugg2]

The T-1 is 225 lumens not 215. But really at that amount of light 10 lumens either way doesn't make a difference lol.

 

[iSleep]

well ... 225 or 215 ... those are emitter lumens ... they're gonna go when it hits the window

 

[WadeF]

But keep in mind that surefire often understates their lumen ratings, while fenix states emitter lumen ratings ... You might want to take this into consideration while making your choices ... no matter which light you choose in the end, both are still great lights ...

Are trying to say the Fenix T1 and the SF L1 have comparable output? I have both, and the T1 easily beats the SF L1 in the output department, and throw.

 

[rotncore]

Bruce, what do you plan to use your light for? You'll get far better answers.

 

[jk904jk]

In my opinion, these two lights are far from similar.

Fenix.

too large for comfortable EDC

extremely bright



surefire

good small size for EDC

nowhere near as bright as Fenix T1

 

[greenLED]

In my opinion, these two lights are far from similar.

Yup, about the only thing they have in common is the two output levels.

Bruce, what do you plan to use your light for? You'll get far better answers.

Excellent question! Even if it's a "gadget buy" for you, it kinda helps to know what your typical usage might be, or go "the CPF way" and buy both.

 

[Patriot]

In my opinion, these two lights are far from similar.

Fenix.

too large for comfortable EDC

extremely bright



surefire

good small size for EDC

nowhere near as bright as Fenix T1

+1 to this.

I don't even think of those two lights as being in the same class. I think it's easier to compare single cells to single cells and two cell lights with two cell lights.

Anyhow, the L1 is a joy to carry. It's small and you hardly realize that it's with you once you're used to carrying. It will handily illuminate anything under 30 - 40 yards. If you expect to be generally be using it at distances farther than that, the T1 will work better for you.

 

[KeyGrip]

In this case, the lights are different enough to the point where I could get both and find uses for them. Letting us know what you're going to do with the light will help a lot.

 

[Federal LG]

I don´t know about the Fenix T1, but I have a Surefire L1: the light has outstanding construction, good throw, two modes, good size for EDC and just uses 1x CR123 (perfect for me).

I just love my SF L1!

 

[woodrow]

You might also try something like this. Buy a T1 $69 and a small light (AAA...cr2) for your front pocket. I just bought a Streamlight Microstream...$16...it runs on 1AA and it is WAAY smaller than the T1...and smaller than the L1 for that matter. This will give you a light you can carry on you always...and a very bright good throwing light as well.

If I could Only have one light...I would buy the L1 over the T1. The T1 is just to big to always have on you.

 

[Saiga]

Like many here, i have both,and am really happy with both. That being said, if i could only have one, i'd go with the surefire. Sure,the T1 is brighter and has more throw, but i haven't once needed all that light,( just have it 'cause it's cool) but i find use for smaller amouts of artificial light several times daily. The surefire is famous for its warranty, another major plus for me. I haven't yet EDC'd the T1,'cause it's a big 'ol man-sized hunk of metal, but i regularly carry the L1. The single battery of the L1 is also a plus, for a couple different reasons. Five years from now, i'd be willing to bet the surefire has considerably greater re-sale value,if for no other reason,it's warranty will be as good as the day you bought it. And as for lumens, from everything i've read,the T1 has considerably less than stated, while the surefire has noticably more. Again, i love my T1, but if i could only have one, say stranded on a desert island with a couple extra batteries, i'd be happier with the surefire.
Just my observations and ruminations............:thumbsup: P.S. OOPS,where are my manners ???? WELCOME TO CPF !!

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

A few dollars difference??? I find 130+ to be up there!

I don't have either light and may never. But pricewise I'd be after the Fenix.

 

[jzmtl]

T1 is too bright for indoor/upclose work, even the low mode. I don't have a L1 but from other lights with 10 lumen it's great for upclose work so you don't blind yourself.

 

[Crenshaw]

Otherwise, do it the CPF style : Buy BOTH ~ :naughty:

Just cos you have both...

Saiga, Actually i might choose the T1, cos its brighter on low, and its low lasts 14 hours. But then again..the L1 uses one battery! so its really something like 26hours (surefire runtimes, overated? :shrug on the same batteries as a T1, thats just great , now i REALLY want one...How are the realworld runtimes with the L1?

also true about the resale value....especially if milky's had a go at it...

Crenshaw