Ordered a P2D CE textured and SF L1 Cree...

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Valpo Hawkeye

Valpo Hawkeye

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Jun 17, 2006
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Valparaiso, IN
Did I order essentially the same light? Of course, I understand the differences between Fenix and SureFire, I own several of each. I also understand the optic and UI differences. However, when it comes to function and use, aren't these essentially the same? I'm looking forward most to the L1, since the L1's, any gen, are my favorite light(s). The P2D is essentially the same as my L1D that I use with 3v cells. Time will tell.
 
I don't think so. I also have both and the L1 is the one I enjoy using the most. The P2 is almost too small to be comfortable, too smooth to have a secure grip... but definitely small enough to have with you all the time. The L1 is the one you grab because it is big enough to fill your hand, long enough to have your thumb securely on the tailcap and the bezel right at the edge of your fist without obscuring the beam, and the kind of texture and shape that makes you feel like there's no way for it to slip or accidentally drop out of your hand while you are using it. They're both good lights with different uses and each has its own "feel." It's why we can't just use one knife for everything, own just one watch, eat just one kind of food...
 
P2D CE came today. Cheers to David at www.fenix-store.com for fast shipping.

So far, I'm impressed with the light. It has a textured reflector. The emitter is slightly off center, but the beam is still pretty good. The halo from the CREE is only really noticeable on one side of the beam due to the off-center emitter. You don't really notice it unless white wall hunting. The size is very nice; I can put it in the cargo pockets of my shorts and forget it's there.

I hope to receive the L1 CREE on Monday, at which point I'll get to compare the two. The SF better perform! 😉
 
Looking forward to the comparo. I have the L1-Cree and was thinking of getting the P2D, but don't know if I would gain anything in output when using the P2D (even on burst or whatever).

Valpo would love to get your output opinion on L1-Cree on high vs. the P2D Max and P2D burst.

Thanks and enjoy your new lights.

Curtis
 
One reason I ordered both is that the Fenix is definitely smaller. This is great when I'm going out, but don't see any foreseeable reason I'll need the light. That way it is low profile, but still has some kick (I always have my Arc AAA-P). However, in my experience, the L1 (or A2, L2) has such a nice tailcap, making it easy to select either level from the get-go. The Fenix does a reasonable job by giving you the multi-mode head twisty action. However, you can't select the 'primary' mode without a couple clicks.

Once the L1 comes I'll put some pics together. :twothumbs
 
Valpo Hawkeye said:
P2D CE came today...
So far, I'm impressed with the light. It has a textured reflector. The emitter is slightly off center, but the beam is still pretty good...
Click to expand...

I can not believe that they are still having issues with the centering.:ohgeez:

My P2D (which was from the 1st batch) is like yours. So I gave them a little lattitude.

Now, everytime I see a new wizzbang Fenix CREE, I hesitate in hitting the pay now button.
 
Because of the optic, they are not essentially the same lights. When you get your L1, you will notice that it fires alot more lumens into the hot spot whereas the P2D with throw more into the spill.

I prefer the low on the P2D to the low of the L1 because lower output beams do better with reflectors in my opinion.

They are both great lights!

-Goatee
 
Here's a few quick snaps that included, left to right, a textured P2D CE, SF L1 CREE, Milky ML1 with Seoul/reflector combo and an A2-WH.



 
Nice collection, looks like your L1 has clear window.
 
Valpo. Thanks for the pictures. Your pictures have started me thinking. I see from your picture you have an old-old (small head) L1 (milky modded). I am interested in a slightly smaller L1 setup and I currently have the L1-Cree. The head of your milky ML1 appears to be smaller than the current L1-Cree.

What happens if you take your ML1 head and put it on the L1-Cree? does it work? Does it still have dual output? Is it brighter, dimmer etc than before?

How is the output of the L1-Cree vs the ML1?

Sorry for so many freaking questions. I am trying to justify the purchase of the the ML1 even though I have the L1-Cree. I think I would really only want to purchase just the ML1 head if possible to use on the L1-Cree body.

any feedback will be appreciated.

Curtis
 
cue003, the head works just fine on the newer body, but the 'low' is brighter. The ML1 is more of a "wall of light" type beam with a broad hot spot and plenty of spill. The Cree L1 is way tighter, with significantly less spill but WAY better throw. I would say the ML1 is better indoors and short range, whereas the Cree L1 is great outdoors where some spotting is needed. Keep in mind that Scott, aka milkyspit, can put in whatever reflector you'd like in order to achieve your desired beam characteristics. Also, my ML1 uses a Seoul while the L1 is obviously Cree. Cree's seem to be better throwers (I think).
 
cue003 said:
Looking forward to the comparo. I have the L1-Cree and was thinking of getting the P2D, but don't know if I would gain anything in output when using the P2D (even on burst or whatever).

Valpo would love to get your output opinion on L1-Cree on high vs. the P2D Max and P2D burst.
Click to expand...

I compared my Cree L1 to a friend's Fenix P2d on turbo(advertised 130 lumens) and my L1 held its own. The L1s high beam is rated at 65 lumens comared to the Fenix rated 130 lumens but there was very little difference in brightness at all I was surprised.
 
dcowboyscr said:
I compared my Cree L1 to a friend's Fenix P2d on turbo(advertised 130 lumens) and my L1 held its own. The L1s high beam is rated at 65 lumens comared to the Fenix rated 130 lumens but there was very little difference in brightness at all I was surprised.
Click to expand...
The fenix puts a lot of light into the spill. Try a ceiling bounce test (look at a magazine on the floor) and also try it outside (look at the entire visual field, not just the hotspot).
 
Actual lumens out the front, I'd have to say the Fenix on turbo is brighter; definitely more spill. I have two Cree L1's. The one without a frosted lens out-throws the Fenix. The frosted L1 has about the same throw as the P2D CE.
 
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