Please help!! SF E2e or Inova X5T

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Hi everyone... first time poster...

I have been afflicted by the flashlight bug, and have narrowed my choices down to 2... SF E2e or Inova X5T...

These are my needs: BRIGHTNESS, durability, long battery life, and bang-for-the-buck. I don't mind spending more, but want value for my $$$. I won't be using the flashlight for anything in particular, except normal use. I plan on using it as an EDC/self defence if need be.

I know that the E2e and X5T are like comparing apples to oranges, but require feedback based on your uasage/recommendations on which is the better light. I like the "tactical" look of the E2e, esp. with the KL1 head, which appears to be the ideal setup, but the X5T appears to be very bright, very aggressively priced, and understand it to be great on batteries.

What would you recommend?

Thanks

JC

p.s. Please don't say get both, because eventually I may, I just need your input on which one first... Thanks!

 

[rlhess]

The E2e (and get the HA one with anti-roll bezel and pyrex lens) is a much more versatile light. The X5 (I didn't have a T) that I sold produces less than 100 candelas, although it has a broad pattern.

On the other hand, the 60-lumen standard E2e lamp produces a peak beam of 1350 cd.

The Inova starts dimming immediately and the percentage light fall off vs. battery life seemed to be higher in the X5T than in the Brinkmann LX (which should behave in a similar manner to the E2e).

I think with the E2e and the KL1 you have the best of both possible worlds. If you need LONG run time, put on the KL1, you'll get about double the candela output from the KL1 than from the X5T and the light output will remain flat for about 3-4 hours (check the run-time charts published elsewhere on CPF--I'm doing this from memory).

The only challenge you'll have is how to carry the KL-1 when you've got the incandescent on the E2e (or vice-versa). The Surefire SC1 will let you carry a spare lamp and 6 123 cells, but not the bezel. It MIGHT fit in a film can, but I haven't tried it.

Overall, I think the SF would be more reliable in the switch than the Inova. My X5 was intermittent a few times and required aggressive cleaning, but it seems to have settled down and the person who bought it is happy...and I'm happy I don't have it any longer and that I bit the bullet for the E2e.

I do NOT carry the KL1 (or even own it). I carry the E2e in its native 60 lumen mode. AND I carry an Arc sLS to fill the niche of the KL-1. I also carry an Arc AAA LE for reading menus in dark restaurants and reading a GPS in the dark (the backlight consumes too much battery power--works great on car-cord, tho). (Oh, I do have a KL3 on a 9P).

Cheers,

Richard

 

[McGizmo]

Gengis,

If you go with the E2e and get a KL1 to boot, you have spent considerably more money but have quite a sophisticated package with many options, IMHO! The KL1 is a great, multi purpose EDC and then you can always put the E2e bezel on if you need throw that LED's only dream of (at this point in time and size).

- Don

 

[sotto]

In my opinion, the cobalt blue Inova X5T is an outstanding functional and design achievement...and just plain fun. Those bright blue LED's really make fluorescent colors light up great. Great little tool to get the last smidgen of use out of those lithium 123 cells that are too pooped to make an E2E or similar function, too. It's my choice to have on my belt.

 

[sotto]

AND...it comes with a belt pouch!

 

[dilettante]

I'm a relative newbie here, too, but heres my $0.02 . . .

I would check out THIS and THIS (don't forget to click on the "Surefire KL series tab at the bottom). I found them very useful resources.

I love my E2e Outdoorsman/KL1, but they were spendy. I think I've read you can put the KL1 on a $39 Streamlight Scorpion to get more bang for the buck. Another option would be one of the LS seconds on sale now. Check out the ARC Flashlights forum. Any of these options should be twice as bright as the X5 according to links above.

I don't have an X5 or know much about it . . .

 

[MSaxatilus]

I have both...

No comparison. E2E with the KL1 as an option for longer bat life. No brainer.

 

[SuRgE]

Own both,

Brightness:E2E with out KL1

Durability:Both are built like tanks but X5t is waterproof to 150 feet, E2E is not!

Runtime:I don't know about everyone but my X5t was brigher than my E2E/KL1 after 5 hours. NOw the KL1 was easily brighter the first 4 hours.

Bang for the buck: X5t no question!

Self defense:E2E; X5T can't cut it.

Searching for things around the house: X5T has a broader smoother beam.

Size: They are about the same but the E2E with the KL1 is a bit longer than the X5T.

Versatility: E2E has alot of options; 60 or 25 lumen lamp, Kl1 LED lamp, removable belt clip.

Conclusion: If money is an issue get the X5T, if not get the E2E with the KL1, and if money really is not the issue than get both!

 

[Roy]

I have the KL-1 on a E1 and love it! While not quite as bright as the E2, it fits in the pocket better. And as been said above, the regular head is there when you need (plan ahead) it!

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Surge makes really excellent points. I have been thinking about the X5T for a while now. I'm not one to make a decision in a hurried manner.

After seeing how well the TSP-123 Arc LS packs work, I decided to get two. I have 2 Arc LSes. This is an example of my unhurried decision making process.

 

[Josh]

Standard responce: Get both!

 

[MicroE]

No flashlight will give you everything; there is always a compromise. Although I hate to admit it, the upcoming SF A2 will be the closest (but the pricetag is the compromise).
Sometimes you want a broad beam to look around the house, sometimes you want long throw to walk around outside.

The E2e with the KL1 is my suggestion.---Marc

BTW, Welcome Aboard Gengis!

 

[kz1000s1]

I bought the Inova X5 first because of the run time and the price. It's also better for close up work. I use an X5T everyday at work. A great light. Then I got an E1 and became addicted to Surefires. Instead of an E2 I bought a 6P for being slightly brighter with 65 lumen lamp, longer throw, and a 120 lumen lamp option for self-defense. Not as good if you are going to carry it in a pocket, but no problem in a belt pouch. Also take a look at the Surefire G2 which is close in price to the X5. This is what I might get next. Surprisingly nice for a plastic light. Functionally the same as the 6P and lighter. Or a G2Z.

As far as the KL1 goes, I've tried out the sample my Surefire dealer had on an E2e, and didn't see enough difference in output over my X5T to justify the price. Eventually I might get one for my E1, but other lights are higher on my list. When I first got addicted to this hobby, LED's got all of my attention; however, now that I have seen how good the best incandescents are, I find myself going back to them.

Get both if you must, but start with a Surefire is my recommendation.

And welcome to the asylum!

 

[Joe Talmadge]

Okay, you obviously realize some of your requirements are in conflict -- brightness and longevity.

Since you emphasized brightness, and mentioned possible self defense use, I think the answer is pretty clear: E2e. The Inova doesn't cut it for this use at all. In addition, though the Inova is great for closer-up work, I think the E2e is a more versatile EDC.

Among the nice features of the E2e is you have lots of options. If today you do want to trade off brightness for runtime, switch out the lamp for the low output lamp assembly. When you save up $45 or so, you can pick up a KL1, another brightness/runtime tradeoff, that also gives you a different style of beam and more robustness.

Pick up the E2e. Depending on how you end up using it, consider picking up the LOLA or KL1 at a later date.
Joe

 

[Sean]

Get the E2e & KL1. The KL1 is much brighter than the X5 and "real life" battery life is about the same. The E2e with 60 lumen lamp is much brighter than an LED light. In this case, you get what you pay for.

 

[LLLean]

I've used both the E2e and the Inova 5xt. My E2e has both the 60 lumens (90min) and the 25 lumens (150min) lamps. These two lamps are way brighter than the Inova, but the runtime on the Inova is 5 hours and more. With the KL1 on the E2e, you can get 5 hours. So it really comes down to how much you want to spend. Getting the E2e with the KL1 and the 25 lamp gives you a lot of possibilities, but cost you around $130. The Inova can be had for $40. Personally, if i want a just an LED light, i'll just get the Inova. However, i think the E2e with the 25lumens lamp is an incredible flashlight. Very bright and 2.5 hours. For comparison, the Inova's light is about 1/10th that of the E2e with the 25lumens lamp. The 60 lumens lamp has a wider beam, but the throw is just a bit longer. But the Inova's light is plenty bright for an LED and it's very smooth and nice.

Hope i didn't confuse you.

 

[CityHunter]

Normal I'll say get X5T first, but during the christmas season SureFire price is lower a bite
Then get E2e first, E1e and KL1 after.

For normal using E2e is bright, LED is different
it seems more friendly when you shine it to somebody, so for EDC I always w/ my X5T

KL1 with E1e is much brighter than X5T but its too small to handle and because the 123 battery in X5T can give me around 9~10 hrs peak bright, its good for normal using EDC

ac

 

[Owen]

What do you mean by "self-defense"? The X5 makes a decent fistload, impact weapon (kubaton).

I have the old X5, an E2e, and a KL1. The E2e w/KL1 is my EDC/work/camping light.
The X5 and stock E2e bezel live in a drawer most of the time.
Brighter and easier to carry and use than the X5, MUCH longer runtime than the factory MN03 LA.
It's definitely a compromise, but it's the best compromise I've found so far.

 

[Gone Jeepin]

I don't have a 5X or 5XT at this point, but am very fond of my E2e HA. It is great for EDC. I am starting with a KL3 for my Z3 before I get a KL1. I am also waiting for the feedback on the new LS2 before the KL1. The LS2 and E2e HA may become the perfect pair for me.

My .02 is to grab a E2e HA, spare bulb, spare batteries, spares carrier and watch this DB for future developments.

 

[llvo]

The design of X5T makes it not an effective Kubaton. Try the Batonlite from streamlight, it's the light for striking purpose.
(sorry for off-topic)

IMO, if you can only pick one between X5T and E2e, I'll say go for the E2e. It's so much brighter and 1hr 15mins' runtime isn't too short

BTW, you can carry an ArcAAA LED light to aid the E2e