Quick first look at my new E2L, plus...after the mod

[Owen]

Standard SF packaging:

First thing I noticed is that the threads aren't anodized like a recently purchased E2e:

Before even turning it on, I decided to install a Valiant Concepts tail shroud from JS Burly's like the one on the E2e. For anyone not familiar-boil a cup of water, stick the tailcap in a ziploc bag, drop it in the hot water and let sit for a couple of minutes. A pair of ground down needlenose pliers or appropriate wrench, and a couple of turns later, you've got the Z57 apart:

The Z57 has been upgraded in the same fashion as the Z58/9, with contact made through tabs rather than a flat plate. The switch button is also smaller(and red), and the retaining ring is now black Delrin(?) rather than anodized aluminum.

Note the thicker wall, and clear ChemKote(I assume). An AW 17670 that drops right into the more recent E2e will not fit. In addition, and as we all know by now, there is a visible step further down the body that further discourages the use of larger diameter cells than a CR123<<that pic didn't turn out well.

My few remaining E series lights.
An older E2e/KL1 awaiting a mod, newer E2e w/long clip and tail shroud, and the E2L with tail shroud:

 

[Owen]

Re: Quick first look at my new E2L

All lights on new SF123As, E2L always on the right. Had to do this in a darkened hallway since it's daytime, so the distances are short. ~2.5 ft, then <1 ft. for the closeups.
SF E2e with MN03 LA vs. E2L on high. The E2L actually has some spill, though ringy and much narrower than the MN03's.

Malkoff M60WLF in a C2-HA vs. E2L high, then E2L high with F04 diffuser in place. 60 lumens, huh?

Closeup shot of the M60WLF and E2L high+F04 diffuser:

Arc AAA-P vs. E2L low with diffuser:

This is going to be awesome with a Q4 5B emitter. May see if I can get the head apart and try some light diffusing film. I basically wanted a more compact, longer-running version of the Malkoff M60WLF. The E2L is brighter, and better than I expected in all respects, except the next little bit.

Here are current draws on high/low. The DMM I was using only reads to hundredths of an amp, so the mA are only divisible by ten.
1 AW 17670 4.2V 340mA/20mA
2 SF123A 6.4V 250mA/20mA
2 AW R123 8.4V 230mA/60mA
The E2L circuit is not happy on 2xR123, which somehow increases brightness in spite of the buck circuit. The difference in low mode is huge. 1x17670 is a little dimmer than 2xSF123A, but not much. That's what I'll be using in this light on the E2e body until I open up the E2L body to fit.

That's it for the moment...

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Re: Quick first look at my new E2L

Great post! Hail to the E-Series!!!

 

[Owen]

Re: Quick first look at my new E2L

Carried the E2L last night. Love the ergos and UI. Used it for checking stuff at work, and my first set of rounds, then put it back in my bag. It has a really bright spot for its output that impressed me at first.
Great for shining around looking at the hotspot, but the cool tint and weak ringy spill isn't very good in actual use, especially compared to the lights I'm accustomed to using. I do like it a lot better with the F04 diffuser.
This one is getting packed up and sent out for a Q4 5B and McR19XR just like my L1 did. Guess I'll redo the comparison beamshots when it gets back.

 

[Owen]

Re: Quick first look at my new E2L

Got my E2L back from mudman cj yesterday. Along with the Q4-5B emitter, and cut-down McR19XR, the body was bored for use with a 17670.
I knew what to expect from having the same mod done to a L1('cept with a Q3 5A), but still managed to be wowed by how much I like the combination of neutral emitter and reflector in comparison to the stock TIR beam.

I didn't bother to redo all the beamshots, and I know these aren't exactly the same shots, but...
SF E2e with MN03 LA vs. E2L on high. Before and after:

Arc AAA-P vs. E2L low with diffuser. Before and after:

Neighbor's house. ~75ft. to the door. The siding is yellow.
SF E2L with Q4-5B emitter and McR19XR reflector:

SF E2e with MN03:

SF C2L-HA with Malkoff M60WLF:

SF 6P with Malkoff M60W:

Guess it's easy to see why I love my Malkoff W models. The E2L complements them really well, and the tint is very similar. Yes, the color rendition is that good.
Slimmer and more comfortable to carry, low mode, nice flood with the F04 in both high and low, practical brightness levels, plus a LOT more runtime(after the mod, pulling 20mA low/320mA high from a 1600mAh 17670). This E2L will be my EDC for awhile.
I think the guy who came by to renew my termite bond(as I was walking up the driveway from the mailbox with my "new" E2L) like to had a heart attack when the M60WLF lit up not just the floor joists he was looking at, but the entire wall. Then I loaded a pair of 123s in the E2L, and switched it on while walking around the basement with him and his 2AA MiniMag. Gotta love those moments...

Because I like looking at them:

 

[Owen]

I removed the bezel and lens to try some light diffusing film(LDF) from flashlightlens.com, and believe it will be staying.
Crappy handheld beamshots, but I'm loving the flood:

Low, High

Some autofocus issues...I don't have lockable settings on my camera, and use "museum" mode. Works great outdoors, but sometimes the indoor shots get screwed up.

SF E2e w/MN03: