Surefire Cree E2L observations

[parnass]

Here are my preliminary observations on the new Surefire E2L Cree LED flashlight.

The light remains cool even after 30 minutes of continuous use -- virtually no heat that I can feel.

I would characterize the tint on my Cree E2L as somewhat warm. It renders colors better than my bluer tinted lights.

The Cree version E2L is designed for long battery life and mine draws only 152 mA from a fresh set of Surefire CR123A batteries. That measurement is very close to the current consumption figures reported by two other E2L owners recently.

Despite the low 152 mA current consumption, the E2L's beam throws farther than my TIROS Inova XO2 (350 mA draw) and TIROS T1 (630 mA draw). The E2L easily throws farther than the single cell HDS EDC Basic 42XRGT.

The Inova TIROS T3 (510 mA draw) and the rechargeable TIROS T4 throw a bit farther than the E2L, but that could be because both have bluer tints.

My new K2 reflector version Inova T1 (675 mA draw) has a bluish tint and throws slightly farther than the E2L. That T1 has a huge amount of spill versus the weaker, more narrow E2L spill.

The Cree E2L draws even less current than the latest version Inova X5 (152 mA versus 280 mA).

I hope you find these comments useful.

 

[MarNav1]

Wow, 152mA! I'm suprised. Thought it would be in the 500mA range at least.

 

[Burgess]

to parnass --


good work on these current-draw readings.


You've answered my biggest questions. :thumbsup:



Certainly are interesting times for Flashaholics.

-

 

[carrot]

Based on my observations, the Cree E2L kicks major butt. I love this thing. Thanks for the measurements. My E2L was also cool to the touch after an hour and a half of bike riding, with it constantly on.

 

[mossyoak]

now thats a light thats built for the outdoors. i wish id had one of those to take with me in belize that'd have been the stuff.

 

[Kiessling]

Have one on order.
THis is a very attractive package ... small, 9h regulated runtime, still relatively bright with a useful beam ... and it shoudl be no-frill KISS and rock solid.
I like this concept.

bernie

 

[paulr]

This is the latest KL1 incarnation, with a very narrow beam as a counterpart to the KL4's wide beam?

 

[parnass]

This is the latest KL1 incarnation, with a very narrow beam as a counterpart to the KL4's wide beam?

The KX2 head emits a more narrow beam than a "wall of light." It has more spill than the Inova TIROS series without the TIROS rings so the Cree E2L makes a better walking light than some of the TIROS lights. (I walk a mile or two daily, often on dark roads.)

I had intended to buy a Surefire Cree L1, but I think the E2L better suits my needs. I want an EDC light with long battery life and which runs cool for extended periods. My hand is uncomfortable when employed as a heat sink.

The 10 lumen level on the HDS EDC Basic 42XRGT isn't bright enough to serve as my default level. I am in my 50s and my vision isn't as good as it was when I was younger. I will be able to use the Cree E2L at 45 lumens for long, long periods of time without worrying about heat buildup or batteries dying.

I always carry one or two Arc AAA-P lights, so a multilevel EDC light is unnecessary.

 

[carrot]

That's right. It has increased spill and no rings by comparison to the latest generation Luxeon KL1. The Cree head is KX1 and KX2, for 1- and 2-cell lights, respectively.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

45 lumens at 152mA's draw from two CR123's!!! Uses, at least, a buck circuit. That Cree is is more powerful than a P4. They are, no doubt using Cree's in the Q3+ range, maybe even a higher ranking of Cree. Wonder what the actual current to the led is?

Sounds like the E2L head could function with a 17650, or 18650 LiIon, utilizing the correct sized body.

Bill

 

[cue003]

I am considering picking up one of these E2L but am wondering if I should just get the G2L or 6PL when they come out instead.....

Curtis

 

[Size15's]

I am considering picking up one of these E2L but am wondering if I should just get the G2L or 6PL when they come out instead.....

Curtis

Why not get both an E2L and a G2L?
I'm planning to get a number of G2L's (especially if the £ to $ remains so good) to replace the G2's I have for emergency (1st aid kits, glove box etc) use.

Al

 

[flash_bang]

I was thinking about a G2L at first, but I think I'm pretty much sold on the E1L. I don't have a one cell light, the clip is good for what I'm going to do, and I think the 30 Lu will be good for what I'm going to do as well. And coupled with that runtime, I don't think I'll have much problem with it. One thing though, is I'm kinda worried about the HAIII finish and if the E1L wouldn't fit my hand right and whatnot. What would be the best way for me to figure it out? The only "good" light I have now is the SF G2, and I think that it is relatively "fat" considering the smaller Al lights. Any ideas on what I should do? btw, price is kind of a huge factor, so that's another thing I have to keep in mind.
TIA,
Flash

 

[Size15's]

Flash,
You are talking yourself into finding a SureFire Dealer you can visit and actually handle the flashlights. I agree, consideration for ergonomics is vital and there really is no substitute for trying before you buy.

What concerns have you regarding the HA finish? That it may ding, start wearing at the sharper corners/edges etc?
The way I see it is that the flashlight is a tool intended for use. Just like everything else that is used it will gain character and become a 'historic record' of your experiences with it. I'm not suggesting you keep note of every ding but I personal look at my EDC - see the wear, the dings and recognise that it is my flashlight, it has been with me through thick and thin - good times and bad times. In fact, when I start with a brand new flashlight I am keen to get it 'personalised' as soon as possible!

Al

 

[flash_bang]

thanks Al!
The HA thing was just kind of an afterthought, mostly just wondering how it fared in comparison to the G2 Nitrolon that I have, but as far as the ergonomics, I think I might benefit from going somewhere, as you said.
If I can't find a cree E1L where I go, will the old version E1L be the same as far as ergonomics go?
TIA,
Flash

 

[Size15's]

Yes, the difference is that the KL1 is a couple millimetres shorter than the KX1/KX2 so I think you can use an old E1L to get an idea of how the new one feels in your hand.

 

[WildChild]

I received mine today! I love this light. This is not what I call a perfect beam as it has some artifacts in it but I like it. This is really a throw light but with a spill bright enough to be useful. Compared to my L2D (eye compare), it throws as much as the high level but the spill is dimmer than the medium level. For the overall light output I cannot tell (with the ceiling bounce test) since it's still day here. I has high expectations since this is my first SureFire light and I'm pleased!

 

[Pax et Lux]

I am considering picking up one of these E2L but am wondering if I should just get the G2L or 6PL when they come out instead.....

Curtis

Me too. Right now I can't afford both - so I'm waiting on the G2L reviews. I have a thing going for plastic lights (so long as they are tough plastic and do not get too hot for the body materials). I am perhaps the only person here that would prefer the G2L to have less output, so it becomes more of a utility/emergency light.

However, the E2L seems perfect for my needs (runtime over output).

 

[darkninja67]

The E2L Cree is my first Surefire light and I can see why Surefire is well received. This thing throws well, is well built, is compact, has a long runtime and it fits my hand very nicely. This is probably my EDC out of the 3 lights I now own.

 

[matthewdanger]

Let see here... Surefire build quaility, 9 hours of regulated runtime (16 or so hours total), 45 lumens, decent throw, increased spill over the previous KL1, E series size... I am so glad I have one of these on the way!