So I'm considering getting the new L1 to edc, since I want something that would be a durable, long lasting and useful light. The L1 seems like it could fit the bill, although I'm a little concerned about possibly not having enough spill. I'm also wondering, with Surefire's reputation and resources, why they can't match Fenix for runtimes at comparable light output levels. Especially since presently they are not concentrating on brightness but rather on longer runtimes for their new and improved L1. I'm comparing to the Fenix P2D, at 12(close enough) lumens for 30 hours vs. the L1 at 10(true) lumens for only 16 hours. I'm not trying to put down Surefire, I'm just a little disappointed because I want the L1 to be the 'best' so I can feel like I'm making the right overall choice in buying it, especially since for me it is kind of expensive. Any thoughts?
Surefire Cree longer runtime?
- Thread starter LedZep
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xiaowenzu
Banned
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You have to understand that Surefire under-rates their lumen output a lot. They measure their lumen output as it leaves the light, where as Fenix claim their output from the emitter. Basically, both are pretty much neck and neck when it comes to our eyes discerning their light output, even when Fenix claims a 'higher' lumen count. It's the different method both manufacturers measure their output. Surefire's method is more honest and practical. :thumbsup:
And also the Surefire new lights tend to have better beam pattern and tint than their competitors, and that's quite important, IMO. My friend's Fenix L2D-CE, is bright but when you look at the area around the hotspot, there is a darkish patch around it.
Well, from my knowledge, the L1 is regulated at 10 Lumens for 16 hours, before dropping to the next lower output when the battery is unable to sustain it... and it keeps on a regulated drop. So there's about 60+ hrs of use Total.
However, the Fenix P2D is 12 Lumens for 30 hours TOTAL for the battery. Which means once that time is up, its no more light.
And also the Surefire new lights tend to have better beam pattern and tint than their competitors, and that's quite important, IMO. My friend's Fenix L2D-CE, is bright but when you look at the area around the hotspot, there is a darkish patch around it.
Well, from my knowledge, the L1 is regulated at 10 Lumens for 16 hours, before dropping to the next lower output when the battery is unable to sustain it... and it keeps on a regulated drop. So there's about 60+ hrs of use Total.
However, the Fenix P2D is 12 Lumens for 30 hours TOTAL for the battery.
Which means once that time is up, its no more light.Bullzeyebill
Flashaholic
The Surefire L1 Cree is regulated on high only, and barely, due to high amp drain. Low is handled by a resister, and it does a great job, if you look at the runtime graphs.
Bill
Bill
Well, from my knowledge, the L1 is regulated at 10 Lumens for 16 hours, before dropping to the next lower output when the battery is unable to sustain it... and it keeps on a regulated drop. So there's about 60+ hrs of use Total.
However, the Fenix P2D is 12 Lumens for 30 hours TOTAL for the battery.
Isn't this because the Fenix has a more efficient regulation system? You seem to be saying "the Surefire can't regulate properly - it drops out when the Fenix is still regulating - so it's better". But if this is what you want, I'm sure DealExtreme can offer you a totally unregulated light that starts off at L and drops constantly, therefore running longer. For, oh, $10.
Size15's
Flashaholic
For me EDC flashlight selection takes into consideration -
means of carry (pocketclipped)
ease of switching (two-stage push button pressure switch LockOut TailCap)
Beam
Remember, remember the 5th of November...
Well actually it was Sunday 4th of November when we had our fireworks.
Anyway, I fielded my L2 (EDC), an U2, an M6, and an L1.
The L1 was by far the most impressive performer of the bunch - the most useful and the most used in the garden for setting up and lighting the fireworks etc.
The air was full of firework smoke (as well as smoke from a bonfire and BBQ) and the L2's beam was far too wide for the smoke. The U2's beam was a cone with a small bright centre - again not idea. The M6 was overwhelming at the close ranges we needed light. It was fun to have but not useful for that application.
The L1's beam was tighter and concentrated and yet full. The flashlight is compact and fits ideally in the hand as if it was designed to be held and used whilst performing tasks. The clip meant it could be quickly and easily clipped and grabbed as required, and the two-stage switch allowed us to read the instructions on the fireworks (so we could ignore them) and then press hard to illuminate the fuses for ignition (and use to illuminate the path of retreat to a distance slightly closer than the minimium safe distance instructed.
The more I use the L1 for everyday illumination the more I can see it replacing my L2 as my EDC. As for battery life - the L1 lasts for ages on its single SF123A. It's not really an issue for me but when it came time to change the battery I really felt I'd got a lot of light out of the SF123A thanks to the L1.
Al
means of carry (pocketclipped)
ease of switching (two-stage push button pressure switch LockOut TailCap)
Beam
Remember, remember the 5th of November...
Well actually it was Sunday 4th of November when we had our fireworks.
Anyway, I fielded my L2 (EDC), an U2, an M6, and an L1.
The L1 was by far the most impressive performer of the bunch - the most useful and the most used in the garden for setting up and lighting the fireworks etc.
The air was full of firework smoke (as well as smoke from a bonfire and BBQ) and the L2's beam was far too wide for the smoke. The U2's beam was a cone with a small bright centre - again not idea. The M6 was overwhelming at the close ranges we needed light. It was fun to have but not useful for that application.
The L1's beam was tighter and concentrated and yet full. The flashlight is compact and fits ideally in the hand as if it was designed to be held and used whilst performing tasks. The clip meant it could be quickly and easily clipped and grabbed as required, and the two-stage switch allowed us to read the instructions on the fireworks (so we could ignore them) and then press hard to illuminate the fuses for ignition (and use to illuminate the path of retreat to a distance slightly closer than the minimium safe distance instructed.
The more I use the L1 for everyday illumination the more I can see it replacing my L2 as my EDC. As for battery life - the L1 lasts for ages on its single SF123A. It's not really an issue for me but when it came time to change the battery I really felt I'd got a lot of light out of the SF123A thanks to the L1.
Al
scottaw
Enlightened
I own both these lights, so lets see if i can handle a few of these concerns.
L1 low is a lot brighter than P2D low (both rated for 10), but both have great, very useful beams, L1's just a bit tighter.
P2D just blinks a few times and stops dead, L1 dims off to nothing before dying.
P2D shows it's abuse from my pocket, flickers occasionally (contacts always need cleaned), works very well most of the time. L1 is rock solid and i never question if it's going to work.
In general, i love the P2D for the tons of modes and he absolutely tiny size. It's a great light that will run for several months of my use on one battery. It does have minor flaws, and minor reliablity issues. For around $40 you can find these on BST now, and they're worth every penny.
And the L1....it's currently my new EDC, mostly b/c it's the new toy, but i like to carry a much more rugged light in the winter b/c it's going to see a lot rougher use, darker days, dropped in snow and mud, real emergencies happen in the winter around here. I just feel that i can rely on it more.
In general, i'll be keeping both of these lights for a long time, and they'll both see plenty of use. So, it true cpf fashion, buy both!
L1 low is a lot brighter than P2D low (both rated for 10), but both have great, very useful beams, L1's just a bit tighter.
P2D just blinks a few times and stops dead, L1 dims off to nothing before dying.
P2D shows it's abuse from my pocket, flickers occasionally (contacts always need cleaned), works very well most of the time. L1 is rock solid and i never question if it's going to work.
In general, i love the P2D for the tons of modes and he absolutely tiny size. It's a great light that will run for several months of my use on one battery. It does have minor flaws, and minor reliablity issues. For around $40 you can find these on BST now, and they're worth every penny.
And the L1....it's currently my new EDC, mostly b/c it's the new toy, but i like to carry a much more rugged light in the winter b/c it's going to see a lot rougher use, darker days, dropped in snow and mud, real emergencies happen in the winter around here. I just feel that i can rely on it more.
In general, i'll be keeping both of these lights for a long time, and they'll both see plenty of use. So, it true cpf fashion, buy both!
I have both a Fenix L2Dce, and SF L1. When I compare the brightness levels, the L1 low is roughly equivalent of the L2d medium. The L1 high has a MUCH brighter hotspot than the L2d ce on turbo, with less spill than the Fenix.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Bill
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Bill
Well it sounds like L1 owners really like their lights. I am leaning toward the purchase of one, maybe in addition to a P2D (I know, I know!). Some questions: Any idea what bin Cree the L1 could be using, and do you think Surefire switches to later bins as they become available without actually advertising it? Also, how many lumens would be a good educated guess as to the L1's realistic output on high and low despite Surefire's 65/10 rating? Thanks.
Outdoors Fanatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'd say the new L1 is putting out around 15/80++.
Last edited:
xiaowenzu
Banned
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Yes, I see. That's some pretty darn good regulation there!
lukus
Enlightened
I've been kind of sitting on the fence about getting the new cree L1, but no longer. You guys just gave me the push I needed.
Bullzeyebill
Flashaholic
Al, good real life account of a practical use of the L1.
Bill
Bill
skalomax
Flashlight Enthusiast
Well I ordered my Cree L1, after I read this thread.
Thanks
Thanks
Brozneo
Enlightened
Good stuff! I had a Cree L1 and thought it was good - then I got two Milky ML-1s!!!! What I thought was a good light turned into an outstanding light!!!!
How I get in touch with Milkyspit to upgrade some of my SF lights?
KeyGrip
Flashlight Enthusiast
His PM box is usually full from requests. Look in the homemade/modified forum for info on how to contact him.
