Surefire E1E or E2E

[Cosmo7809]

First I just want to say hello and what a great forum you guys have. I really enjoy reading the topics.
Im sure you guys have heard of every question in the book but im just going to test if you still are in tip top shape

Ok now, I need a EDC light and I am interested in the SF e1e or e2e. I really like the e1e because of the size but I like the e2e because of the more light it has then the e1e. I know the size between them is not really a big difference but it makes a difference when you have a phone, keys, etc in your pocket. I want to not even know the light is there until I need it(e1e sounds like the light for that). Surefire says the e1e has 15 lumens and e2e has 60, now that is a big difference. I have a Pelican PeliLite which is 15 lumens and I have no problem with the light it puts out. Everyone seems to say its worth it to get the e2e because of the light but is there really that much of a difference between the two? If anyone has both lights and can contribute any information it will be very helpful. Anything to say please say it, everything helps. Thanks again -Chris

 

[Grox]

Hi Chris and welcome to cpf!

Having had both, I would say that it's really up to you in terms of whatever you're more comfortable carrying. The 60 lumens of the e2e is quite a jump from the output from the e1e.

One alternative to consider: The stock lamp assembly (bulb) in the e1e can be swapped out to one made by lumens factory (lumensfactory.com). The battery can be replaced with a rechargeable (3.6V) R123 battery - preferably from AW here on CPF marketplace. This will give you approximately the output of the e2e in an e1e sized package - but with about 30 minutes runtime.

 

[paulr]

Cosmo, unless you have some reason to prefer an incandescent, these days you're probably better off with an LED light. If you like Surefire you might start with an E1L or E1B. They are both brighter than the E2e while using just one cell and running longer on it, and less subject to lamp failure. Incandescents still have their special applications and adherents but for the most part, LED's are taking over in small lights due to their higher efficiency among other things. It's just newer technology, like CD vs. vinyl or digital cameras vs. film.

 

[Grox]

For the most part I'd also recommend going LED over incan for small lights.

 

[DaFABRICATA]

+1 on the LEDs for a one cell light.

You could buy an E1L or E1B and then buy a E-series incandecant head in the marketplace. They can be found for $15-$25 and sometimes include a bulb. I have both the E1L and E1B (Backup) and enjoy them both since I can choose between high and low and get more lumens and runtime than any bulb available. I must say the Lumens Factory bulb for the E1e is surprisingly bright though.

Nice thing is you can always buy different heads no matter what light you originally buy.

 

[greenLED]

:welcome: Cosmo.
In my case it's a mattter of the e1e being too small for me to operate comfortably. I much prefer the e2e. Plus, I get more runtime.

Like others have mentioned, make sure to check out the specs on the LED versions of both lights. They might fit your needs better than the incan versions (or they may not).

 

[NotRegulated]

Welcome to CPF!

I have had both since they first came out many years ago. They are both incadescents and are both fine lights. I EDC'ed the 2 cell E2e more than the 1 cell E1e but liked the size of the E1e better in my pocket. They do tend to have less runtime than there LED counterparts though. LED technology has taken great leaps forward since the E1e and E2e came out. Today, there are many brands of one cell LED's that outperform the E1e in size, runtime, brightness levels and overall output. I have moved to 1 cell LED's for my pocket EDC. You should look at lights like the Fenix P1D, L1D and L2d, Amalite Neo, as well as many others before you decide. The biggest EDC for me now is the Surefire Backup. When I refer to an EDC I do mean a light that stays in my pocket or on my keychain all the time. If I had to choose, it would be the Fenix P1D.

 

[KeyGrip]

Depending on how much you use the light, buying a rechargeable setup as well may be a good investment.

 

[ampdude]

:welcome: Cosmo.
In my case it's a mattter of the e1e being too small for me to operate comfortably. I much prefer the e2e. Plus, I get more runtime.

Like others have mentioned, make sure to check out the specs on the LED versions of both lights. They might fit your needs better than the incan versions (or they may not).

Yep, I've always found the E1E too small to comfortably use as well. It reminds me of the cell phone in Zoolander. Though the size is really nice for summer edc. I always go back and forth on them!

 

[SureAddicted]

Cosmo, unless you have some reason to prefer an incandescent, these days you're probably better off with an LED light. If you like Surefire you might start with an E1L or E1B. They are both brighter than the E2e while using just one cell and running longer on it, and less subject to lamp failure. Incandescents still have their special applications and adherents but for the most part, LED's are taking over in small lights due to their higher efficiency among other things. It's just newer technology, like CD vs. vinyl or digital cameras vs. film.

Why is that? That is just your opinion. I have an E1B and a E2E, I prefer the E2E majority of the time. Oh and your wrong, the E1B is not brighter than the E2E, the E1B mite throw further but it isnt brighter. Runtime, there's 5 min difference between the E2E and E1B. With the incans you can use numerous dropins and batteries, not so with the E1B. If you can afford to buy and E1E, E2E, then you can afford a lamp assembly now and then. Some E2E owners report than they haven't changed the LA in years.

Steve

 

[labrat]

Surefire says the e1e has 15 lumens and e2e has 60, now that is a big difference. I have a Pelican PeliLite which is 15 lumens and I have no problem with the light it puts out.

One of these statements is not correct!
The Surefire E1e has an obvious higher output than the Pelican PeliLite, I have them both and can assure you of that!
The Surefire E1e with primary cell and the standard bulb is brighter, if you want better output, get a Lumens Factory EO-E1R bulb and a rechargeable cell and charger.
No problems getting a Nano charger and cells from Deal Extreme, the cells are sold in packets of 4 for less than 6 USD, non-protected, and if you use the inside of your head and look for the neccesary info about using rechargeable/Lithium Ion cells (also get a DMM, for checking the state of health of the cells now and then! ), these cells are not dangerous to use!
The Surefire E2e does give more output than the E1e, obviously so even without a trained eye!
And the options are plentiful when it comes to other bulbs/adapters and one or two cells (17670 versus RCR123/16340 cells) with the E2e!

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Cosmo, unless you have some reason to prefer an incandescent, these days you're probably better off with an LED light. If you like Surefire you might start with an E1L or E1B. They are both brighter than the E2e while using just one cell and running longer on it, and less subject to lamp failure. Incandescents still have their special applications and adherents but for the most part, LED's are taking over in small lights due to their higher efficiency among other things. It's just newer technology, like CD vs. vinyl or digital cameras vs. film.

Sorry Paulr, but my E1e INCANDESCENT isn't going anywhere anytime soon. I'm yet to find one LED light that will kick my little buddy out of my pocket. There is nothing more pleasant than the pure incan goodness it puts out using Lumens Factory LAs + Li-ions for gulty free lumens. It might be "only" 60 or so lumens, but it puts out far more useful light to my eyes than even my much more powerful Cree and Seoul LEDs. This combo is irreplaceable to me. It just feels right.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Why is that? That is just your opinion. I have an E1B and a E2E, I prefer the E2E majority of the time. Oh and your wrong, the E1B is not brighter than the E2E, the E1B mite throw further but it isnt brighter. Runtime, there's 5 min difference between the E2E and E1B. With the incans you can use numerous dropins and batteries, not so with the E1B. If you can afford to buy and E1E, E2E, then you can afford a lamp assembly now and then. Some E2E owners report than they haven't changed the LA in years.

Steve

Don't bother. LED koolaid drinkers were always known to be a royal PITA.

 

[kelmo]

Welcome to CPF!

Get both of them and a spare lamp assembly (LA) for each. For the E2e get a MN02 LA. 2 hours of solid performance before the output starts to sag. Then you have 3 output options plus a long running option.

They are alot smaller in hand than the specs suggest.

kelmo

 

[Yoda4561]

The e1 to me was always a little too small, and quite dim in comparison to the 2 cell surefires. The e2e/L4 sized lights are the perfect size for EDC carry. Very slim, and just the right length for an average sized fist. As far as LED alternatives to the e2e I'd look at the L4 which to me is a super-bright floodlight alternative to the e-series. I prefer the color rendering of surefire's incan lights but don't like that they dim over the battery life. It's really too bad surefire didn't persue regulated incandescents in anything but their A2.

 

[Cosmo7809]

Again I would like to thank all of you with all the help. Im thinking about buying the e2e for myself and getting the e1e as a birthday gift(a few weeks). So at least I can choose which light will fit my days clothing, where im going, etc. As with LED's I know they are mostly better but I was never a big fan of LED's, im not sure why... just prefer the good ol fashioned incandescent. And even in the long run worse comes to worse I can buy SF's LED conversion head. So to everyone who posted thanks!!

 

[Panaphonic]

I agree with the LED sentiments. In retrospect I would prefer an E1L or E1B because of extended battery life.

Do yourself a favor and start with an LED.

 

[paulr]

If want an incan and you don't mind the E2e's size and can stand something even a little bit larger, you might check out the A2, in my opinion the nicest small incandescent ever made. PWM regulated and has a 3-led LED ring for close-up use.

 

[SureAddicted]

You guys really need to chill. To start off with this is the Incan forum, not LED. Second, the op did not mention LED once in this his opening post. Thirdly, if I went into the LED forum and suggested a Incan to someone who wanted a E1B or E1L, i would get flamed bigtime and probably told off. Fourth, he mentions that he isn't a fan of LED, but that isnt stopping you guys, ignorant, I think so.

Steve

 

[chuck4570]

I have a handfull of both lights and just love them. Alot of times I EDC both, the E1e in my front pocket, and the E2e in my back pocket next to my wallet or in a jacket pocket, but if I have just one it is the E1e. The 15 lumens that the E1e puts out is more than enough light for 90% of the tasks that you will ask of it. With daily use of it I change batteries once every 3 to 4 weeks, and LA's have lasted me about 25 to 30 battery changes. The E2e with either LA in it is great also, mn-02 for long runtime, and the mn-03 for brightness, the durability of both of these LA's is really good also. I think that you will be happy with either or both lights, enjoy.

Chuck