Surefire E2E / C2 question

[pcvh]

A couple of days ago I ordered my first Surefire, an E2E HA. Today I got the package, but it mistakenly contained a C2 HA. I am sure the company will figure out their mistake sooner or later, but I think there is a good chance they’ll leave the decision of whether or not I want to return it up to me.

Of course, the E2E is slimmer and slightly smaller, but then the C2 has a bit more lumens…

I figured I might ask on one or two of the forums. Does anybody own or know both these lights? Which would you prefer, and why?

Any advice or opinions are appreciated,

thanks forum, Chris.

 

[Bravo25]

The E series feels more comfortable to me, and I like the smaller design. You can find an E2C adapter that will give you the output options.

 

[DumboRAT]

LOL, I swear, all flashaholics think alike.....

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I just gave the same explaination/run-down to pcvh on the USN, LOL !

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[blackmamba]

As far as I remember both the E2E and the C2 should be producing the same output (60 lumens). Now the E2E cannot be ramped up to 105 like the C2 can. You can take the E2 down to 25 lumen, but not up. I own a E2E and an M2 (C2 with a big head). Now it depends on what you want to do with it. If you plan a lot of pocket carry, the E2E is you baby. The C2 is bigger and I don't really like the Roger's Ring on a light I want to carry clipped in a pocket, makes removal a bit difficult. I have noticed (and I think it is due to the smaller bezel) that the E2E throws a bigger secondary spot than most of the other 6 volt 60 lumen Surefires. Both are great lights, I think the main point would be, are you looking for an EDC light? If so, I might want to trade it in for the E2E. If you feel comfortable with the C2, and it works for you, I would keep it (bearing in mind, that in most cases the C2 sells for a bit more than the E2's)

 

[Size15's]

I have several of each. I would say that it depends on your requirements - more specifically, how you intend to carry the flashlight.

The E2e is significantly easier to carry - clipped inside a pants pocket for example. The E2e is smaller:
Shorter
Thinner - thin bezel
Less weight
More secure PocketClip
Excellent knurling.

It has the option of compact 1W (KL1) or 5W (KL4) bezels or a long runtime (MN02) lamp. You can also use the Z57 Clickie TailCap) and change to the long pocketclip if you want.

The C2 is a standard-sized SureFire so you can use the P61 High Output Lamp Assembly if you want (I do most of the time) You have the option of many different TailCaps for switching and extending and TurboHeading it to make bigger, brighter lights. The LED bezels - 1W (KL3) and 5W (KL6) are larger and heavier. You can also use the "M2" Shock Isolated Bezel which effectly creates an M2.
The C2 has a CombatGrip ring that even if you don't intend to use it with a handgun is very useful for maintaining good grip on the flashlight.

One thing though - the larger diameter reflectors of the C2 and KL5 give the beams more intensity and impact which could be more useful then compact size depending on your typical applications.

Personally, I would get the E2e over the C2 without a doubt.

Al

 

[chamenos]

i had an E2e and sold it in favour of a C2...it really depends on what you're looking for in the light.

personally, the only light that's on my person 24/7 is the arc AAA that's on my keychain. any other light i EDC usually goes in my backpack. having said that, the C2 which i used to EDC went clipped in my side or back pocket on occasion, and i never really noticed it there.

i considered the grip ring on the C2 as a +ve, since that gave me a very secure grip on the light even when it was wet or slippery. where the E2e relies on friction to allow you to secure a firm grip on the light, the C2 relies on a physical obstruction (the grip ring) to do the same. i've found the C2's grip ring to be superior in helping to secure a firm grip than any type of knurling /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

another advantage of the grip ring is it allows you to hold and use the light in the surefire/roger "cigar" grip, which can be more comfortable at times. think of it as an option you'll have at your disposal /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

another factor you should take into consideration is the size of your hands. if you have larger hands or longer fingers, you will find the C2's girth much more comfortable than that of the E2e. i found that the smaller diameter of the E2e's body coupled with the increased tension of the tailcap's contact spring, caused my fingers to have to dig in to my palm in order to grip it firmly enough to prevent the light squeezing out from the front of my palm when activating the switch.

one gripe i had about the E2e was how the batteries would not unload from the tailcap-end of the body, and when changing the batteries out from the bezel-end the lamp was always in danger of falling out of the bezel. but that might just be me and MHO. that, and i think the C2 just plain looks better than the E2e /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

so to answer your question, i very much prefer the C2 over the E2e, and would it choose it over the E2e anytime. however YMMV, and it depends on what you're looking for in the light. if i were you i'd order an E2e, then choose which light i prefered of the two /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[DumboRAT]

[ QUOTE ]
blackmamba said:
Now the E2E cannot be ramped up to 105 like the C2 can. You can take the E2 down to 25 lumen, but not up.

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

With the aftermarket (right here on CPF!) "E2C" bezel adaptor, this problem is overcome.

-------

With the available options, I truly believe that the final decision comes down to one of personal preference for carrying size -- especially if this item is to be a true "EDC," and the individual in question does not tote a bag/storage unit of some kind, including LE/Mil body gear.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[Xrunner]

I have both a C2 and E2e, and use the E2e whenever I carry a light. Personally, if I had to pick one it would be the E2e because of size and feel, but it really is a personal preference. The C2 is nice because you can put a P61 LA (lamp assembly) in it to gain more output, but you sacrifice runtime. I have also replaced my C2 with an M2 now, because of the SI (shock isolated) bezel. If you do keep the C2, a worthwhile investment would probably be an M2 SI bezel, which will protect the LA if you drop the light. Overall, it comes down to personal preference and what you intend to use the light for. Also note that the LA for the C2 (P60 and P61) cost around $20 to $25, where the E2e bulbs (MN02 and MN03) cost around $15. Hope this helps.

-Mike

 

[DumboRAT]

Oooooo, one thing to add --

Although the grip ring around the C is definitely a plus in my book, if you favor EDCing the light clipped to your pants pocket, particularly the rear pockets, please keep in mind that this ring does take up extra space!

Allen
aka DumboRAT

 

[pcvh]

Okay, thanks all for the good pointers. Though I have till Monday to reconsider, I'll probably opt to go for the E2E. I love the way the C2 looks, am in love with the brightness, but if the brightness is about the same, I'll prefer a smaller size for it is intended as a pocket-EDC.
Also love the ring, very handy, but as mentioned above, not so handy for pocketing. My main point is the brightness though, I don't really want to sacrifice any significant amount. If I read this well I won't, and will go for the E2E.

Thanks again guys, most helpful.

 

[naromtap]

good choice!

 

[Joe Talmadge]

I hate to position myself as Mr. Cheap, but ... isn't the C2 like double the price of the E2e? I say keep the expensive one if they're going to keep the bill at the E2e price. Otherwise, choose the E2e unless you're talking about a dedicated handgun tactical light, in which case, consider the C2.

Joe

 

[pcvh]

Well, good point in itself, but I live in The Netherlands, which means two things:

First of all, owning a handgun, or any gun for that matter, is so restricted to sport-shooters that it is damn near impossible (legaly, anyways..) and as such I don't own one.

Secondly, all Surefires are imported, and over here the price difference between the E2E and the C2 is no more than about 18 Euro ($21?), so its not half the amount, really. I thought for a second of selling it on Ebay, but by the time I've paid Ebay costs and sell it at standard new price, if even, I'll gain what? 13 Euros? Not worth the hassle really.. So E2E it's gonna be... Still, that rbber ring and the overall design are tempting.. but I do want to pocket it daily.

Thanks though.
Chris

 

[CM]

C2 can be turned into a Li-Ion rechargeable. With some work, you can get the same amount of light as a P60 for an hour using Li-Ions and Pila 3.7V lamp. I wish Surefire would jump on the Li-Ion bandwagon.

 

[pcvh]

Actually, I have another question for the E2E owners: what is the life expectancy of a lightbulb? Will the bulb survive a 3 foot drop onto concrete?

Just curious...

Thanks, Chris.

 

[Joe Talmadge]

I'm a malcontent regarding Surefire bulbs, but I haven't seen any problems with my E2 or its bulbs. No worries, in my opinion.

Joe

 

[chamenos]

i was hoping to make another C2 convert /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif keep in mind the knurling of the E2e can be more harsh on your pockets and the stuff that rides along with it, than the mostly-smooth body of the C2 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[daloosh]

Since it's not yet Monday, I'll chime in. Keep the C2 AND get an E2E. I like both, but they serve different purposes for me. If I had to keep only one, it would be the E2E, no problem, it's smaller and with a C2/M2 bezel and DSpeck's E2C adapter, can run the p61.

But, the C2 is designed for a p61, no adapter needed. It's also slightly larger and easier to hold, has a bigger clip than the E2E and the grip ring is great, even if you aren't allowed a handgun by your government. It's slicker looking, with the smooth aluminum, and just feels good in the hand.

So, the E2E is EDC in a backpack (Arc LSH or 4+ EDC on my person) but the C2 is my regular light I keep at hand at home, and carry in the car. You know it, you want both.

daloosh

 

[pcvh]

Chamenos,

you've come close though, don't worry.. I am loving this little light, just think I might want to start off with an E2.

Daloosh,

If I decide to have another light for around house and in car, ergo something that does not need to be pocketable, why not go straight for a C3 or something bigger and brighter yet? I think I might do that...

Thanks guys, Chris.

 

[chamenos]

pcvh, no problem /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif try keeping both first to see which you personally prefer though...that's always the best solution when faced with a dilemma like this /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif