SureFire E2L AA Outdoorsman Review

[yowzer]

I'm not sure why the Outdoorsman series uses TIR optics; they're great for a dedicated thrower, but for a general purpose light you'd want something more balanced on the throw/flood spectrum (Okay, so I would want...). It's nice to see the optics tuned to provide a brighter spill area on this model. I wonder if the E1L and E2L will be updated to follow suit (leaving the E1B and LX2 and whatever other TIR lights in the concentrated hot spot, minimal spill category.)

 

[Robin24k]

I believe the KX2 in the E2L is similar, it's the older models with the KL1 that don't have much spill.

But then again, in another thread, I heard that each head is fine-tuned by a technician, hence the small gap in the head, so there would be some variation...

 

[Sgt. LED]

Ok on some TIR models there is a slight diffusion film between the optic and the lens. My LX2 for instance does not have it but my E2L does. I bet the diffusion is the reason this light has more spill.

Look very close, it's hard to see.

 

[Robin24k]

Can you see the LED clearly on the LX2? The LED is fuzzy on the E2L AA, so does that mean the E2L AA has it?

 

[Sgt. LED]

Yes, and that's exactly right. The slight fuzzy is the LDF.
I've cracked some E heads open and tinkered with removing it
on some and adding a stronger version on others. You can fine tune
that beam to get just what you want if you are patient.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Another little nugget of fun is to take the top of the head off so all you see is the bare LED and heatsink. Then paint everything in there but the LED a bright shiny white. See if you notice more lumens after reassembly! :)

 

[Robin24k]

I'm not about to start messing around with a $165 light like that, especially since the head is glued. :nana: Removing the reflector from my XL100 was petrifying enough...and that was only a $40 light...

 

[Size15's]

I believe the KX2 in the E2L is similar, it's the older models with the KL1 that don't have much spill.

But then again, in another thread, I heard that each head is fine-tuned by a technician, hence the small gap in the head, so there would be some variation...

That's right - each TIR optic is captive in the forward portion of the bezel which is screwed down onto the rear portion where the LED is mounted. Each LED, optic and bezel component combination is individually adjusted to achieve the best beam it can.

 

[Sgt. LED]

LoL eventually the shiny new wears off and the collection gets big, then you might experiment. If not there are always members willing to make big bucks by making customizations for you. Cut the heatsink top flat, put in an XP-G, try a few different reflectors instead of the optic...... It's all fun stuff.

 

[Robin24k]

I agree, I am definately curious to the possibilities, but I'm planning on keeping it stock and keeping the lifetime warranty valid since I won't be owning very many SureFires. :)

 

[WarriorOfLight]

Were your Eneloops freshly charged? If so, that would explain it.

My Eneloops were a few weeks in my battery storage box, but not ~6 month like yours. I guess that explains the differences.

 

[Robin24k]

Makes sense then. :) Did you happen to note the starting voltage?

 

[iso9009]

E2L AA Outdoorsman VS E2L outdoorsman

E2L AA Outdoorsman - E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens) - surefire L4(old version)

JilLite Deacon (P7)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L AA Outdoorsman - E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens) - surefire L4(old version)

TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L AA Outdoorsman
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

surefire L4(old version)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L AA Outdoorsman - E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens) - surefire L4(old version)

JilLite Deacon (P7)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L AA Outdoorsman
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

surefire L4(old version)
TV(shutter speed):1,Av(aperture value):2.8,Iso speed:200

E2L AA Outdoorsman - E2L outdoorsman(kx2 head: 60lumens)
E2L outdoorsman( KL1 head: 30lumens) - surefire L4(old version)

 

[22hornet]

Hello,
Thanks for this good review!
I have ordered an EL2AA and I am eagerly awaiting it's arrival :).
For "Lego's sake": can somebody confirm if the following is possible and ok:
- Head of the E2LAA on an E1L body and using a 16340 cell ?
- Head of an old KL1 (luxeon) on the E2LAA body and using AA cells ?

Thanks for taking your time.
Kind regards,
Joris

 

[Robin24k]

I would imagine no Li-Ion with the KX1B, the voltage is too high.

I don't know why you would want to use a KL1, but there won't be any harm in trying as the worst that can happen is very dim output.

 

[T45]

Once again, you more experienced types have confused me with your arcane acronyms :hairpull:. What is a "TIR Optic" and what is "TIR" an acronym for? Thank you for enlightening me!

 

[Robin24k]

TIR = Total Internal Refraction. The light uses an optic (glass or plastic) to focus the light by bouncing it around inside, rather than using a reflector. It's more efficient, but they are more complicated to calibrate, hence why the heads cannot be disassembled, and the focus is fixed. The main advantage of TIR is a nice beam (no artifacts) with good throw.

 

[Size15's]

Reflection. Total Internal Reflection. :)

 

[Federal LG]

I LOVE TIR OPTICS!!

Awesome pictures and review, Robin!
I´ll gonna buy one E2L-AA next month!

:party:

 

[Cascade Range]

Hey thanks for the review. Seeing it in action over the course of time really
gives me lot's of good info to refer too.:thumbsup:

If we are lucky enough to get a few of the new Surefire AA lights up here at our local dealer I might just pick one up! For me it's hard to find a nicer looking light than the Surefires. And they throw enough light out for me and my uses. :)