Thoughts on Surefire L2?

[seaward]

Hi All,

I am thinking about buying an L2, can anyone provide any feedback? I have never been able to see one in person...

Does it have a flood beam like an L4 or is it more of a hotspot? Any beamshots?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mudhole]

floody like an L4 I EDC'd one for quite some time and found it to be very nice although the low white . .wasn't all that low.But I was overall pleased with it.the longer length also was a plus for me since I have big hands and it doesn't tumble around in my pocket.

 

[Size15's]

In my opinion a better everyday carry flashlight has not yet been released for my needs.

I love the two-stage switching - both the outputs are very useful in their turns.
The L2 is just about right for my hands in terms of grip ergonomics.
It rides well clipped inside my pocket.

I think it'll be tough to decide whether either the new L1 or new L5 will be able to replace it...

Al

 

[seaward]

Does it have an L4 Head? Does anyone have a U2 but prefers to use the L2 instead?

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Size15's]

No, the L2's bezel is not the same as the KL4 bezel as used by the L4.
The KL4 contains all the electronics to control it.
The L2's electronics are contained inside a "coffin" at the front of the L2 body.

I have two U2's and much prefer the L2.
The U2 is too bulky for everyday carry in my opinion. If I didn't have to worry about that so much I'd carry a U2 more often I guess. I'm not too fond of clickie TailCaps though.
Al

 

[mudhole]

It does have a L4 like head,but not the same head itself,I have yet to try an U2 so I cannot say,But I do like the thinner profile of it.

 

[Hoghead]

I also prefer the L2 to the U2. I have both.

 

[:)>]

I prefer the U2 to the L2 because of the extra reach that the larger reflector provides and the extra levels.

The L2, is an excellent light for many uses. It will positively light up everything around your for a good 75' on high and the low beam is very useful in low light environment. The low is not strong enough for areas with fairly bright ambient light but it is perfect in the dark or in a ceiling or something like that.

There is no question that the L2 is a much easier light to EDC.

-Goatee

 

[FAAbUlights]

The L2 is an excellent light for EDC. It is very useful for many tasks during the day except of course for spotting objects in high ambient light. I use it at work every day because it is a great light for upclose inspections. The high/low mode really make this task much easier depending on how reflective the surface is.

Also, whenever I need to investigate something in the house at night I go for my L2 because of its supreme flood beam that really helps me to see as much as possible. It is also a great light for walking through the woods with at night. I realized this light actually throws further than I expected it to when I first tried it outside in the dark. This light is very bright.

 

[waterboiler]

I can echo the observations of most but caution about using an L2 of EDC. I did for a while but found it too long for pocket carry. Using a holster was required, in my line of work that does not "work". I keep it in my briefcase for times when its flood type beam is needed.

As others noted it is a great light illuminating a large area and is amazing as a trail following light in the bush. During the day the high is most used while in the woods at night the low mode is really all you need - on low the run time is pretty good.

You will not regret the purchase just think about how you are going to carry it. If you are mostly going to need the high ( daytime ) then the L4 runs longer and is smaller - the clickie switch is also better IMHO than a twistie in this application.

There are some new SF lights comming out soon that you may want to wait for but from what I have ready they will not have the flood of the L2 but the new L5 may be a more practical light, size and runtime wise.

 

[Size15's]

I must have deeper pockets since I find that the L2's length inside my pocket is one of the factors that makes it more stable and secure to carry.

Worth noting that it isn't the same experience for everybody though.

Al

 

[seery]

I must have deeper pockets since I find that the L2's length inside my pocket is one of the factors that makes it more stable and secure to carry.

Worth noting that it isn't the same experience for everybody though.

Al

I feel the exact same way regarding how the L2 sits in a pocket. The
shorter L1/E2E seem to always creep out of position, while the L2 sits deep and secure.

 

[waterboiler]

Hmm... interesting... looks like the old saying you can't argue taste applies here. I sit quite a bit during the day - it was never really comfotable in my pants pocket but it never moved. Maybe I need to loose some weight , actually that may be it - how your pants fit or in my care do not fit may make a difference.

Reasons to loose weight: health, energy - nah ! Carry a bigger light - YES ! Time to hit the tread mill.

 

[M I K]

I had an L2 for a while, but I sold it because it seemed to be a battery eater. The low beam is way too bright and drags the batteries down too soon to the point that the high beam won't even come on. For trail walking or up close the flood beam is hard to beat. I have a U2 which I have found to be far superior as a distance beam. It all depends on what you want it for. I do think the U2 does better at both uses than the L2. Yea, the U2 is a little bigger, and more expensive, but I would rather HAVE and USE a U2. After having and using the L2 with it's twist switch, I find the click switch of the U2 to be much easier.

After having and using both the L2 and U2, I must add something for you to think about. And that is my latest light the Milkyspit ML1. The ML1 is a modified L1 which has two light levels. It has the body of the L2 but much shorter and lighter. The ML1's low beam is perfect, and on high beam it has the power and beam of the U2 on about power level 4. The ML1 is definately a bitchen little light.

IF I could only have one light, It would be a coin toss between my U2 and my ML1. The U2 would probably win out just for the fact that it has a click switch and is MUCH easier to use one handed.

JMHO, Good Luck.

 

[MattK]

*QUOTE* I must have deeper pockets ...*QUOTE*

You must with all of the SF's you own.

 

[Size15's]

Or perhaps I once had?

 

[MattK]

Goood point!

 

[FAAbUlights]

Lets keep in mind that the pocket clips on Surefires are made so that you can keep the light clipped to your pocket with the body of the light on the outside of your pocket if needed, while still keeping it secure. While this is a more tactical way to carry the light for a quicker draw, this allows more options to carry larger lights like the U2 or the L5 if you dont mind having your light exposed and makes for much more pocket space and comfort. It really comes down to everyones individual preferences and situations be it tactical or casual.

 

[yekim]

I love my L2. I have never tested the runtime, but I am happy with it whatever it is.

The low is a pretty good utility level, and the high makes it perform. I know it is not known to be a thrower, but at 50 yards it lights things up better than my luxIII lights. It also lights up much more area.

It tends to be a little long for some folks, but it fits fine in the ruler pocket on the side of my logger pants. It might be on the large side for some because of the length.

IF you get one, be sure to get one of the tailstand rings for it. It really makes the light.

 

[Tuna]

I have both, the U2 and L2. I prefer the L2 indoors and the U2 for outdoor tasks. The one advantage of the L2 is the ability to switch from low to high instantly by simply pressing down on the tailcap button as opposed to turning the selector ring of the U2 to change brightness settings. Also, I find myself using the low and the high settings of the U2 only and never really use the other 4 settings.